Feeling Guilty After Drinking?
Understanding ‘hangxiety’ and Its Impact.
In Australia, drinking is deeply ingrained in social culture. Whether it’s a casual beer at the pub, wine with dinner, or celebrating with friends, alcohol plays a central role in our lives. However, for many people, drinking can lead to more than just a hangover – it can bring feelings of guilt and anxiety, commonly referred to as "hangxiety."
Here in Perth, alcohol use remains a concern. According to recent statistics, nearly 15% of adults in Western Australia report binge drinking at least once a month. At Steady Seas Counselling, we believe in open conversations about alcohol use and its effects, including the often-overlooked emotional consequences.
Let’s delve into why people experience guilt after drinking, what causes it, and what it could mean for your mental and emotional well-being.
What is Hangxiety?
“Hangxiety” is a combination of the words “hangover” and “anxiety.” It describes the feelings of regret, unease, or worry that some people experience after drinking alcohol. This can happen whether you’ve had one drink or several. Research suggests that around 12% of people report anxiety as a direct result of drinking.
Why Do People Feel Guilty After Drinking?
The emotional effects of drinking often catch people off guard. While we expect physical symptoms like headaches or nausea, the mental toll can be just as overwhelming. Here are some common reasons why people experience guilt or anxiety after drinking:
Worrying About Judgement: Feeling anxious about how friends, family, or colleagues might view your drinking.
Regretting Actions: Recalling poor decisions or embarrassing moments from the night before.
Work-Related Stress: Anxiety about potential consequences, such as failing a workplace drug or alcohol test.
Struggling with Control: Wanting to drink less or stop entirely but finding it difficult.
How to Manage or Avoid Hangxiety
The most effective way to prevent hangxiety is to reduce or avoid alcohol altogether. However, if you choose to drink, there are ways to manage its emotional impact:
Set Limits: Establish clear boundaries for how much you’ll drink and stick to them.
Lean on Your Support System: Be honest with trusted friends or family about your drinking and let them help keep you accountable.
Understand Triggers: Consider what situations or feelings lead you to drink excessively.
Stay Hydrated and Eat Well: Taking care of your physical health can lessen hangovers and hangxiety.
It’s important to note that for some people, hangxiety is less about occasional regret and more about underlying issues with alcohol dependence.
The Role of Alcohol in Your Body
Alcohol is a depressant, meaning it slows down your central nervous system (CNS). While this can temporarily relax you, it can also disrupt your body’s natural balance. Over time, your body adapts to alcohol’s presence, and when it’s no longer there, you might experience symptoms like anxiety as your CNS adjusts back to normal.
This can be especially pronounced for those experiencing withdrawal symptoms, which are a key indicator of an alcohol use disorder (AUD).
Signs of an Alcohol Use Disorder
Not everyone who drinks has an AUD, but it’s vital to recognise the signs in yourself or your loved ones. Common symptoms include:
Feeling unable to cut back on drinking, even if you want to.
Needing more alcohol to achieve the same effects.
Spending excessive time thinking about or recovering from drinking.
Skipping important events or activities because of alcohol.
Struggling with work or personal relationships due to drinking.
Taking dangerous risks while intoxicated, like driving under the influence.
Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not drinking.
These signs suggest that alcohol is playing a more central role in your life than you might realise.
Why Seek Support?
In Australia, alcohol misuse is linked to significant personal, professional, and social challenges. Seeking support doesn’t just help reduce or stop drinking; it also enables you to understand the reasons behind your alcohol use and provides tools to navigate life’s stresses without relying on substances.
At Steady Seas Counselling, we offer a safe, non-judgmental space to explore your relationship with alcohol. Whether you’re experiencing occasional hangxiety or dealing with more serious concerns, our tailored counselling services are here to support your journey toward balance and recovery.
Take the First Step
You don’t have to navigate this alone. If you’re struggling with drinking or want to better understand your habits, reach out to Steady Seas Counselling today. Together, we can help you find steady seas in your journey toward lasting change.
Sources:
Australian Drug Foundation. (2022). Understanding alcohol and mental health. Australian Drug Foundation.
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2021). National Drug Strategy Household Survey 2019: Alcohol and other drug use in Australia. AIHW.
Mayo Clinic. (2020). Alcohol use disorder. Mayo Clinic
