I think I may have found the motivation to quit for good
 

High Blood Pressure

Went to the ER last night with anxiety and a feeling of pressure in my head.

My systolic BP was 177.

My father had a stroke when he was nearly my age. I know my recent alcohol abuse is a contributor.

Needless to say I'm very concerned.

Welcome back....:hug:
I'm so glad you went to the ER you were in danger.

What is your plan for a healthier future?

I well remember your resistance to quitting alcohol.
:)

Staying alive and healthy sounds like good motivation to me.:)

I'm seeing a counselor through my employer's EAP.

It's very hard for me to accept the label "alcoholic" and I'm still not 100% sure I fit that criteria, but I'm 100% sure my life would be better without alcohol.

Hi Pboy,

No need to focus on the label, just stay sober. I'm glad that you are looking after yourself and hopefully your physical health will improve.

Same thing happened to me last year.. My BP was 168 over 115... Went to the ER.. I quit for 3 months.... BP went to normal within 2 weeks tho.. Then I started with NA beer, then beer, then malt liquor, the back to 3 half gallons of vodka a week.. I'm 12 days clean again, I hope its the last time.. But your BP is directly from drinking, I'd almost guarantee it (not advice), but so you know.. I'm clean and off BP meds (against the doctors advice, he didnt believe my BP problem was alcohol).. My BP is now 115/70 after 12 days... No meds.

Biochemistry
 

Without giving medical advice, alcohol consumption is really interesting. We tend to focus on long-term chronic damage to the liver but in the short-term our BP is elevated (kidneys, et al), our BG levels are elevated (liver, pancreas, et al), proper immune response is suppressed (more than I can list), etc. It's a nightmare. Factor in inflammation, Type 2 diabetes and cardiac problems and one can see how alcohol consumption plays into the newly popular "metabolic syndrome" or "Syndrome X" issues in the US health news reports.

Not medical advice but many of your vital stats will approach normal again after letting go of the booze.

Talk with a physician - it's easier than you may believe.