Is drinking making your anxiety worse? Alcohol & Anxiety Explained

What causes anxiety? For many people it can be a case of believing that we were just born anxious and that there is very little we can do to get rid of anxiety. But that isn't the case and many of us don't realise the enormous impact that drinking alcohol is having on our anxiety and how much worse it can make us feel.
Is drinking making your anxiety worse?
Why is your anxiety worse after drinking alcohol?
Does alcohol actually ease anxiety?
This video will tell you everything you need to know about the impact alcohol has on anxiety, better still, it will ensure that you know exactly what you can do to eliminate anxiety from your life for good.
Living with anxiety is painful, make sure you watch this video and learn what you can do to make your own life (and your own anxiety) much easier.
If you need help with alcohol and want to end your anxiety problems, visit www.besober.co.uk
Simon Chapple
The Quit Alcohol Coach
www.besober.co.uk
#alcoholandanxiety #anxietyandalcohol #anxietyanddrinking

[@Lee-em1lb]

I suffer chronically high levels of anxiety to the level that it had to be medicated. I'm only 7 days sober and already I am beginning to feel less anxious. I love the podcasts as they explain clearly the detriment alcohol has on my life. I have to think in short periods of time atm, but I've made a week sober. Very enlightenmenting.

[@seabrookedan]

I been wondering if it was withdrawal or natural. I'm on day 3.

[@MegaasAlexandros]

How you going ? Hows life now without alcohol?

[@michaelshorten7273]

Had massive anxiety on Monday to the point where I almost quit my job I had just recently started. Have been trying to figure out why my anxiety is so bad then remembered that I drank basically all Saturday. And it’s probably the come down from that. Hearing all this is very encouraging, to be honest

[@jeffreyjohnmann]

This totally makes sense to me, I start chasing that "euphoric" feeling that first beer gives me, trying to maintain it... and the next thing I'm totally drunk and a total mess.

[@besober]

I'm glad you found the video helpful. My website, joinbesober.com has additional resources on this topic. I hope you'll check it out.

[@recyclerking1]

I hear that then next day around 11: 30 take first drink to take edge off alcoholism is a fricking monster .

[@mewtkeys]

Last year I was drinking consistently and I would have terrible days of anxiety and around January I stopped drinking and noticed I hadn't felt that way. Went out last night and had a couple of drinks, about 6 beers and I woke up extremely anxious and out of it. I came to work and the anxiety didn't subside until about 5 hours into my shift. .. It's about time I cut it out completely. My coworkers noticed my change in mood and at some point I just wanted to hug and cry it out. What a terrible feeling I put myself in.

[@LouveniaMusic]

Almost five months sober and within the past month I’ve been feeling an inner calmness that has been missing for a while!

[@jasonstephenson2611]

Day 1 I’m super motivated to stay sober

[@qetuos6]

Anxiety is one of the main reasons I've quit 22 days now, anxiety almost gone,,regrets abound! Better to be sober with regrets than drunk with them, believe me,,thanks for your help!

[@francesbrummie602]

So true

[@besober]

Thanks for letting me know how you're doing. I'm glad the videos are helping you. You can also reach out to my community at Be Sober Quit Drinking & Enjoy Life for additional support.

[@Twende_Africa]

​@@besober❤

[@qetuos6]

@semisweet322 it’s just thought,,you are free,,you just don’t believe it,no matter what you may have done your are free please don’t beat yourself up,talk to someone or me,,I’m someone 🙂,,just please,,don’t judge yourself no matter how wrong you may have been/felt,, everyone makes huge mistakes,drunk or sober,

[@qetuos6]

@semisweet322 you’re not/never alone 💯

[@hello5007]

I gave up drinking for lent with a friend (and have continued refraining from drinking since then, minus one blip) and my friend and I talked a lot about this: how our anxiety was so much less and we were sleeping so much better. These are two of the main reasons why I want to continue a bit longer with my non-drinking alcohol experiment.

[@tonymoroc]

You mention so much of what I'm experiencing in this video. I have been drinking daily without fail for over 20 years. I usually start around 5pm and I know by 6pm any good feeling will have completely passed and I'll just be drinking to induce sleep. I'm destroying my nights sleep and the following days activities literally for 60 minutes of escape.

[@MegaasAlexandros]

How you going now ? Any changes ?

[@GeraltOfRivia99]

You can quit! Man I've drank for years just recently I didn't drink for a good 2 weeks such an improvement in my anxiety in mood. Get a few benzos to taper off alcohol and talk to your doctor or ER ! Alcohols only caused me trouble and anyone else I know who drinks same thing they got arrested, fighting and arguing etc.... you can quit I'm refraining from it so can you

[@1coolmister579]

This is helpful, I was wondering why after a half of glass of wine, or a shot of tequila I feel anxious and nervous. Also after a caffeinated drink. It has taken me a couple of weeks to get back to a normal level, even after a couple of swallows. Bye bye alcohol. Not worth it.

