If you’ve ever had a panic attack you know how frightening it can be. And if you are in recovery from alcohol abuse it can be doubly so. Read on to learn more panic attacks and withdrawal from alcohol.
What Is a Panic Attack?
Panic attacks usually happen quickly and with little warning. They are sudden, intense feelings of fear that trigger severe physical symptoms such as:
- Racing heart
- Fast breathing
- Chest pain
- Palpitations
- Trembling
- Sweating
And this happens with no apparent cause or danger. You may even feel you’re losing control, having a heart attack or even dying, even though the attack itself is not life-threatening [1].
Most people may have only one or two attacks, but for those with repeated panic attacks, you may have a panic disorder. Therapy and medications can greatly help with this condition.
Effects of Alcohol on the Brain
The Cycle of Addiction
Alcohol addiction is thought of by researchers as a cycle with the following main effects [2]:
- Alcohol produces pleasure through the brain’s reward circuits.
- The formation of the habit of drinking alcohol makes it difficult to stop drinking (binge/intoxication).
- Alcohol initially reduces negative emotional states and discomfort, but during the withdrawal process can cause intense levels of pain (withdrawal/negative affect).
- Then the brain becomes motivated to continue drinking (preoccupation/anticipation).
Changes In Brain Chemistry
With time, alcohol use affects certain neurotransmitters, the chemical messengers in the brain. This can lead to:
- Tolerance, a need to drink more to feel the same effects.
- Being more sensitive to alcohol’s effects and increase the risk of withdrawal symptoms.
- Making you feel anxious or stressed when not drinking, together with strong cravings. This is when panic attacks may occur.
Executive functions in the brain become dysregulated, affecting impulse control, decision-making and emotional regulation. This makes it harder to withstand urges to drink and avoid repeating the negative behaviors in the addiction cycle.
Alcohol Withdrawal and Panic Attacks
Researchers are unclear whether panic attacks precede the onset of alcohol use problems or whether alcohol use problems precede the onset of panic attacks. Studies usually find that panic disorder precedes alcohol use disorder. And patients with both disorders report that they use alcohol to relieve anxiety or panic symptoms. This supports the self-medication theory that patients with anxiety drink to relieve their symptoms of panic
However, there is evidence that alcohol use, in addition to its anxiety-reducing effects, causes long-term increase in anxiety. Some studies have shown that alcohol abuse began before panic disorders. Alcohol withdrawal has been reported to increase the likelihood of experiencing panic attacks [3].
Can Quitting Alcohol Cause Panic Attacks?
Yes, in some cases, quitting alcohol could lead to painful withdrawal symptoms which provoke panic attacks. But this doesn’t happen to most people, despite the prevalence of anxiety during withdrawal.
How to Cope with Alcohol Withdrawal
Going “cold turkey” to overcome alcohol addiction is not recommended because it’s dangerous and almost never works. Alcohol withdrawal begins with medically supervised detox to help you safely rid your body of alcohol and other toxins. You will have appropriate care should you have a panic attack during or after detox.
This may involve medications such as benzodiazepines such as Valium or Ativan. During the remainder of the withdrawal process, holistic therapies such as mindfulness meditation, yoga or movement can be very helpful.
How to Properly Recover From Alcohol Addiction
Overcoming addiction is a multifaceted process involving the following elements. Enrolling in a residential treatment program with medically supervised detox is the safest, most effective strategy. It includes:
- Medically-Assisted Detox: Detoxification is best done under medical supervision in a licensed detox facility. Healthcare professionals can monitor your progress and administer medications to ease withdrawal symptoms.
- Behavioral Treatments: Various forms of therapy and counselling can best help guide you through withdrawal and into maintaining sobriety. These include individual psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), among others. This may be done privately but is often best done in a residential treatment center or Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP).
- Medications: Three medications are currently approved in the US to help people stop or reduce drinking. They are prescribed by a doctor or other approved healthcare practitioner.
- Support Groups: AA, SMART and other support groups offer peer support for people cutting back or quitting their drinking. This is often combined with therapy to gain the benefits of a range of support.
Alcohol Addiction Treatment in Orange County
Located in Anaheim, California, Restorations Health Care can help you or a loved one overcome their addiction or mental health issues. Our mission is all about saving lives. We offer detox and inpatient treatment programs that help people get back on their feet. Our dedicated team of trained addiction professionals and counselors provides individualized addiction treatment programs for recovery. Reach out to our Admissions team now.
Sources
[1] Mayo Clinic. 2018. Panic attacks and panic disorder. mayoclinic.org
[2] National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. 2023. Neuroscience: The Brain in Addiction and Recovery
[3] Canan F, Ataoglu A. 2008. Panic disorder after the end of chronic alcohol abuse: a report of 2 cases. Prim Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry. 2008;10(4):332-3.
