‘Beer fear’, ‘hangxiety’ and ‘drinkers’ guilt’ are all phrases that are used to describe the feeling of unease and fear in the days after increasing alcohol intake to the point of intoxication. As lockdown continues to lift, much of the UK seems to be experiencing symptoms of ‘beer fear,’ as Google trend data reveals that the term ‘beer fear’ has seen a 1,414% uplift in searches within the last month alone. As nightclubs prepare to reopen, it is likely that a significant number of the UKs population will experience ‘the fear’, once a hangover kicks in.
Here, health Practitioner Tammy Richards at the dispensary brand PureOptical reveals the science behind ‘beer fear’ and how to avoid it’.
Chemical Reaction
‘Beer fear’, is often used as a throwaway term however, it is very real’, states Richards. ‘It is all chemical related and a lot of the time, we have no control over it’.
‘GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid) is the leading inhibitory neurotransmitter in a mature brain and is often related to relaxation. Essentially, GABA sends chemical messages through the brain to the nervous system. When alcohol is consumed, it binds to certain GABA receptors in the brain and mimics its function, leading to an increased feeling of relaxation’.
‘Glutamate is another chemical in the brain that plays an instrumental role in learning and memory. It also aids in feeling a sense of fear. When alcohol consumption increases, the production of Glutamate decreases. As a result, we become somewhat fearless, seeing that there is truth behind the thought process, ‘have a drink to settle nerves.’
‘As the liver metabolises alcohol and it leaves the system, the brain senses an imbalance in chemicals and immediately begins to regulate it by increasing the glutamate that was previously supressed and decreasing GABA. On a chemical level, this is why our emotions can feel out of whack post drinking.’
‘A sudden increase in Glutamate will inevitably spark fear and anxiety. The mechanism derives from when we were required to maintain consistent survival mode. An increase in its production makes it unavoidable to feel the symptoms of fear’.
‘In addition, as Glutamate is responsible for memory retention, its suppression can lead to memory loss and even a black out over a short period of time. When sober, not being able to remember periods of time can be disconcerting. Humans are programmed to ‘fear the worst’, as a protective mechanism. Attempting to retrieve events can lead to the imagination running wild and creating fabricated scenarios that are fiction. This can fuel already elevated anxiety and in turn, cause ‘beer fear’.
According to Richards, physical symptoms sparked by alcohol consumption also play a key role in experiencing ‘beer fear’. ‘Alcohol increases the heart rate. Essentially, the more alcohol you consume, the higher your heart rate’.
‘Alcohol is one of the fastest ways to dehydrate the body. Suppressing the antidiuretic hormone Vasopressin, it robs water from the body and causes a person to urinate more frequently’.
‘Just a small alcohol intake can lead to low blood sugar as it leads to hypoglycaemia, an increase in the secretion of insulin. As a result, headaches, fatigue, and achiness can ensue’.
‘A common misconception is that substantial alcohol intake can lead to a ‘heavy sleep’. Although you may fall asleep quicker, alcohol decreases the REM (rapid eye movement) stage of our sleep cycle. The brains chemical adenosine is responsible for inducing sleep and its production is increased when drinking, leading you to fall asleep quickly. However, this rapidly recedes, ensuring that you wake frequently’.
‘The combination of increased heart rate, dehydration, low blood sugar and lack of sleep leads to low mood. Not only does this increase the likelihood of ‘beer fear’, but physically drains the body.
3 tips to prevent ‘beer fear.’
- Drink a glass of water between drinks to deter dehydration.
- Monitor your units – although it may be tedious, keep an eye on how many alcohol units you are consuming.
- Eat a nutritious meal that is high in nutrients.
