Claim: Alcohol Causes Panic Attacks

Question

The claim that alcohol can cause anxiety attacks is true, but it oftentimes isn't directly due to the alcohol and is rather exacerbated by the effects of it. The study Alcohol hangover effects on measures of affect the morning after a normal night's drinking  notes that heavy alcohol consumption can affect mood as well as increasing anxiety and the physical symptoms of anxiety. It should be noted that this is typically seen more in heavy drinkers, not casual drinkers. In The association of alcoholism and anxiety, it's the authors note that the biggest overlap between alcohol and anxiety is during withdrawal.

Answer 1

The claim: "Alcohol Causes Panic Attacks" is mostly true. This claim was posted by user ryan_cozzi, a News Detective user with 260 points. This post cites a NYT article, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/04/well/mind/alcohol-panic-attack.html which claims that heavy alcohol consumption can increase anxiety. This is a reputable source but looking for more coverage I found that Harvard Medical School and the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism both claim that alcohol can increase anxiety, and that panic attacks can happen during hangovers or withdrawal. This is especially seen in those with already existing anxiety disorders. Also, according to Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic, alcohol changes the serotonin levels in the brain which could worsen anxiety and then lead to a panic attack. Going back to the claim that "alcohol causes panic attacks", we can see that many health organizations have published studies and data on the relationship between alcohol and anxiety. In conclusion, the consumption of alcohol could increase this risk, especially with heavy drinking or people who already have existing anxiety disorders. Alcohol doesn't always directly just lead to a panic attack. It may not give everyone who consumes alcohol a panic attack, but there's evidence that alcohol can increase anxiety for some. The claim is not false, but it is vague.

Alcohol and your health: Risks, benefits, and controversies - Harvard Health

Why Alcohol Can Give You Anxiety

Coping with anxiety: Can diet make a difference? - Mayo Clinic

Comments

This is a well-reasoned and well-supported analysis. Your comment that the claim is "not false, but it is vague" is important—while alcohol doesn't universally cause panic attacks, there is credible evidence linking heavy alcohol use to increased anxiety and panic, especially in vulnerable individuals. Emphasizing that the risk varies by individual strengthens the nuance of your conclusion.

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Love the research you did across multiple reputable research studies that all came up with the same information further strengthening your point. I also like how you clarified that it’s obviously not guaranteed to cause panic attacks but can heighten the likelihood of it in people with preexisting conditions (such as anxiety).

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This is such a great response, and it's obvious that you did a deep dive into research for this claim to come to the conclusion that you did. The information you included was interesting and insightful into learning about what alcohol can do to your nervous system.

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Your comment was very clear and easy to understand. I like the use of the multiple credible sources that made this analysis very credible. The clarification of how it is not false but vague is very important distinction. It is very throughout and proves the claim which makes this a strong comment.

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This was a good response with good information and analysis about the research you discovered. I also appreciate how you mentioned that alcoholism affects anxiety and increases anxiety while also mentioning when and where the panic attacks happen, such as withdrawals or hangovers. I thought it was important to note alcoholism also affects people who already have anxiety and how it may potentially affect them even more. I thought that was extremely valuable information to have and credit to you for mentioning it. Great job on also making sure that your sources were credible, I thought that was very important in your response as well, good job.

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Good job citing multiple credible sources. It might help to specify that the link between alcohol and panic attacks is more about increased anxiety and brain chemistry changes rather than alcohol being a universal trigger.

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I thought you did a really good job of pulling all this information together from multiple credible sources like Harvard, Mayo Clinic, and the New York Times. I especially liked how you clarified that alcohol doesn't directly cause panic attacks in everyone but ti can increase the risk, especially for those who already have anxiety. Your point about the claim being vague is important too since the relationship between alcohol and anxiety is fairly complex and is often dependent on other factors like mental health history on top of the amount of alcohol that was/is consumed. Great job!

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I agree with this comment because it clearly shows how alcohol can lead to panic attacks, especially for people who already have anxiety. One strong piece of evidence is from the Mayo Clinic and Cleveland Clinic saying that alcohol changes serotonin levels in the brain, which can make anxiety worse and trigger panic attacks. That really backs up the claim since those are trusted medical sources. It’s also helpful that the comment points out how hangovers or withdrawal can be a big part of why panic attacks happen.

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This is a great comment, finding studies and sources is always the first and best way to confirm a claim. As well as saying that it is mostly true. Many things in alcoholic's lives can contribute to panic attacks but alcohol is definitely going to amplify it.

Answer 2

The claim that alcohol causes panic attacks is true. Although this statement is vague, there are many studies that prove this is true. In the New York Times article attached above they quote professionals who have studied this topic and support it. The American Addiction Center reports alcohol to worsen pre-existing anxiety. Alcohol is one of the most misused substances in America and is often used as a quick relief to anxiety. But on the contrary the anxiety will still linger while one is sober, and even without a background in anxiety it is very much possible that the affects will lead to anxiety. There are also reports in the article about chronic alcohol use can lead to worsen one's ability to respond to stress in healthy ways.  

Sources

https://americanaddictioncenters.org/alcohol/risks-effects-dangers/anxiety

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/04/well/mind/alcohol-panic-attack.htmlz

Comments

I enjoyed your response because you used solid sources. I also liked how you added that "Alcohol is one of the most misused substances in America" to give the reader a better idea of the impacts of alcohol. What I took away from your response was that alcohol may not be the source of anxiety attacks but that doesn't make it any good for you. Finally I appreciated that you mention the piece about alcohol worsening pre existing anxiety but not necessarily causing anxiety if you dont already have it. What you did miss in your comment is some mental about panic attacks as the claim states.

