Alcohol & Anxiety: What’s Happening Inside Your Body?
Let’s be real: A drink (or two) can feel like it takes the edge off. But behind the buzz, alcohol triggers a ripple of effects in your body and not all of them feel great the next day.
What Alcohol Does to Your Body
Nervous System
Alcohol slows it down, then rebounds with overstimulation (cue: jitters, unease)
Liver
Works overtime to detox, using key enzymes and nutrients
GABA & Glutamate
Alcohol boosts GABA (calming), but withdrawal rebounds with glutamate (excitatory)
The Science-Backed Soothers
Rhodiola Rosea - Endocrine & Nervous System
An adaptogen that helps the body adapt to stress. It supports energy, mental clarity, and mood; especially useful after alcohol disrupts your natural rhythm. Basically, a mood bodyguard. Supports Cortisol balance, mental fatigue.
Passion Flower - Brains & Nervous System
Traditionally used for nervous restlessness, this botanical boosts GABA activity naturally helping the brain unwind after overstimulation. Gentle, effective calming support. Supports GABA activity, mood balance.
Chamomile - Gut & Nervous System
More than just a bedtime tea. Chamomile contains apigenin, a compound that binds to GABA receptors to promote relaxation and sleep. Think of it as nature’s exhale. Supports Muscle relaxation, digestion, sleep quality.
L-Theanine - Brain + Nervous System
Found in green tea, it promotes alpha brain waves associated with relaxation without sedation. Quiets the mind to help with those racing thoughts. Supports GABA production.
DHM (Dihydromyricetin) - Liver + Brain
From the Japanese raisin tree, DHM helps your liver metabolize alcohol faster. It may also reduce GABA rebound effects, meaning less mental fog and anxiety the next day. Think of it as a “buffer” for your brain chemistry. Supports Alcohol metabolism, hangover recovery.
NAC (N-Acetylcysteine) - Liver + Brain
This powerful antioxidant glutathione precursor that helps detox the liver and protect the brain from alcohol-related stress A clearer system, a calmer mind. Detox on the inside helps quiet the noise on the outside. Supports Glutathione production (detox).
L-Glutathione – Detox + Defense
Often called the body’s “master antioxidant,” L-Glutathione plays a key role in cellular detox. It supports liver enzymes that neutralize toxins, including those from alcohol. By reducing oxidative stress, it helps protect cells from damage and may improve overall liver resilience. Supports detox pathways, oxidative stress reduction.
Milk Thistle – Repair + Protection
Used for centuries as a liver tonic, Milk Thistle (rich in silymarin) helps protect liver cells and promote regeneration. It may support healthy bile flow, aiding digestion and toxin elimination. Think of it as a natural shield for your liver’s long-term health. Supports liver function, cellular repair