There are basically 6 reasons why alcohol consumption and hangovers make many people anxious and I’m going tell you what they are. I want to share this with you so that you can be more informed and avoid becoming alcohol’s punching bag.
Ever since I became sick with nervous illness I’ve heard a lot of people say that anxiety sufferers should not drink alcohol because it makes you more nervous than you already are.
I’ve always found this to be ironic because there are so many anxiety sufferers that drink alcohol to cope with their anxiety, but true it is.
Now, the fact that alcohol can cause anxiety is just that, a fact. It is a scientifically based understanding, so this is not simple conjecture on my part.
Will alcohol affect all people this way? Probably not, but as an anxiety sufferer you should be aware of the possible pitfalls of alcohol consumption, so pay close attention.
Scientists believe that alcohol causes or at least increases anxiety in 6 basic ways and here they are.
1. Mood
Alcohol can affect our mood because it can affect the level of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a feel good brain chemical that when in short supply can cause feelings of anxiety and depression.
A drop in blood sugar can cause dizziness, confusion, weakness, nervousness, shaking and numbness. These symptoms can most certainly trigger a bout of anxiety.
3. Dehydration
This has been known to cause nausea, dizziness, fatigue, light-headedness and muscle weakness. These symptoms wouldn’t cause anxiety per say but they add to a sense of illness which fosters anxiety.
4. Nervous System
The nervous system is affected because in order for the body to fight off the sedative effects of alcohol it puts the body into a state of hyperactivity in order to counteract this effect. This hyperactivity can lead to shaking, light/sound sensitivity and sleep deprivation.
5. Heart Rate
Your heart rate can become elevated as a result of consuming alcohol which can cause a palpitation false alarm and put you into a state of anxious anticipation. Is it a heart attack or isn’t it you might ask. This “what if” questioning can increase your general state of anxiety.
6. Concentration
A hard night of drinking can also make you hazy, bring on headaches and create a sense of disorientation.
So if you’re going to have a glass of wine with dinner I don’t think you should be concerned. On the other hand, if you’re a heavy drinker, or binge drinker, then this might cause a real problem for you.
According to The Times Online, scientists don’t know exactly why all this happens but they do suggest that you eat before drinking, drink water in between drinks, and stay in bed if you are hung over to avoid all the problems I outlined above.
Some would say that maybe you shouldn’t drink at all if you have an anxiety disorder – that’s debatable. Do you think that alcohol should be avoided at all cost when someone has an anxiety disorder?
I don’t think that alcohol should be avoided if drinking is part of your social repertoire, however, I also know that moderation and good sense should be your guide.
In addition, although alcohol does have a sedative effect it should not be used as a coping tool. This type of behavior can lead to alcoholism and worse yet, more anxiety.
So if you know that you’re a light weight, or if you already know that alcohol makes you anxious, don’t bother. Maybe I don’t need to say it, but really some people just don’t know when to say no.
Note: I want to hear your opinions. Let me know what you think about this issue – comment below.
Update
After waiting forever I finally completed a podcast for this article. Press play to listen now.
i recently turned 30 and ive come out of a long term relationship. ive had a history of health anxiety after a close friend of mine passed away when i was 16. so whenever i seem to go through a tough time i tend to hit the bottle hard. i dont drink everday but i have a history of binge. so yes ive had all the physical symptoms and anxiety attacks to think i was dying prob 100 times plus. i for a long time feared i was having a heart attack. had palpatations. symptoms seem to change over time. i after a very big boozy weekend, my birthday am going through symptoms. ive the last few months been feeling numbness in my hands and feet. like there is no circulation. does anybody else get this? i worry about this. every time i have tests the doc just says its anxiety. someone suggested it could be from low blood sugar level??? not sure. all i know is i want to be healthy. i guess i need to just not drink for a while and see how i feel. surely i will feel better.
Justin,
What you write is completely understandable. Grief is just so difficult to come to terms with. Especially hard when you are 30. I know all about grief because I’m 44 (which to you might sound like a right old lady!) BUT it is a hard thing to get over. It is my worst thing to get beyond without a doubt. Both of my parents are dead. My best friend died almost a year ago. He was an ex-lover as well. Then a few weeks ago my 45 year old brother had a heart attack. He survived thank goodness. He has a baby girl in December.
With anxiety, unfortunately, it is quite normal to feel that you are going to die and yo will suffer symptoms. They are different for everyone.
My only advice to you since I’m trying to help, is don’t go cold turkey, speak to friends and lay off absolute binging, which WILL bring on depression. Go easy on yourself, keep a good diet going and know, that however damn hard it is, we are going to lose people we love. BUT it doesn’t happen every day and you don’t need to suffer any more than you should. But no need to go cold turkey. Have the odd drink here and there and keep track of what you are consuming.
So… little by little, drink less, talk to the people who are dearest to you and carry on loving those that are alive, and tell them that you do. There is nothing you can do to stop people from dying. But you need not beat yourself up about it to ruin your life.
Plus there is also the little pill called Xanax that works. Look it up. Don’t suffer. Please get well. And please be happy. Sadness cannot be a way to go about living your life. I did it way too long and do not recommend it. At 30 you have every possibility to be exactly and do whatever you want. Think about that and go for it! I bet you are a superb person and I think you can get over this and not let it rule your life. xx
This is only my second time posting here. I read alot of the posts quite often so I figure it is my turn to chime in. I am not a doctor or a psychologist, so we will say this is just “my opinion”. BUT, my opinion should be validated as I have suffered from acute Anxiety disorder since my early teens. My biggest down falls in suffering with this curse has been mis diagnosis. I have been diagnosed as Bi-polar, Manic Depressive and even Schizophrania(excuse my spelling), when all along it has been anxiety.Most doctors will tell you that it is not genetic, but in my opinion they are as wrong as the doctors who have misdiagnosed people who suffer from anxiety. My Mother and father both suffer from anxiety in two different ways and I am the exact combination of the two. Nobody likes to be labeled, but labeling the problem is identfying the problem, and we all agree that fixing the problem can not be succesful if we are unsure of what the problem is. . right? Right. Now, there seems to be two categories of people on this forum. . “In my opinion”. #1, is those of you who are “alchoholics” and #2, are those of you like myself who suffer from Anxiety. There is only three similarities between the two; one we both drink too much, two we both deal with anxiety, and three we are all our own worst enemies. But the differences between the two is what will help you identify what YOUR problem is which will then give you a better avenue to deal with your anxiety depending on the category you fit into. HERE ARE THE DIFFERENCES: People suffering from an anxiety disorder often subconsiously drink to “self medicate” their anxiety,and then unfortunetely the consumption of too much alchohol redlines their normal anxiety level to where it seems unbearable. Alchoholics on the other hand who are addicted to alchohol,(not picking on anyone) just stating “my opinion” use “grief”, “stress” and/or “loss” as an excuse to get loaded, which in turn causes anxiety as it would anyone who has consumed too much alchohol.
