Can Drinking Make You More Anxious Over Time?

Can Drinking Make You More Anxious Over Time?

Author: Mike Hardenbrook & Cloud9 July 30, 2025 Duration: 8:01

Can drinking actually cause anxiety — not just help it? Turns out, the answer is way more complicated than we think.

In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook unpacks the tangled relationship between alcohol and anxiety — and why your evening glass of wine might be quietly messing with your mental health. Backed by new research and real-world insight, this episode dives into the science, symptoms, and support systems that matter.

You’ll learn:

  • Why alcohol initially eases anxiety — but rebounds hard later
  • The role of GABA, withdrawal, and the kindling effect
  • How to spot the difference between social drinking and anxiety-driven patterns
  • Effective tools to manage both: CBT, mindfulness, and recovery communities
  • How ingredients like Ashwagandha (found in Daily Restore) may help support a calmer nervous system during the process

🎧 Tap play now to understand the deeper link between drinking and anxiety — and how to take back control one small step at a time.


Mike Hardenbrook, a best-selling author, hosts The Alcohol Reset by Cloud9, a podcast that feels more like a series of thoughtful, evidence-based conversations than a prescriptive program. It sits at the intersection of health, nutrition, and mental well-being, offering a grounded approach to rethinking one of the most common social habits. The focus here isn't on preaching abstinence or promoting extreme challenges, but on providing a clearer understanding of how alcohol interacts with your brain and body. Each episode is deliberately concise, breaking down concepts from neuroscience and habit formation into actionable insights you can apply immediately. You'll find discussions on managing cravings, improving sleep quality, and subtle shifts in daily routines that collectively foster a greater sense of control. This isn't about adding another layer of stress or rules to your life; it's about equipping you with knowledge and practical strategies to make choices that genuinely align with your overall wellness goals. Tuning into this podcast feels like getting reliable, no-nonsense advice from a well-informed friend who understands that real, lasting change is built on understanding, not willpower alone. It's a resource for anyone curious about creating a more intentional and healthier relationship with alcohol, one small, sustainable step at a time.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Alcohol Reset by Cloud9
Podcast Episodes
Alcohol's Impact on Daily Mood and Productivity [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:15
Even one or two drinks — the kind you barely think about — can quietly mess with your next day. From lost motivation to emotional ups and downs, alcohol has a way of showing up long after the buzz wears off.In this episo…
Hangover or Hangxiety? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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Breaking the Cycle: Alcohol and Emotional Resilience [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

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The Emotional Toll of Social Drinking [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:08
Ever wake up feeling anxious, foggy, or disconnected after a night of “just social drinking”? You’re not alone—and it’s not just the alcohol.In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook explores the emotional toll of social drinkin…
Why Alcohol Throws Off Your Balance [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:58
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Why You Don’t Bounce Back Like You Used To [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:29
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Brain Fog After Drinking? Here’s the Fix [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:04
Feeling scatterbrained after a night out? You’re not imagining it.Even a few drinks can mess with your sleep, hydration, and brain chemistry—leading to that foggy, sluggish feeling the next day. But the good news? Cuttin…
Is Wine Really Helping Your Heart? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:25
Red wine gets a lot of love for being “heart healthy”… but is it really? Or have we all been sipping on wishful thinking?In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook uncorks the truth about wine and heart health:Where the “wine is…
Can Alcohol Kill Your Gains? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:43
Hitting the gym and hitting the bar? You’re not alone. But what if that post-workout drink is slowing down your muscle recovery?In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down what really happens when alcohol and exercise…
Your Liver Called—It’s Tired [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:36
Feeling bloated, foggy, or just off after a couple drinks? Your liver might be waving a white flag.In this episode, Mike Hardenbrook breaks down what your liver really does, how alcohol can quietly wear it down, and the…