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...