[@astridjaye6224]

It makes anxiety SO much worse, yes I already had depression and anxiety disorder but it exacerbates it tenfold if not way more. It's evil stuff and makes sleep so much worse than it already is and it's a vicious cycle from hell. Hanxiety is a very real thing and it has such a stimulant effect on me some hours after, usually after waking up after knocking but not actually sleeping and massive palpitations. Really good video and very compassionate, to the point and tactful delivery thank you :)

[@besober]

I love your term "hanxiety." I'm so glad you are doing better. Thanks for your comments.

[@edjackson4986]

It also exacerbates other emotions like jealousy and anger

[@stephenmacdonald912]

It always ended the same way for me… hung over monday wantin to die and not makin it to work sometimes. Got sick of being sick and depressed.. its easy to quit when you start to hate it.

[@gregmaday1331]

I can totally relate to this topic. Also, for me anyway, I have this odd aversion to sunny weather. I'm happier when it's overcast or even rainy. Beautiful sunny skies find me depressed. Then as night falls my mood improves. Does anyone else have a similar mindset?

[@besober]

That's a very interesting reaction. It would be good for you to explore why you have those negative associations with sunny days. Thanks for sharing!

[@JamesP44]

Could be same reason why I prefer the evenings recently. Everything is winding down and its more peaceful. Always more relaxing when dimming the lights as they say as opposed to a bright sunny day where more people are out and about. Less peaceful and you have to be on alert more. That's my take on it anyway, my theory.

[@valerieoconnor4462]

For 30 years I completely thought I was only person with aversion to sunny days etc and feeling better as evening/night closes in, I'd imagine it's because we're as people expected to be chirper, brighter, lighter and expected to be productive whereas the other 2 it's easier as others are winding down, more inclined to stay indoors. It's reflective of our mood. Glad at last to hear someone else experiences that 😢😊

[@matthewzielinski6937]

The guilt and shame I feel afterwards, it’s hell. I get really down on myself.

[@ladyhoneybee6able]

It's been almost a year since quitting and insomnia is horrible, still dealing with anxiety because I can't sleep

[@besober]

You might want to talk to your GP and get a referral to a sleep center. One of my members found it quite helpful to do that.

[@sparrow5615]

im a heavy drinker and i only realised that i have anxiety when i got my first panic attack it was worst .. My anxiety is so high that i have panic attack all day long.. and insomnia making it worst .. its been three days now i haven't slept.. and im suffering from non stop panic attack.. its the worst feeling I've ever experienced in my life.. didn't know if i can make it.. and its all Because of Alcohol..

[@besober]

You can make it, I know how hard it can be, but it will get easier, there are videos on my channel about sleep and what happens to our mind and body when we quit, you could also consider coming to one of my bootcamps to set yourself up for success, details are here: besober.co.uk/stop-drinking-bootcamp-with-simon-chapple/

[@jimmyj8161]

You'll be OK mate I've been there many times, it's alcohol anxiety it's the worst..I'm still struggling myself but it gets easier man x

[@zeekflash6924]

After a night of drinking , I have hard time breathing , kinda like my body has difficulty decompressing or exhaling , not sure if anyone has these symptoms , hyperventilating.. I need Xanax to help regulate my breathing .. just go 30 days , my days off are my weakness smh

[@GRock1586]

Simon, Excellent video, very well explained and makes sense. Iv been drinking at weekends for the last few years and feel anxiety for days after it, dizziness, social anxiety, self consciousness etc. I'm definitely going to try this. Thanks

[@besober]

Great! I hope you'll join my FB group, Be Sober Quit Drinking & Enjoy Life. Lots of support there.

[@dan290571]

Day 6 of not drinking after 6 months of drinking 2 bottles of red wine most days. Started drinking primarily to control my anxiety but it stopped working. I don’t really leave the house or see anyone because I’m so ashamed and I’m such a mess, however I’ll try and keep off the drink and see if it helps.

[@abeltembe6179]

How are you now? red wine alsp messed me up, I was so confident

[@valerieoconnor4462]

Thank you so much for explaining this so clearly. I was 8 months off the poison feeling really good anxiety free, had a few days relapse and am currently crippled with anxiety and desperate sadness. Never again. Alcohol is evil poison.

