Alcohol affects the GABA chemical in our brain, which is a chemical that has a relaxing effect,” Surak-Zammitti said. “When we have a small amount of alcohol, it increases the GABA, resulting in us feeling relaxed. When we have a large amount of alcohol, it depletes the GABA, causing a feeling of panic. This type of anxiety can last for up to 24 hours, depending on how much you consume.” Hangxiety affects about 12 people out of 100, and Surak-Zammitti noted that everyone who drinks, depending on your brain’s sensitivity to alcohol, could experience it to some degree, though people with mental illness such as anxiety may feel it more acutely. “If you're predisposed to any mental illness, not just anxiety, substances spark it,” Surak-Zammitti said. “Imagine a screen on a screen door where the netting is very tight. When we drink alcohol, the screen loosens and allows those illnesses to creep in. So if you are predisposed to anxiety, alcohol will make it worse.