If you’ve ever woken up after a night of drinking feeling a wave of unexplained panic or regret, you are not alone. This feeling, often called "hangxiety," is incredibly common, yet many of us suffer through it thinking it's a personal failing or just a weird quirk. The truth is, the connection between anxiety and alcohol is a well-documented physiological response. Your brain is simply trying to rebalance itself after being suppressed by alcohol, and the result is a surge of anxious energy. This article is here to validate your experience, explain the science behind why this happens, and show you that you have the power to break this cycle and find true, lasting calm without the morning-after dread.
Key Takeaways
- The Rebound Effect Is Real: The initial relaxation from alcohol is temporary. Your brain works overtime to counteract the sedative effects, which can lead to a spike in anxiety—often called "hangxiety"—once the drink wears off.
- Replace the Habit with Healthy Tools: Actively manage anxiety by creating a go-to list of non-alcoholic coping strategies. Simple actions like focused breathing, a short walk, or journaling can calm your nervous system without the negative cycle of alcohol.
- Awareness Is Your First Step to Change: Pay attention to your personal patterns by tracking when and why you drink. Identifying your triggers and seeing the direct connection between your alcohol use and anxiety levels is the key to making intentional, lasting changes.
Is Alcohol Secretly Making Your Anxiety Worse?
It’s a familiar scene: after a long, stressful day, you pour a glass of wine to finally relax. That initial warmth and calm can feel like a lifesaver, a quick fix for a racing mind. Many of us use alcohol to take the edge off anxiety, and for a little while, it seems to work. But what if that go-to coping mechanism is actually a trap? What if the very thing you're using for relief is quietly making your anxiety worse in the long run?
This isn't just a feeling; there's a real process happening in your brain. Alcohol is a depressant, which means it slows down your brain activity, leading to that temporary sense of ease. The problem is, your brain doesn't like this slowdown. It works hard to counteract the sedative effects and get back to normal. As the alcohol leaves your system, your brain is still in overdrive, creating a rebound effect. This can leave you feeling more anxious, irritable, and on edge than you were before you had a drink. This phenomenon is often called "hangxiety."
This creates a difficult cycle. You feel anxious, so you drink to find relief. For a short time, you do. But then the alcohol wears off, and the anxiety comes back, often stronger than before. This can lead you to reach for another drink to calm the new wave of anxiety, and the pattern continues. Over time, this cycle can actually change your brain chemistry, making you more susceptible to anxiety. It’s a tough loop to be in, but understanding it is the first step toward finding healthier ways to manage stress. Practicing mindful drinking can be a powerful way to start breaking this cycle.
How Alcohol Impacts Your Anxiety
It’s a familiar story: after a stressful day, you pour a glass of wine to unwind. For a moment, it works. Your shoulders relax, and the anxious chatter in your head quiets down. This is why so many of us associate alcohol with relief. But this feeling is temporary, and what happens in your brain afterward can create a difficult cycle where the very thing you use for relief ends up making your anxiety much worse. Alcohol directly affects your brain chemistry, and while the initial effects feel calming, the rebound is often a surge of anxiety. This isn't a personal failing; it's a biological process.
The Initial Calm: Why Alcohol Feels Like a Quick Fix
That first drink can feel like a sigh of relief, and there’s a scientific reason for it. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, meaning it slows down your brain function. This is what produces that initial feeling of relaxation. As Drinkaware notes, "Alcohol might make you feel relaxed at first because it slows down your brain. But this feeling doesn't last." As your blood alcohol content rises, so does the sense of calm. The problem is your body immediately starts working to counteract this effect, setting the stage for what comes next.
The Aftermath: Why It Worsens Anxiety Over Time
Once the initial buzz wears off, your brain doesn't just return to normal—it overcorrects. To compensate for alcohol's depressive effects, it releases a flood of stimulating chemicals, which is why you might wake up with your heart racing. As the alcohol leaves your system, your brain goes into a hyperactive state that feels a lot like a "fight or flight" response. This can lead to a vicious cycle: you feel anxious as the alcohol wears off, so you reach for another drink to calm down, only to experience even worse anxiety later. This pattern is why relying on alcohol for anxiety management ultimately backfires.
