Alcohol is often referred to as a depressant, but this term can be misunderstood. It doesn’t necessarily mean that alcohol causes depression as a mood disorder (although alcohol and depression are intrinsically linked). Instead, it means that alcohol is a central nervous system (CNS) inhibitor or depressant. Here’s a closer look at what that means and why you might feel anxious after drinking.
How Alcohol Affects the Brain
Alcohol increases the action on the main inhibitory receptor, GABA, which is similar to how benzodiazepines like Valium work. This inhibition can make us feel more confident and outgoing because it suppresses parts of our brain that make us reserved, worry, or think about consequences.
Alcohol also causes the release of dopamine, activating the reward part of our brain. Research shows that this reward center activation is more pronounced in males, which might explain why alcoholism is more common in men. Over time, the amount of alcohol required to activate the reward center increases significantly.
Why Do We Feel Anxious After Drinking?
Alcohol is a CNS depressant by increasing GABA activation. In response, the body tries to balance this out by increasing the production of excitatory receptors and neurotransmitters. Once alcohol is out of the system, the inhibition is gone, but the increased excitatory receptors and CNS activity can result in feelings of anxiety. It can take a couple of days for neurochemistry to normalize.
In extreme cases, such as alcohol withdrawal in the setting of dependence, there are major changes to neurochemistry. This can be dangerous and even fatal if not given appropriate medical care. In such cases, benzodiazepines may be given for a few days to prevent seizures.
Individual Variation
The impact of alcohol on our brain, mood, and mental health likely varies from person to person. If you often feel anxious after drinking, know that there’s a scientific explanation for why you feel that way. Try not to give those anxious thoughts too much emphasis. If this happens frequently, it might be a good idea to weigh the pros and cons of alcohol consumption in your life and consider cutting down or taking a break from drinking for a while. 🍷