Does alcohol actually calm your nerves?

06-May-2025

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Alcohol does act as a sedative on the central nervous system. So yes, in the moment, you might feel relaxed, your thoughts may slow down, and those butterflies in your stomach might ease.

The calming effect is linked to a spike in your blood alcohol content (BAC),” he explains. “Once BAC starts to drop, depressive symptoms kick in. That’s why some people end up feeling even more anxious after a few drinks—it’s your body trying to regain balance.

While the idea may seem fun, if you’re someone who turns to alcohol to escape anxiety or jittery situations, here’s the bad news. Alcohol might offer temporary relief, but over time it worsens anxiety.

It messes with your brain chemistry, especially neurotransmitters like serotonin, which regulate your mood. Every time you drink to ease anxiety, you’re training your brain to believe alcohol is the solution.