The Rebound Effect: Dealing with Withdrawal and "Hangxiety"
That dreaded morning-after feeling of anxiety, often called "hangxiety," is a direct result of your brain trying to rebalance itself. This "neurochemical whiplash can make normal relationship concerns about rejection or abandonment feel catastrophic, turning small worries into overwhelming fears." Your brain is still in that overstimulated state from the night before, making you more sensitive to stress and anxious thoughts. It’s not just in your head; it’s a physiological response to alcohol withdrawal. This rebound effect is why even moderate drinking can leave you feeling on edge and mentally exhausted the next day.
Short-Term Relief vs. Long-Term Damage to Your Mental Health
It’s a familiar story: you feel stressed or anxious, so you reach for a drink to take the edge off. And for a little while, it works. That initial feeling of relaxation is real, but it’s also temporary and comes with a hidden cost. The very thing you’re using for relief can end up making your anxiety much worse in the long run. This creates a difficult cycle where you drink to ease anxiety, which then causes more anxiety, leading you to drink again. Understanding what’s happening in your brain and body is the first step to breaking free.
What Happens to Your Nervous System Right Away
That warm, relaxed feeling you get from a drink happens because alcohol is a depressant. It slows down your brain activity and central nervous system. This is why alcohol might make you feel relaxed at first—it’s literally dampening the parts of your brain associated with inhibition and worry. But this feeling doesn't last. Your body recognizes this change and immediately starts working to counteract it, trying to bring your brain back to its normal state. This initial calm is a short-term loan from your future self, and the payback can be tough. Practicing mindful drinking can help you become more aware of these immediate effects and make more conscious choices.
How Chronic Drinking Rewires Your Brain
If you drink regularly, your brain starts to adapt to alcohol's constant presence. Think of it like a constant balancing act. To counteract the sedative effects of alcohol, your brain increases its production of stimulating chemicals (neurotransmitters) to keep you functioning. Regular heavy drinking makes your brain get used to alcohol, so when you stop, your brain can overreact, causing anxiety. It’s now operating in an overstimulated state without the depressant effect of alcohol to balance it out. This new, rewired baseline is what makes you feel restless, on edge, and anxious when you’re not drinking.
The Uncomfortable Truth About "Hangxiety"
"Hangxiety" is that dreaded feeling of anxiety, paranoia, and dread that can hit you the day after drinking. As alcohol leaves your body, your brain can go into 'fight or flight' mode. This is the same reaction you get during an anxiety attack. Your nervous system, which was suppressed, rebounds with a vengeance. This neurochemical whiplash can make normal relationship concerns about rejection or abandonment feel catastrophic, turning small worries into overwhelming fears. Understanding your Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) can help you see how long alcohol stays in your system and influences your mental state, even after you've stopped drinking.
Can Drinking Trigger Panic Attacks?
If you’ve ever felt your heart race and a wave of dread wash over you after a night of drinking, you’re not alone. The connection between alcohol and panic attacks is very real. While a drink might feel like it calms your nerves in the moment, it can have the opposite effect later on, creating a confusing and scary experience. This phenomenon, often called "hangxiety," is your body's way of signaling that something is off balance.
Alcohol directly impacts your brain chemistry, messing with the systems that regulate relaxation and anxiety. Think of it like this: alcohol is a depressant, so it slows down your central nervous system. To compensate, your brain releases a flood of stimulating neurotransmitters like adrenaline to keep things running. When the alcohol starts to wear off, your brain is still in this hyper-alert state, but without the sedative effects of alcohol to balance it out. This internal scramble is what can easily tip over into a full-blown panic episode. Research shows that alcohol can trigger panic attacks, especially when you’re hungover or in withdrawal. Understanding the “why” behind this reaction is the first step toward breaking the cycle and finding healthier ways to manage stress.
What Are Alcohol-Induced Panic Episodes?
A panic attack is a sudden, intense surge of fear that can feel completely overwhelming. Physically, you might experience a racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, or nausea. These episodes often come out of nowhere and typically last between five and 30 minutes. While they feel terrifying, it’s important to remember that panic attacks themselves aren't physically dangerous. When alcohol is the trigger, these episodes happen because drinking disrupts your nervous system. Your body tries to counteract alcohol's sedative effects by producing more stimulating chemicals. Once the alcohol wears off, you're left with an excess of these chemicals, creating a perfect storm for anxiety and panic.
