What do you think?
Rate this book
Hangxiety: How Alcohol Messes with Your Mind
What alcohol is really doing to your brain, mood and mental health – and why the effects can last beyond the hangover.
‘An intensely personal and scientifically grounded overview.’ – Professor David Nutt, neuropsychopharmacologist and founder of Drug Science
Have you ever asked yourself why you can’t drink like other people seem to? If even a couple of drinks can leave you feeling anxious, low or unlike yourself the next day, you’re not imagining it. Whether you’re questioning your relationship with alcohol, cutting back or simply looking for answers, this book reveals what’s really happening in your brain. It explains why alcohol affects you the way it does, replaces shame with understanding and helps you make choices that support your wellbeing.
Bestselling author and founder of Sober Girl Society, Millie Gooch, reveals why ‘hangxiety’ is far more than just a bad hangover. Drawing on cutting-edge neuroscience, expert interviews and real-life stories, she explains how alcohol affects your brain, nervous system and mental health – from anxiety and sleep disruption to stress, trauma and neurodivergence – and why alcohol can affect you in ways you might never have connected to your drinking.
You’ll
Why hangxiety can happen even after ‘just a few’ How alcohol can hijack your nervous system and amplify stressThe hidden feedback loop between alcohol, sleep and low moodWhat science says about cutting down – and how your brain recovers
Hangxiety is a compassionate, judgement-free guide that helps you understand your brain, let go of shame and make informed choices about alcohol that support your mental health.
‘Smart, funny and genuinely mind-blowing – without being in any way judgy – Millie has achieved something quite remarkable with this book.’ – Sarah Turner, bestselling author of The Unmumsy Mum
‘An intensely personal and scientifically grounded overview.’ – Professor David Nutt, neuropsychopharmacologist and founder of Drug Science
Have you ever asked yourself why you can’t drink like other people seem to? If even a couple of drinks can leave you feeling anxious, low or unlike yourself the next day, you’re not imagining it. Whether you’re questioning your relationship with alcohol, cutting back or simply looking for answers, this book reveals what’s really happening in your brain. It explains why alcohol affects you the way it does, replaces shame with understanding and helps you make choices that support your wellbeing.
Bestselling author and founder of Sober Girl Society, Millie Gooch, reveals why ‘hangxiety’ is far more than just a bad hangover. Drawing on cutting-edge neuroscience, expert interviews and real-life stories, she explains how alcohol affects your brain, nervous system and mental health – from anxiety and sleep disruption to stress, trauma and neurodivergence – and why alcohol can affect you in ways you might never have connected to your drinking.
You’ll
Why hangxiety can happen even after ‘just a few’ How alcohol can hijack your nervous system and amplify stressThe hidden feedback loop between alcohol, sleep and low moodWhat science says about cutting down – and how your brain recovers
Hangxiety is a compassionate, judgement-free guide that helps you understand your brain, let go of shame and make informed choices about alcohol that support your mental health.
‘Smart, funny and genuinely mind-blowing – without being in any way judgy – Millie has achieved something quite remarkable with this book.’ – Sarah Turner, bestselling author of The Unmumsy Mum
Audible Audio
Published September 8, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
August 16, 2026
A readable, non-judgemental and seemingly comprehensive study of the mental health costs of alcohol consumption. I don’t know Goosh from her online sobriety advocacy work, but she comes across as compassionate and relatable as she outlines the mental and social complexities of not drinking in a society that feels like it demands it.
August 22, 2026
If you've ever thought about quitting alcohol, or even just cutting back, this is a great deep dive into the science of exactly what alcohol is doing to your body and why making a change could be so beneficial. If you're reading this book, like me, you're probably looking to make some changes. For me, it's less about the quantity I drink (I’m not a massive drinker) and more about the potential benefits for my health and weight loss.
Coming from a science background, I really enjoyed the approach of breaking down the reasons why people drink and what is actually happening in the body when we do. It's not simply based on Millie's opinions or those of her followers; throughout the book, she draws on research, studies and experts in the relevant fields to provide a really comprehensive look at each topic.
Although there is plenty of science here, it's explained in a way that's easy to understand, while still leaving you in no doubt about the potential benefits of going sober for your long-term health and wellbeing. I'd never come across the Sober Girl Society, which Millie founded, before reading this book, but I'll definitely be checking it out now.
A fantastic read for anyone considering changing their relationship with alcohol, whether you're looking to quit completely or simply cut back.
Coming from a science background, I really enjoyed the approach of breaking down the reasons why people drink and what is actually happening in the body when we do. It's not simply based on Millie's opinions or those of her followers; throughout the book, she draws on research, studies and experts in the relevant fields to provide a really comprehensive look at each topic.
Although there is plenty of science here, it's explained in a way that's easy to understand, while still leaving you in no doubt about the potential benefits of going sober for your long-term health and wellbeing. I'd never come across the Sober Girl Society, which Millie founded, before reading this book, but I'll definitely be checking it out now.
A fantastic read for anyone considering changing their relationship with alcohol, whether you're looking to quit completely or simply cut back.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you to @libro.fm & Hay House for an advance audio copy! I really enjoyed Millie's ability to give information in a way that makes this difficult topic seem like a casual (yet, researched and factual) conversation.
As someone with a few alcoholics in my life, this was helpful in seeing the way their brain sees things.
As someone with a few alcoholics in my life, this was helpful in seeing the way their brain sees things.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews