The Hidden Truth About Alcohol and Anxiety

Raise your hand if you've ever turned to a drink to unwind and de-stress 🙋‍♀.

It's a common go-to, but let's dive deeper into what's really happening inside our bodies when we reach for that glass.

🌪 It's a rollercoaster ride for our stress hormones. Alcohol might give us a brief 20-30 minute buzz – hello, dopamine spike! 🚀 – but the silent culprits, adrenaline and cortisol, wreak havoc on our well-being long after that buzz wears off.

📚 According to a study from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, alcohol does indeed increase anxiety by affecting our brain chemistry. While it may provide temporary relief, it can lead to heightened anxiety levels in the aftermath.

🤯 Ever wondered why you wake up feeling more anxious and stressed the day after indulging? Blame cortisol and adrenaline, the sneaky stress-raising agents that alcohol invites to the party. They stick around like unwelcome guests, increasing anxiety levels for days after.

It's crucial to step back and assess how alcohol truly makes us feel, not just in the moment but throughout the days that follow.

When we take a holistic view, we start to see the trap we've unwittingly fallen into. We drink to relieve stress, but in reality, we're only ratcheting up our stress levels.

Have you ever had a drink to relieve stress? How'd that go for you?

Seriously, I'm asking. Zero judgement. I've been there.