It Feels Like Relief, But It’s Not
We’ve all heard the same story.
“I just need a drink to unwind.”
It makes sense on the surface. After a long, stressful day, that first sip hits and suddenly everything softens. The tension eases, the mind slows, and the day feels done.
But here’s what most of us don’t realize.
That feeling isn’t real relaxation. It’s sedation. And it comes at a cost.
Because while alcohol might seem like it’s taking the edge off, behind the scenes it’s setting the stage for anxiety, overstimulation, and long-term imbalance.
The Chemical Illusion
When we drink, alcohol boosts GABA. Think of GABA as the brain’s natural chill pill. It slows down activity in the central nervous system, which is why we feel relaxed, maybe a little buzzed, even sleepy.
At the same time, alcohol suppresses glutamate, a neurotransmitter that usually keeps us alert and active.
The short-term result?
Calm. Disconnection. Temporary ease.
But the brain isn’t passive. It’s always trying to keep things balanced.
And when alcohol pushes too far in one direction, the brain pushes back.
How the Cycle Starts
Here’s what the brain does in response:
- Reduces GABA sensitivity → you feel less calm over time
- Increases glutamate → you feel more wired
- Releases cortisol and adrenaline → stress hormones that counter sedation
And when the alcohol wears off, you’re not just back to baseline. You’re actually below it.
- GABA is low → relaxing feels impossible
- Glutamate is high → you feel overstimulated
- Stress hormones are peaking → you feel edgy, anxious, maybe even panicky
So you reach for another drink. And the cycle deepens.
Why We Don’t Notice It at First
The anxiety doesn’t always slam into us right away. Sometimes it creeps in quietly:
- That restless feeling after just one glass
- The racing thoughts before bed
- The uneasiness we brush off as “just a rough day”
The more we drink, the more our brain relies on alcohol to regulate stress. And the less capable we become of relaxing on our own.
That’s why even moderate or “controlled” drinking can lead to:
- Chronic low-level anxiety
- Trouble sleeping
- Irritability and mood swings
- A constant sense of being on edge
It’s Not You, It’s the Chemistry
If you’ve ever thought:
- “Why do I feel more anxious the day after drinking?”
- “Why can’t I just have one drink and stop?”
- “Why do I feel worse the next morning, even without a hangover?”
You’re not imagining it.
You’re experiencing a chemical trap. Your nervous system is stuck between sedation and stimulation, trying to self-correct with stress responses that end up leaving you feeling worse.
The Reset
Here’s the good news: your brain is plastic. That means it can heal and rewire itself.
Once alcohol is out of the picture:
- GABA receptors start to regenerate
- Glutamate levels settle into balance
- Cortisol and adrenaline production stabilize
And the anxiety we thought was “just part of us” begins to fade.
But it starts with clarity. It starts with seeing alcohol not as the cure, but as the cause.
— Brent
Next in the Series →
👉 The Homeostasis Trap: How Alcohol Hijacks Our Nervous System