What is the relationship between anxiety and alcohol use?

This is a Pint of Science talk by Maddy Dyer, PhD student with the Tobacco and Alcohol Research Group at the University of Bristol
Maddy uses Children of the 90s data in some of her research, and was recently the lead author of a study looking for links between teenage anxiety and later harmful drinking using information you've given us in questionnaires and interviews (published on Monday 11 November). You can read more about this study at: bit.ly/34NGcpj
For more information about Pint of Science, please visit: pintofscience.com

[@Kris-cl5nl]

I am so glad you did this work! I am an alcoholic and have been sober for over 6 years. I often say the #1 reason I drank was due to anxiety. I’m also interested in the relationship between alcoholism and OCD since my thoughts are obsessive and the compulsion was to drink. Still have the thoughts even sober.

[@redsquirrel1086]

I drank to deal with my anxiety. For a few years it seemed to work but over time I had to continually increase my alcohol intake in order to achieve the same effect. Needless to say, alcohol never cured my anxiety. It simply masked it. In the end I had anxiety AND an alcohol problem. I now accept my anxiety and deal with it as best I can. I don't drink anymore because alcohol simply exacerbated a pre existing problem.

[@michaelireland9592]

I'm very intrigued by your story, would you mind talking for a bit? I'm falling into that trap now

[@kayt_demaria_cohl]

The thing is, she can try and try to understand it. But, if you haven't gone through it, it doesn't have the same effect. I so appreciate her studies and gumption. theres so many levels in this.

[@fooddrugadministrator4079]

Ritalin is the solution for every addiction except Porn addiction! Remember! Suboxone is for withdraw symptom only.

[@jdssurf]

@@michaelireland9592 are you still fighting it? I know I drink after work because it finally helps me feel good, but the next day it’s all back, maybe worse, so I drink again after work and feel great again, bad cycle………..I just recently got caught up in it again.

[@Devoted_believer]

I'm in the same boat, I know the story

[@stephenfermoyle4578]

the more you drink the more anxiety one creates, then comes the depression. drinking is the worst.

[@PeterGriffin0012]

Love how the guy in the audience is having a pint lol

[@aaronhowardjudd]

he's looking more anxious as the talk goes on

[@JimmyJaxJellyStax]

Apple juice cider 9% abv

[@AN474-e1o]

It wasn't a pint of beer, it was a pint of science.

[@simondouglas3519]

😅🤣😂

[@peteryahunathanakesson6389]

I noticed him as well hahaha 🤣

[@spleeeen4it]

to cut a long story short, drink too much over a long period your anxiety will hit the roof

[@MARSBELLA1]

Amen..I ve been using booze for anxiety for 18 years and now my nervous system IS WRECKED. Its NOT a long term solution. Id rather have never been born than suffer with Anxiety.

[@johnatkinson7479]

Now that I’m older I suffer with crippling anxiety after what I would call a good drink (6 pints + sometimes with shorts) it can leave me with palpitations and a paranoid state, trouble sleeping stomach problems etc..I think when I was younger I laughed them off or resorted to a hair of the dog tactic I’m in my 40s now and don’t want to put myself through these mini hell states anymore..I’m learning slowly but fall off now and then

[@KishBish]

alcohol eases anxiety symptoms.. but withdrawal from alcohol can cause rebound anxiety.. so it can definitely become a vicious cycle if you are not careful. ❤️

[@highdesertbiker]

I still drink everyday for anxiety its been a long time

[@KishBish]

@@highdesertbiker I totally understand and can relate.. many more would do the same if they weren't on psych meds to help.. I don't drink as much since I'm home and comfortable most of the time these days.. but I will have a beer or glass of wine (or few) to take the edge off before heading out into crowds if needed.. anxiety is the devil..

[@highdesertbiker]

@@KishBish good for you man , you hit that spot on. I got off all my meds years ago and have been coping with other stuff

[@KishBish]

@@highdesertbiker yep same.. I've been on just about everything, but the side effects were becoming worse than the anxiety itself 🥴 I will say increasing my vitamin D3 helped.. Ashwagandha helps too, and keeping my blood sugar as balanced as possible.. but I've been wired this way since childhood, so I know there is no magic pill for me.. if I have to take a drink to chill out, so be it.. at least liquor does have some health benefits-- if not overdone 😏 hang in there..

