For many of us, a drink at the end of a hard day feels like the easiest way to unwind. Whether it’s a couple of cocktails after work, a glass of wine to pair with dinner, or a weekend toast with friends, alcohol often becomes the go-to solution for stress and anxiety relief. But here’s the thing—while it might feel like alcohol calms your nerves in the moment, it’s actually setting you up for more anxiety in the long run.
I know that’s not a popular message but stick with me. I’m going to explain the science behind why alcohol isn’t the anxiety cure it seems to be and how it can actually make things worse. Trust me, you’ll want to understand this if you’re serious about breaking free from the anxiety-alcohol cycle.
When you take that first sip of alcohol, your brain gets a temporary “chill pill.” Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, which means it slows things down in your brain and body. For anyone who feels like their mind is constantly racing or can’t seem to relax, this slowdown can feel like relief.
Here’s how it works: Alcohol stimulates the release of a brain chemical called GABA—think of it as your brain’s mellow-out messenger. GABA helps you feel calm, relaxed, and less on edge, which is why that first drink feels so good.
But—and this is a big “but”—your brain doesn’t just stop there. After alcohol boosts GABA, it triggers a counterbalance process known as the rebound effect.
Your brain is all about balance (homeostasis, if you remember that term from science class). Once alcohol floods your system with GABA, your brain tries to level things out by releasing another chemical called glutamate.
Glutamate does the opposite of GABA—it’s an excitatory chemical that makes you feel jittery, anxious, and on edge. The problem is that the more frequently you drink, the harder your brain works to preemptively balance the effects of alcohol. Over time, your brain starts producing more and more glutamate, even before you take a sip. This is why you might feel that "I need a drink" feeling after a stressful day—it’s your brain’s way of preparing for the alcohol it’s come to expect.
The more you drink, the higher your tolerance gets. And the higher your tolerance, the more alcohol you need to feel the same calming effect. Meanwhile, your brain is pumping out glutamate like there’s no tomorrow, creating a vicious cycle of anxiety and drinking.
This can eventually lead to physical dependence. If you stop drinking, your brain is left with all that extra glutamate and no GABA to balance it out. That’s why withdrawal symptoms like shaking, irritability, and even seizures happen. Ever wake up after a night of heavy drinking feeling shaky and anxious? That’s the glutamate talking.
It’s not just your brain chemistry that gets affected. Over time, alcohol-related anxiety starts creeping into other areas of your life. Maybe you’ve had moments where you wake up after a night of drinking, scrolling through your phone in panic, wondering what you texted or posted. Maybe you’ve experienced tension in your relationships or fallen behind at work because of hangovers or irritability.
These ripple effects only add to your anxiety, creating an endless feedback loop. What started as a way to relax ends up causing more stress than it relieves.
Here’s the tough truth: If you’re relying on alcohol to manage anxiety, it’s a short-term solution with long-term consequences. The good news is you don’t have to stay stuck in this cycle. Understanding the science behind what’s happening in your brain is the first step toward breaking free.
If this sounds like you, or if you’ve noticed that alcohol is becoming your default way to cope, it might be time to reassess. There are healthier, more sustainable ways to manage anxiety—whether it’s through therapy, mindfulness practices, exercise, or other coping strategies.
If you’re ready to take back control and find healthier ways to manage anxiety, I’ve got resources to help. Check out my YouTube channel, where I’ve put together videos that can guide you through the next steps to overcoming alcohol dependence. It’s never too late to rewrite your story.
Amber Hollingsworth
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