How Poor Sleep from Drinking Fuels Anxiety
A good night's sleep is crucial for mental well-being, but alcohol is a major sleep disruptor. It might help you fall asleep faster, but it ruins the quality of your rest, especially during the second half of the night. This leads to a vicious cycle: you drink to de-stress, sleep poorly, and wake up feeling even more anxious and exhausted. When you regularly drink heavily, your brain gets used to the substance. As the effects wear off, your brain can go into overdrive, causing withdrawal symptoms like anxiety. This rebound effect makes it incredibly difficult to escape the loop of using alcohol to cope with the very anxiety it’s creating.
Why Some People Are More at Risk
The relationship between alcohol and anxiety isn't one-size-fits-all. For some, a single drink can be enough to cause unease, while others might only experience issues after heavy consumption. The existing research shows different results, which tells us that individual factors play a huge role. Your unique brain chemistry, genetics, life experiences, and overall mental health all contribute to how you’ll react. If you already have an anxiety disorder, you may be more sensitive to alcohol's effects. The key is to pay attention to your own body and mind. Tracking your moods and anxiety levels after drinking can help you identify your personal patterns and make more informed choices for your well-being.
Common Myths About Alcohol and Anxiety
When it comes to anxiety, it’s easy to get tangled in a web of misinformation, especially concerning alcohol. Many of us have heard that a glass of wine can calm the nerves or that a beer can help us relax in social situations. But these common beliefs often oversimplify a complex relationship. Let's clear up some of the biggest myths and look at what’s really happening when you mix alcohol and anxiety. Understanding the facts is the first step toward finding coping strategies that truly support your mental well-being.
Myth: Alcohol Is a Good Remedy for Anxiety
It’s a popular idea: you’re feeling stressed, so you pour a drink to take the edge off. And for a moment, it might seem to work. Alcohol is a depressant, which means it slows down your brain activity and can create a temporary feeling of relaxation. The problem is that this feeling doesn't last. As your body processes the alcohol, it can disrupt the balance of neurotransmitters in your brain, leading to a rebound effect. This can cause your anxiety levels to spike higher than they were before, and in some cases, it can even trigger panic attacks. Relying on alcohol for relief can create a cycle that ultimately makes anxiety worse.
Myth: A Social Drink Is Always Harmless
Having a drink with friends doesn’t automatically spell trouble, but it’s not always as harmless as it seems, especially if you’re prone to anxiety. For many, the desire to drink in social settings comes from a place of wanting to feel more comfortable and less self-conscious. This can easily become a crutch. The temporary calm from that first drink can lead to increased anxiety as it wears off, tempting you to have another. This pattern can make your overall anxiety more severe over time. Practicing mindful drinking can help you become more aware of why you’re drinking and how it truly makes you feel, allowing you to make more intentional choices.
Fact: Everyone's Brain Reacts Differently
There is no universal rule for how alcohol will affect someone’s anxiety in the long run. Your genetics, personal history, and brain chemistry all play a significant role. This is why scientific studies on the long-term effects of alcohol on anxiety often show different results. Some people may find a strong link between their drinking and anxiety, while others may not notice it as much. The most important thing is to pay attention to your own experience. Tracking your moods and anxiety levels in relation to your drinking habits is the best way to understand your personal patterns and discover what works for your unique brain and body.
What Happens to Your Anxiety When You Drink Less?
If you’ve been using alcohol to quiet anxious thoughts, the idea of drinking less might sound like the last thing you want to do. It’s a common cycle: you feel anxious, you have a drink to relax, and for a little while, it seems to work. But what if that short-term fix is actually fueling a long-term problem? Taking a step back from alcohol can be one of the most powerful moves you make for your mental well-being.
The positive changes aren’t just a far-off goal; many begin to appear surprisingly quickly. From immediate mental clarity to deep, long-term healing in your brain, reducing your alcohol intake gives your mind the space it needs to find its balance again. It’s not about taking something away, but about gaining back control over your emotional health. Let’s walk through what you can realistically expect—the immediate wins, the lasting improvements, and how soon you can start feeling better.
Immediate Benefits for Your Mind
That initial sense of calm you get from a drink is real, but it’s also fleeting. Alcohol might make you feel relaxed at first because it acts as a depressant, slowing down your brain activity. The problem is, this effect doesn't last. As your body processes the alcohol, your brain rebounds, often leaving you feeling more on edge than before. This is the core of "hangxiety."
