Alcohol and Panic Attacks

Most qualified experts believe there is a strong link between the use of alcohol and panic attacks, but this doesn’t necessarily mean that alcohol alone can cause them. Frequent panic attacks, characterized by sudden bouts of irrational fear and dread, accompanied by a rapid heartbeat, shallow breathing, sweating and more, are usually a sign of a panic disorder.

While the exact cause of this disorder is still unknown, most experts believe that factors such as heredity or stress are often at the root of the illness. Alcohol, however, when used regularly by people who suffer from panic disorder, can be problematic and will usually perpetuate a higher rate in the number of attacks a person will encounter. Here we look at why most medical professionals ardently insist that panic attack sufferers should completely avoid alcohol.

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Among the many medications and natural remedies that are commonly used in the treatment of panic attacks, none of them work as quickly and effectively as alcohol for alleviating sudden symptoms. Thus, for many sufferers alcohol and panic attacks go hand in hand. This treatment method, however, is fraught with difficulty and will eventually cause an increase in the number and severity of panic attack episodes.

Unfortunately, there is a very long strong link between panic attacks and alcohol abuse. It is estimated that close to 40% of all people who suffer from an anxiety-related illness will also battle a substance abuse problem in their lifetime. There are many complicated theories behind this phenomenon, but perhaps the most simplistic and plausible theory is this: Alcohol is a depressant and a very powerful one. It works quickly in the body and can provide a false sense of relief for the symptoms of a panic attack. This relaxed feeling, especially for those that regularly suffer the horrors of a panic disorder, can be so intoxicating that people constantly attempt to replicate that feeling.

The problem with this type of treatment is twofold. First, while alcohol tends to work quickly to quell the effects of a panic attack, it also leaves the body rather quickly as well. People who use alcohol in the evening, for example, may get some short-term relief from their symptoms, but in the morning, when the alcohol has left the system, the panic seems to begin anew, most of the time even stronger. This may cause many people to begin turning to alcohol earlier and earlier in the day to try to cope with their symptoms until eventually the need for alcohol has become an addictive behavior.

Secondly, and perhaps even a larger problem in the relationship between alcohol and panic attacks, is the tolerance factor. With prolonged use, the body will become accustomed to alcohol and will eventually require more to accomplish the same results that a smaller amount previously provided. This is known as tolerance. Initially, one or two drinks may do the trick in helping people to return to a calmer state, but eventually the body will require more to do the same job, which can create a host of additional problems, including addiction and disease.

Alcohol and panic attacks do not mix—period. While you may notice a bit of short-term relief, continued use of alcohol may eventually lead to addiction and a whole new set of problems to cope with. Avoid this treatment at all costs, employing a more natural approach instead. It’s simply not worth it!

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