If you’ve ever found yourself reaching for alcohol to calm your nerves, you’re not alone. Many people use alcohol to cope with stress or anxiety. The interaction between alcohol and anxiety can be complex, and in some cases, it can make anxiety worse.
People with mental health conditions or high psychological distress were more likely to consume alcohol at risky levels than people without mental health conditions or with low psychological distress. – Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
The good news is, help is available here at The Bardo.
What is the link between alcohol and anxiety?
When you look at the physiological effects of alcohol on the brain, it’s initially relaxing, however, it can lead to increased anxiety in the long term. Alcohol depresses the central nervous system, creating a temporary sense of calm. But this effect is short-lived.
As the body metabolises alcohol, it triggers changes in neurotransmitters like GABA and glutamate, which can increase nervous system activity. Over time, this can become a cycle, and these fluctuations can heighten feelings of anxiety, interfere with sleep, and even make the brain more sensitive to stress.
How to recognise the signs of alcohol-fueled anxiety?
It can show up in both physical and behavioural ways. Some common signs include panic attacks, irritability, restlessness, and disrupted sleep. You might also notice behavioural patterns, such as reaching for a drink in times of stress or feeling unable to relax without drinking alcohol.
We recommend taking a step back to reflect on your habits, because when you recognise these patterns, you can begin to understand yourself without guilt or judgement.
Addressing alcohol consumption and anxiety
Alcohol and anxiety can feed off each other. By this, we mean that feeling anxious can lead to drinking, and drinking can worsen anxiety over time. When this turns into a cycle, many aspects of your life can be affected, including your sleep, relationships and overall health.
To recover, you will need to address both alcohol consumption and anxiety together. At The Bardo, through our alcohol rehab we provide professional support, therapy, and practical tools to help you break the cycle, manage anxiety, and build healthier routines for long-term well-being.
Supporting your recovery at The Bardo
At The Bardo, our approach includes extensive evidence-based strategies, as well as personalised care, professional support and, of course, compassion and understanding. With cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness practices, holistic therapies, and lifestyle education, we can help you understand triggers, manage stress, and build healthier coping strategies – without relying on alcohol. This guided recovery can help improve emotional regulation and your sleep, reduce anxiety and give you the tools to continue to manage this long after your stay at The Bardo.
Some actionable tips to manage your recovery include:
- Mindfulness exercises
- Regular routines
- Exercise
- Limiting alcohol triggers
At The Bardo, we provide professional support through our alcohol rehab for anyone struggling with both anxiety and alcohol use. Change is possible, and within our caring and supportive environment, treatment is tailored to your individual needs through a comprehensive assessment and a personalised recovery plan. We can help you regain control and restore your confidence and emotional well-being.
Contact The Bardo for more information on our alcohol rehab on the Gold Coast.
