Are people more prone to panic attacks while intoxicated?
10 June 2010
2 Comments
jenn w asked:
In the past 4 years I have had 3 panic attacks and 2 of them were while I have had alcohol in my system. I am wondering if anyone knows if the alcohol is part of the reason it has happened or if the alcohol has no effect at all? Just curious.
In the past 4 years I have had 3 panic attacks and 2 of them were while I have had alcohol in my system. I am wondering if anyone knows if the alcohol is part of the reason it has happened or if the alcohol has no effect at all? Just curious.
yes, alcohol can induce panic attacks. alcohol inhibits the neurotransmitter GABA in your brain. this neurotransmitter slows everything down so that the brain doesnt….overheat (not literally). when GABA levels are depleted, you can have electrical signals in your brain that run amuck. this can cause a panic attack.
its not being drunk that causes the panic attacks, its the alcohol wearing off that causes it. as alcohol wears off and there is GABA depletion….panic attack.
I have quite a bit of experience with this and I can tell you alcohol definitely will increase your anxiety. It can even cause panic attacks. However, this is generally after you stop.
In general when you are drinking this should lower your anxiety. This is why so many people with anxiety problems wind up having drinking problems as well. They use alcohol to calm their nerves.
However, the next day or when the alcohol is leaving your system, this generally will cause your anxiety to shoot up. Most people feel much more shaky when coming down from drinks or in a state of hangover.
So, if you have a few drinks and then stop this could be causing anxiety. If you have many drinks and are hungover this definitely can cause anxiety. But, while you are having a few drinks in general this should not cause anxiety.
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