[@highdesertbiker]

@@KishBish dude ur the 2nd person recently that has recommended Aswaghanda i legit have a jar in my cabinate, good look with the advice. You sound way centered

[@Axe85]

Alcohol worsen anxiety, being sober can help with anxiety

[@yomomsahoe5797]

Staying sober*****

[@mysticm7776]

Becoming sober is tough when this was your crutch. Take it away how u feel when u can't walk properly anymore x

[@mysticm7776]

It's addiction. It is hard to understanding if you havnt been here we do know we are fucking up but just want to feel better x

[@Plan-C]

Wish I had heard of you before! Former commerecial property trader for a private equity house. I suffered massive and very frequent anxiety attacks between the ages of around 23 and 35. Was drinking heavily (amongst other things lol) at the time. Hated social networking events (which comprised a good portion of my job) so used drink to losen up before events and it just got worse from there. I think the alcohol basically exaggerates things both up and down. Leaned about GABA receptors down-regulating and made sense. Don't have any anxiety attacks now. Don't do that job anymore. History of rave culture every weekend for 10 years probably didn't help my dopamine receptors either lol ;)

[@maddyg3208]

I used to drink a lo but I'm not sure if it was due to anxiety. Boredom, habit and laziness were probably bigger factors.

[@jkkennedy8919]

@@GrimGrumBalls no it’s just a daily routine that’s hard to get rid of.

[@djkelley6920]

“Laziness” is also a symptom of depression

[@djkelley6920]

@@GrimGrumBalls agreed

[@zancam4847]

Um, don't t listen to this person, um I'm not sure. um, if I was doing research, um, and I knew what i was talking about um. Maybe, um if I was secure in what I was saying, um, I wouldn't say um.

[@BlkwtrPrk]

Gave myself an anxiety problem after about 20 years of drinking. Was crippling at times.

[@thomashugus5686]

I’ve suffered from anxiety disorder since I was a young child. Especially social anxiety and used avoidance and self medicating with alcohol and other illegal drugs to cope. Thi is a very informative presentation that really hits home for me.

[@tedphillips3119]

I do a sales job, and I actually did better at work when I was drunk all the time. I would wake up feeling worthless and full of anxiety, and that feeling would propel me to out perform. Since I've sobered up my sales numbers are still decent, but it feels like a tremendous weight has been lifted off my shoulders.

[@first4397]

Hello, I feel like i relate to your situation. I wonder if id be able to possibly pick your brain slightly through email if that isnt too much for me to ask of you? I just want to be better at what im doing

[@HeartFeltGesture]

Gut flora, microbiome. Alcohol kills the good bacteria in the gut. These good bacteria produce neuro chemicals like serotonin and dopamine. A lack of these neuro chemicals causes depression and anxiety.

[@jeanieolahful]

Interesting! I was reading about the connection between the gut and emotional disorders, makes a lot of sense.

[@DaveMasters1121]

I'm on a break and on the 8th day I've been parping like a trooper. It smells pretty bad too. Could this be my gut repairing itself?

[@HeartFeltGesture]

@@DaveMasters1121 When you're healthy you're farts smell like rainbow lollypops. Rank farts could be a sign of bacterial die-off. When you drink alcohol, alcohol kills the good bugs, or eat too much sugar the good bugs are dominated by the bad bugs which feed off sugar, lots of sugar in alcohol. The good bugs feed off of fibre and good nutrients from a healthy diet. So if you get off alcohol, then try to greatly reduce all sugar intake. Take pro-biotic capsules, look for ones that say 25-or 50 billion or 100 billion. Take if regularly everyday forever, it will help alot with anxiety and depression. We arent taught in school that our brain chemistry comes from our gut.

[@DaveMasters1121]

@@HeartFeltGesture thank you acidobay, I'll do that. It makes sense as during my second week, not only farting, but feeling a bit down and can't concentrate.

[@MrFademaio]

Sauerkraut is good for producing gut flora

[@stephenandsamtv5996]

People with Panic Disorder will drink more because their doctor is not helping them with Panic Attacks. It is not about social class. Social class leads to getting help or not getting help.

[@th8257]

Are people on lower incomes more likely to have much more stressful lives?