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I love your answer due to the solid number of sources and evidence you have to back up each one of your thoughts. Along with this, you also provided unique personal thoughts and opinions that made your answer that much more powerful. Great answer!

Answer 3

The claim that alcohol can cause or trigger panic attacks is supported by both scientific research and clinical evidence, though it’s not always a direct cause and effect situation. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, which can initially create a calming effect, but as it leaves the system, especially during a hangover or withdrawal, it can lead to heightened anxiety and even panic. The study "Alcohol hangover effects on measures of affect the morning after a normal night's drinking" backs this up by showing that mood disturbances and anxiety often increase the day after heavy drinking. Another study, "The association of alcoholism and anxiety," emphasizes that the strongest connection between alcohol and anxiety-related symptoms like panic attacks tends to occur during withdrawal. So while casual drinking may not always lead to panic, for people who are sensitive to anxiety or who drink heavily, alcohol can definitely be a trigger. This means the claim is true, but it's more accurate to say alcohol contributes to the conditions that make panic attacks more likely, rather than directly causing them every time.

Comments

This is a clear and thoughtful evaluation of the claim. You effectively highlight the distinction between correlation and causation, noting that while alcohol may not directly cause panic attacks in every instance, it can contribute to the conditions that make them more likely—particularly during withdrawal or for individuals prone to anxiety. This balanced approach adds important nuance and strengthens the credibility of your assessment.

Answer 4

The claim nd explanation seem to be accurate. Though having panic attacks after alcohol can happen, panic attacks aren't triggered just by alcohol. I can see why some may think that, when such things as "hangxiety" are a thing, it doesn't directly cause panic attacks. The National Library of Medicine mentions that alcohol is closely linked to anxiety, and alcohol worsens those symptoms. Symptoms may worsen due to the causes that those with depression and anxiety coping with alcohol, may experience worsening anxiety levels. 

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6876499/

Answer 5

I also agree with you that alcohol is not the sole reason for anxiety. I have see many articals stating similar facts about alcohol increasing anxiety.

Comments

What articles are you referring to? Strong fact-checks include in-text sources, plus relevant data or quotes from experts. Thanks!

Answer 6

Nice post! Your initial claim is misleading, however, as you claim that alcohol causes panic attacks, but then reveal that it's the effects of alcohol the morning after heavy drinking, and then further, it's mainly common in heavy drinkers. Your sources are strong, and the overall post is excellent. I would encourage an edit of the main title.

Answer 7

This claim is true. I think the first sentence of this claim is true and false at the same time. yes alcohol isn't always the direct cause of anxiety but that being said if whether you struggle with anxiety or not alcohol will directly effect your body causing anxiety or a heightened feeling of pre existing anxiety. according to The American Addiction Center "Alcohol use can cause new onset anxiety and worsen pre-existing anxiety symptoms." The article also mentions how people with anxiety may try to use alcohol as a relaxant but it can either make things worse or give a brief moment of relief but then would cause your anxiety to feel worse once the alcohol has worn off. 

https://americanaddictioncenters.org/alcohol/risks-effects-dangers/anxiety 

Answer 8

Alcohol can increase the risk of panic attacks. Alcohol can cause distress and can impair your daily functions. Alcohol use can affect your ability to respond to stress is effective ways which can sky rocket your anxiety even more. The use of alcohol can affect your amygdala which is the part of your brain that regulates negative emotions.

Sources: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2528232/

https://americanaddictioncenters.org/alcohol/risks-effects-dangers/anxiety

Answer 9

This claim stands to be true. Alcohol plays a part in panic but panic attacks are caused mainly from the withdrawal of drinking. In the article The Link Between Alcohol and Panic Attacks—and How to Cope, Anne Oswin who is a clinical supervisor for Charlie Health claims that alcohol is used as a present for people which helps reduce anxiety and help them to stay calm but then later on she states, “As the alcohol wears off, individuals might experience rebound anxiety, where stress levels become elevated”. During withdrawal panic attacks are more commonly triggered because the brain tries to balance out the neurotransmitters as the alcohol wears off but the gamma-aminobutyric acid starts to decrease causing the panic attacks. At first alcohol seems to be calming but afterward as it leaves your brain and body it starts to cause panic and anxiety.

https://www.charliehealth.com/post/alcohol-and-panic-attacks

Answer 10

Alcohol over time does cause panic attacks but not necessarily due to consuming it. It is more towards the withdrawals that one has from not consuming alcohol because in the article "Can drinking Cause panic Anxiety and Panic Attacks?" they state consuming alcohol reduces the stress levels and ease their anxiety which is a not a healthy way to cope with these matters but some do respond to their anxiety this type of way. In another article "Panic Disorder After the End of Chronic Alcohol Abuse" they did two different studies on different people and one did show signs of history in their family that had panic attacks but the other didn't. In both studies they showed that anxiety did come from the withdrawals that they had for not consuming alcohol for a long period of time which is the main reason why alcohol does connect with having symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks.

sources:

https://americanaddictioncenters.org/alcohol/risks-effects-dangers/anxiety

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2528232/