You pour a drink at the end of a long day and feel your shoulders drop. For a brief moment, the world quiets — the stress softens, and you can finally breathe. That’s the illusion many people chase: that alcohol takes the edge off. But what begins as relief can quietly deepen the very anxiety you’re trying to escape. Over...

Understanding alcohol’s hidden impact on mood, reactivity, and emotional control You don’t plan to snap. But after a few drinks, the tone changes. The little things start to grate. You say things you didn’t mean. And afterward, you’re left asking yourself: Why did I react like that? Many people associate alcohol with letting go — loosening up, relaxing, feeling free...

Anxiety can be overwhelming, affecting your ability to think clearly, sleep well, or feel at ease in social situations. For many, drinking alcohol seems like a way to take the edge off—a quick escape from stress, worry, or intrusive thoughts. At first, alcohol appears to help. It slows down the central nervous system, creating a sense of relaxation. But what...