[@TheAspiringFitnessGuru]

I've been diagnosed with panic disorder, and it sucks. Alcohol makes it 100x worse. I found that when I didn't drink for 5 weeks, I had no panic attacks. That's not to say that alcohol is the cause. But it definitely doesn't help.

[@stephenandsamtv5996]

@@TheAspiringFitnessGuru I agree. I'm trying to quit, but I've put myself in a hole with withdrawal effects. I also feel that if you live in a more affluent area, you're more likely to get help with benzos to get you off the alcohol safely than you'd get living in a socially deprived neighbourhood.

[@MARSBELLA1]

Absolutely! - People on lower incomes can not access services.

[@krisscanlon4051]

For me it is and was HUGE. I've been sober since 8/2012 and medicated successfully since 2004. I feel very well being in long-term recovery for both conditions

[@jfkj1695]

Anxiety is a trigger to drink alcohol. Alcohol is a trigger of anxiety. Viscous cycle. But to completely break it all down. The kindling effect, depleted vitamins and minerals lead to neurotransmitters mis-firing. Too much dopamine not enough gaba and glutamate all over the place. I'm a recovering binge drinker. I can tell you anyone that is struggling, how important supplements are to aid you're recovery. Anxiety comes from the gut first. Recover you're gut then you will recover your mind. Lithium orotate and other supplements will help with paws. Good luck

[@sangeetalambh6389]

JFK how r u now. Friend

[@shannonhurst8918]

can you give me a break down of supplements and recommended doses?

[@jfkj1695]

@@sangeetalambh6389 OK thanks. Sober year for me 2022.

[@jfkj1695]

@@shannonhurst8918 Milk thistle NAC Vit C Zinc B complex Especially thiamine and b12 Magnesium Resveratrol Omega 3 Give you gluten and dairy

[@jkkennedy8919]

What are some good supplements because you just said what I’ve been thinking about why I drink so much you have good insight

[@michelleberger7747]

A man Ive been seeing has bad anxiety and he drinks alot 4 times out of the week. Its sad. Hes really a great person. His personal issues along with IBS issues stop him from having a relationship. His hang ups are really bad

[@ToquzOghuzKhaganatekhan]

Stop be that person for my own goods

[@harley6182]

That me. I feel for him.

[@plusbonus1165]

@@ToquzOghuzKhaganatekhan Jinbo loves Himself. No space for Russian girls in his head !

[@ToquzOghuzKhaganatekhan]

@@plusbonus1165 нет Я просто нравиться хорошего Русского девчонки

[@mikeheaton8424]

Buy him some ms prebiotic , it is a prebiotic powder very good for the gut . It fixed my gut , feel so much better ! Problems in the gut , problems in the brain .

[@todayintheshopbanksy5904]

Can't tell you how much I'd like to have one too many, but the after effect is so horrible that I don't. Even 1 pint can bring it on :(

[@Lazer5051]

Watching you just raised my spirits! Compliment

[@chaley77]

alcohol only helps in the moment. the minute you're sober the anxiety just comes right back.

[@susansilvey1614]

Doesn't explain the same anxiety experienced when I was a tea totaler...found out I have PTSD from childhoood trauma

[@collagenbabe8173]

I stopped drinking tea this year after 55 years. Quit coffee in 1986. Caffeine is a drug too. I find society made it convenient to numb feelings. Tea and coffee cafes. Bars for alcohol. Convenience stores for cheap eats and cigarettes. Basically we are all test rats for businesses.

[@patriciamharris5664]

@@ricdavid7476 PTSD is real!!!! So is our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ!

[@ricdavid7476]

@@patriciamharris5664 My father was a prisoner of the Japanese for 3 years on the Burma Siam railway he was sick for the remainder of his life. He never spoke of his time because it was so ghastly. I suspect now that he indeed had some terrible spiritual condition that i was too young to understand and try and alleviate. Sadly i was a terrible burden to him for his short life and it is a regret i will take to my grave. Talking about these things must help but most do not and it becomes like a cancer inside. My father passed away after fighting cancer for over 20 years. He did not believe in a loving God nor salvation nor His Christ. I do and i believe that because of Christs finished work the good in heart will make it to heaven

