really scared. first day
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Posts: 2
really scared. first day
I drink beer every night. A lot of beer. Usually around 12 to 14 bud lights a night. I can't sleep after passing out for a few hours. When I try to go back to sleep my head shakes internally and I sweat so much. I think this is due to the alcohol. I haven't had decent sleep in weeks and the anxiety and depression is through the roof. I need to stop. Now. Going to a psychiatrist/sleep specialist now. Going to tell him about my alcohol use. I'm 27 male and very scared right now. Scared of withdrawal. Scared of not sleeping. Scared of life without alcohol. I've only lurked here but now I'm ready to do this. Will I be happy again?
Hears The Voice
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Unshackled
Posts: 7,901
Welcome to SR.
Chronic alcohol use will definitely mess up your sleep and add to your anxiety levels. You can get medical help for detox symptoms if you need it. Glad you are seeing a therapist and starting a sober life. You will not be sorry.
Chronic alcohol use will definitely mess up your sleep and add to your anxiety levels. You can get medical help for detox symptoms if you need it. Glad you are seeing a therapist and starting a sober life. You will not be sorry.
Member
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Ireland
Posts: 25,826
Hey Jexx, Welcome to the Forum!! 
When I got Sober I had the same fears, what the hell was I doing? how am I going to live without alcohol? how is the future going to pan out? . . . the thing is all of these where unknowns.
What I was sure about at the time was how alcohol was affecting my life, there was no debating away how much my life had progressed into chaos, my health, my wellbeing, my finances, my job performance, my relationships, all of those things were starring me in the face.
So I had to take a chance on what I absolutely knew, and try to get past the things that I didn't know, I had to have a leap of faith that everything would work out . . . and it did!!
One day you'll wake up and everything is going to be ok, it'll take some time, but you can get there, you can do this!!
When I got Sober I had the same fears, what the hell was I doing? how am I going to live without alcohol? how is the future going to pan out? . . . the thing is all of these where unknowns.
What I was sure about at the time was how alcohol was affecting my life, there was no debating away how much my life had progressed into chaos, my health, my wellbeing, my finances, my job performance, my relationships, all of those things were starring me in the face.
So I had to take a chance on what I absolutely knew, and try to get past the things that I didn't know, I had to have a leap of faith that everything would work out . . . and it did!!
One day you'll wake up and everything is going to be ok, it'll take some time, but you can get there, you can do this!!
Community Greeter
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Upstate New York
Posts: 51,569
Welcome Jexx - thanks for an honest post. We've all been there!
Yes you will be happy again - and much sooner than I was. I waited many more years to get free of it - always afraid of having a boring life and being 'ordinary'. Now, I treasure just a normal day. I'm glad you found us - you are not alone.
Yes you will be happy again - and much sooner than I was. I waited many more years to get free of it - always afraid of having a boring life and being 'ordinary'. Now, I treasure just a normal day. I'm glad you found us - you are not alone.
pray for strength
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: New England
Posts: 2,414
Jexx, Welcome to posting on the SR forum.
Many, many here have shared your fears and concerns. When I first came here I was terrified of where I had landed myself and totally unsure of how I got there (drinking too much, duh?...but it seemed really complicated somehow).
Excellent plan to talk with a psychiatrist/sleep specialist. Leaving alcohol behind on the road of my past is one of the most liberating things I have ever done in my life. Life without alcohol is possible! This SR forum is very supportive every step of the way.
Please let us know how your day goes and best wishes. A plan is key...nice job.
Many, many here have shared your fears and concerns. When I first came here I was terrified of where I had landed myself and totally unsure of how I got there (drinking too much, duh?...but it seemed really complicated somehow).
Excellent plan to talk with a psychiatrist/sleep specialist. Leaving alcohol behind on the road of my past is one of the most liberating things I have ever done in my life. Life without alcohol is possible! This SR forum is very supportive every step of the way.
Please let us know how your day goes and best wishes. A plan is key...nice job.
Member
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 596
Alcohol played hell with my sleep patterns, my guess is if you sober up, within a few weeks they will return to normal. There is happiness without booze (and your post doesn't seem as if you are "happy" with it), I'm finding this out myself. Welcome aboard!
Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 2,872
Hello and welcome.
I drank like you for ten years after building up to that level over a course of years.
I also experienced the same symptoms as you, only worse. Hands shaking, sweating and terrible anxiety.
You're right to see a doctor. Be brutally honest. The doctor is there to help you and they've heard it all before. You may want to get a primary care doctor, too.
If the withdrawal, and that's what it is, gets worse don't hesitate to seek help immediately.
