The Alcohol-Anxiety Connection: Understanding Hangxiety
“I should have said no to the 5th tequila shot, or maybe it was the seven vodka sodas I had in a span of two hours.” We all understand the feeling too well. Waking up with the shakes, head pounding, trying to piece together the puzzle of the events that transpired the night before. “What did I do last night?”
For so long, I have taken this feeling of horrible dread at face value. I had too much to drink last night, so I feel awful today. Simple as that. More recently, I thought to myself, “Why?” Why does this happen to so many people, and why has no one stopped to explore it more?
The term “hangxiety” was cleverly coined by combining the words “hangover” and “anxiety,” and it is one that every college student is familiar with. It's a post-drinking experience that makes you wonder if you humiliated yourself at the bar or, worse, texted your ex.
What most individuals do not realize is why “hangxiety” happens. When we drink alcohol, our whole bodies are thrown off. Alcohol consumption causes the neurotransmitter in the brain to become disrupted. As the alcohol wears off, our bodies go into overdrive mode, striving to achieve a balance, which often overproduces neurotransmitter glutamate, which is associated with learning and memory.
Alcohol consumption can also enhance GABA, a neurotransmitter that is responsible for calming us down for a short period of time, but when it eventually wears off, the brain responds by attempting to compensate for what has been lost. This overdrive leads to hanxiety, and we feel the effects of it most of the morning after drinking.
So many college students get anxious even before they go out in fear of seeing someone they have been avoiding, or maybe the fear of doing something they will regret in the morning. We live in a time period where we use alcohol to suppress these nerves, thinking it will help us. In reality, doing this causes a morning of hangxiety.
Hangxiety is not just a simple thing that happens to people when they drink too much. It has the power to disrupt our day. Whether it be a lack of eating, feeling sick, or sleeping all day to avoid the possible scenarios we will find ourselves in when facing reality.
There are simple ways to avoid hangxiety. It’s up to you whether or not you will have a morning of peace or a morning of regret.
Quality over quantity. Take your time and enjoy the moment. The faster you consume alcohol, the faster the neurotransmitters in your brain are set off the track, causing disorientation and added stress. Sipping on a quality cocktail or the pricier glass of wine instead of shot-gunning $5 beers and house tequila shots will help with your pacing. Enjoying the moment is important, especially when seeing friends you don’t get to see often.
Understand your body. If you feel like you’ve had one too many, drink water, or order some food. Even better, alternate your fun alcoholic drinks with a glass of water. This balance can make an immense difference.
Focus on what’s in front of you. Alcohol is not necessary to have human interactions with your peers. Be unapologetically yourself, and don’t rely on alcohol to turn yourself into someone you’re not.
Avoiding “hangxiety” gets easier once you understand what it really is. We all have the power to make a night hold lasting and happy memories. The science behind hangxiety is not linear, but will you listen to it? Or are you going to go for shot number six?
Strike Out,
Matthew Wolfe
Boca Raton
Matty Wolfe is a Content Writer for Strike Magazine Boca. As a lover of nature and the ocean, you can probably find him sunbathing at the beach or finding a new hiking trail. If you ever do find him inside, he'll be indulging in Lana Del Rey's discography or watching old Survivor seasons. You can reach him by email at mattheww0507@gmail.com or on Instagram @mattyywolfe.
