In the short term, while you’re still feeling the effects of drinking alcohol or taking drugs, you may feel:
- happy
- excited
- energetic
- relaxed
- sociable, or like it’s easier to talk to people
- tired
- sad
- anxious
- paranoid
- impulsive, or less worried about doing things you wouldn’t do normally
- out of control
Even once the alcohol or drug wears off, it can still have an effect on your mental health. You may find that you feel:
- sad
- anxious
- tired
- paranoid
- spaced out
As some drugs such as alcohol make you feel more relaxed, outgoing and sociable, some people use them to help with anxiety in the short term. While this may help reduce feelings of anxiety in the moment, it can have negative long-term effects. For example, you may find that you start to feel as though you “need it” to cope in these situations in future; it may make feelings of anxiety or depression worse once the effects have worn off; or it may make you physically ill.
If you are struggling with anxiety, it is important to get help so that you can develop coping mechanisms that work for you in both the short term and the long term.
For advice on coping with anxiety, have a look at our guide.