With the prevalence of alcohol in our society, many feel it is not a problem. However, alcohol is an addictive substance that can cause physical and mental harm to an individual and psychological damage to their loved ones. Alcohol can increase anxiety in individuals predisposed to experiencing it and even cause anxiety in those without previous symptoms. The scariest part is that alcohol doesn’t just affect anxiety. It impacts individuals’ psychological health and can cause or worsen other mental health disorders.
At Atlanta Recovery Place, our clients can receive treatment designed to support the psychological factors surrounding addiction and the other comorbid mental health concerns it causes. Our comprehensive dual diagnosis facility supports individuals through intensive treatment protocols and promotes individuals through a detailed program that encourages independence and goal setting. In addition, we promote sober living opportunities for individuals in our treatment programs to ensure healthy and safe engagement in the process.
To learn more about how alcohol can affect anxiety, speak with a representative of Atlanta Recovery Place today.
How Does Alcohol Affect the Body?
Most people are aware of the physical side effects of alcohol on the body because they have had alcohol or witnessed someone else drinking alcohol. Through observation, many individuals know that alcohol can impact people differently, but what does it do to the body?
Well, alcohol affects the brain and the body when consumed. Individuals who consume small amounts of alcohol will react differently from those who consume large quantities. Alcohol is a psychotropic depressant of the central nervous system. This means that when an individual drinks alcohol, they are depressing their central nervous system and slowing down, impacting their ability to respond, react, and recover.
Depression of the central nervous system can relieve individuals with increased and even unmedicated anxiety. This depression helps individuals slow down and relax in situations that cause them anxiety. However, because alcohol is addictive, this is a dangerous method of self-medicating that can lead to traumatic results.
Is There a Relationship Between Alcohol and Mental Health?
Alcohol directly impacts an individual’s mental health. There is a strong correlation between individuals who drink alcohol and have mental health disorders. As a depressant, alcohol directly affects a person’s mood. This means that alcohol can cause depression and anxiety in individuals, especially those predisposed to that state.
According to medical studies on the prevalence of alcoholism in adult individuals, more than 50% of adults also have a comorbid mental health disorder. Conversely, looking at data for individuals who have a mental health disorder, more than 75% also have a substance use disorder. This prevalence indicates a necessity for comprehensive comorbid mental health and substance abuse treatment for individuals.
How Does Alcohol Affect Anxiety?
Alcohol can temporarily decrease social anxieties, but it only works while the individual is intoxicated. When it wears off, it causes an individual to feel increased anxiety about their body changes, anxiety over possible risky behaviors they engaged in while intoxicated, and anxiety over high bouts of depression caused by increased intake of alcohol.
For individuals who have anxiety or depression, or another mood disorder, alcohol can increase the likelihood of an episode and increase the severity of the attack as well. Alcohol is terrible for individuals with anxiety because it alters their mood and can worsen changes and shifts in perspective.
How to Find Treatment for Anxiety and Alcoholism
When finding treatment for anxiety and alcoholism, individuals must find treatment for both mental health disorders. Unfortunately, individuals who receive treatment for one disability or the other are not receiving the necessary comprehensive treatment.
At Atlanta Recovery Place, individuals can receive treatment starting with drug intervention. Our Georgia addiction recovery professionals then work with clients through a progressive program to increase independence and decrease dependence on substances for control. Our comprehensive programming offers in-person treatment and telemedicine. To learn more about managing your anxiety and alcoholism, contact a health professional at Atlanta Recovery Place today.
