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Are Alcohol And Anxiety Attacks Linked?

Many people do not seem to realize the links between alcohol and anxiety attacks. However, it seems that there is a lot of persuasive evidence that the two are indeed linked. If so, then anyone who thinks they can get over a panic attack by consuming alcohol is in fact only going to make things worse for themselves.

Alcohol works as a depressant, and so people who suffer from alcohol and anxiety problems are going to be extremely vulnerable to its effects. Drinking during or immediately after an anxiety attack is likely to lead to the condition worsening. It's important for sufferers to remember that drinking alcohol simply won't help. Many make the assumption that alcohol will help them to relax, but according to medical professionals this is a mistaken attitude. The sufferer will almost certainly face bad consequences later on.

A depressing effect is caused by alcohol, which over the long term will lead to more and more frequent attacks of anxiety. In turn, this enhances the depression one is suffering, leading to more alcohol drinking and more problems - a vicious cycle in effect. In some cases, the consumption of alcohol turns out to be the major cause of some people's panic attacks. While many people seem to think just one drink won't hurt, alcohol and anxiety just don't mix, it should be considered and complete no-no at all times. Attacks of anxiety can be very problematic, alcohol makes them worse, and so precautions need to be taken.

These are just some of the links between alcohol and anxiety:

Regular drinking causes depression, leading to more attacks.
People who drink too much leave themselves tired and feeling low. A recent study on the links between the two suggests that alcohol changes the brain's chemistry, enhancing the risk of anxiety problems.

Hangovers result in people waking up feeling miserable, guilty and anxious, therefore in a bad shape and more at risk of having a panic attack.

Not only does alcohol have a direct affect as a depressant, but it can lead to other problems too, such as sexual problems, poor work performance and rifts in the family, all of which lead back to even more depression - the roots cause of panic problems in many people.

Many people who have trouble sleeping at night resort to alcohol to help them sleep at night. It can be incredibly tempting, but alcohol should be avoided as it leads to dependence, which only exacerbates current health problems.

Alcohol is viewed as a very effective short term fix for many panic attack sufferers, being able to help people forget their worries and facilitate relaxation. It also appears to give shy people a boost of confidence. Alcohol is a great ice breaker, and allows shy or nervy people to be able to interact socially when they otherwise might not.

Unfortunately though, alcohol is not a long term solution. It only makes things worse in the end, as it is highly-addictive and leads to all kinds of mental and physical health problems. One of the biggest examples of these kinds of problems is the increased incidence of attacks of anxiety. Alcohol and anxiety simply don't mix.

By: Oliver Tambo

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