Experts pinpoint who is more likely to experience ‘hangxiety’

Certain people are more prone to experiencing ‘hangxiety’ than others after a night out, researchers suggested today.

For years people have complained that even a couple of glasses of wine can see them wake up tired, foggy-headed and anxious.

While not an official diagnosis, they have used ‘hangxiety’ to describe the emotional plunge they feel after drinking.

But, according to Australian researchers ‘hangxiety’ is real and there is a ‘significant association’ between hangovers and ‘increased negative affects’ including anxiety, stress and depression. 

The scientists, who tracked the behavioural habits of over 6,000 adults, found people who act in ways that ‘go against their personal values’ while drunk often feel more  embarrassed, regretful, or anxious during a hangover. 

These feelings can then lead to overthinking and harsh self-criticism, which worsen their emotional distress or ‘hangxiety’.

People who are also more prone to anxiety or low mood may also experience ‘hangxiety’ more intensely, they added. 

The scientists did not explain exactly how alcohol can trigger ‘hangxiety’.

However, previous studies have suggested that alcohol influences someone’s mood and anxiety levels in the brain to make someone feel happier and relaxed. 

Once the alcohol levels decline in the body, then feelings of anxiety and depression can increase.

Rebecca Rothman and Dr Blair Aitken, experts in psychology and alcohol hangovers at Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne and study co-authors, said: ‘Hangxiety hits harder when people act out of character while drunk. 

‘Saying or doing things that clash with personal values can trigger embarrassment or shame the next day, fuelling harsh self-criticism and intensifying emotional distress.

‘People who struggle with emotional regulation — recognising and managing one’s emotions in healthy ways — face particular challenges.

‘Sharing hangover experiences with friends can help ease emotional discomfort. Social support provides reassurance and helps people feel less alone in their experience. 

‘A GP or a psychologist can also assess whether underlying anxiety or problematic drinking patterns need support.’

The researchers conducted a meta-analysis of 22 studies which involved 6,152 people who were aged 27 on average. 

After analysing the results of each study, they found people prone to anxiety or low mood, or those who drink to cope with stress, experience ‘hangxiety’ more intensely. 

When the effects wear off, those feelings return in sharper focus, which can amplify stress and worry. 

Meanwhile, those with higher emotional resilience — the ability to adapt to stress and keep perspective — tended to cope more effectively. 

But, the researchers also found that those who experienced ‘hangxiety’ weren’t often motivated then to drink less.

Dr Aitken and Ms Rothman added: ‘You might assume a brutal hangover would deter future drinking, but most people viewed hangovers as routine inconveniences or rites of passage.

‘When alcohol becomes a coping tool for stress, hangxiety can actually reinforce the cycle. 

‘Alcohol dulls discomfort, but when it wears off, the same feelings return, prompting another drink for relief. 

‘This loop helps explain why even frequent hangovers rarely lead to meaningful behaviour change.’

Writing in the journal Drug and Alcohol Review, the researchers also said: ‘These findings align with previous research suggesting that young adults often perceive hangovers as a minor yet inevitable consequence of binge drinking.

‘This belief may stem from a greater emphasis on the social and enjoyable aspects of alcohol consumption, with the negative effects of a hangover viewed as an acceptable trade-off rather than a deterrent.’ 

Recent polls suggest that the average Briton drinks roughly 18 units of alcohol a week, equivalent to around six pints of 5.2 per cent beer every week, or six large glasses of wine.

Leading experts have also rowed about the harms of drinking for decades.

Scientists across the board, however, agree that excessive alcohol consumption can permanently damage the liver and cause an array of cancers and drive up blood pressure.

The World Health Organization estimate it kills three million people around the world each year.

The NHS recommends people drink no more than 14 ‘units’ of alcohol—around six glasses of wine, or pints of beer—per week.

Meanwhile, the US says women should drink no more than seven standard drinks a week and men can have 14.