GABA receptors are also the primary target of anti-anxiety medications such as Xanax and Valium.

Clearly, the relationship between alcohol and anxiety can be a (majorly) vicious cycle.

With that in mind, its only natural to consider cutting back on the cocktails.

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Buthow exactly does curtailing your alcohol intake impact your anxiety and mood?

This is where things start looking up.

Cutting back on alcoholallows us to have increased energy throughout our day, says Stone.

Photography of a apple juice in glasses and apples in a wicker basket on wooden table

New York City-based sleep psychologist

Your digestion will improve

Alcohol can impact the body in many ways, including the digestive tract.

Therefore,reducing alcohol use can reduce gut inflammation and improve digestionoverall.

Alcohol is a depressant, meaning it functions as a sedative to the nervous system, says Goldman.

red pigment in a wooden spoon

This can affect our work, relationships, and lead to increased stress and anxiety.

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New York City-based sleep psychologist

A hand is stirring a sourdough starter in a glass jar, on a kitchen countertop. The light casts a warm glow, highlighting the ingredients inside the jar.

Two cups with coffee and green tea on a beige background.