No matter what picture you might paint in your mind, recovering from alcoholism and alcohol abuse is not an easy road, and, once a person has successfully completed rehab, the risk of falling back into that dark pool still hangs over you (no pun intended). Now, casting the picture of rehab aside for a moment, let’s consider how habitual alcohol users feel when high stakes are thrust upon them. In a fascinating study conducted by the University of Exeter (England), researchers discovered that shy or introverted people who consumed alcohol at regular or excessive amounts suffered from hangxiety,” a condition where a person is (as the name suggests) anxious about a looming hangover. Even more fascinating, this pattern of behavior could determine a person’s future alcohol use (including a potential for addiction). Let’s take a closer look and find out more.
Shyness Leads to Hangxiety
While some people may pour a glass of wine to cope with the day, what they do not realize is that, by habitually drinking alcohol, they will trigger an onset of acute anxiety (particularly for introverted people). As part of a recent medical trial, researchers at the University of Exeter studied 97 social drinkers, who were instructed to drink normal amounts of alcohol or stay sober. As part of the experiment, the team analyzed the subjects based on social phobias, shyness, and alcohol dependence.
So, what did they find out? According to the Exeter team, extremely shy subjects experienced a decrease in anxiety while consuming alcohol. However, the next day, these individuals were severely anxious about hangovers (a case of hangxiety).
Shyness and Addiction
Even more interesting, the Exeter team proposed a link between acute shyness and hangxiety could be directly linked to future problems with alcohol. In a recent press release, Professor Celia Morgan explained the acceptance of anxiety and shyness is the key to preventing future afflictions. According to the Exeter professor, it is perfectly fine to be the “quiet type.”
Always remember that alcohol does not have control over your life. You do. Are you suffering from a substance use disorder or a severe form of addiction? Do you have a friend or family member suffering from one or more of these debilitating illnesses? If you do, get in touch with Asana Recovery today. Our counselors and healthcare experts are ready to walk you through every step of the detox and withdrawal process and rehabilitation and guide you towards living a happier, healthier, and freer lifestyle. While the road to recovery might not be an easy road to travel, we promise to help you every step of the way. Take the first step to stay fit, healthy, and safe.
The time for you to take back control of your life is now. If you are interested in one of our residential treatment or supervised detoxification/withdrawal programs, we are ready and waiting to speak with you at your disclosure. Call Asana now at (949) 438-4504 to learn how to overcome your alcohol abuse or addiction troubles today.