When you start drinking less, one of the first things you’ll likely notice is a break from this rollercoaster. Your mood becomes more stable without the artificial highs and subsequent crashes. You’ll experience clearer thinking and may find it easier to focus without the mental fog that often follows a night of drinking. This newfound clarity can help you address the root of your anxiety with a steadier mind.
Long-Term Improvements in Your Mental Health
Cutting back on alcohol does more than just stop the immediate cycle of anxiety—it gives your brain a chance to heal. Over time, consistent drinking can alter your brain’s natural chemistry, making it harder to manage stress without alcohol. When you reduce your intake, you allow those pathways to return to normal. This rebalancing act can lead to a significant, lasting reduction in your baseline anxiety levels and greatly improve your sleep.
While the scientific research can sometimes show mixed results, the overall trend is clear: drinking less is a positive step for mental health. It’s a key part of building true resilience. Instead of reaching for a temporary fix, you’re giving your brain the opportunity to strengthen its own coping mechanisms. This shift toward mindful drinking empowers you to handle life’s challenges from a place of strength and stability.
A Realistic Timeline for Feeling Better
So, how long does it take to feel a difference? You might be surprised. Many people report that their anxiety gets better and they sleep more soundly within just a few weeks of cutting back. While everyone’s journey is unique, you don’t have to wait months to see the benefits. The initial improvements can provide powerful motivation to keep going.
Meaningful, lasting change is well within reach. For instance, Reframe's neuroscience-based program has helped 91% of users reduce their drinking within three months, which directly addresses both the habit and the underlying anxiety. Remember, this is a process of rediscovery. Be patient with yourself, celebrate the small victories, and use tools that help you track your progress and stay motivated. You’re not just changing a habit; you’re building a healthier, more peaceful relationship with yourself.
Better Ways to Manage Anxiety
When you rely on alcohol to quiet your mind, it can feel like you’re out of options. But the truth is, there are far more effective and sustainable ways to manage anxiety that don’t come with the rebound effect of a drink. Shifting your approach means moving away from a temporary fix and toward strategies that build genuine, long-term resilience. Instead of masking the symptoms, these methods help you address the root of your anxiety and give you a real sense of control over your emotional state. It’s about reclaiming your power from the bottle and placing it back in your own hands.
Think of it as building a new toolkit for your mental health. At first, reaching for these new tools might feel unfamiliar, but with practice, they can become your go-to responses for stress. The goal isn't to find a single magic bullet, but to discover a combination of practices that work for you and your lifestyle. From simple breathing exercises that can calm you in minutes to the mood-lifting power of physical activity, these strategies empower you to handle anxious moments with confidence. By exploring these alternatives, you’re not just finding a replacement for alcohol; you’re investing in your overall well-being for years to come.
Try Mindfulness and Breathing Exercises
When your thoughts are racing, one of the most powerful things you can do is bring your focus back to your breath. Mindfulness and breathing exercises are incredible tools for managing anxiety because they anchor you in the present moment. This helps counteract the physical symptoms of anxiety—like a rapid heartbeat or shallow breathing—and provides an immediate sense of calm. You don’t need a special cushion or a silent room; you can do this anywhere. Simply try inhaling slowly for four counts, holding for four, exhaling for four, and holding again for four. Repeating this simple box breathing pattern for a few minutes can make a world of difference. It’s a core principle of mindful drinking and a skill that gets stronger with practice.
Get Moving: The Power of Physical Activity
You don’t have to run a marathon to reap the mental health benefits of exercise. Engaging in regular physical activity is a proven way to reduce anxiety. When you move your body, it releases endorphins, which are your brain's natural mood-lifters. This can help ease the effects of stress and leave you feeling more relaxed and positive. The key is to find something you actually enjoy. It could be a brisk walk outside, dancing to your favorite songs in the kitchen, stretching, or joining a local yoga class. Even 15–20 minutes of movement can significantly improve your mood. Think of it less as a workout and more as a way to give your mind a much-needed break.
