Should I Relapse?
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 23
Should I Relapse?
Day 14 and PAWS has a grip on me. From what I've read, it peaks in 3 to 6 months. I have to pass a BP test in about 60 days for my job. That's bad timing.
I don't want to drink anymore, but this anxiety is driving me nuts and raising my BP.
I'm thinking of drinking no more than two beers a day until the test. I've always passed these tests, but I'm concerned this time.
My pressure should come back to where it was???
Then, I could pass the test and quit for good. I would have a long period of time to work through the anxiety before the next test.
Or tough it out and hope for the best.
My decision making is impaired. Both paths are screaming at me.
What is my best bet here?
Will drinking alcohol relieve the PAWS?
Thanks
I don't want to drink anymore, but this anxiety is driving me nuts and raising my BP.
I'm thinking of drinking no more than two beers a day until the test. I've always passed these tests, but I'm concerned this time.
My pressure should come back to where it was???
Then, I could pass the test and quit for good. I would have a long period of time to work through the anxiety before the next test.
Or tough it out and hope for the best.
My decision making is impaired. Both paths are screaming at me.
What is my best bet here?
Will drinking alcohol relieve the PAWS?
Thanks
Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 1,635
DON'T DRINK!!!
Go to the doctor about your blood pressure.
Drinking 2 beers a day is not going to work if you are an alcoholic.
The first 5 days are what suck the worst and you are past that.
Call the doc!!!!
Go to the doctor about your blood pressure.
Drinking 2 beers a day is not going to work if you are an alcoholic.
The first 5 days are what suck the worst and you are past that.
Call the doc!!!!
Administrator
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 211,454
this is some pretty crazy thinking Ranchero.
Relax
First of all PAWs is post acute withdrawal syndrome - I'm not a Dr but I would say it's very unlikely this is PAWs at 2 weeks.
Second of all, not every one gets PAWs - and, if my experience is any thing to go by it's a day here, a couple of days there - it wasn't some 3-6 months ordeal
Most of us have to deal with anxiety after we quit. The responsible way to deal with that, if it's getting on top of you, is to seek some professional help - not drink on it.
Drinking will probably raise your BP and your anxiety not lessen it.
And - if you really could stick to no more than two beers a day- would you be in the mess anyway?
Don't listen to the bad ideas in your head Ranchero - get some help
D
Relax
First of all PAWs is post acute withdrawal syndrome - I'm not a Dr but I would say it's very unlikely this is PAWs at 2 weeks.
Second of all, not every one gets PAWs - and, if my experience is any thing to go by it's a day here, a couple of days there - it wasn't some 3-6 months ordeal
Most of us have to deal with anxiety after we quit. The responsible way to deal with that, if it's getting on top of you, is to seek some professional help - not drink on it.
Drinking will probably raise your BP and your anxiety not lessen it.
And - if you really could stick to no more than two beers a day- would you be in the mess anyway?
Don't listen to the bad ideas in your head Ranchero - get some help
D
Choosing Life
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Montana
Posts: 1,435
I could never in good conscience tell someone that they should relapse for any reason. If you have issues with your blood pressure, the best advice anyone can give you is to see your doctor. If you are in need of medication, you can get it and perhaps get your BP under control during those 60 days. If it were me, I wouldn't jeopardize 14 hard-won days of sobriety for ANYTHING.
BTW, been there with trying the moderation thing. Rationalized that all I wanted was two drinks a night so I could "relax" (in truth, I just wanted the buzz). But it never ended up being just two, and in my heart of hearts I knew it wouldn't. That crazy thinking caused me 4 long-term relapses, each one worse than the one before it. I had to finally accept the fact that I simply am not happy with 1 or 2 drinks and that I'm better off having none than the inevitable 8, 10 or 12 that that first drink would lead me to.
I don't know what's going on inside your head so I may be wrong, but what I read in your post is that you are looking for an excuse to drink. Please be honest with yourself about whether or not this is what you're doing. BP issues can be addressed in much healthier ways that don't effect your sobriety. I hope you will make the best choice for yourself.
