What does alcohol do to anxiety levels over time?

Alcohol consumption has a complex relationship with anxiety levels. Initially, alcohol may create a temporary feeling of relaxation or euphoria, which can make individuals feel as though their anxiety is reduced. However, over time, the use of alcohol frequently leads to an increase in anxiety levels. This escalation occurs for several reasons.

First, alcohol is a depressant that affects the central nervous system, and while it might provide short-term relief from anxiety, prolonged use can lead to changes in brain chemistry that increase anxiety symptoms. When the effects of alcohol wear off, individuals often experience heightened anxiety, sometimes referred to as a "hangover" of anxiety, which can be exacerbated by withdrawal symptoms experienced after the alcohol is metabolized.

Furthermore, reliance on alcohol as a coping mechanism can lead to a cycle where anxiety is heightened when not consuming alcohol, creating a dependency that prevents the individual from addressing the actual source of their anxiety. This can exacerbate underlying mental health issues rather than resolving them, making the initial feeling of relief deceptive. Hence, over time, alcohol tends to increase anxiety levels rather than decrease them, making it crucial for individuals to approach alcohol use thoughtfully in relation to their mental health.