Bars and restaurants are re-opening and that means more opportunities to have a few drinks with friends. But beware: hangxiety is a thing. The term refers to big feelings of anxiety the morning after drinking—it often involves dwelling on what great or not-so-great things you may have said or done while under the influence. And it’s a common feeling—the hashtag #hangxiety has 12.3 million views on TikTok alone. Clinical Social Worker Hannah Tishman says there’s a reason for these feelings—alcohol affects several systems in the body and brain, and she explains, “When you stop drinking for the night, your brain has been trying to adapt to the alcohol’s sedative effects and this often leads to irritability, jitters and anxiety.” Dr. Jenna DiLossi, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist adds, “Alcohol, like most substances, releases dopamine in our brain in heavy doses. We can’t release it without consequences, though, which leads to a dopamine rebound effect that happens after alcohol is leaving the system.” She adds that to deal with hangxiety you should first recognize that your feelings are typical and partly due to biological processes. If you get caught up in your behaviors and keep playing them on a loop, she says you should focus on something in the present moment, and let it take your full attention. The experts also add that it’s important to know your limits and how not to cross them when drinking.
(InsideHook)