comingoutsober

So for the last year or so I've been drinking pretty heavily pretty much every night of the week. I've gotten to the point where I just can't do this anymore and I want to change, but I'm terrified of developing delirium tremens or other severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

I developed generalized anxiety disorder in college and I guess I started drinking to calm the symptoms. Now it's gotten to the point where when I try to stop drinking, I can't tell if I'm just anxious because of normal anxiety about quitting drinking, or if it is the beginning of severe withdrawal. I'm really scared.

I've never been a day drinker and was able to go 2 weeks without drinking before I caved a couple months ago. I don't know. I don't have a normal doctor right now and the prospect of starting a new relationship with one and revealing all this about myself just scares the heck out of me. I really want to find a doctor but I just get overwhelmed at all of the doctors and the prospect of finding "the right one" so I just find excuses not to search.

Sorry that my post is all over the place, I'm just so ready for a change but don't know which direction to go. Thanks.

PurpleKnight

What happened in those 2 weeks? that's probably a good gauge for things!!

When I quit I went to a Dr a few days later to get checked out, and in the end things weren't as bad as I thought, but I did work myself up over it all, which didn't help matters!!

If things do get rough, best being safe!!

TheLastStraw

I know it can be scary to put your trust in a doctor, but your situation is only going to get worse the longer you wait. Eventually youre going to start feeling anxiety whenever you drink. So, you gotta get this under control ASAP :o I also suggest trying to get in touch with a psychiatrist that specializes in addictions. They would be able to help you out more than any regular GP or psychiatrist.

Sbforever

Have you stopped drinking yet ?

JaneLane

I have anxiety and depression and I can understand where you're coming from. I relapsed and I'm going through withdrawal again and there are two main differences, I've noticed for me:
1. I'm experiencing anxiety and panic attacks, but without a trigger. It just happens. Usually something sets me off.
2. My body tenses up automatically. Again, I usually get anxious then my body tenses and I can work backwards from there.
It's not good fun!
I really recommend seeing a doctor if you have existing issues, just because when I stopped drinking before, I still had anxiety and depression; it's just one of those things.
Anyway, to get through the anxiety I'm taking my vitamins (especially B vitamins which I've heard are good for the brain!) and I actually took half a Nightol last night but will be sticking to a hot bath and music tonight.
Be sure to avoid thinking about or getting caught up in the horrid stuff you did whilst drunk in the past or any worries about your anxiety. You're okay, it will be okay and what's done is done. You can start looking after yourself, you can find a doctor you like and message me any time!

Introvrtd1

I drank every night too for weeks without a break and when I did take a few days off, yeah the withdrawals were horrible. Between that and the anxiety, I couldn't tell which was which! Then the sleeplessness at night and the groggy sleepy feeling by day. I have to work everyday so thats a challenge too. Whenever I do manage to get to sleep, theres the really bad and weird dreams!

But as time goes by things get better.....The day seems brighter and you notice the sun is out and theres a feeling of well being. Yes, I too would fall off the wagon after only a week or two before Im convinced I can handle it 'next time'! That is......I find myself wallowing in the same muck as before.
So yeah....you're not alone. We know we need to quit, but somehow our brains continue to revert back to the drink.
Good luck and hope you find your comfort.

llastchance8

Comingoutsober,,, As " The laststraw " mentioned, visiting a psychiatrist , who specializes in addiction will be good idea.. During my earlier attempts , I used to consult GP's who would just give prescription for relief from withdrawal.. However , finally I visited a psychiatrist , who specializes in addiction , he made easy for my by treating the underlying cause for anxiety. Give it a try.

NeverEasyToBe

Here I was the whole time thinking I was absolutely f'n crazy for thinking that finding a doctor for my anxiety was harder than jumping over a mountain.

SoberAlky

I also have both generalized and acute (panic attacks) anxiety, one of the key reasons I became an alcoholic (the other was insomnia). My anxiety was definitely worse when coming off a bender. I'm not a doctor and this is not medical advice, but the detoxification process takes about 5 days to a week. If you are feeling anxiety beyond a week after a bender, it is my opinion that it's probably not related to withdrawals.

I also wholeheartedly agree with LastStraw. It can be challenging to find a specialist in addiction medicine, but for me it made ALL the difference in the world. Although I still struggle with the psychological component, I can honestly say, thanks to medication, the biological urge to drink is completely gone.

KevinLucid

Heres the problem. ANYTIME a long term drinker wants to stop, he/she has to be prepared with the risks, challenges that comes with it. Its simple. In life, what you put in is what you get out. So it wouldn't be realistic for you to drink for 2 years straight, then stop for 1 week and feel perfectly fine. Thats not logical is it? It gets better the day you put down the alcohol but it still will be a rocky road. First 1-3 months you will get anxiety spikes as your brain is rewiring its "Dependency" mode. After 7-12 months you would most likely feel amazing. Don't worry too much, it definitely is the alcohol. Everyone has anxiety, its just more controllable when you're not drinking. Thats all!


Blessings.