Both have pros and cons so to speak as both are diseases that wreck peoples lives when untreated. Alchoholics have the convenience of popping a zanax when experiencing self inflicted anxiety, and then they are ready for the next round. The cure for a true alchoholic is simply to avoid alchohol all together. . seems simple for someone who suffer from anxiety, but for alchoholics life with out alchohol seems empty. Counseling and a support group is the best avenue for an alchoholic. A person with true anxiety should avoid xanax and other medications as you have built in tools that have been weakened somewhere along the line which has caused your inability to cope, finding these tools and learning to use them can greatly reduce your anxiety, but unfortunetely you will ALWAYS have anxiety. People who have anxiety disorders rarely become alchoholics as the alchohol elevates the anxiety which puts a fear of alchohol into them. Social drinking and knowing your limits after you have learned coping tools can be acheived if you stay away from the xanax that will only cause agitation and further anxiety after it wears off. So do you make excuses to drink or do you drink to self medicate? Either way you will experience anxiety, but there are two very different roads to recovery.
Frank P.
Frank,
I agree with almost all you said. Anxiety IS hereditary. But it’s also an easy out on your part to blame it on your parents. It goes deeper than that.
Drinking for most is NOT fun, but it’s a quick escape. Do you think anyone wants to take Xanax? Do you think people like to use inhalers? We have have problems. Drinking alcholo is a disease. Sometimes the drugs can help. I keep Xanax by my bed but do I use it all the time? No? Why? Because drinking is enough of a filthy drug and I don’t want to get another addiction, thank you.
Amd no one is ‘ready for the next round’. What a silly comment to make. I don’t know anyone who LIKES to suffer!
Also, my partner went to counseling for TWO years for enabling issues. It cost $150 a session. Did it work? No. What worked was him talking it through with me and now he is much better.
And you talk of a support group. Here it is! We are here because anxiety and alcohol are extremely difficult to understand. If only there was an easy answer. But there is isn’t. Do you think we like to get drunk? That’s for kids or for people who ‘think’ they have a social life.
Also, sometimes when you suffer grief or loss, any escape can help in the short term. The short term only. I’ll tell you why: for a woman my age I have suffered so many close people dying: parents, best friends, lovers, that often there seems no choice straight after it happens. And I am not an old lady and it is hard to bear. Counselors in the US charge too much and give you their own opinion on things and I won’t do it. What works is trying your best to abstain and knowing you have an issue but are fighting it. It could take a lifetime but at least most on this forum are trying. It’s a stuggle. There just are no easy answers to this one I’m afraid.
This is very well written, and does make a lot of sense. Being a freshman in college, there’s always a nonstop talk of alcohol and the party scene. No doubt that it’s a great socializing experience, but also too many students take it to another level of drunkeness. I’ve been on medication for my anxiety for the last 6 years or so. I’ve had my struggles, but much of the time I have been able to function normally as well. I might not even have enough room to count on both hands the different mdeications I’ve been on, but for the most part it was fluoxetine, and now venlafaxine ER. The dosages have varied, but right now I’m at 150 mg, and I have honestly not had a problem the first month plus being away from home. I’ve tried to have some drinks in the past, but when I even have just one, I experience those symptoms mentioned, and totally freak out. Usually, it’s late at night and I’m with some friends in a calm setting, but that doesn’t stop the fact i can convince myself I’m about to die for some reason. The end of my senior year was goin great until I decided to test it again, and failed miserabley, this time with the company of just my parents afterwards. At this time I was slowly decling my dosages and was doing very well on 37.5 mg of venlafaxine every other day. It was memorial day weekend, and after that night continued not to takle it, so by the end of the weekend, and the time school rolled around I experience the worst anxiety I ever have in my life. I couldnt even stay alone in my own house because I thought I was going to die from some medical problem that i couldnt even identify, but just thought it was there (brain tumor, cancers, etc). I missed my graduation ceremony, and ultimately about 2 weeks of what should have been great times with my friends. When I could finally meet back with my psychiatrist she greatly discouarged me from even taking a SIP of alcohol in college. My summer got better, but I was never the same. Right before college I went from 75 mg to 150 mg, and that seemed to help. I suffered a few episodes in the summer, but the worst part was constantely thinking about my departure from my family and friends, and ultimately what will happen when I/we die. My conscience was torn, and I always had the thought of if I leave my comfort zone, that maybe I’d experience the same downfall again. I’ve began to appreciate my life much more however, and realize how precious life is, so incase you were wondering, if there were any suicidal thoughts in my past, they have been put to rest. I love life, even if it sometimes sucks. Now that I’ve again conquered it, I feel so good, but those memories haven’t left me. I desperately want to join all my friends in drinking, but I know the affects of alchol itself, have seen them firsthand, and frankly overconsumption makes me sick just thinking about it. Just even 2-4 drinks on a night on the weekend is all I would ask for, but I have not tested myself yet. I really dont care what people say about me that I dont drink, I know my reasons, my friends know my reasons, and it takes a lot more character to stay sober than just get completely wasted. But on the otherhand, I can’t really ‘participate’ in drinking games. It’s more a feeling of being left out, than not being able to consume. The main thing is, is that when I do drink, I think that I’m going to die after doing so. The thought just plays over and over in my mind that I’m going to be a victim of serotonin synddrome, even though I’m not sure that it’s really possible from drinking, even in small to above moderate amounts. I;m going to meet with my psychiatrist soon again, and that’s the main thing I’d like to discuss with her now. What are any of your thoughts on this matter?
Logan M
Ruth and Logan,
Remember that this is just my opinion. I did NOT blame my parents for my anxiety. We are all delt a hand in life and as human beings we have to play it the best we can. I was merely explaining that it CAN be genetics as in my case. Drugs can help but they are nothing more than a bandaid to a festering infection. Drugs are truly the “easy out.”
As for Logan, you are clearly not an achoholic.I know your nightmare. Self diagnosing is just one of the obsessive thought patterns associated with Anxiety Disorders. I am constantly telling myself what is wrong with me. The danger in that is very real though, as a self fullfilled profacy (spell check please?)often steps in. The more you tell yourself you will have a panic attack the more likely it will happen. A vicious circle indeed. I have never heard of the drugs you are on, but then again it has been years since I have allowed a Doctor to assist me with my condition. If it makes you feel any better as it does me. . There are alot of people in this world who simply do NOT drink. Not because it causes anxiety, but just by choice. The people I know who do not drink live very good lives. They are occupied and more importantly “satisfied” through other means, like living day to day and all the things that go with that. Be proud that for whatever reason it is you can sit back and watch every one else get tanked and act like idiots:) Stay focused on your school work because one of the most important tools you will ever gain in your battle with anxiety is having a successful life. If you were a vagrant living under a bridge, beleive me that your anxiety would be off the charts. In my opinion though, your goal should be to get off the meds all together. Some of the symptoms that I suffer from to this very day are actually permenant side effects from the meds I have been prescribed over the years. Effexor just to name one, absolutely fried my brain. You have the built in tools to cope, you just have to find them and you will never be able to do so on medications like xanax etc. One of the most important things that a doctor ever said to me when I was going through some horrible depression and anxiety was, “Grow up”, “get yourself involved in something to occupy your mind”. Beleive it or not it really works, it IS that simple, just not so simple when your having an episode.
