Alcohol

[Bumble_Bea]

I don't know if I have a problem, but I think I might do... I drink a bottle of wine everyday on my own to relax. Only time I don't drink is when I work late.

It's starting to cost too much and I'm starting to only go out and do things where it's available to buy n drink.

I hate my work life n just want to shut off n alcohol helps that, but I know it's not healthy. I'm beginning to gain weight n struggle to get up in mornings.

I've tried to say to myself I won't have a one today and stop, but by the time the afternoon comes I crack open a bottle...

Any advice?

[NotToday]

Hello,

You're definitely not alone. I've been drinking my anxiety away for the last 15 years. I'm 38. I decided that I wanted to become a healthier me, so on my birthday this year, two months ago, I quit cold turkey. And anxiety hit me like a brick wall. Panic attacks daily, constant distorted thinking, palpitations amongst other scary things.

BUT!!! I seeked professional help, currently attending Cognitive Behavioral Therapy classes, changed my diet, exercise often and read a great book called DARE by Barry McDonagh.

It's the tougher road, but it's so worth it. Best of luck!

[Bumble_Bea in reply to NotToday]

I've got a Dr appointment on Tuesday to figure stuff out, I'm worried about telling him as I've been before n took myself off my meds n didn't go for blood tests n didn't go to therapy sessions... I don't know why I do it to myself... I'm scared n nervous, I think. I want to just stop, but I can't and it's hard to understand why.

Well done you for doing it tho x

[NotToday in reply to Bumble_Bea]

It is hard. Everything about anxiety is hard. Find your strength and do it for yourself. You deserve it!

[Judipat]

Hi

You know this is becoming a problem or you wouldn't have written the above??!! So, we'll done for admitting it because so many drinkers either deny they have a problem or, are secret drinkers.

Like any addiction, you are the only one that can decide to stop, however, there are support services out there if you need them. Are you in the UK? If so, I would speak to your doctor.

Also anxiety and alcohol are not a good combination and can lead to horrendous problems in the future.

I'm not going to lecture you on how to stop because everyone's different and find their own way of doing it but I wish you well and hope you find a way.

Good luck

Judi

[Bumble_Bea in reply to Judipat]

I have got a Dr appointment on Tuesday and I'm really nervous about telling him. He's tried to help me with depression n anxiety before, but it kinda fell through... But now I know I can't do it alone and I need to do something, I'm just soooo nervous.

[Judipat]

Your doctor is there to help you and hopefully he will do just that. No need to be nervous about telling him........ I'm sure you are not the first and definitely won't be the last.

Are you on any medication for your anxiety/ depression?

Good luck for Thursday

Judi x

[Bumble_Bea in reply to Judipat]

Used to be, but come off it thinking I was ok 😣

[Judipat in reply to Bumble_Bea]

Maybe you need to reconsider medication even if it's just in the short term. This may be something you need to discuss with your doctor.

When you see your doctor, make sure you tell him everything...... it's a good idea to write a list to take with you. If you are anxious about seeing him, you are likely to forget something.

Let us know how you get on

Judi

[Hidden]

Hello, and sorry you are feeling as though alcohol is the only way to "numb" yourself from parts of your lie that you have resorted to it. If this has been going on for a while, and you have a close friend or family member to talk to, please do so. If you think that your job would change or if you had other ways to balance your life so your work would not disturb you so much, maybe that's a consideration. And of course, AA will never make you feel unwelcome while you try to sort out what is happening. There is no fee, and AA members are very supportive in helping one another to face life's challenges without alcohol or other drugs no matter what......please try to attend a few different meetings at different locations to find one that you feel most comfortable. I wish my best for your future health.

[Nicki1984]

Try to stop having it in the house so it's not a temptation. I don't know if it's better to cut down slowly or just stop - get advice from your doctor on how best to do this. Find something to replace the habit such as mints or drinking water - not the same I know but after a few days it might be easier. Good luck x

[Bumble_Bea in reply to Nicki1984]

I've tried that n for some reason I end up going to the shop n buying it. I hate going to shop, but my want for a acholic drink overrides that fear... it's bad, I know 😣