Build Your Healthy Coping Toolkit
Creating a personal toolkit of healthy coping strategies is essential for managing anxiety without turning to alcohol. This is your personalized set of go-to activities for when you feel overwhelmed. Your toolkit might include things like journaling to get your thoughts out of your head, practicing gratitude to shift your perspective, or diving into a hobby that brings you joy, like painting or gardening. One of the most important tools you can add is the decision to drink less. Reducing your alcohol intake allows your brain chemistry to rebalance, which can directly lessen anxiety and improve your sleep. Building this toolkit is an act of self-care that equips you to handle life’s challenges in a healthier way.
Understanding the connection between your drinking habits and anxiety starts with awareness. When you’re stuck in a cycle, it’s easy to feel like your actions are automatic. Tracking your progress is about more than just counting drinks; it’s about seeing the bigger picture. By paying closer attention, you can start to connect the dots between what you feel, what you do, and why. This self-knowledge is the first real step toward making intentional changes that stick. It helps you move from reacting to your anxiety to proactively managing it.
Pinpoint Your Personal Triggers
We all have triggers—specific situations, feelings, or even times of day that make us want to reach for a drink. For many, anxiety itself is the biggest trigger. You might pour a glass of wine to unwind after a stressful day, hoping to quiet your racing thoughts. The problem is, this often creates a feedback loop. The temporary relief from alcohol can lead to worsened anxiety later, making you feel like you need another drink to cope. To break this cycle, start noticing when the urge strikes. Is it when you feel lonely? Overwhelmed at work? In certain social settings? Jotting down these moments in a notebook or your phone can reveal patterns you never knew existed.
Use Apps and Tools to Monitor Your Journey
Keeping track of your progress doesn’t have to be complicated. Using an app can make the process feel less like a chore and more like a supportive tool. The goal is to have a clear, honest look at your habits so you can see where you’re making progress and where you might need more support. Reframe’s neuroscience-based approach is designed specifically for this. It helps you understand the "why" behind your drinking and provides tools to build healthier habits. In fact, 91% of Reframe users successfully reduce their alcohol consumption, because the program addresses both the habit of drinking and the underlying feelings, like anxiety, that often drive it.
Learn to Spot Early Warning Signs
Sometimes, your body sends signals long before your mind fully registers a craving or a wave of anxiety. These early warning signs are your chance to intervene with a healthier coping strategy. Maybe it’s a knot in your stomach, a tightness in your chest, or a sudden restlessness. This physical response is tied to your nervous system. As alcohol’s calming effects wear off, your brain can rebound into a state of high alert, sometimes called "fight or flight" mode. Learning to recognize these subtle shifts allows you to pause and ask yourself what you truly need in that moment. Is it a glass of water, a short walk, or a few deep breaths? Spotting these signs early gives you the power to choose your response.
When Is It Time to Seek Professional Support?
Making changes on your own is a huge accomplishment, and tools like Reframe are designed to guide you on that path. But sometimes, the connection between alcohol and anxiety becomes too tangled to sort out alone. Recognizing when you need an extra layer of support is not a sign of failure—it’s a sign of strength and self-awareness. If you’ve been working on cutting back but still feel stuck in a cycle of anxiety, it might be time to bring in a professional.
Think of it as adding a specialist to your team. A doctor, therapist, or counselor can offer personalized strategies, provide a safe space to talk through challenges, and help you understand the deeper reasons behind your habits. They bring a new perspective and a toolkit of evidence-based techniques that can complement the work you’re already doing. Knowing the signs that you might need more help, what kind of support is out there, and what to expect when you reach out can make taking that next step feel much more manageable.
Signs You Might Need More Support
It can be hard to know when to call in reinforcements. A good starting point is to check in with yourself honestly. It might be time to seek professional guidance if your anxiety isn’t improving (or is getting worse) even after you’ve started to drink less. A major red flag is if drinking alcohol is causing or worsening panic attacks, creating a cycle of fear and avoidance. Other signs include finding it difficult to control how much you drink, or if your alcohol use is negatively affecting your relationships, work, or daily responsibilities. If you feel like you’re white-knuckling it through each day, that’s a clear signal to get more support.
What Kinds of Help Are Available?
You have more options than you might think, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. A great first step is often talking to your primary care doctor. They can rule out any other health issues and refer you to a specialist. Therapists, counselors, and psychologists who specialize in anxiety and substance use can provide targeted strategies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). There are also many support groups and services available. Organizations like the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offer confidential help and resources to connect you with local support, treatment facilities, and mental health professionals in your area.