Do well in school and be proud of the individual that YOU are. Drinking just is just not for you and that;s OK. Keep your life in order, do well in school and your anxiety will most likely pass once you have established a better knowledge of who you are. . Good Luck.
Frank P.
Hello, in response to the statement saying anxietysufferes should not have to eliminate alcohol completely..I disagree. My boyfriend who is a long time anxiety sufferer, can’t consume 2 or three beers without it causing him sever irritabliliy. To the point that the simple sound of dishes being being done is intolorable. A simple disagreement turns into an all day event. Theseevents occur the day after consuming the beverages. This may not apply to all anxiety patients but in some cases I suggest laying off the stuff completely. He does not take any medication for his condition so there isn’t any drug interaction going on when he drinks. I think his bloodsugar just goes haywire andseratonin levels are effected negatively. Makes life hard on himself right along with me since the irritability level is intense enough for me to just go in another room so I do not crunch the eggshells I must walk on 🙁 sad life to live since drinking is a big part of socialization.
Frank P.
That doctor that you went to that told you to grow up is an idiot! That may be good advice for some people but for other people with a serious mental illness that can be a death sentence!
There are people out there that are mentally ill and cannot get along without medication.
In fact most mental illnesses get worse if they are not treated with medication and therapy.
The term “Grow Up” my work for some people but it is certainly not going to work for everyone and to tell people that it is “that simple” and also that “it really works” is wrong and very dangerous…you are not a doctor and should not be giving advice like that to people who may have a potential mental illness.
You must keep in mind that everyone is an individual and we all react differently to taking medications or not taking medications…each person has to do what works best for them.
There is no right way or wrong way. I’m happy that you’ve found what works for you.
But as stated previously that may not be the best choice for another individual.
Oh and another thing Frank P. I’m not trying to be hostile here or anything but how do you know if Logan M is an alcoholic or not? He’s the only one that can determine that. He and nobody else!
Minnie,
As I have REPEATIDLY said in both my recent posts. . “I AM NOT A DOCTOR AND THIS IS JUST MY OPINION.” I am just telling my take on things, and the doctor that told me to grow up helped me, I didnt say for Logan to grow up. You should try to read the posts closer before badgering them. I still suffer from anxiety, I am in no way cured, but medication is NOT the answer for someone who suffers from anxiety and certainly shouldnt be used inappropriately because you chose to drink too much the night before. Certainly there are mental illnesses that are better treated with meds, but NOT anxiety. Saying that medication is the answer is NOT always true. I mean come on, are you saying that electro shock theropy was a good practice back in the day? One day people may look back and find that the medications cause more harm than good. . . I am living proof of that! “Just my opinion.” I never suggested that everyone is the same. The first post was only to help people identify and that does apply to everyone. You cant treat an alchoholic in the same way you would treat someone who has anxiety. . right? You wouldnt suggest that a person who is not depressed should take anti-depressants right? I want nothing more than to help anyone that truly suffers from anxiety and panic attacks as I have my whole life and sharing “My Opinion” and my personal experience may just do that as reading other peoples opinions and individual stories have certainly helped me along the way. Logan clearly stated that he rarely drinks because it elevates his anxiety. . again. . try to read the posts a little closer. He truly suffers from anxiety “In my opinion”, and I as just trying to give some positive reinforcment as I too suffered from anxiety going through college and slipping into the drinking scene from peer pressure.
‘Frank P.
Whoa there!!…slow down people!..you are making me anxious!..for me, a combination of drinking and smoking caused anxiety, but more importantly, the way I interpreted moods/events and, in my humble opinion, meds allied to anxiety or depression, treat only the symptoms and not the causes..yes , we can quit the habits, but unless we change the way we interpret and thus act upon our emotions, then there is a good chance that we will always have these problems…it really is about “freeing” the mind, think about it for a second.
Good Luck everyone!
Had a little bit of an incident last nite.. Well for the last week i’ve been drinking my nitely light beers–nothing to get really “drunk”, but honestly about 6 beers a nite. Last nite i got up at 230am, and at first i was just “weirded” out because of getting up at that house. I couldnt sleep and after a few minutes i started to feel the “anxiety” kick in pretty good. To the point i was “considering” going to the ER. I got very hot and sweaty, and mind was facing, and i could just feel my blood pressure very elevated and i was flushed. I had that “crawling out of your skin” feeling and it made me scared. What I did was tell myself that i’ve BEEN HERE before, and never died from it. I had to take 1/2 a xanax (either that or goto the ER), put on the tv, and after about 30 mins i was back to sleep. Now, i’m not 100% sure, but i honestly think that in my particular case what may do this to me is eating very “greasy” food before bed, which i did last nite.. BEcause i had on top of my anxiety and feverish feelings last nite, also acid reflux when i woke and felt semi nautious. Also what i did was TELL myself that “listen, its NOT a heart attack’.. I told myself that i have ZERO pain in my arm, or chest, or ANYWHERE else , and even though i had that ‘crawlin out of skin’ feeling, that if it was a heart attack in any form i’m sure there would be some kind of numbness or pain, right? I woke up this morning and feel a teensy crappy(probably from the 6-7 beers i drank last nite, but i dont feel the anxiety much, and IF it was a heart attack iw as having, i’m sureeee i wouldnt feel fine the next mornign right?? So, i dont know what many of you others on here experience when having the anxiety attacks, but the symptoms i just outlined are what i have when i have my anxiety attacks, but i think the key point is that if your not having excrutiating chest or arm pains, or numbness, that its NOT a heart attack, and reminding yourself of this may just help you “calm” youself through the panic attack…Just wanted to share this.. And wondered if anyone else had the same symptoms i’ve described??
I go through the same thing J…Whenever my anxiety ramps up and I feel my heart get into some palpitations and begin to feel flush, the only thing that calms me down is telling myself there is no major chest or arm or jaw pain or numbness. Within a few moments I start calming back down. I’ve been through it so often it’s easy to self-diagnose correctly.
I’ve begun an internal process that has me so focused on cutting down my drinking that I’m feeling closer and closer to just stopping altogether. I did it with vodka I could do it with wine. Therapy is helping. So is my attitude of just becoming so tired of the weekend binging. It used to be every time I drank it was fun with friends. Now it’s usually just to numb things. That’s as big a sign as I can get that it’s close for me to just turn the page and move on with my life without the booze.
Time, as always, will tell.
J,
That’s me you are describing, except when I use to drink heavily (Binge) I would drink atleast a case of beer. But even now on occaions I will drink maybe a six pack on a special occasion and I know what I am in for the next day. I have been to the ER on 5 different occasion as I get chest pains and pain in my left arm after dinking. And no matter what angle I have tried to convince my self differently: EVERY SINGLE time a drink I end up with the chest pains, sweaty clammy feeling, and the “crawling out of your skin feeling”. . . EXACTLY WHAT I CALL IT TOO! My worst symptoms though are always the following night where I can not sleep and the chest pains just linger along with restless leg sydrome. I find that warm milk helps alot for sleep. Also you have to remember that alchohol has alot of sugar in it which is why you dont sleep well after drinking even though you “Pass Out”. I also experience the horrible feeling of racing thoughts. I think that has to be up there with the chest pain, cause it is an awful feeling where your mind is running on and on and on, processing useless information while you are just trying to turn off for the night. This always happens to me the “following” night after drinking, but has also happened to me after drinking Tea or any other highly caffenated drinks before bed. I find that not eating anything after 6pm and avoiding caffeine all together promotes healthy sleep patterns for me. BUT alchohol wrecks that pattern for me for a couple days after drinking no matter what I eat, drink avoid etc.
