Understanding and Conquering Hangxiety: A Guide to Avoiding the Post-Party Blues

Hangxiety refers to the anxiety experienced after consuming alcohol. It merges the words "hangover" and "anxiety". Hangxiety may involve feelings of worry, stress, and discomfort, as well as physical symptoms such as headaches and nausea.

As a former drug and alcohol counselor and a person with 25 years of sobriety, I am familiar with the effects of a hangover combined with anxiety. Only recently did a client introduce me to the specific word, Hangxiety. After exploring more information, here is what I discovered.

This blog post will delve into the science behind hangxiety, explore how to manage its symptoms, and provide tips to prevent it from ruining your day.

What is Hangxiety?

Hangxiety is a term used to describe the anxiety and unease that can sometimes accompany a hangover. It's caused by the complex interplay between alcohol and your brain chemistry.

When you drink alcohol, it disrupts the balance of neurotransmitters in your brain, particularly GABA, which has calming effects, and glutamate, which is excitatory. This imbalance can lead to feelings of anxiety, restlessness, and irritability.

Coping with Hangxiety's Symptoms

While there's no magic cure for hangxiety, there are steps you can take to ease its symptoms:

• Address the physical hangover: Rehydrating is crucial. Drink plenty of water and replenish electrolytes with sports drinks or coconut water. Painkillers like ibuprofen can help with headaches and body aches.

• Get some rest: Sleep allows your body and brain to heal and restore balance. Aim for extra sleep if you're feeling particularly hungover and anxious.

• Relaxation techniques: Techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can help calm your mind and ease anxiety symptoms.

Preventing Hangxiety: The Best Defense is a Good Offense

The most effective way to deal with hangxiety is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here are some tips for responsible drinking:

• Abstinence: Maybe participating in Dry January or choosing to avoid alcohol all together would prevent hanxiety for certain.

• Pace yourself: Sip your drinks slowly and savor them. Alternate alcoholic drinks with water or non-alcoholic beverages to stay hydrated.

• Eat before and during drinking: Food helps slow down alcohol absorption into your bloodstream, reducing its impact.

• Know your limits: Be mindful of your tolerance and avoid overindulging.

• Choose lower-alcohol drinks: Opt for drinks with lower alcohol content or try diluting stronger drinks.

By following these tips, you can enjoy yourself while minimizing the risk of a post-party hangover and the dreaded hangxiety.

Remember, if you find yourself struggling with excessive alcohol consumption or persistent hangxiety, it's important to seek professional help. A healthcare provider can offer guidance and support for developing healthy drinking habits.