Panic Attacks Alcohol Related

December 5, 2009 by Jacquie  
Filed under Effects of Alcoholism

Millions of people suffer from panic attacks alcohol related and are looking for an answer. Panic attacks can be debilitating and can seriously effect your enjoyment of life.

A panic disorder is usually coupled with agoraphobia, which is a fear of being in a place where escape may be difficult or embarrassing (such as an elevator) and a brief attack of intense fear or discomfort that comes on suddenly and usually it is accompanied by symptoms such as:

  • Palpitations or accelerated heart rate
  • Sweating
  • Sleep disorders
  • Trembling or shaking
  • A feeling that you are short of breath
  • Problems with nausea or abdominal distress
  • Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
  • Intense fear of losing control, going crazy or even dying

Panic attacks occur in many different situations and for different reasons. Panic attacks alcohol related can be confused with medical illness so physical health problems should be ruled out. When people have recurrent panic attacks with anticipated anxiety and phobic avoidance this may represent panic disorder.

The relationship between alcohol and panic attacks can double-fold. Using alcohol can be a trigger for panic/anxiety, but, at the same time, people will use alcohol to treat mental anxiety. A doctor will probably recommend that you discontinue drinking alcohol as there is usually a link with the panic attacks.

If you find this difficult, there may be a question of whether you have a problem with alcohol. In any event, you should have a physical exam to rule out medical illness and if your problem persists without explanation, you should be evaluated further by a psychiatrist.

However, it’s important to know that there’s a physiological reason for panic attacks alcohol related. When you drink alcohol, you deplete your body’s stores of vitamin B, B-12 and several other related vitamins. These are vitamins that regulate your mood to some extent. In other words, you’re eliminating that which makes you a stable, functional human being.

The counter (but not the cure) to this is is to either drink alcohol that’s loaded with vitamin B (unfiltered beer is one example; anything mixed with Red Bull is another), or just pop a vitamin B supplement before bedtime.

Regardless, if alcohol is the cause of the panic attacks, then you really should stop drinking and see a doctor to discuss possible therapy for panic attacks that are alcohol related.

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