FrankP.
Todd, how you making out with the not drinking at all? Have you slipped or still on day xx or not a drop?? I’m curious…
Frank — I’m not sure why you feel actual “chest pains” and arms pains after drinking, but i’m pretty sure that if the Dr said yo had no blockage and it is NOT a heart attack, i would take much comfort in that.. I’m curious, that you said you used to drink a case a nite when binging, ? thats alot….I probably drink about 12-14 a nite maybe 2 nites a week myself, and 4-6 the other nites… Have you noticed that even only having a 6 pack of light beer messes you up for actually days afterwards???
Oh I slipped a while ago. I made a pact with myself that this final quarter of the year is going to be analyzed like never before. This is the time of year my binge drinking is at its peak with all the holidays, anniversaries, birthdays all packed close together. In the past it has always been an excuse to binge even more than my usual weekend amount. I’m either going to be able to manage it to my surprise, and continue the course of drinking only on special or rare occasion or I will simply end up with the final choice to not drink any more. I don’t think I can do it, I know I can do it. However, it has to come from deep within from the heart, not from the head. This is the shift I am slowly coming to.
I keep eyeballing 1/1/2012 as a good day to simply no longer have alcohol in my life. I don’t want to set myself up to fail by over-analyzing it. Maybe it will be, maybe it won’t be. I will continue to focus on removing alcohol from my life more and more. That hasn’t changed nor will it.
Right now I feel fine. My drinking hasn’t been worse, if anything it’s getting less. Still imbibing on the weekends but it’s definitely within limits for me.
Todd, all i can say is that you’ve probably been the most inspriing person on here that i could personally relate to the most….The symptoms you’ve experienced and advice has opened my eyes….What i find strange though is that you have any anxiety symptoms after drinking due to the fact you ONLY drink on weekends, and not even “that” much when you do……..Honestly if i ONLY drank on weekends, i would consider myself CURED…HONEST to god…I dont tihnk even by societys’ standards you would be considered an “alchoholic”….Maybe a binge drinker at times? but I know for myself that i almost ALWAYS have a few beers nitely…..When i have 3-4 beers i dont even consider that a drinking ‘night”….Other nites when i have 5-7 beers, i consider that middle of the road for me, and maybe once a week i’ll have like a 12 pack, which is definitely a “drinking” nite, even though i never feel “drunk drunk” after a 12 pack..Myabe thats beause its over a 7=8 hour period? or maybe because its light beer and not stiff hard liquor drinks? But honestly , If you only drink on weekends, heck, i would consider myself fully cured to even get to that point…The MOST i have done without a drop, is like 2 days sometimes a week, and then resume the pattern on the third day……anyways, just thinking out loud i guess, not really a question to this post…
Thanks for the kind words J. It’s like I’ve said about labels and my loathing of them. Perception is the language of labels. To some, I would look like a raging alcoholic by comparison while others, like you, would even suggest I’m not an alcoholic at all. I don’t wrap myself up in defining my actions or others by labeling. It’s a slippery slope. Judging others (“Oh he/she is a total alcoholic…”) is a waste of time. We are all works in progress here on this planet of ours. In the end, the only judgement that will matter is your own.
I have my inspired days where I feel centered and wise. I have my abusive days where my gluttonous side kicks in and demands “fun” which always means over-consuming. Therapy is a fantastic tool to help open the door to that part of myself I rarely listen to. The part that creates these manifestations and patterns of abuse. One day, I will rise above my limitations and live what I have defined as my perfect life. For now, I continue to sink and swim. What label or category someone wants to place on me on any given day is their pointless choice.
Todd….
Na, i think its pretty safe to say that society would definitely consider me an alcoholic, and even though i hate labels myself, lets face it, if i drink “some” form of alcohol 5-6 days a week, i would also consider myself an “alcoholic”..lol…But honestly, even though that sounds extreme, i have actually cut down ALOT over the years….in my 20’s and early 30’s i drank HEAVILY a few nites a week, to the point of being “drunk”…Oh it was fun, and all i could remember is having “fun”, being bombed….But now, 9 out of 10 times (not 10 out of 10 mind you), after drinking 10 beers or so, i just feel ‘like crap” the next day…..I remember the old days of getting BOMBED the nite before , and actually waking up on a weekend day and starting all over, it was truly fun, there was no feelings of anxiety, and i couldnt see any harm in it…To be honest, if i could feel that “fun” feeling the next day after drinking now, i would probably still do it and defend it, but i guess as you get older, it takes a toll on your body, and more importantly your brain… I’ve definitively isolated in my case “why” i drink….Its not because i “crave” the alcohol, its not because i get the shakes if i dont drink—I just simply get bored each evening, and drinking even at home makes a boring nite “fun”…Even watching a movie, or especially cooking something good, or chatting on the computer, or going to Walmart, or talking to old friends on the phone – is FUN when a few beers are in me……And without any alcohol i just feel sad, depressed, and bored i guess…..So i drink to have “fun”, and to try to re-feel that ever elusive “way it used to be when i drank”… More times than not, i DO NOT feel that “fun” feeling when drinking, but if i go a few days without drinking, the first nite or two i will actually have that ‘fun feeling’, then the 3rd , 4th, 5th nite etc, i just feel “crappy” constantly….But, getting back to the point, if i could ever get to the point of drinking ONLYYY on weekends, and not crazily drunk, i would seriously be more than fine with that ..My problem is, after a day or two, or three when i feel “normal”, i just start cracking the beers again, in a never ending repititious cycle of trying to feel that “fun” feeling again…
Well, my last comment was lenghty, and it didnt post, so I’ll shorten this up by saving most of the side stories and getting right to the point with my two main questions: are you all drinking/or have drank while on manxiety meds?…and…any thoughts about marijuana?…alot of people told me when used properly it does great things for them. I think a lot of people give it a bad rap for it being deemed ‘illegal’, but anatomically, it is less harmful and addicitve than alcohol. My view point may be a bit different from all here as well, because I’m 18. Not sure exactly, but it seems to me that I’m quite younger than most here (not a bad thing, or meant to be offensive). I live in Wisconsin, and go to a HUGE party school, so not drinking is such an anomoly. Like I said, I really don’t like the appeal of getting wasted, but having 3-4 drinks to me seems like many people on anxiety meds still do. The first time I had between 2-3 I did start shivering and getting anxious, but I somehow put myself to bed. 9 months later i did the same thing, and roughly the same time from my last drink later, I couldnt calm down. It might have to do with that I’m only 18 and have low tolerance, but I’m 185 pounds, and fairly lean and athletic…I really didnt think that small amount would effect me so much and not as much as some other times. Thanks again for all your thoughts!