[@Hodnassesassy]

Oh my GODDDESSSS. This is me now!! I was doing sooo well then drank for Lunar New Year holiday. NEVER AGAIN

[@BismillahirRahmanirRaheemB]

I am an alcoholic and have severe mental health issues and I went to AA and got sober in 2014. Recently I began drinking again and I feel like I'm purposely trying to destroy my life then I instantly regret it . And i drank a fifth of gin last night and I wanted to die. I can't believe I went to work today . I want tomquit destroying myself and my life. I always blackout when I drink and then I do bad things and I feel like the world is falling apart . I have panic attack all day today and I can't rest.

[@celeste8509]

AA will welcome you back with open arms! I'm 2.5 years sober and HAPPY after 2 years of relapsing.

[@cherellewhyte9546]

I've had crippling anxiety for years to the point of suicidal thoughts. There would get worse when i would have a hangover. Quitting alcohol was the best thing ive ever done. Living life to the fullest now x

[@besober]

So glad to hear you're doing well!

[@ericmccartney6927]

That was the exact same situation I was in for years, and like you once I cut alcohol out my life the anxiety went with it.

[@atom4871]

This makes sense, I was a big drinker and my favorite part of drinking was that initial buzz

[@peachablemacaw]

So happy for you!!! Never go back. 👍

[@brandonhayes2363]

You sir are a godsend. Thank you!

[@besober]

Wow, thanks!

[@brandonhayes2363]

@@besober you’re welcome. Your content on this channel has been a large help. Thank you again for that.

[@michellemcentire3152]

How about a discussion about how alcohol causes depression and or the physical damage alcohol has on the body due to this toxic drug

[@k.phesaoato978]

I quit alcohol and overcome anxiety.

[@francesbrummie602]

Thank you so much Simon really spot on as usual 22 days alcohol free and what a great experience my anxiety has gone down and I"m sleeping properly for the first time in years ! 😊

[@qetuos6]

Hey,,we're both 22 days!,,,past 13 years I've only managed 2 days,,I did quit 13 years ago for 18 months! Fantastic life at that time (even tho rock bottom started it),,,well I thought id sussed it after all that time,,big mistake!,,I drank to kill anxiety,,,and yet was completely blind to the fact alcohol gave me that anxiety,,,(but still,,there's always been Underlying issues with the booze),,confidence,,(false),,,relaxing (false),,boredom!,,again I know its at least better to be bored and sober than bored and drunk,,my drunken mental state was/will always be,,,,my Hell!

[@qetuos6]

And well done 👏😁💯

[@besober]

Well done! 22 days is awesome and by now, you are at 30 days!

[@besober]

Awesome! And by now you are at 30 days?!! Let me know how you're doing.

[@williamwest2005]

One of the BEST videos I have seen on alcohol and anxiety! Great stuff. Thank you.

[@besober]

Thank you!!!! Comments like this make it all worthwhile.

[@olivierrof]

Thank you for this video Simon. I've never been a heavy drinker but I haven't had any alcohol for 30 days. No anxiety and also I can even enjoy my music a whole lot better. I can hear every single details of my music than I could before.

[@hammy1306]

Really well explained, well done! 🙂

[@mariannapadilla4589]

Currently 15 days sober. This is probably the longest I’ve been sober in years.

[@scottvarnell4805]

Extremely helpful!!!!

[@collinalex4441]

Thank You Man

[@corinnareyes9479]

I love your channel and how it explains what alcohol chemically does to your body. Thank you!

[@chenjiahui6799]

Great explanation ☺️

[@brunomallows552]

Your doing a grate job let’s get this in to the schools not just when we had 25 years on killing our selfs

[@primebeatz108]

60 days diner and loving it

[@MegaasAlexandros]

Appreciate your self less work in uploading this informative clip.

[@rosemaryhilton2029]

I totally agree, I tell friends who say they have anxiety, or they can't sleep, I say it's the alcohol that's causing it. I feel great when I've not drank in the past, it's crazy why I started again. Today I have to drink water with red wine but I am going to stop very soon, hopefully today. I will have to stay away from alot of friends, some want me to drink so it makes them feel better because they do. But I am aware of this, hopefully my goal of stopping will incourage them also

[@besober]

How are you doing today? The connection between alcohol and anxiety and depression is well researched. Stay close to the group. For more support on your sober journey, consider looking into my programme at joinbesober.com. Lots of like-minded members finding success.

[@jnekes]

Thank you, I am a very heavy drinker I drink up to 15 bottles of beer in a day, I've tried to quit many times and after a few days I'll go back to drinking, I just stopped drinking for 2 days now and the feeling is very bad am feeling cold but am sweating at same time I lost my appetite completely and am having shortness of breath my hands are shaking as am typing now..