What to Expect When You Reach Out
Making that first call or appointment can feel intimidating, but it’s usually just a simple conversation. A professional’s goal is to listen without judgment and understand what you’re going through. They’ll likely ask about your experiences with alcohol and anxiety, your goals, and what you’ve tried so far. From there, they can suggest different paths forward, such as talking therapies or other support strategies tailored to you. If you’re ever in a crisis and need immediate help, you can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline anytime. Remember, reaching out is a confidential and brave first step toward feeling better.
Create Your Personal Plan for Change
Deciding to change your relationship with alcohol is a powerful first step. Now, let's turn that intention into a concrete plan. This isn't about a massive, overnight transformation. It's about creating a sustainable path forward that feels right for you. A good plan gives you structure and helps you stay focused when things get tough. Think of it as your personal roadmap to feeling better, with clear signposts to guide you. By setting goals, finding your people, and preparing for the long haul, you're giving yourself the best possible chance to succeed.
Set Realistic Goals for Cutting Back
The key to making lasting change is to start with small, manageable goals. Instead of aiming for perfection, aim for progress. Maybe your goal is to have one less drink per night or to introduce two alcohol-free days into your week. These small wins build momentum and confidence. Remember, the goal is to reduce the overall strain on your system. Reducing your alcohol intake can significantly lessen anxiety symptoms and improve your mental health over time. Start by identifying one small change you can make this week and build from there. It’s your journey, so set a pace that feels comfortable and achievable for you.
Build a Strong Support Network
You don’t have to go through this process alone. In fact, having a solid support system is one of the most important parts of making a change. This could be a trusted friend, a family member, or a therapist. It’s also incredibly helpful to connect with people who are on a similar path. Reframe’s community support feature connects you with others who truly understand the link between alcohol and anxiety. Sharing experiences and encouragement with people who get it can make you feel less isolated and more motivated to keep going.
Stay on Track for Long-Term Success
Building new habits takes time, and your journey will have its own rhythm. Some days will be easier than others, and that’s completely normal. The goal is consistency, not perfection. When you reduce or stop drinking, you give your brain’s chemistry a chance to get back to normal, which can lead to better sleep and less anxiety. Millions of people have already used Reframe to make lasting changes to their drinking habits, proving that long-term success is entirely possible. Be patient with yourself, celebrate your progress, and remember that every step forward is a victory for your well-being.
Related Articles
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I feel so much more anxious the day after drinking? That feeling is often called “hangxiety,” and it’s a very real physical response. When you drink, alcohol slows down your brain function, creating a temporary sense of calm. To counteract this, your brain releases stimulating chemicals to get back to its normal speed. As the alcohol wears off, those stimulants are still flooding your system, leaving your brain in an overactive, hyper-alert state. This is what causes that jittery, on-edge, and anxious feeling the next day.
I don't want to quit drinking entirely. Will just cutting back actually help my anxiety? Absolutely. This isn't an all-or-nothing situation. Even small reductions can make a big difference. When you drink less, you give your brain and nervous system a break from the constant cycle of sedation and overstimulation. This can lead to more stable moods, much better sleep, and a lower baseline level of anxiety over time. The goal is to find a balance that works for you and supports your mental well-being.
How long will it take for my anxiety to get better if I drink less? While everyone’s body is different, you might be surprised by how quickly you notice a change. Many people report feeling less anxious and sleeping more soundly within just a few weeks of reducing their alcohol intake. The initial improvements in mental clarity and mood can be a powerful motivator to continue. The key is to be patient and give your brain the time it needs to rebalance itself.
What can I do in the moment when I feel anxious and want a drink? Having a few go-to strategies is a game-changer. One of the most effective things you can do is focus on your breath to calm your nervous system. Try a simple box breathing exercise: inhale for four seconds, hold for four, exhale for four, and hold for four. Another great option is to change your physical state by getting up and moving, even if it’s just a quick walk around the block or stretching for a few minutes.
My friends all seem to drink to relax without any issues. Why is my experience with anxiety so different? It’s completely normal for people to have different reactions to alcohol. Your unique brain chemistry, genetics, and overall stress levels all play a significant role in how your body processes it. What feels like a harmless way to unwind for one person can easily trigger a difficult cycle of anxiety for another. The most important thing is to pay attention to your own experience and honor what your body is telling you.