I don’t care what society says and I hate labels also but social drinking is supposed to be one drink for a women and two for a man. I guess beyond that you’re considered an alcoholic or a binge drinker which is also a form of alcoholism.
And speaking of weed…I could never smoke it because it made my anxiety go through the roof, but if it didn’t I would definitely smoke it. I don’t care if it’s legal or not. Its better than taking benzos.
J-what you described is a classic panic attack…I’ve had more than a few of those in my life time!
Many people do end up in the hospital thinking they’re having a heart attack.
If I drank six light beers I know that’s what had caused my panic attack not greasy food.
Sorry about the whole “labeling the problem” spew, but I still think it is helpful in “My Opinion”.I have that built in “Fun Button” too, that sets itself off, and once activated, “game on,” even at 37 now. I often quit drinking for long periods of time, last time for almost four months, but then I slip back into fun time and after so long of that I begin back on the same path of worstening anxiety with eachtime I Drink.A case of beer is nothing for me when I am hangin with the boys, fishing etc. I have NEVER binged for more than one night and then usually I dont wanna see a beer for a couple days. On a rare occasion I may have just a few beers and that usually does NOT cause the same anxiety as binging to be honest. . but then again I can rarelt drink just “a few Beers.” We are all alike, but there is always a stand out symtom that differs for each of us. My chest pains were not always a syptom of my anxiety, but have become a more permenant symptom of my alchohol induced anxiety. I have been through the stress test and about a year ago was hospitalized as they thought I had a Polmenary Embolisism when I checked in the day after a night of binging. Turned out my heart is healthy, blood work is perfect, a little high blood pressure, but all in all, deemed again by the Doctors as chest pains caused by “Anxiety and stress.” As for “weed”, I must admit that I was quite the pot smoke years ago before my anxiety got the better of me. It is definetely a crock of S$%t that it’s illegal, we all know that. BUT different strokes for Different Folks. I know a guy who wants to fight everytime he smokes it. . So it definetely does NOT effect everyone the same for sure! In the past say few years I would say that 2 out of three time that I have smoked pot has causeed me to feel extreme symptoms of anxiety (including chest pains).Mixing Pot with Alchohol has cursed me with some of the worst anxiety ridden hangovers that I have ever experienced. BUT, in the times that I am alchohol free for more than a couple weeks, Weed is very enjoyable, relaxing, and soothing. Bottom line we are all better off with out alchohol, I think we all agree on that?
Frank P
I have to agree with Frank P I think the thing that will cause the most anxiety in most of us is the booze! I feel so much better since I quit drinking. I still get anxiety because it comes along with my illness but not to the extreme that I was getting it after a night of binge drinking.
Minnie
For me, even one single tiny drop of spirits can send me into a week long anxiety roller-coaster.
I can drink 6 to 8 beers a night, and wake up the next morning feeling pretty good, just chugging water and it comes right out. But liquor just doesn’t do my body good at all.
Sometimes it sucks because I know i’m acting different when I slip up and drink a shot or something with liquor in it, then I have to explain to my family and friends that I’m ok, i’m not in a bad mood, but for some reason I can’t stop feeling pissed of easily, just easily agrivated by stuff going on around me.
Here’s the thing…if you want to have major anxiety continue to drink…if you want to get control of your anxiety stop drinking.
I’m not saying your anxiety will go completely away but it sure as hell will help if you don’t drink.
It’s a well known fact that alcohol exacerbates depression and anxiety especially if you have a preexisting condition.
I’ve decided that I just cannot and will not binge drink anymore or I’m going to end up dead way before my time.
I’m back. I was doing so well, went for one month sober and then hit the wine again and as usual it started off with a couple of glasses and escalated out of control to drinking loads every single day. Wouldn’t even get drunk after 3 bottles, which is ridiculous and no decent way to live. My anxiety was of course at an all time high. I was up to 4 x 25mg of Xanax, two a day and two in the night. I knew I had to quit.
So here I am writing sober on my third day, so here we go for another effort to quit drinking for the long term, but at least it’s a start. For me, I simply cannot drink a drop of any kind of booze at all. So the last three days I’ve been suffering terribly with the usual withdrawals (so horrid it can keep one drinking): insomnia – not sleeping all night at all – major depression, scared to sleep for terrible nightmares, complete lack of appetite. I managed a bowl of soup, an apple and some gummi bears today and that was really good going. Also diarrea and agoraphobia.
But mentally the withdrawals are awful too: obsessing about stupid stuff that doesn’t matter which is SO tiresome and generally having a pity party and beating myself up about why I’m so self destructive when I have a loving partner, a fantastic studio, no debt, etc. And all of this makes no sense so I feel like I must be partly insane. In all other areas I can be rational and calm until the drinking and anxiety. Why can’t I learn to just NOT drink ever again. Why is it so hard?
Tomorrow, since the depression is so bad I may call the Dr as I hate to live depressed. I know the root causes of why I drink: I can’t get over grief (and I’ve had too much of it for a person my age), the past consumes me and I often feel I have no idea what my purpose in life is supposed to be. The rest of my family are all abroad, busy with work and having babies and I cut out a lot of toxic people out of my life so isolation is a big thing too.
My medical insurers will not cover psychology and my boyfriend went for a year at $150 an hour and it did not help him. So I chose alcohol to put my mind elsewhere but it has ruined my self-esteem, made me feel useless and unmotivated and meant I have put myself in my own prison and I’m SICK of it. So I hope to make it this time. I was happier when not drinking, of course I was, but I was still depressed here and there. But I hate to be part of the pill popping nation and I don’t want to go to AA again. Who the hell invented addiction?
I feel I’m on a roundabout that I can’t get off. Any form of drinking has GOT to stop. It certainly is no fun when everyone around me tells me how amazing I am and what a lovely kind person and so creative and all that when all I want to do is think of killing myself because the anxiety is so bad. Perhaps I’m feeling particularly bad as Day 3, I recall from before, was quite hard. Wish me luck and I hope you’re all doing well.
Ruth, sorry to hear you fell off the wagon:(.. I’m on day 3 myself also. I dont get the panic attacks or withdrawl as bad as you seem to have, but then again, i ONLY stick to light beer, and despite what others may claim on here (that alcohol is alcohol is alcohol), i personally am 100% SURE that at least in my case that “hard liquor” makes the panicky, nervousness, anxiety symptoms WAYYYYYY worse than just light beer!
Dont ever be stupid and consider something like “not living” though…Believe me life is SHORT enough, and without ending your life it comes to an end all to early… So enjoy the short time we do have on this earth.. We all love you Ruth, so hang in there and get better…I wish i couldu tell you that its ok to have 1-2 glasses of wine one or two nites a week, but if you TRULY cant do “that”, then maybe you shouldnt drink at ALL…I myself actually can have 3-4 light beers a few nites a week(prob the equiv of 2 glasses of wine?).Anyways, hang in there buddy.
