The Connection Between Alcohol & Anxiety

The Link Between Adolescent Drinking and Adult Anxiety

It has widely been debated as to whether or not drinking can lead to an increase in anxiety. For adults, this is possible because of the effects of alcohol abuse on brain activity. Heavy adult drinkers may be predisposed to developing some kind of anxiety disorder.

But, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), recent preclinical research has also identified a link between adolescent alcohol exposure and anxiety in adulthood.

Understanding the Connection Between Alcohol and Anxiety

It has always been said that the decisions made as an adolescent shape the person you are as an adult. When it comes to drinking, there may be scientific evidence to back that up.

The NIAAA study reported that rats exposed to alcohol in the adolescence phase showed a greater level of anxiety behavior as adults when compared to rats not exposed to alcohol. Those effects were linked to two specific genes – brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) and activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein (Arc) – that nerve cells need to form new connections with each other.

The study’s findings provide a somewhat better understanding for how adolescent alcohol can lead to biomolecular changes in the brain that have life-long effects and increase the likelihood for adult-onset anxiety disorders.

Understanding Co-Occurring Conditions

When it comes to addiction, it is very common for individuals to be dealing with co-occurring conditions. Many times, people who have substance use disorders are also diagnosed with mental health disorders. In this case, alcohol and anxiety go hand in hand.

When it comes to finding treatment, it’s vital to find a rehab facility that provides support for a dual diagnosis. It’s imperative to recovery that both issues are treated simultaneously. Unfortunately, these conditions can feed off of each other and make sobriety challenging. The right recovery center will understand this and help develop an approach to treat both.

A Complete Approach to Recovery at Footprints Beachside Recovery

At Footprints Beachside Recovery, we offer a variety of treatment options to help tailor our care to each specific client. It is our belief that understanding how to identify and treat a dual diagnosis is an important part of each client’s recovery. Speak with one our admissions specialists today and learn about our available treatment options for both alcohol and anxiety.

Brittany Forbes

17:28 07 Feb 24

I went to and completed footprints it’s a great program where I learned to thrive in my recovery and built a foundation that I continuously rely on and made friends as well who continue to save me!

Denis Psatha

00:32 07 Feb 24

I never thought getting sober was a option until I went to footprints, it’s a great environment,I felt like I was at home while staying in house because everyone was very friendly,also all the therapists are very good at helping you out with any problems u may have ,they have fun activities every weekend and for the first time I’ve actually made sober friends which is very helpful even after u leave the program there always a call away!!

Marina Scruby

17:28 26 Jan 24

I graduated Footprints Beachside recovery center in Oct 23’ and am going on 9 months clean and sober. This wasn’t my first time being in treatment and i was having a hard time remaining sober for more than 2 months. If it wasn’t for this treatment center, the staff, and therapist, doesn’t matter… i wouldn’t be living the sober life i am today. Walking into Footprints was the best decision i have ever made for myself, from bowling to kayaking and going to the movies or outside AA meetings you don’t really feel like you’re in a treatment center but you also get the knowledge and tools that u need to stay sober.. the support the staff offers for the clients on a day to day basis was so helpful during my time there!!! I am forever grateful for my time at Footprints! i would suggest this place to anyone who struggles with addiction/alcoholism and is wanting to get better. Coming from Georgia was nerve wrecking but it was for the best choice for my own recovery. The foundation, sober connections and tools this rehab gave me to start my recovery journey is not something you’ll get somewhere else (in my experience)!

Just Me

22:27 12 Dec 23

I went to Footprints for 120 days and it more then likely saved my life. The therapists are great and really care about the patients. There is a lot of freedom while in treatment but it is earned. All the staff are good people and really care and help. This was the place that finally got me over my hump. Thanks Footprints for all the help and support I have received.Glenn

Mahmoud Mokhtar

18:20 29 Oct 23

Kelly was so helpful and the staff made the process easy when helping my family member. Thank you Kelly and Footprints.

Francis Weber

01:55 25 Sep 23

Footprints Beach Side Recovery goes far and above all rehabilitation centers. From Leaders to Therapists to Technicians, everyone is focused on recovery, tools, methodologies, support and genuine, loving care for it's clients.Footprints invests in the classiest, devoted and certified therapists and they are always available.Rehabilitation activities centered around sport, adventures, special guests, art and education add flavor and fun to a strong curriculum.I would vouch 100% for Footprints and recommend, without hesitation to anyone in search of care - 1 day at a time.

Riley White

14:27 22 Sep 23

footprints is like the disney world of rehabs. the clinical team truly cares about you & personalizes the course of treatment to every individual’s specific needs. i can honestly say i would not be alive today if it weren’t for this program, they gave me hope when i was hopeless & loved me when i couldn’t love myself. it’s more than just a paycheck for these people, they truly care about the clients & help cater to them in whatever way possible. 10/10 would recommend

Edward Rios

15:59 14 Apr 23

Great place for recovery. Great staff and management. Provides all the needed stepping stones to recover, from inpatient to outpatient to sober living. The sober living executive manger Paul Romero is very professional and dose a great job running the house.The president John Templeton makes sure everybody gets the individual attention they deserves. You can tell he has a passion for helping peopleThey changed my life for the better and gave me another shot at life.