The word “hangxiety” refers to the psychological symptoms that frequently accompany physical ones such as weakness, headaches, nausea, and exhaustion following a night of alcohol consumption. Alcohol can affect neurotransmitters in the brain, which initially help to release tension and anxiety; but, when the effects wear off, anxiety and a sense of impending doom rise.
The effects of alcohol on the cognitive system
Dr. Chandni describes how chronic drinkers’ prolonged hangxiety might result in an addiction loop. “Alcohol can influence neurotransmitters in the brain, including gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which helps to reduce tension and anxiety. However, alcohol’s interaction with GABA causes its transient depletion, which results in increased anxiety as its effects wear off. Similarly, alcohol affects glutamate, another neurotransmitter, causing an excess of glutamate after drinking, which contributes to increased anxiety,” added the professional.
“It’s easy to say that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption to avoid hangxiety. Hangxiety may pass for infrequent drinkers the next day. Still, chronic drinkers may experience prolonged hangxiety due to disruptions in the GABA-glutamate system, as well as withdrawal symptoms and sleep difficulties. To overcome such symptoms, you think, ‘I need a drink,’ which can further lead to a cycle of addiction,” she stated.
Tips to manage hangxiety
1. Avoidance through mindful drinking: It seems that the best way to prevent binge drinking is to set reasonable limits, stay hydrated, and fuel your body with healthy meals while you’re drinking.
2. Make replenishment a top priority. Get up and jump-start your body’s healing by consuming nutrient-dense meals, drinking electrolyte-rich liquids, and taking a vitamin B complex to restore depleted stores.
3. Use anxiety antidotes: Tried-and-true methods of reducing anxiety, like deep breathing, meditation, light exercise, and relaxing aromatherapies, can help reduce the ongoing mental strain that hangxiety causes. Natural anxiety remedies that are also incredibly effective include Bach Flower Remedies, including the “Rescue Remedy” blend.
4. Refuse the temptation: Despite how tempting it might be, having another drink will just make the hangxiety cycle worse over time.
5. Seek professional assistance: Don’t be afraid to get in touch with a mental health professional or join a support group if you suffer from hangxiety frequently or to a significant extent.
Note: This article is for informational purposes only.
