Country music artist Zach Bryan has talked about his past experiences with mental health problems that developed from his alcohol use. In a recent discussion with actor Matthew McConaughey, Bryan explained that drinking heavily led to intense panic attacks. He mentioned that when he consumed around 15 beers in a day, he started to feel severe panic attacks that made his body feel numb, leading him to fear that he might have a stroke.
Bryan also recounted how he sought help from a doctor, though he initially did not believe there was a serious issue. He told the doctor he was just hungover, but the doctor insisted that he had a serious condition. After a diagnosis of panic disorder, the doctor advised him to stop drinking. Bryan said that the doctor suggested quitting alcohol could improve his situation, and when he tried it, he noticed positive changes.
He also revealed that he had depended on alcohol to manage his stage fright. He shared his routine before performances, which included working out, taking a shower, playing guitar, listening to music, and drinking a few beers to calm his nerves. He felt that drinking helped him overcome stage fright and gave him confidence.
However, he recognized that this pattern continued with every show. The next day, he would feel the need to drink again to manage his ongoing panic and nervousness before performing. He expressed concern that he would be trapped in this cycle forever.
After making the decision to stop drinking, Bryan found that performing sober was initially daunting and that he felt more fear on stage than when he was drinking. But he later discovered that once he was performing, it became much more enjoyable. He described the feeling as uplifting, saying it was a joyful experience.
By late 2025, Bryan had announced that he had stopped drinking altogether. He shared that he had been using alcohol to cope with feelings of unhappiness and emptiness. Quitting drinking, he noted, has led to increased creativity, energy, and contentment. He expressed feeling great and whole, without needing anything to help him get through life.
What are your thoughts on how alcohol can affect mental health?
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Source: popculture.com, by Samantha Whidden