You may worry that you or someone you love has started to rely on alcohol just to regulate their emotions. Perhaps you find yourself unable to sleep without it, or you’ve noticed that you can’t enjoy a night out without a drink. But while it might feel helpful in the moment, alcohol can also trigger short-term risks and long-term consequences, and you don’t need it to relax.
Let’s explore why people feel they need alcohol to calm down, how it connects to anxiety, when to be concerned about your drinking, and what help looks like if you or someone you love is dealing with alcohol use disorder (AUD) in Pennsylvania.
Why Do People Use Alcohol To Relax?
Alcohol can change how your brain reacts to stress and pleasure, making it particularly appealing when you’re searching for calm. Many people feel lighter or less guarded after a drink, but these effects don’t usually last. But if you are leaning on alcohol, you’re not alone.
Here are some of the most common reasons people turn to alcohol to relax:
- Feeling euphoric. Alcohol can activate your brain’s reward centers, creating a temporary high that feels good.
- Lowered inhibitions. Drinking can help you feel less self-conscious, potentially making social situations easier. With less control, you may feel the freedom to be more talkative or adventurous.
- Reduced negative emotions. Alcohol may cut back on your brain’s reaction to stress or fear, giving you a break from tough feelings.
- Reduced anxiety. Many people drink because they start to believe it helps calm their nerves. While that belief may enforce itself in the moment, it can actually set you up for bigger challenges with anxiety over time.
Alcohol and Anxiety
Alcohol belongs to a group of substances called depressants. They slow down your brain and central nervous system. That can look like drowsiness, relaxed muscles, or less anxiety. But side effects can also be stark or even frightening, like slurred speech, dizziness, headaches, nausea, confusion, or poor coordination. But if you live with severe anxiety, you might ignore these symptoms to reduce it.
Unfortunately, alcohol might calm your nerves initially, but upon leaving your body, your brain might swing in the opposite direction.
You might:
- Feel your heart begin to race
- Feel your body might tense up
- Feel your thoughts are about to spiral into a panic attack
Even though panic attacks usually last just a few minutes, they can leave you scared, anticipating the next one. This cycle can feel like you’re trapped in a loop: drink to relax, feel anxious when it wears off, then want to drink again to quiet the nerves.
When to Be Concerned About Alcohol Use
Occasionally experiencing common alcohol-induced issues, like poor coordination or a hangover, isn’t typically cause for concern. But, research finds that, over time, drinking heavily may raise your risk of liver and pancreas problems, certain cancers, and increase your chances of developing over 200 different health issues.
A sign that alcohol use has become concerning is when it starts to harm important parts of your life—whether that’s your health, relationships, work, or finances.
Binge drinking is another red flag. It means drinking enough to bring your blood alcohol level to 0.08% or more, usually about four drinks for women or five for men within two hours.
Sustaining a pattern of unhealthy drinking may be the most significant red flag, referred to as alcohol use disorder (AUD).
Alcohol Use Disorder
When alcohol feels hard to control, even when it’s causing problems, you may be suffering from AUD. The hopeful news is that no matter how serious things may seem, recovery is possible with the right support.
At St. Joseph Institute in Port Matilda, you can begin recovery in a safe environment. Most clients start with detox, where medical staff provide care around the clock to help manage withdrawal.
From there, you might step into residential treatment, where therapy, group support, and family involvement help you build a new way forward.
For others, outpatient treatment at our Wexford location is a better fit. The Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) allows you to attend sessions during the day or evening in a flexible format, with both in-person and online options.
Find Support for AUD in Pennsylvania
Alcohol may feel like the answer to stress, but it can create more problems than it solves. If you or a loved one has started to rely on it, you don’t have to face it alone. At St. Joseph Institute, you’ll find compassionate, data-driven care through both residential and outpatient programs.
