After years of alcohol abuse to manage and mitigate anxiety and self esteem issues, I have finally decided to quit and confront emotional problems with a clarity of mind. Too often I depend on alcohol in social situations and difficult circumstances which, as it widely accepted, exasperates the issue. Typically I would end up drinking to excess, become reckless and troublesome, and medicate 'hangxiety' the following day with more booze. This has become a frequent and habituated drinking pattern that only amplifies anxiety and depression despite the brief episode of boosted confidence and self esteem. I am determined to turn my back on alcohol and embrace a new lifestyle in which I feel at peace with myself. For too long it's held me back and I'm ready to make a change.
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Climber95
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Hello and welcome. For the benefit of others who come here that want to stop drinking, what changes in your life are you going to make or are willing to make?
I think reliance on willpower alone would make sobriety more challenging than is necessary. I think alcohol was a social lubricant and substance in which I found confidence, self esteem, and the sense that I have something about me. Music became more soulful. Social interactions became deeper. And feelings of self satisfaction would become potent. This was, of course, until the alcohol wore off and the skepticism of self and crippling anxiety returned. I think the changes I am going to make are at first introspective, in terms of accepting myself and making a commitment to self betterment. Secondly, I think a major issue in the modern world is the loss of connection and community and I think alcohol is used to combat the despair of loneliness. So another change will be to make connections through sport, artisitc passions and so forth and involve myself in new communities bonded by common interests. Although this will require willpower to abstain from alcohol in social interactions. I think connections with like minded people without fear of judgement or social approval will massively help me.
Would love to hear the progress. The first test AA proposes is moderation. Try to consistently drink the set nbr of drinks. If you have the physicall craving, like we alcoholics do, we will fail miserably. The next test to stay stopped for a long duration. The key is to observe the mental state of our being. Are we at ease once we start the journey. Again, if we are alcoholic, it will be too difficult. The max i could do was a month. On the 31st day I yielded to some silly reason. Good luck on the challenge.
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