[@ohblind]

i am a massive heavy drinker solely based upon my anxiety. unfortunately in the us and where my life is at the moment, in order for me to not be homeless, im forced to deal with it on my own. getting help is a surefire sentence of ruining my life. i guess im a functional alcoholic. the panic attacks i have are delayed by binge drinking the night before. if i go 2 or more days without it, i can't describe the feeling of fear and the physical toll it takes on me. if there's anyone reading this who uses alcohol to cope, understand that i know it way too well, and i guess im the outcome of that. if i dont drink over a 6 pack of 16oz beers at 4% or more a night, im in pure fight or flight panic mode. i know the triggers and everything, just cant afford the treatment without losing my home. i live alone. i would rather continue to deal with this than live on the streets and think im all clean and well and fine until i just become another "thing" on the corner. you can get sober if you can afford it where im from. what a joke.

[@thegingerrunner9448]

I also have tried so many times but just can't. Usually, I have 2.5-3 L of beer daily or a bottle of red wine and 1.5 L of beer, don't know if it is a lot. At this point I feel that I need someone to help but just can't afford it. I am dealing somehow for now but it affects my mood a lot all the time. I have been drinking as far as I can remember probably for more than 10 years. I don't know what to do now 😕

[@spiritual-investigator7575]

The root cause of anxiety..... The root cause of alcoholism...... Both should be worked on independently to find a healthy resolve.

[@Epicteetus]

Audience: Hmm, interesting... [has sip of pint]

[@ricdavid7476]

yes there are imbeciles everywhere. This guy is probably sleeping in a doorway with piss stained pants already.

[@anonymousche8552]

Are they right next to a trampoline store or something? Good presentation just wish there weren't kids squawking in the background 😂

[@mysticm7776]

She said it as it was obvious to . And well done x I drink to help my anxiety because I want to feel OK now .! Viscose cycle

[@collagenbabe8173]

My kid's father died an alcoholic at age 56 this year. Pancreatic cancer was found and he chose to drink himself to death. His 22YO son stayed in the hospital room until he passed. He only wanted his dad. I only wanted his dad to be happy. He chose to drink. He was found in his home with hundred empty bottles of vodka.

[@ricdavid7476]

My condolences to you and your family you are in my prayers.

[@collagenbabe8173]

@@ricdavid7476 Thank you. We knew he was drinking and could not stop to save himself. He died on his brother’s birthday. His brother and his mother were the ones who really had to deal with his pain. Truly was a multigenerational sorrow he carried.

[@traker01mtp]

Ever since I been taking CBD oil I have cut so much alcohole out of my life. From 1 case of beer a week to 6 light beers a week. And CBD has greatly helped with my anxiety. While I was coming down from Alcohole I had heart pulpations, sence of nervousness, high blood pressure, lack of sleep and stomache problems. I drank to cop with the stress. I can now drink responsibly and have notice I feel better.

[@dbrewer53]

What the hell is her point ? Hell yes we all know this stuff! That’s why we drink today, 2000 years ago and for all futures

[@northofyou33]

She is doing the presentation for her PhD, no doubt. There are specific requirements for her reearch, I am sure. If you're so well informed, why watch? Just click away.

[@carmen-monoxide2955]

I have social anxiety so I drink in public setting to cope with that anxiety... I feel more comfortable being myself around people when I'm buzzed, however it always goes overboard and the next day I get mental anxiety from worrying about how I acted the night before or how I was perceived and physical anxiety from dehydration and depletion of nutrients ( heart palpitations, etc)...currently looking into a way to feel comfortable in public without alcohol because otherwise I'd be a recluse...

[@SomosLaNuevaEra]

Deseo y decreto que todas las personas que lean este mensaje sean felices y prósperas en todo sentido! ❤️

[@fleadoggreen9062]

Every time I go on a binge for a few days or more, my stomach hours soo bad when I stop I can’t sleep for 2 days it’s harder than it sounds so I try not and drink at all

[@DaveMasters1121]

Good lad drinking the pint

[@danield888]

The audience looks hungover

[@chrissiemartin5019]

Alcohol is a control weapon ,ask the native American people, aboriginal people, and working class communities

[@ToquzOghuzKhaganatekhan]

And very expensive

[@reereelization]

You are correct!! Took me a while to figure this one out. It’s a fact.

