Is alcohol mixed with anxiety really that dangerous?

[Marc0133]

First I want to clarify that I am NOT an alcohol addict. I drink only during weekends and the occasional Thursday.

But I've been told that, if you have quite a lot of alcohol and withdraw from it, you can not only experience spike in anxiety but also something life threatening like seizures or, my worst nightmare, a heart attack! I start worrying about this because, I spent all Christmas and New Year drinking. Not too much of course but quite a lot and my anxiety spiked after that. But I gotta be fine because I've been drinking like this for years. Surely I have nothing to worry about right? Thanks

[Babe1213]

Any kind of Alcohol can be a killer. Think of the drink/drivers who think they are safe. Don't ever think it will not, can not affect you - it sneaks up unawares. Both my parents were alcoholics, but said they were safe, because of their experience I have never touched a drop. There is no such thing as a safe alcoholic drink. You said yourself your anxiety spiked after a lot to drink, the more you get used to it, the quicker it will take over your life. Can I suggest you take a look at the on-line information site and check out how many alcoholic drinks a week in the UK (and the recommended volumes) are safe, you may be very surprised - other countries recommendations may vary considerably.

[Unky in reply to Babe1213]

As a true alcoholic I never imagined living without alcohol. Drinking made my anxiety worse.

I started working out & didn"t want to feel sluggish ,so slowly I quit drinking. I really enjoy life more ever since I stopped. I have no problem being around drinkers, getting a soda or snacking on something takes what little urge I have left away.. I truly wish I would have stopped years ago , life was not meant to walk around buzzed !

[Babe1213 in reply to Unky]

Hi Unky, I just had to write to say, 'I am really pleased for you and your achievement. Well done.' Thank you so much for sharing.

I wish I could say like you, 'I have no trouble being around drinkers', - don't get me wrong, I would go the extra mile to help - and indeed have done many times with strangers - but my experience from the age of 3 years was getting my mum undressed when she was drunk, - she had TB of the spine, and wore a metal framed corset full of buckles and belts which I had to undo, all the while she would be vomiting, choking, crying and that awful smell of gin and tonic on top of pints of Guinness would creep into my very being. My dad would get me out of my bed to help her, usually it would be after 2.00 am, my brother and I would have been left at home alone, (had we been children of today instead the early 50's we would have been taken into care)but do nothing himself to help - he too would be drunk. This went on until I married and left home at 20. It would be at least 4 times a week. I coped with her remarkably I think, but after the 'event' I went to pieces and it is these memories that sculpted my life. This is also the reason I never touch alcohol with the exception of Communion wine of which I take a small sip each week.

I believe when you also say, 'I truly wish I would have stopped years ago.' There was a higher authority waiting for the right time, (I believe that higher authority was God) you may disagree, but I believe the right time came and you achieved, I'm really pleased for you and so thankful that you have been able to put your experience into words'

I hadn't seen your name on here before, but will look out for you in future. Every blessing

xx

[Toddzen]

I do think heavy drinking will cause a hangover and anxiety. But one or two drinks should be fine.

[Babe1213 in reply to Toddzen]

That depends Toddzen - many people think one or two is fine, but it depends on the company you are in, the situation or baggage you come, and your willingness to say, 'No' when others try to push you into 'just one more.

[Toddzen in reply to Babe1213]

My experience is it is fine to enjoy a drink unless you're an alcoholic. In that case don't drink. Get help. Personally I stopped drinking about a year ago. I just lost interest.

[designguy]

Drinking moderately sometimes helped my anxiety, I wouldn't worry about it if that's all you are drinking.

[kenster1 in reply to designguy]

yip I agree setting and sticking to limits helps.