Withdrawing from alcohol can be life threatening.
Remember how you feel now next time you want to drink, and realize you never have to feel this way again if you don't take that first drink.
That way has been working for me for three and a half years, and at the end, I was an all day drinker. That, and posts like yours remind me of what it's like'out there'. So thank you for posting.
You'll find a lot of support here, so let us know how it goes, or, whatever else you wish.
Best to you.
I drank like you for ten years after building up to that level over a course of years.
I also experienced the same symptoms as you, only worse. Hands shaking, sweating and terrible anxiety.
You're right to see a doctor. Be brutally honest. The doctor is there to help you and they've heard it all before. You may want to get a primary care doctor, too.
If the withdrawal, and that's what it is, gets worse don't hesitate to seek help immediately.
Withdrawing from alcohol can be life threatening.
Remember how you feel now next time you want to drink, and realize you never have to feel this way again if you don't take that first drink.
That way has been working for me for three and a half years, and at the end, I was an all day drinker. That, and posts like yours remind me of what it's like'out there'. So thank you for posting.
You'll find a lot of support here, so let us know how it goes, or, whatever else you wish.
Best to you.
Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 12
Hi jexx, i know exactly how you feel, i was scared i wouldnt be able to do i, im still in the early stages of withdrawing from alcohol ive just done my 11 th day. I went to my dr and got help for the first week with withdrawal symptoms, all i can say for the first time in years i feel like ive got my life back, take each day one at a time and you can do it. I come on this site everynight and it keeps me going and reminds me why i dont want to go back to drinking. Good luck!!
Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 31
Hi Jexx. Welcome. I'm on day 6. I actually feel happier than I have in a while-- though mixed with fear and anxiety too.
I'm in Central Ohio, I've been to a couple really good AA meetings here, I could suggest a couple that I've found helpful depending on what you like. There are so many it amazes me. Everywhere you turn, there's support, people who have been where you are, who aren't afraid to say out loud that they've done the same stupid s*** that you have.
Hugs and good luck .
I'm in Central Ohio, I've been to a couple really good AA meetings here, I could suggest a couple that I've found helpful depending on what you like. There are so many it amazes me. Everywhere you turn, there's support, people who have been where you are, who aren't afraid to say out loud that they've done the same stupid s*** that you have.
Hugs and good luck .
Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: PA
Posts: 12,000
Welcome Jexx, it has already been said, but I'll say it again. Countless individuals have been exactly where you are right now. Have gone through the same thing with drinking sleeping, waking up in sweat - I know I have. For a while I just thought it was the room. My wife thought I was so sick because of the wet sheets. A couple beers cured me.
Glad you are realizing this now and not wasting another thirty years before figuring it out.
You can get through this and life WILL get better.
Glad you are realizing this now and not wasting another thirty years before figuring it out.
You can get through this and life WILL get better.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Columbus, Ohio
Posts: 2
Thanks all. My doctor told me to keep drinking my normal amount until Monday when I go into detox. I have never been to a detox. I can't believe I have gotten to this point. I am scared of detox and how it make me feel. I keep having thoughts of how life will be without addiction, and how horrible it will feel when my friends are partying, having drinks, and me sitting there unable to drink. I know I always drink four or five times what they do, but these are the kind of things I worry about. It seems simple: life will be better without alcohol. But its those things that pop into my mind telling me look what you will be missing out on! It is a mind game. I hope it won't be as bad as I keep making it out to be. Thanks for your warm welcome. You are all good people.
Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: PA
Posts: 12,000
just get yourself sober jexx, in time you'll realize that it aint so bad not drinking.
I'm soon getting ready to go to a club to see a band. I wouldn't recommend this to someone who just quit drinking. But I can enjoy myself without having a drink. And if you are single, it gives you the edge. You realize how IQ drops with every drink.
I'm soon getting ready to go to a club to see a band. I wouldn't recommend this to someone who just quit drinking. But I can enjoy myself without having a drink. And if you are single, it gives you the edge. You realize how IQ drops with every drink.
Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Posts: 9
Hi Jexx,
I can relate a lot to your apprehension its actually a very brave thing to admit a problem exists and seek help. I am delighted I sought help for my drink problem. Nerves and apprehension are normal i would say. Personally all I can say for me is that things have never been as bad since I finally got help for my drink problem.
I can relate a lot to your apprehension its actually a very brave thing to admit a problem exists and seek help. I am delighted I sought help for my drink problem. Nerves and apprehension are normal i would say. Personally all I can say for me is that things have never been as bad since I finally got help for my drink problem.
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