Rehab Posts Blog on Feeling Guilty After Drinking

Erlanger, KY — In a recent blog post, SUN Behavioral Health Kentucky educated the community on why people feel guilty after they drink alcohol. When people experience guilt, it often reflects feelings that they have fallen short of moral standards of themselves or society. People don’t have to navigate these emotions alone. Being willing to make a change and discussing it with a trusted and understanding person can help relieve feelings of guilt, as can forgiving oneself.

“Several reasons exist when it comes to why you might feel guilty after drinking, and not everyone will experience the exact reasons why they feel guilty for drinking alcohol. However, often, these reasons are tied to drinking alcohol. For example, you might feel guilty about the idea if your family found out you were drinking, or perhaps after a night of binge drinking before a big job presentation makes you feel guilty about the impact of those implications. Maybe your doctor had a conversation with you about lowering your alcohol intake earlier in the day, but you found yourself staring at the bottom of your 3rd bottle of beer later that night,” the blog post states.

Low serotonin levels can also result in feelings of guilt, which can occur because alcohol is a depressant. If someone has a co-occurring mental health disorder, such as anxiety or depression, it results in dopamine dysregulation. This could be worsened by drinking alcohol, leading to intense feelings of guilt. A hangover mixed with anxiety, also known as hangxiety, may result in feelings of regret, shame, and guilt. It also comes with a headache, nausea, and fatigue. Not everyone will experience hangxiety after a night of drinking, and the reasons for why one occurs can differ. Some might have it because of an existing anxiety disorder. In contrast, others experience it because they do not drink enough water or drink alcohol on an empty stomach.

Not drinking alcohol is the best way to avoid guilt and anxiety after drinking. Also, limiting oneself to 1 drink an hour or limiting how much one drinks throughout the night can reduce the chances they will have guilt afterward. Remembering to drink an equal amount of or more water than alcohol can also limit feelings of guilt, as well as never drinking on an empty stomach. Feelings of guilt after drinking alcohol do not necessarily mean that the person has an alcohol use disorder. Still, guilt can indicate potential signs if they happen frequently. These signs may include feeling guilty about not spending enough time with family, not dedicating enough time to work, giving up on activities, and putting oneself in dangerous situations all because of alcohol use.

“When it comes to feelings of guilt combined with an alcohol use disorder, it can feel debilitating. You may feel like you are stuck in an endless cycle of cravings for alcohol followed by guilt after you have drank alcohol, followed by a decision to stop, followed by cravings for alcohol. The good news is that help and recovery are both possible. While seeking help might seem like a weakness, it is the most vital thing you can do. Getting help means you are willing to step towards a more solid foundation and a healthier life,” the blog post continues.

SUN Behavioral Health Kentucky solves unmet needs in Erlanger. Their facility provides care for both adolescents and adults in the community. They can treat co-occurring disorders, ensuring anyone with co-occurring mental health and alcohol use disorders can achieve recovery without complications. They also offer 24/7 crisis care that is open and available no matter when someone is experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis.

For more information, visit their website or call them at 859-429-5188. SUN Behavioral Health solves unmet needs.