- The period following excessive alcohol consumption often brings feelings of guilt and anxiety, a phenomenon known as 'hangxiety.' This term combines the physical hangover with the mental distress of worrying about what was said or done while intoxicated.
- A neuropsychopharmacology professor explains that alcohol blocks the glutamate system, which is essential for memory formation.
- This blockage creates gaps in memory, making it impossible to recall potentially humiliating moments from the night before.
- While there are no specific drugs to cure the regret associated with this state, understanding the biological mechanisms behind it can help individuals cope with the aftermath of a night of heavy drinking.
Quick Summary
The aftermath of holiday celebrations often includes more than just a physical hangover; it frequently brings intense psychological distress. This state, known as hangxiety, combines the physical symptoms of a hangover with the anxiety of not knowing exactly what happened during a night of heavy drinking. The phenomenon is particularly prevalent in the digital age, where text messages and social media posts serve as painful reminders of alcohol-fueled conversations.
Experts note that this anxiety is rooted in the brain's chemistry. Alcohol consumption disrupts the glutamate system, which is vital for creating memories. As a result, individuals often experience memory lapses regarding specific conversations or actions. While no medication can eliminate the feeling of regret, understanding the physiological causes provides context for why these memories vanish and why the resulting anxiety feels so overwhelming.
The Rise of 'Hangxiety'
The transition from the holiday season to the new year can be difficult, especially when compounded by guilt and the lingering effects of alcohol. For many, the morning after a night of heavy drinking involves a dreaded check of a mobile phone. The discovery of messages sent while intoxicated serves as a digital footprint of a night that may have gone too far. When memory gaps—often referred to as lagunas—prevent a clear recollection of events, the resulting uncertainty can be agonizing.
This specific blend of a hangover and anxiety has been identified by the term hangxiety. The anglicism combines the words "hangover" and "anxiety" to describe the emotional state that follows excessive drinking. The phenomenon was highlighted in 2019, bringing attention to the psychological toll that accompanies the physical recovery from alcohol.
Necesitas glutamato para crear recuerdos. Y una vez que vas por la sexta o séptima copa, el sistema de glutamato se bloquea, por eso no puedes recordar cosas.— David Nutt, Professor of Neuropsychopharmacology
The Neuroscience of Memory Loss
Why does the brain refuse to recall the embarrassing things said during a night out? The answer lies in neurochemistry. David Nutt, a professor of neuropsychopharmacology at the Imperial College of London, has explained that alcohol significantly impacts the brain's ability to store memories.
According to the professor, the creation of memories requires the neurotransmitter glutamate. However, alcohol inhibits this system. As a person consumes more alcohol—specifically around the sixth or seventh drink—the glutamate system becomes blocked. This blockade prevents the brain from encoding new information, leading to the inability to remember humiliating or significant moments from the night before.
Coping with the Aftermath
Currently, there are no pharmaceutical solutions specifically designed to erase the feelings of regret or the anxiety associated with hangxiety. The phenomenon is a complex mix of biological and psychological factors that cannot be instantly cured by a pill. The lack of medication places the focus on understanding and managing the emotional response to the memory gaps.
While the source material does not provide a step-by-step guide for recovery, it emphasizes that the experience is a common result of the brain's reaction to high levels of alcohol. Acknowledging that the memory loss is a physiological response rather than a personal failing may help individuals navigate the remorse that follows a night of excessive drinking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'hangxiety'?
Hangxiety is a term that describes the combination of a physical hangover and the anxiety associated with worrying about what was said or done while drinking.
Why can't I remember what happened after drinking?
According to experts, alcohol blocks the glutamate system in the brain, which is essential for memory formation. This prevents the brain from creating memories of events that occur after heavy drinking.
