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When you've had a particularly stressful day or dealt with an anxious situation, one of the temptations you might have to calm the nerves may be to reach for the wine, beer, or heavier alcoholic substances. However, drinking alcohol can have the opposite intended effect that you might desire.

Drinking alcohol, especially in excess, can come with negative consequences associated with anxiety disorders, both physically and mentally. Alcohol is not a substitute for professional care, and if you are in need of help, consider looking online to find a therapist in Vancouver for treatment options.

The following is a more in-depth look at how alcohol and anxiety can become interconnected with one another, as well as some alternative coping suggestions.

The Truth Behind "Relaxing" With Alcohol

There is a reason why people often turn to alcohol to help reduce their stress levels. Alcohol is a depressant as well as a sedative, which both affect the central nervous system. With the nerves sedated, 

a person can feel a boost in mood, confidence, and relaxation, in ways that some anxiety medicines can.

However, that is where the temporary benefits end.

How Alcohol Can Make Anxiety Worse

As a depressant, alcohol can change the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin, which creates an even worse feeling of anxiety than existed prior to consumption. Anxieties induced by anxiety can last over 24 hours following consumption.

The surge in anxiety can cause a person to desire another drink, which can begin a dangerous path to alcohol dependency during moments of heightened anxiety, such as more extensive social engagements or work-related stress.

Drinking alcohol in excess can also bring on other symptoms, which may worsen a person's anxiety, such as the following:

• Dehydration

• Insomnia

• Low blood sugar

• Irritability

• Nausea

• Headaches

• Dizziness

Furthermore, those who begin to develop a dependency on alcohol may experience additional symptoms such as:

• Persistent sweating

• Hallucinations

• Very elevated heart rate

• Trembling

• Hallucinations

• Seizures

• Liver disease

Alternate Ways to Reduce Anxiety

Anxiety isn't a condition that can necessarily be permanently treated. However, there are certain choices and lifestyle decisions that can potentially help reduce the frequency and severity of the symptoms, such as the following.

• Seeing a mental health professional such as a therapist.

• Expressing your feelings in a daily journal.

• Do your best to go to bed and wake up at a consistent time for at least six to eight hours of rest.

• Limiting your alcohol consumption for the above reasons, but likewise with caffeine, energy drinks, and sugary drinks, which can also increase anxiety levels.

• Maintaining a healthy and balanced diet, which can help keep your body's hormone and blood sugar levels at a good rate.

• Exercise several times a week can create endorphins, as well as improve the overall heart rate and clear the mind.

• Set time out of your week for designated relaxation times, as well as for small joys such as listening to music that brings joy, participating in a favourite hobby, or watching a favourite show.