Alcohol and Panic Attacks: Can the Glass of Wine that Normally Soothes You Actually be Disturbing You?

Drinking alcohol in moderation is a good idea for anyone who imbibes, but it is especially important for a person who suffers from persistent panic attacks. Even though alcohol has a depressant effect on the nervous system, drinking neither prevents nor calms panic attacks. Instead, alcohol consumption, while not necessarily a trigger for panic attacks, does seem to aggravate them.

Part of the problem with drinking alcohol to fend off a panic attack is that the body initially reacts to alcohol as if it were a stimulant. For the first drink or two, most people experience a quickened heart and respiratory rate as well as an increased desire to socialize or engage in physical activity. As well, alcohol is a vasodilator, causing people to feel hot and sweat. In this way, alcohol can cause a panic attack in reaction to increased stimulus, especially for those whose panic attacks are triggered by heightened sensitivity to bodily stimulation and physiological reactions.

After the stimulant effects wear off, alcohol depresses bodily processes and mood. This is why people get sleepy and maudlin when they drink. There is some correlation between panic attacks and depression, and alcohol can aggravate or contribute to depression, causing more frequent occurrences of panic attacks. Sometimes, excessive consumption of alcohol can be one of the main causes of repeated panic attacks. The depressing effect of the alcohol can cause a person to dwell on the unwanted stressors that trigger their panic attacks. People who are depressed and have anxiety attacks already have a heightened suicide risk, throwing alcohol into the mix can be deadly.

Because of the aggravating effects of alcohol, doctors suggest that newly diagnosed panic attack sufferers reduce their consumption of alcohol. However, doctors rarely suggest that panic attack sufferers abstain from drinking entirely. If the attacks are infrequent or external causes for the attacks can be pinpointed, a drink or two of alcohol for relaxation purposes shouldn’t trigger a panic attack. Some people experience no correlation between alcohol consumption and their panic attacks. If your panic attacks are frequent, though, limit your consumption of alcohol until the panic attacks can be addressed.

A panic attack can be triggered by many things, including alcohol consumption. While a person who suffers from panic attacks need not abstain from alcohol, it is probably a wise idea to reduce alcohol intake. This is especially true if you are not sure of the correlation between alcohol consumption and your own panic attacks. Eventually, you will understand how alcohol consumption relates to your own panic attacks, and it will feel natural to stay within the bounds of that relationship. If you notice in yourself or friends or family a relationship between alcohol, depression, and panic attacks, please seek help with handling these issues.