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Anxiety got worse after I stopped drinking. Is that normal?

Mental health1 answer · asked 3 months ago
From the RecoveryHome team. We write some questions from situations people often ask us about, and answer them with general information from public health sources. Been through this yourself? Your answer could help the next person who finds this page. How we write team posts
RH
RecoveryHome team Team
asked 3 months ago

Several weeks after quitting, many people find their anxiety is louder than ever and wonder whether drinking was the only thing holding it down. Is that normal?

RH
RecoveryHome team Team
answered 7 days ago · general information, not medical advice

It's common, and it's worth taking seriously. Alcohol can mute anxiety in the short term while making it worse over time, so when drinking stops, anxiety can feel louder for a while. For many people it settles considerably over the first months.

At the same time, anxiety disorders often occur alongside substance use, and they're very treatable. Tell a doctor or counselor what you're experiencing. Treating both together is the standard approach now. There are effective therapies, and medications that don't carry the risks of alcohol or sedatives.

In the meantime, the basics help: regular sleep, daily movement, less caffeine, and regular contact with supportive people.

If anxiety comes with thoughts of hurting yourself, call or text 988.

Read more: Co-occurring disorders explained

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Anxiety got worse after I stopped drinking. Is that normal? · RecoveryHome