Ruth I’m also sorry to hear what you’re going through…but I’m going to be a little harsh here. First of all you say you “hate to be a part of the pill popping nation” but what’s even worse is you’re drinking three bottles of wine a night and then popping Xanax!
There’s a lethal combination right there if I ever heard of one…you may get your wish of dying because you’re not going to wake up one of these morning’s. I hope to God that doesn’t happen for your sake!
Also, (now I’m not a shrink either) but it sounds like you’re suffering from severe depression plus the anxiety…maybe taking an antidepressant will take care of both issues for you.
I’d certainly rather be part of the pill popping nation than the drinking three bottles of wine and following it with Xanax nation!
We’ve all had really bad things happen in our lives…I’ve mentioned my bad things previously here they are both my parents died at young ages,(my mother a horrible death) a brother at 25 (by suicide), a child, cousins, (some by suicide) grandparents, all my aunts and uncles, and I had a lot, dogs, cats, you name it I’ve lost it.
Nobody gets off scott free in this life.
I feel very bad for you but you need to get some professional help…more than what we can give you on here.
Please take care of yourself and let us know how you are doing…and by the way, I think you should be in a hospital.
Ruth,
You should know that it takes courage to tell others what you are going through, whether it’s in person or just on a forum like this. That says that you definetely want a change in your life and you are looking for help. That’s a good thing! I have to agree with minnie, in my opinion, that you should definetely seek some professional help. You are most likely that wonderful person that every one else sees, but you need some help seeing it yourself. Although I do not agree that meds are good for Anxiety, I do beleive that some of the anti-depressants today absolutely do wonders for people in your position. My best friend went through some severe depression (which brings anxiety)and he will now tell you that he wishes he would have done it along time before. He is focused, calm, collective and livin a very successful life compared to the vicious circle of self medicating that he was putting himself through, just like you are now. At first he was reluctant as he had a hard time excepting that he had to be on meds, but after taking them for awhile he realized that he was on meds anyway (booze and narcotics).You are obviously unhappy and in some dark times, but you should know that there is help for you.
Frank P.
I am pretty despressed myself, and definitely get anxiety, however i REFUSE to take these wonderful “anti anxiety” meds for one reason….I refuse to take pills that have “potential” side effects of dizziness, fainting, nautiousness, and most importantly risk of stroke, heart attack, and DEATH!!..Heck, half my anxiety COMES from thinking i’m having a heart attack and dying, so why would i take something that has PROVEN to have potential side affects of heart attack or stroke??
Ruth, my opinion, surround yourself with loved ones or even a loved “one”…Watch fun filled light hearted movies, think positive thoughts, make a “comfort” meal (although make sure its not greasy or high fat because that tends to make one feel yucky), and just take it day by day and remember you CAN do it—because you already HAVE done it before..
Ruth
Yes…I agree with Frank P…Good sound advice. Ruth I think by the sound of it you are a truly wonderful person…you just don’t seem to realize that yourself.
And as for you J some of those “wonderful” pills have saved people’s lives.
Not everyone can live in the la la land that you speak of. People have real genetic defects that cannot be taken care of by watching light hearted movies, thinking positive thoughts and eating comfort food.
These things do help to a point, but if a person has a real mental illness(not that I’m implying that you do Ruth) brought about by a genetic defect these things are only going to help so much…take it from someone who knows!
By the way a majority of alcoholics do have some form of a mental illness.
J
A lot of the side effects you speak of from some of those pills never even happen.
If 1% of the population has a side effect from one of these pills during a double blind study it has to be listed as a side effect!
I take medications with no side effects at all.
Minnie, i agree that the most extreme forms of mental illnesses probably do require medication, and even then some that arent as severe…However in Ruths case i dont think she needs hospitalization, just needs to STAY AWAY from the WINE…..Ruth you went a month and felt great, so you can DO it again, WITHOUT meds…. As far as most people on here having some form of “mental illness” Minnie, well anxiety and depression ARE forms of mental illness, so going by that, everyone on this board would have a mental illnesss—but , i’ll repeat again, i hate ‘labels” and even though i get depression and anxiety, i dont consider myself to have a “mental illness”…Just alot of bad luck, and bad things happened in my life personally, which directly contributed to my current state…If pills could help that, i’d probably take them…But how many people do YOU know that have been on 17 different types of pills, with no avail?? I know a bunch myself…..Some meds can help some people, but not all people who THINK they need them actually do…
Minnie…that may be true that the “heart attack” affects less than 1% of people who take those meds, but they still scare me, and whats more important is that i dont want to walk around like a “zombie”….I have a good good friend that has been on anti depression meds for many years, and although he has seemingly got better, (no anger and functions pretty good), he just has never been “the same”…..I think those meds make you less coherent, and just always “clouded”, and never really feel like “yourself”….I dont want to not feel like myself or how i used to anyway, i just want to feel a little “happy” again, and energetic,a nd vibrant ……I just dont know if a pill can do that, even if it can help with the anxiety..Just my opinion.
Frank P.
As I sad before, “Labeling the Problem” is identifying the problem. But labeling someone with a “mental illness” is a label that I personaly despize of. I have a guy that works for me who I have known for over 25 years (since junior high) who has always been a little off to say the least. He has uncontrolled twitches almost like tourettes, but also talks to himself frequently like a schizafranic. He drinks often but it only takes him a couple tall boys and he is smashed, which makes his symptoms that I have listed way worse the next day. Funny thing though, the guy can drink days in a row and never have the SINGLE complaint of anxiety. . comes to work with bells on every day and goes home to a shack where he is pretty much content. So is he “mentally ill?” NO, as long as his actions or anyones for that matter is not effecting anyone else. He has been on all the meds and none of them worked, go figure? As for me, if there is a side effect of a drug. . I GET IT. . PERIOD. But if you can take an anti depressant for just a period of time as a crutch to help you when you have reached the point of considering suicide, then by all means it is just cause, despite the possibility of side effects. My Mentor and secondary Father killed himself four years ago yesterday. . You have no idea the pain and damage that you cause those around you by such a selfish act. On the other hand as I said before, abusing xanax, valium etc. because you drink when you know you shouldnt is just that, “drug abuse.”
Hey all I can say each to his own as far as what one chooses to do about drinking, medications and so on.
I know my brother would be alive today if he had reached out and asked for help for his debilitating depression…same with my cousins.
And Frank P… suicide is not a selfish act…thinking that it is a selfish act in itself is selfish!
It is an act of desperation for people that are in extreme pain and see no other way out of that extreme pain.
Yes, it did cause a lot of pain and suffering in our family, but we were horrified that we hadn’t noticed the pain and suffering he was in!
Just imagine how much pain you have to be in to blow your brains out with a shotgun!
As far as labels go theres no doubt that there are millions of people in society with well known mental illnesses that need to be treated with medications.
They are not using these medications as a “crutch” and this is a damn ridiculous thing to say. Most people on this site are using alcohol as a crutch not medication.
Does anyone out there really think people enjoy having to take medication for the rest of their lives? Hell no…but it’s just a fact of life and something they, and I have to live with and I really resent the people on here that seem to know what they’re talking about when it comes to medications because you certainly do not!
