Bidirectional Relationship
Research in this area has shown a “bidirectional influence” between alcohol use and anxiety problems, meaning that anxiety can lead people to drink alcohol, and alcohol problems and withdrawal can increase anxiety. Research has shown that alcohol problems and GAD often develop around the same time, making it difficult to capture the severity of each problem. The authors concluded that “Alcohol consumption may be motivated by short-term relief of anxiety, but it ultimately leads to increased anxiety.”Self-Medication
People with GAD are challenged to develop sophisticated coping strategies to deal with their fears and worries. Some people who have not done this turn to self-medicating, which is the process of finding relief through a substance like alcohol. Other forms of self-medicating can be drug use (e.g. marijuana) or other compulsive activities that are a temporary escape from anxiety (overeating, shopping, etc). Obviously these are not ideal options, and they can lead to more complications than just GAD.
Solutions
Becoming aware of how you are using alcohol is the first step in understanding how alcohol and anxiety may be entangled. Do you drink more (frequency and quantity) when you are anxious? Do you have any other ways to cope? Working with a treatment professional on both issues is a great way to get some help, some of which will likely be geared toward developing new coping strategies for anxiety that can replace alcohol use.
Sources:
Brady, K.T., Tolliver, B.K., & Verduin, M.L. (2007). Alcohol use and anxiety: Diagnostic and management issues. American Journal of Psychiatry, 164(2), 217-221.
