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Although the adverse effects of drinking alcohol are well known, its effect on the brain is a less discussed topic. Hangover is the term that describes the psychological symptoms after a night of drinking that are often accompanied by physical symptoms like fatigue, headache, nausea, weakness, etc. Alcohol can have an effect on neurotransmitters in the brain which at first works towards reducing stress and anxiety but as its effects wear off it increases anxiety and creates a feeling of impending doom. If you also wake up with vague anxiety after a heavy drinking session, you can blame it on extreme anxiety, which is sometimes hard to fight. (Also Read | Holi 2024: How to get rid of bhang hangover; expert tips inside)
What is Hangxity?
Hangxity refers to a combination of anxiety and physical symptoms that occur after drinking alcohol.
“The feeling of shame and embarrassment that this anxiety causes is sometimes attributed to the previous night’s drinking, but there is also a physical component. This anxiety is known as ‘Hangxiety.’ Although this can be an adverse consequence of remorse along with shameful behavior while drunk, there is also a physical component,” says Dr. Chandni Tugnait MD (Alternative Medicine), Psychiatrist, Life Coach, Business Coach, NLP. Says Expert, Healer, Founder and Director – The Gateway to Healing.
“We’ve all been there: waking up from a night of overindulgence with a pounding headache, an upset stomach and a feeling of overwhelming remorse. But what about that pit of dread and impending doom that looms over you as soon as the hangover fog clears ?That persistent, uncomfortable feeling of restlessness is called “hangsickness”—the dreaded psychological hangover for the physical hangover,” says Dr. Chandni.
How does alcohol affect your brain?
Dr Chandni explains how fatigue can persist for long periods of time for chronic drinkers, leading to a cycle of addiction.
“Alcohol can affect neurotransmitters in the brain, including gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which helps reduce stress and anxiety. However, alcohol’s interaction with GABA causes its transient reduction , resulting in increased anxiety as its effects wear off. Similarly, alcohol affects glutamate, another neurotransmitter, leading to an excess of glutamate after drinking, which contributes to increased anxiety,’ ‘ experts say.
“It’s easy to say that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption to avoid hangover. For light drinkers, hangover can last the next day. Nevertheless, disruption of the GABA-glutamate system as well as withdrawal can Reasons Chronic drinkers may experience chronic hangover symptoms and sleep difficulties. To overcome such symptoms, you think, ‘I need a drink,’ which can further lead to addiction. Can lead to cycles,” she adds.
How to Manage Hangxity
Managing hangxiety requires both proactive efforts to prevent it and reactive techniques to deal with it when it occurs.
Consider some of the methods suggested by Dr. Chandni.
1. Prevention by drinking alcohol thoughtfully: The obvious solution is to avoid excessive drinking altogether by setting realistic limits, staying hydrated, and nourishing yourself with good food while drinking. Being self-aware of the effects of alcohol and understanding your specific limits will help you avoid panic before it starts.
2. Prioritize Replenishment: When you wake up with hangover symptoms, fight the impulse to roll over and lie in bed. Get up and begin your body’s recovery by drinking water or electrolyte-rich beverages, eating nutrient-rich foods, and replenishing vitamin B complex deficiencies by taking vitamin B complexes.
3. Deploy Anxiety Relief: Proven anxiety-relieving techniques like deep breathing, meditation, light exercise, and calming aromatherapy can help reduce the persistent mental stress of hangover anxiety. Bach flower remedies, such as the “Rescue Remedy” blend, are also very powerful natural anti-anxiety treatments.
4. Resist the temptation of dog hair: It may seem tempting, but drinking another drink will prolong and intensify the long-term anxiety cycle. This unproductive brief treatment provides temporary relief but ultimately sets you up for a more difficult anxiety relapse.
5. Seek professional help: If you have anxiety problems on a regular or severe level, do not hesitate to contact a mental health professional or join a support group. Chronic hangover concern may indicate an underlying problem that requires medical attention.
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