[@cjsteele9594]

@@reereelization Took me 42 years, and ive been a medical professional for 25. AA saved my life.

[@C1schecter101]

Dam adderall always makes me wanna drink after cause the come down is pure anxiety fear and sorrow

[@pebs1070]

Same bro, I’m watching this while coming down…. Just poured a drink, it’s a terrible cycle

[@jennl8462]

I’m having anxiety listening to the kids screaming

[@landlord5552]

I run small hotel / restaurant, unfortunatly only tipsy can I pull it off.

[@trevbacklin]

Her: Blah blah blah anxiety, wine, anxiety wine. Audience: Please give us wine now

[@waltbryant0860]

Alcohol is not the problem, it’s the symptom of the problem.

[@MountaineerOutdoors]

The kids screaming in the background is so distracting... Good information but you got to quiet those kids down

[@nyla2408]

Panic Disorder is due to a chemical imbalance in the brain. It needs to be treated with medication under the supervision of a doctor. Venlafaxine is an NSRI medication, it is non-narcotic, and it does help to reduce social anxiety as well as panic disorder.

[@tiffanyrenea3307]

You should not recommend 1 thing for all people, who are you to say that is the only way to treat it?

[@ricdavid7476]

@@tiffanyrenea3307 I think she was just saying what worked for her give her a break

[@ToquzOghuzKhaganatekhan]

Cut off the link between of those two bad things , be a happy person

[@panchovilla6663]

2:18 bless you 😉

[@Abcd-hr9ot]

Smart lady...im off for a pint now

[@AllSeeingEye91]

I don't see the point in the presentation!?

[@stevenhuckaby2902]

She is too young to have any real life experience , maby in 20 or 30 years , for now she is reciteing her theoretical education

[@gail9566]

Science doesn't have an age does it?

[@mitchellgriffin1581]

Ok

[@happyapple4269]

Im Doug stanhope and thats why i drink..

[@AceHardy]

👑🙏

[@RebekahCarrow]

The screaming in the background is so annoying

[@serenityfreedom3096]

bo ring

[@maddyg3208]

Must be embarrassing giving a talk about your chosen field of expertise, when the main conclusion is, "We don't really know".

[@gail9566]

Science is an ongoing investigation that turns up new information about the brain and body. She's sharing rhe information known so far.

[@noneofyourbusiness5433]

I stopped drinking because it’s shit. Drugs are far better

[@bape7372]

Lol what drugs

[@kristen8329]

You’re looking in the wrong place. Please watch this if you are struggling: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXS6cmaNp6p1rpo

[@eriktred]

Living Waters great channel.

[@blacqbastard7038]

Jesus is the way. Fast for 2 - 3 days with prayer. No water, no food.

[@christophertaylor5049]

I wouldn’t recommend no water for 3 days.

[@NinjaOutfitInTheWash]

@@christophertaylor5049 sorry to say but I don’t think this person is the brightest bulb. Only Jesus, no water lol. Ok, they tried to be helpful I guess

[@tylerclark5086]

If you want to meet Jesus then don’t drink water for 3 days

[@easygoing7500]

For real? Jesus is the root of all evil!

[@bashmeesh]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@ANTRAXX_]

Skip to 6:40 thank me later

[@johnnybegood5871]

Oh, zasek tito prijebany "antialkoholici" co piju vino... ;(

[@katherinetutschek4757]

Great talk, but her smacking her lips after every sentence is annoying af

[@DrugTested77]

I found this talk useless

[@DougHinVA]

It is a lecture by a British English speaker that is a lecture. Skip it. USA English speakers can barely understand her speech and the content from real experts would be more useful.

[@HeartFeltGesture]

You speak for all Americans, or just yourself? You can barely understand Queens English? How about you skip it and let others decide for themselves. It is not hard to understand her speech at all, and I'm not from the U.K.

[@DougHinVA]

@@HeartFeltGesture I can barely understand it since I am a USA native and went through college and speak 2 languages. I speak for me and you speak for only you.

[@ryanleclaire3948]

LMAO she speaks perfectly understandable received pronunciation English with a Bristolian dialect. How can you not understand this 😂

[@donaldduck6943]

@@ryanleclaire3948 just tryna find something to complain about

[@th8257]

Funny, I can understand her perfectly well. Try switching your brain on and off.