[@deepaksalian9502]

Truth!! 💥

[@Deloria-yl3ue]

I have developed a silent acid reflux condition and a love of my glass and a half of wine every night. That is a habit that I'm looking to change/leave forever? It's causing a lowered immune system and problems. I'm a very active senior but my body is saying -- the acid will not work anymore. It is hard to let go of something you love that is not really a problem... But perhaps that's the lie. The acid IS a problem and my body is letting me know. Very hard to do this.... I just listened today and started today -- Day 1...

[@jakejohnson2361]

I tried many times to quit and the funny thing is I know how bad it is for me but I cause that initial feeling. It's been 54 days for me this time and I feel great but the cravings are hitting me harder then ever cause I feel so good I start to think I will be ok and it will be worth the pain but I know deep down it will end up a week long Saga of drinking day and night and then dibilitating anxiety for 4 days after to the point I don't sleep and still have to get up for work. It destroys everything and is the root of every bad thing that has ever happened to me. Is it normal to have stronger carvings then ever at this point?? Will it get easier ??

[@davidnightingale8390]

After only 3 months my anxiety level has gone from very high to almost nonexistent, i now enjoy a good nights sleep which for many years had been a problem my weight has decreased by 12lbs and my pocket has gained a lot more than that.

[@jdssurf]

can nausea be a bit of withdrawal

[@billymabum3514]

Always thought alcohol was the cure but I realised it was the cause

[@mrscott6602]

This

[@matthewcummins4983]

It’s New Year’s Eve I’ve over done it over Christmas 😢buzzing in bed not being able to look my kids in the x

[@kandismueller7716]

Thank you Simon. I just had a bad few moments, and I could feel I was weakening, but when I watched this, I got my resolve back. Anxiety was my trigger, but you showed me alcohol will only make it worse! That is why I am 11 days sober, and feeling more calm and centered most of the time.

[@donmanolo4875]

When we drink... we are happy some of the time. When we don't drink we are happy all the time.

[@MegaasAlexandros]

I haven't come across too many people who are happy all of the time. Do you live in a Buddhist monastery?

[@jdssurf]

so, i drink nightly, and feel great all night, but feel achy fatigue fight or flight anxiety every morning even with nothing to be anxious about......is it most likely still the regular nightly alcohol? anhedonia through the day too.

[@disorderly_mama]

Yes

[@universalredguard]

Yup

[@marie-francebelair2186]

I quit alcohol for 1 year and 3 months. I have so much more mental clarity,a lot less anxiety, public speaking anxiety is gone. I have more energy, my day starts earlier, I do so much more in a day and I am not spending all that money on wine.

[@davida7559]

I’ve had sever anxiety for about 15 years and during drinking it was really bad. I’m sober 5 months now and still suffer with anxiety. I’m sick of this

[@tonymedina6493]

Try medication.

[@stresslessmailing4758]

Maybe some magnesium could help try it. There are different.

[@generalfranco5406]

I drinker alcohol to relax my anxiety ... would worl before now my anxiety had gotten worse.... I need to stop

[@tommythompson7941]

"Hurt people hurt people." Best of luck staying sober or at least abstaining today folks.

[@genuinsanity]

Truth . i quit. FREEDOM . I know even after " sleeping it off" at a friends 5 or 6 hours , that I am still "legally drunk " and drive home at daybreak. In this country if you are in a car accident even the other party blew a red light , you are at fault automatically if alcohol is detected . One day my luck will run out. Go home ,cant' sleep until evening as I ruminate on all the stupid things I said and did...total waste of 24 hours and as I age 5 to 7 days to fully recover. then taking cocktails of drugs to counter hangover ....so many problems solved when alcohol is removed from your life.

[@AnuragSharma-nd4vv]

Is alcohol is good for Anxiety...?

[@besober]

Watch the video - it hits the pause button for a short period of time but after that we end up feeling more anxious than before we started.

[@totomaster9841]

Alcohol... The filthiest drug around.

[@arijana9006]

🍀🇨🇭

[@benjaminmesa1089]

It's not the anxiety you get for a few days that's bad. It's when you get PAWS, and have it literally every day for months....THAT is bad.

[@thomasschellberg8213]

This is all pseudoscience. I drink one to two glasses of wine per day, because I like the taste. It does not cause euphoria or make me anxious. It just makes me sleepy. The anxiety you find is probably because you were drinking more than a bottle of wine per day. Drink in moderation and there is no problem. Some of us can drink in moderation, others cannot.

[@hymen2393]

Sorry to say but you are an alcoholic.

[@qetuos6]

Funny how life works…. I needed to hear you right now 🙏🏼,,it’s going to be fine!,it’s all just thoughts ❤@semisweet