Minnie
I will have to apologize to you Minnie for my writing style. You either dont understand it or you are again not reading close enough. I will just agree to disagree with you, because I was actually agreeing with you for the most parts about meds to treat depression. However, long term use of ANY medication is not healthy. Short term use may be an exceptable “CRUTCH” for someone who has reached their bottom. I support medication for the right reasons ONLY. I have been on many , MANY, MANY anti depressants and Anti-anxiety medications, so I know FIRST HAND all about the side effects and more importantly the inability they have on adressing the actual problem. As for Suicide, I am truly sorry for your loss as I too have known great pain and suffering do to my loss of someone who shot themselves. . .seconds after they spoke with me for the last time. . However, I refuse to let it be an excuse for me to drink or use drugs that will negatively effect my pre existing anxiety condition. BUT as you were tuff on Ruth I will do the same to you. SUICIDE IS SELFISH, and it is not fair for YOU or anyone else to be left feeling guilty for someone elses decision. . .PERIOD. Life is too precious for anyone to choose to end it over depression or any reason for that matter. People in this world suffer FAR WORSE OFF, and go to work everyday with a smile despite of their “mental illness”. That being the point of my last post. I myself wake up EVERY DAY with anxiety, depression, physical pain and the reminder of a horrible accident that leaves me partially blind and looking forward to the possibility of becoming completely blind. I refuse to put a gun to my head as I truly care too much for the people around me, and I KNOW that it can be MUCH worse just by looking at people around me. I am NOT THAT SELFISH.
Hi everybody. Sorry to see Ruth is having trouble. I quit alcohol for almost three months then started drinking beer. It’s nothing like before. I dropped 30 lbs and feel much better, however, the alcohol still contributes to anxiety if I drink too much. I tend to think Zoloft is okay as a long term drug having used it before. But, benzos, no way. Those get you addicted and quickly. For me, Zoloft has no noticeable effects other than it slowly, ever so slowly makes the anxiety melt. I have heard people have insomnia, weight gain and other side effects. I never had those but would like to hear from anyone who has.
Frank P That’s your opinion on whether or not suicide is a selfish act. People have a right to make a choice to end their own life or to continue to live their life.
I don’t feel guilty that my brother chose to end his…why should I feel guilty? I didn’t hold the gun to his head. I guess this is where we can agree to disagree.
Also I’m not sure what you mean by taking medication temporarily? If you’re bipolar or schizophrenia, have diabetes, or any other serious disease you’re not going to be taking medication on a temporary basis…this is a lifetime deal.
Did you know that people with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia will get worse over their lifetime without meds.?
Frank please do some reading and research before you say that medication should only be temporary.
I hope you do agree with me Frank that these are the RIGHT reasons to take meds. long term.
Also, you don’t know how bad off I am with my “mental illness” I guess you put that in quotations for some reason? But I actually cannot go to work!
And good for you for not being THAT SELFISH! Hats off to you!
OK people, lets stop arguing amongst ourselfs…..Its ok to have opinions but lets not attack anyone here. Suicide IS selfish an act, AND at the same time i can say its not…It hurts and could almost kill loved ones by doing so, but we must also understand that the amount of pain and desperation someone must feel when they do so…….So it IS selfish AND its not….Lets not judge those people ok?? As far as meds go, they DO help some, and some people SIMPLY DO NOT MIND, and APPRECIATE and thank god everyday for the MEDS…..Others think they are not a miracle cure, again, its a PERSONAL CHOICE…….So lets keep the comments here to opinionated, but not judgemental?? Were all here to help each other right??
Hi all,
Thanks for your kind messages! Day 4 and things are improving. Actually got hours of sleep and dinner is up in a bit.
I looked up Wellbutrin as I’m not prepared to go on a zombie drug as I happen to like clarity (strange thing to say from someone who has sank herself in wine!). Wellbutrin is not like the other SSRI’s. It supposedly makes one’s head clearer and makes you feel motivated. I read hundreds of reviews and of course some people get side effects but apparently those that do only get them for the first two weeks (and give up) and is mostly from the Doc starting patients on too high of a dosage. It also does not cause weight gain, if anything weight loss and apparently increases one’s sex drive!! Lots of folks who wrote in forums said they felt as happy as they did when they were a child. My bf’s daughter (36 yrs old) is on it and said it has literally changed her life. I’ll give it a try.
I have two questions: 1st: has anyone used this or is currently using it? 2nd: How does one find a psychiatrist? I’m hesitant to google without a clue.
Minnie: don’t worry about being harsh. I wrote on here to get some advice. I don’t need hospitalization. I’m down on the Xanax, no shaking, no sweats, no nausea and I didn’t cold turkey. I agree that an anti-depressant would work much better for me than wine followed by anxiety followed by Xanax. And certainly in regards, to loss or hard times, there is NO such thing as a golden life. You’ve had far too many losses. I’m sorry about that.
Thanks everyone for your support. It means a lot. Each day is a new one and I’m feeling SO much better today. xx
Does anyone get arapid heart all the next day? Mine has ben pounding all day. Ihave problem with drinking . Ihave ben drinkung 8 to 15 beers a night iam 24 male 205 pounds and 6 foot tall. I dont have insurance to see adoc. Ihave seen adoctor about my heart racing before nothing bad came back on the test. Iwas in themarines for 4 years but ihave never ben this scared my family said would be ok but how do iknow? the racing has slowed down i little after 12 hours .anyone have info on this. or what isould do? i no no more beer for me nymore. also i have no pain or anything with the eposdes. sometimes just shortness of breath do to freaking out.
Didnt read any of your alls posts, but i know first hand what you describe above and while i think avoiding alcohol all together would eliminate most of the anxiety/panic attacks i dont think its healthy to purposely become an agoraphobic lol. And its also true if you dont binge and have 1-3 drinks it wont bring on much of a problem. But on the other hand, when i have had a night of binge drinking, my panic and anxiety is through the roof and usually takes about 3 days to completely feel “back to normal”. Sucks to be us!
Ruth,
What a quick turn around! Thats awesome that you are feeling better. Just stay on that path! I have also heard alot of good things about Wellbutrin. You know you can just go to your primary Doctor and request to start on that medication. You dont have to go to a “Psychiatrist.”I think it would be safe to say though, that alchohol (wine) is a big part of your problems.
I hope things just continue to blossom for you, and you continue your sobriety.
Frank P.
Hi everyone. Its been a while since I posted. A few things have happened, and I just wanted to weigh in quickly. I hope for each and every single one of you that you get in touch with a therapist and a psychiatrist that can help you decide if you do or do not need medications, what helps your anxiety and what makes it worse.
In the past months my anxiety has caused me 6 hospitalizations, 4 for bleeding ulcers, 1 for conversion order (my stress level and anxiety caused such a physical reaction that it resembled a stroke and for over a week I could not walk, talk, or use my left side, and I still use a walker), and one for psychiatric care for anxiety.
I hope that everyone finds a solution.
Take care.
Jessica, omg i am so sorry to hear how bad you’ve beeen.. Please just try to hang in there, i’m sure things will get better.. God bless you:) I truly hope you feel better and wish you feel better.. I”m curious, are you still drinking, or have you been drinking during all these major anxiety issues?