BTW, been there with trying the moderation thing. Rationalized that all I wanted was two drinks a night so I could "relax" (in truth, I just wanted the buzz). But it never ended up being just two, and in my heart of hearts I knew it wouldn't. That crazy thinking caused me 4 long-term relapses, each one worse than the one before it. I had to finally accept the fact that I simply am not happy with 1 or 2 drinks and that I'm better off having none than the inevitable 8, 10 or 12 that that first drink would lead me to.
I don't know what's going on inside your head so I may be wrong, but what I read in your post is that you are looking for an excuse to drink. Please be honest with yourself about whether or not this is what you're doing. BP issues can be addressed in much healthier ways that don't effect your sobriety. I hope you will make the best choice for yourself.
Striving to be a better Man!
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Pacific Northwest
Posts: 266
Lol Ranchero! Yeah you knew that was coming but seriously.. I can rationalize anything if I let my alcoholic thoughts take over. I agree with dee, he brought up all the sane points.
My bp always ran higher when i was actively drinking.
My bp always ran higher when i was actively drinking.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 23
Originally Posted by Dee74 
this is some pretty crazy thinking Ranchero.
Relax
First of all PAWs is post acute withdrawal syndrome - I'm not a Dr but I would say it's very unlikely this is PAWs at 2 weeks.
Second of all, not every one gets PAWs - and, if my experience is any thing to go by it's a day here, a couple of days there - it wasn't some 3-6 months ordeal
Most of us have to deal with anxiety after we quit. The responsible way to deal with that, if it's getting on top of you, is to seek some professional help - not drink on it.
Drinking will probably raise your BP and your anxiety not lessen it.
And - if you really could stick to no more than two beers a day- would you be in the mess anyway?
Don't listen to the bad ideas in your head Ranchero - get some help
D
Relax
First of all PAWs is post acute withdrawal syndrome - I'm not a Dr but I would say it's very unlikely this is PAWs at 2 weeks.
Second of all, not every one gets PAWs - and, if my experience is any thing to go by it's a day here, a couple of days there - it wasn't some 3-6 months ordeal
Most of us have to deal with anxiety after we quit. The responsible way to deal with that, if it's getting on top of you, is to seek some professional help - not drink on it.
Drinking will probably raise your BP and your anxiety not lessen it.
And - if you really could stick to no more than two beers a day- would you be in the mess anyway?
Don't listen to the bad ideas in your head Ranchero - get some help
D
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 23
Originally Posted by Sapling
Hang in there Ranchero...We like to see people get better here...You didn't expect any Yes votes did you? Congrats on the two weeks...Keep going forward.
But, it's what I needed to hear.
Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 92
Dear Ranchero,
Congratulations on your sober time! Please do not jeopardize it by relapsing. Lots of other effective ways to manage your anxiety and blood pressure that do not involve hangovers, self loathing and hurting your health even further. Tell the relapse voice to beat it and talk with your doc about options to manage the anxiety and bp. Take good care of yourself! Xo
Congratulations on your sober time! Please do not jeopardize it by relapsing. Lots of other effective ways to manage your anxiety and blood pressure that do not involve hangovers, self loathing and hurting your health even further. Tell the relapse voice to beat it and talk with your doc about options to manage the anxiety and bp. Take good care of yourself! Xo
Administrator
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Dancing in the Light
Posts: 61,518
Ranchero, you've gotten lots of good advice here, and I think you know what is the right thing to do.
Have you ever tried meditating? It could help you to calm yourself, and do you know that if you hold a purring cat, your blood pressure will drop?
Have you ever tried meditating? It could help you to calm yourself, and do you know that if you hold a purring cat, your blood pressure will drop?
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2012
Posts: 23
Originally Posted by Anna
Ranchero, you've gotten lots of good advice here, and I think you know what is the right thing to do.
Have you ever tried meditating? It could help you to calm yourself, and do you know that if you hold a purring cat, your blood pressure will drop?
Have you ever tried meditating? It could help you to calm yourself, and do you know that if you hold a purring cat, your blood pressure will drop?
Didn't work too good, but can see myself getting better at it with more practice.
Very interesting approach to relaxing.
The cat and dog do get more attention these days.
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