The phenomenon known as 'hangxiety,' a term describing the emotional distress experienced after a night of drinking, has been recognized as a real and significant association between hangovers and increased negative affects, including anxiety, stress, and depression. Australian researchers, following a study of over 6,000 adults, confirmed this link, suggesting that certain individuals are indeed more susceptible to these intense emotional plunges.

Key factors contributing to the severity of hangxiety include acting in ways that contradict personal values while intoxicated. Individuals who find themselves saying or doing things that clash with their core beliefs often experience heightened feelings of embarrassment, regret, or anxiety during a hangover. These feelings can lead to excessive rumination and harsh self-criticism, which further exacerbates emotional distress. Moreover, people who are already prone to anxiety or low mood, or those who use alcohol as a coping mechanism for stress, tend to experience hangxiety more intensely. Those with higher emotional resilience, however, are often better equipped to manage and adapt to these post-drinking anxieties.

While the exact mechanism by which alcohol triggers hangxiety is not fully understood, previous studies shed light on alcohol's influence on mood and anxiety levels in the brain. Initially, alcohol can induce feelings of happiness and relaxation. However, as alcohol levels in the body decline, these positive feelings subside, often replaced by increased anxiety and depression, amplifying pre-existing emotional vulnerabilities.

Experts Rebecca Rothman and Dr. Blair Aitken from Swinburne University of Technology emphasize that hangxiety hits harder when people act out of character while drunk. They also highlight the challenges faced by individuals who struggle with emotional regulation—the ability to recognize and manage one's emotions in healthy ways. For those experiencing hangxiety, social support can play a crucial role in easing emotional discomfort, providing reassurance, and making individuals feel less isolated. Consulting a GP or a psychologist is also recommended to assess any underlying anxiety or problematic drinking patterns.

Interestingly, the research found that despite experiencing brutal hangovers and hangxiety, most people are not motivated to reduce their future drinking. Hangovers are often viewed as routine inconveniences or even rites of passage. When alcohol becomes a coping tool for stress, hangxiety can paradoxically reinforce a cycle: alcohol temporarily dulls discomfort, but when its effects wear off, the same negative feelings return, prompting another drink for relief. This loop helps explain why frequent hangovers rarely lead to meaningful behavioral changes, a finding consistent with previous research suggesting young adults often perceive hangovers as a minor yet inevitable consequence of binge drinking, prioritizing social enjoyment over negative effects.

Broader concerns about alcohol consumption persist, with leading experts agreeing that excessive drinking can cause permanent liver damage, various cancers, and increased blood pressure. The World Health Organization estimates alcohol kills three million people globally each year. Health guidelines recommend moderate consumption, with the NHS suggesting no more than 14 units per week, and US guidelines recommending no more than seven standard drinks a week for women and 14 for men.