J,
I haven’t drank in a very long time. I found that even one glass of wine would send me over the edge the next day, its something that I just cannot get handle.
My anxiety is a LOT better now. With the proper meds, no drinking, and talk therapy I was able to get to a state where I am not having constant panic attacks. Actually minus everything else going on, miracles can and do happen occassionally.
My husband and I found out that we are expecting. That in itself is helping me stay calm. I know that I have someone else to worry about. They still have me on meds, just very low doses. They feel whatever small risk there is to the baby is well worth the benefits of keeping me from panicing.
awww Jessica;) thats wonderful that your gonna have a baby. I wish you the very best and hope your anxiety lessens more and more:) You’ll be fine, and congrats on having a baby:)
Hi Jessica,
Congratulations! I am sure that with you expecting and then conceiving, that this will really help your anxiety and panic. Unfortunately anxiety drags us into ourselves way too much and like you say, you won’t be needing (or able!) to do that. And just the joy of a new life will make you feel great.
I feel that talk therapy is really important too, but only if you have a good person who is really empathetic. Personally I refuse to talk to people who have never experienced anxiety and panic, especially panic attacks. I feel I’m made to feel ‘weird’ or get the “Oh just put your mind elsewhere”. As if it was that easy. And I’ve heard the “Oh you’re probably bi-polar”, or “Try meditating”. As if you can do ANYTHING while in this state! Anyway, sounds like you are doing much better which is great to hear.
Hi Frank P,
Thanks for the message. Day 5. Over 24 hrs with only 1 Xanax. Getting better each day. Haven’t given alcohol a second thought other than how much I don’t want it.
Unfortunately I got my Dr changed so I got assigned a different Dr at a new clinic. I tried to make an appointment for Wellbutrin and my insurers will not allow any medications like that without some kind of ‘intake’ (aka interview?)for new patients. Only then will they make the referral. Probably because too many people are Dr shopping to get drugs to get high? Not sure.
Anyway, the good news is I go in for my intake on Wednesday. I was surprised that I was asked if I wanted medication or therapy. I found out I am covered for therapy, so am starting that first and then see if that helps before racing to get on pills. Last time I went in for therapy 3 years ago I was told to go to group therapy and ended up in a room with all teenagers forced to go because they were on probation, all hooked on crystal meth.
And I made sure I got a female doctor and hope the new Dr’s office doesn’t have cockroaches and smells bad like the last one, with the male Dr being more than mildly interested in my sex life which was all rather alarming!!
Seriously though, this group has helped me more than I say say or have known. I can talk more openly and honestly here than I can to my siblings or close friends. Part of it is the anonymity of course, but it’s also because we are all in a similar boat, and our kind of ‘issue’, for want of a better word, is a difficult one. So I’m so glad this forum exists.
Nate- The pounding heartbeat is typical of alcohol abuse. Blood Pressure increases after the initial decrease. I’ve learned that it’s not deadly but can sure freak someone out who is going through sustained periods of rapid heartbeat. Since we are all unique, so are our symptoms. I may be of some help to calm you down a little bit since I am somewhat of a drinking pro, but as I’ve said several times before and I will gladly say again, I am not a doctor and if you are suffering or in fear of your health then the best advice I can give you is see your doctor.
Myself and many people I know who over-drink go through the exact same thing. BP elevates for 2-14 days after your last binge or heavy drinking episode. After that, it goes back to normal. It’s not life threatening by itself but it’s not healthy either. My advice is to of course limit the booze. Get a physical. See where your baselines are. Anxiety is a BITCH and can consume you like you cannot believe. You can struggle breathing, think you’re dying, having a heart attack…Typical anxiety responses.
Heed our words. Drink less, see your doctor, make healthier choices and watch your anxiety all but disappear.
Well crap, just when I thought I had control. . right? Went two weeks with out drinking a single drop. Stressed as usual but no major anxiety issues. Riding my bike 15 plus miles a day, eating right, having a good smooth ride on the wagon so to speak. Well, Wednesday night I slipped up and drank about 10 to 12 Bud Lights with some family that came from out of town. Completely incapassitated on Thurday. Couldnt work, no major anxiety but just over all guilt and feeling like s*^t! Fell asleep fine to my surprise that following night and went on with my busy schedule as usual. I thought, “hah”, “I got away with that one. . .” Had a productive day at work today, got off early to meet a scheduled dinner date with my 5 year old daughter. And BAM!!! On the way to our dinner, my chest tightens up, my stomach feels bloaded, everything looks different, sounds different, and I am in the middle of a panic attack! Could barely order my food, figiting with the menu, and agitated beyond the explanation of words. I pray to God that my precious children never catch on to the problem that Daddy has, and more importanly that they do not inherit the problem themselves! I may break down tonight and take a xanax. My new doctor gave me Valium but ofcourse I get the worst of all the side effects. . “Sleep Paralysis” which is a whole different nightmare. I really hope this passes as I am almost ready to break down and drink a beer just to feel half normal.
Frank P.
Frank P,
Take the Xanax and stop suffering.
You just had a slip up. You were doing fine and as you told me, you gave up before so you know you can give up again. If the Xanax is there take one. They do work, even though the thought of taking them is nasty. Better the Xanax than the beer I’d say.
Thats the second xanax I have taken out of a prescription from over a year ago. Didnt drink cause I REALLY dont like to drink anymore. . waiste of time and money. The xanax did take it away quickly and I had a wonderful night’s sleep. Up early this morning and feeling pretty cloudy and very hungry though. This proves that other things besides alchohol can trigger my anxiety. Yesterday, I think it was the pressure of simply having to be somewhere at a certain time. I am a very free spirit and sometimes I think that it the time and age that we live in that causes alot of my anxiety . . may sound wierd but it seems to have a link for me. I work for myself and notice that even though I have done it a thousand times before. . meeting with a new client tends to put me on that edge, and even after the meeting is done and I get the job, the anxiety lingers on for the whole day. Anyway, heres to a new day, I think I will go to church and treat mtself to a day full of relaxation if possible.
Frank P.
Frank,
Interesting you should say in yoru second reply that maybe it was something “other” than alcohol that caused the panic/anxiety….Because even before i read your second response on here about that, i was going to ask you IF maybe it wasnt the alcohol, but maybe you were anxious because of going to dinner? I know this because i am starting to think i have the SAME issues……Whenver i goto dinner with my gf, i “have” to pound about 3-5 beers even before going….I used to not question this, and just thought of it as getting in a “social” mood, but the more i think about it, the more i realize that i probably just have general anxiety about being “somewhere at certain times” also…I can also remember over hte years on a few occasions to going into a restaurant, and then my anxiety being out of control, and having to “hurry” up and eat, or start pounding the beers at the dinner table….Like i said, it used to be fun, and i had thought the norm for me, but the more i think about it, the more i realize that i probably would be very “anxious” around any public setting/function unless i have at least a few beers in me….I wish to god one of these Dr’s with a PHD could explain or offer a cure for “this”…