Hangover Anxiety (Hangxiety)

What is Hangover Anxiety (Hangxiety)?

Most people have experienced the typical physical symptoms of a hangover, like the pounding headache, the nausea, and the craving for greasy food. But, hangover symptoms aren't always just physical. Hangovers can have psychological symptoms as well, especially feelings of anxiety. This phenomenon is happening so frequently it's even been given a name: hangxiety.

What Causes Hangover Anxiety?

Research has shown that anxiety is actually a pretty common hangover symptom. Someone may experience hangover anxiety for many of the same reasons they suffer from other hangover symptoms, including sleep deprivation and dehydration.

Here are the possible causes of hangover anxiety:

• Alcohol-related actions — a lot of people who experience anxiety after consuming alcoholic beverages spend a lot of time the next day wondering and worrying about what they may have done or said while they were drunk. Decreased cognitive function, including a lowered ability to make good decisions, makes drunk people do things they otherwise would never do. Thinking about this out-of-character behavior after a night of heavy drinking and its possible ramifications can lead to serious anxiety.
• Anxiety disorder — some people who suffer from an anxiety disorder may turn to alcohol to try and cope with the symptoms. As a result, they will feel more anxious when abstaining from alcohol. Some people with chronic anxiety have reported that their symptoms of anxiety are worse during a hangover. A lot of hangover symptoms, including dehydration, exhaustion, and upset stomach, can make anxiety symptoms feel worse, both physically and emotionally.
• Shyness — a study found that alcohol shows a unique link between shyness, alcohol consumption, alcohol use disorder, and anxiety. The researchers found that drinking led to slightly decreased feelings of anxiety among shy people. But, the next morning, they felt more intense anxiety levels. The researchers also found a link between alcohol use disorder and anxiety elevation among shy people in the study.
• Alcohol use disorder — people with alcohol use disorder may experience withdrawal when they abstain from alcohol. Anxiety may also be a symptom of alcohol withdrawal. Some research suggests that people suffering from social anxiety disorder have a higher risk of  displaying alcohol dependence or abuse signs.
• How much alcohol was consumed — the risk of developing hangover-related anxiety may increase with how much alcohol a person consumes. This is because higher alcohol consumption increases other hangover risk factors, including dehydration. 

Symptoms of Hangxiety

People with hangover-related anxiety will likely also experience other "typical" hangover symptoms, including excessive thirst, increased fatigue, feeling slow or less alert, an upset stomach, or body aches. 

They may also experience: 

• A "knot in the stomach" feeling
• A racing heart
• Experiencing feelings of guilt and shame
• Restlessness making it hard to concentrate, sleep, or relax 

How to Deal with Hangover Anxiety

When experiencing symptoms of anxiety after drinking, there are a few things people can do to manage the hangiexty, including:

• Manage physical symptoms — the common symptoms of a hangover can take a toll  on the body. Dealing with the initial symptoms will help you get back to feeling like yourself. You should do this by focusing on rehydration and continuing to drink plenty of water the next day. Avoid cravings for greasy fast food and eat light, mild foods. It is also important to get some sleep while recovering from a hangover. If it's difficult to sleep, take a shower and put on some relaxing music.
• Over-the-counter pain relief — when experiencing a pounding headache or other physical pains, take ibuprofen to help ease the discomfort.

How to Manage Symptoms of Hangover Anxiety 

Some people find that deep breathing or meditation is very helpful for fighting feelings of anxiety while hungover. Deep, slow breathing allows you to relax and will help slow down a racing or pounding heart. 

Mindfulness meditation is another relaxation technique that can help alleviate hangxiety. You can meditate while sitting or recovering in bed by practicing deep breathing. Lie down, close your eyes, and focus on your thoughts. Also focus on any physical and emotional feelings in the current moment. 

A significant part of hangxiety is caused by stressing out about what you might have said or done while drinking. It's a good idea to step back and realize that other people are likely worrying about the same thing.

Treatment Options for Alcohol Abuse & Mental Health

If you find yourself drinking a lot and frequently feel anxious the next day, you may have a drinking problem. There are a few different treatment options available for people suffering from alcohol addiction, including detox programs, inpatient treatment, and outpatient treatment at a certified treatment center or medical center.

Hangxiety: Common Questions and Answers