Unraveling the Hangover: Understanding the Morning After Effects of Alcohol

"Hangxiety," the feeling of anxiety and paranoia experienced the morning after heavy drinking, is a common phenomenon that can last for hours or even days. Experts explain that alcohol is a depressant that initially calms and relaxes the brain, but when it wears off, it can worsen feelings of anxiety, guilt, and shame. Hangxiety symptoms include intense worrying, paranoia, difficulty concentrating, and gastrointestinal issues. While the best way to combat hangxiety is to stop consuming alcohol altogether, experts also recommend eating before and while drinking, staying hydrated, choosing low-alcohol drinks, spacing out drinks, eating a good breakfast the next morning, exercising, taking medication for symptoms, getting restful sleep, and practicing mindfulness and meditation. Mindful drinking, which involves consciously deciding what and how much to drink, can help reduce alcohol consumption by 30% or more.