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Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Stockport
Posts: 1
New here!
Hello!
I'm 22 years old, and while I don't consider myself an alcoholic, I am becoming more aware of my drinking bad habits. I suffer from depression/anxiety, and in February 2012 I accidentally began using alcohol to relieve it. I didn't know the deal with the Devil I had made that time - I had drank alcohol and been drunk many times before, but socially for leisure and only on those occasions. Fast forward 4 years and I can't seem to unwind without a drink, especially at the end of the day. I tell myself that, as a man of my word, I won't have a drink tonight. But, somehow, I talk myself into it.
I am currently undergoing CBT for my generalized anxiety disorder, and while I find it helpful on so many levels, it has yet to make even the slightest impact on my drinking. I feel like if I don't get off this path, I will spiral further down it and eventually become an alcoholic.
I'm not sure why I'm here. I don't know what questions I have, or what answers I'm looking for... But maybe I'll find them?
I'm 22 years old, and while I don't consider myself an alcoholic, I am becoming more aware of my drinking bad habits. I suffer from depression/anxiety, and in February 2012 I accidentally began using alcohol to relieve it. I didn't know the deal with the Devil I had made that time - I had drank alcohol and been drunk many times before, but socially for leisure and only on those occasions. Fast forward 4 years and I can't seem to unwind without a drink, especially at the end of the day. I tell myself that, as a man of my word, I won't have a drink tonight. But, somehow, I talk myself into it.
I am currently undergoing CBT for my generalized anxiety disorder, and while I find it helpful on so many levels, it has yet to make even the slightest impact on my drinking. I feel like if I don't get off this path, I will spiral further down it and eventually become an alcoholic.
I'm not sure why I'm here. I don't know what questions I have, or what answers I'm looking for... But maybe I'll find them?
~sb
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: MD
Posts: 15,967
I found that I had to have my nightly drinks. When I realized I couldn't live without drinking, that is when I knew I was an alcoholic.
Today, I don't need to drink, I have a new solution that works for me.
Welcome to SR!
Today, I don't need to drink, I have a new solution that works for me.
Welcome to SR!
Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: UK
Posts: 2,937
Drink made my anxiety and depression worse.
The anxiety much worse to be honest.
However it took me a long time to realise it and I often self medicated with drink.
I also drank in social situations to have more confidence, more things to talk about.
However that backfired when I drank too much.
Then I had crippling anxiety the next day and for days after.
I still have anxiety.
I'm still not great in social situations.
However I now accept that I am like this.
This is who I am.
Alcohol does not change for the better it changes me for the worse.
I would rather be a quiet wall flower than a loud drunk who can't remember what she said or did.
I can live with myself a lot better this way.
Its more peaceful in my head!
I wish you the best xx
The anxiety much worse to be honest.
However it took me a long time to realise it and I often self medicated with drink.
I also drank in social situations to have more confidence, more things to talk about.
However that backfired when I drank too much.
Then I had crippling anxiety the next day and for days after.
I still have anxiety.
I'm still not great in social situations.
However I now accept that I am like this.
This is who I am.
Alcohol does not change for the better it changes me for the worse.
I would rather be a quiet wall flower than a loud drunk who can't remember what she said or did.
I can live with myself a lot better this way.
Its more peaceful in my head!
I wish you the best xx
Administrator
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 211,445
Welcome Lew - like many others here I found that drinking ultimately contributed to my anxiety..
the more I became addicted the more situations I found I 'needed' alcohol for, and the more anxious I got when I wasn't drinking.
Eventually I had a general anxiety disorder and a growing dreinkeing probklem...I had to tackle both to get well again.
This is a great community. You'll find a lot of help in stopping drinking here.
the more I became addicted the more situations I found I 'needed' alcohol for, and the more anxious I got when I wasn't drinking.
Eventually I had a general anxiety disorder and a growing dreinkeing probklem...I had to tackle both to get well again.
This is a great community. You'll find a lot of help in stopping drinking here.
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