ScottFromWI

Actually, it does end if you quit drinking. It's uncomfortable for a while to be sure, and it's not easy, but it is 100% possible to get out of that cycle. And it's worth it.

jaynie04

There are a few of us that call the 27th our sobriety day….we would definitely love to have a few more!

Nonsensical

You only believe that because you have not yet tasted true freedom. If you want to feel really good, break the chains.

Best of Luck on Your Journey.

getmeoffthisbus

I have extreme agoraphobia right now. I'm trying, I am. I was so nervous today when I went to sign some important docs for work. Panic attack was on the horizon. I stopped and got some wine and it disappeared. I know that's horrible, but this is why I depend on the poison. When I'm sober, I'm very anxious, angst-ridden and not normal, at all. I know I need to get into therapy. I tried to go out and do errands, but all I want to do is hide from the world. When I'm in the world, interacting, everyone thinks I'm fine. I don't drink all day, which doesn't mean I have a problem, but when I'm interacting with people, I'm sober.

ScottFromWI

Anxiety is a very common side effect of alcohol abuse and also it becomes heightened during withdrawal. You should consider seeing your doctor or an alcohol/drug counselor. I can say for certain that my anxiety decreased very substantially after I quit drinking.

Dee74

There's some good advice here.

You feel so good when you drink because you're really addicted.

I got to that stage too - and beyond.

I ended up drinking all day everyday - and not feeling good.
Alcohol ceased to 'work'. There's no lonelier place.

You can avoid that
It won't be comfortable to give up but it's preferable to not giving up.

You came here for a reason - keep posting, keep the account open

D

Nonsensical

Alcohol amplifies this effect.

I thought for years that the effects of alcohol disappeared the next day. In reality, chronic alcohol use causes the brain to produce extra stress and anxiety chemicals to compensate for the persistent buzz. The longer you drink the worse this becomes. Eventually you can't drink enough to feel good. You just drink to avoid feeling as bad as you do.

Every time I quit drinking I would pace my house like a caged animal. I couldn't sit down, I couldn't focus, nothing soothed or entertained, and all the while that voice in my head was saying just a couple of drinks and you'll feel better.

It's a lie. Alcohol creates the problem and then masquerades as the solution.

The real solution is to stop drinking and let the brain chemistry get back to normal.

Hevyn

Getme - I was feeling the same when I first came here. I knew I should stop but was afraid of what life would be like without my 'buffer'. Yet I knew I was missing out on a real life by being numb & foggy all the time (plus it was becoming dangerous). I hope you'll give yourself chance to get past the uncomfortable part and on to the good part - the part where you're free and filled with hope.

Delilah1

One month from today and you will have a year! Way to go!!!

Rar

My anxiety also decreased significantly. I would have never thought that possible.

least

I beg you to stop drinking, put down the bottle, and find out what feeling good really is. You'll never know freedom until you stop drinking. I did it. It was hard to do but worth doing. See a medical professional to help with the withdrawal. That first few days anxiety is intense. Get some help getting thru it safely and comfortably.

You can do this!

deeker

Is everything right in the world the next morning?

pupkin

You've said it perfectly, getme. Alcohol taught me how to be unable to face life without alcohol. Which is what makes the stuff so sinister: it makes itself the cure even when it's the cause. Hope you're doing okay and hanging in there. Come back tomorrow. . .

HeadLump

Yes, please come back tomorrow, Getme. We're here to support you until you can walk alone

dSober

This is not easy but it is simple. If you don't STOP, things WILL get much, much worse.

sober4metoday

GMOTB. I understand where you're coming from. If I could offer anything to you from my experience it is this….all of the "problems" and "pain" in my life became much less burdensome when I wasn't in the throws of self-loathing that stemmed from my drinking. Admittedly, I was sober for 1.5 years before I decided that I could drink moderately again late last year. And after a couple months sure enough the "problems" and "pain" started finding their way back into my life. Thank GOD I woke up and snapped out of it. I want my sober life back more than anything. Good luck to you!

P.S. I use quotations for "problems" and "pain" not to diminish what you or I or anyone is going through. I do that because, for me, 90% of the torment I was experiencing was either directly or indirectly related to my alcoholism. Either the drink created the problem or the drink prevented me from effectively handling the problem.

getmeoffthisbus

I'm back and today is Day One.

pupkin

Excellent getme. All power to you today. You can do this. Think of all the determination you've applied to continuing your drinking life and reverse thrust. I'm pulling for you.

dSober

As you'll hear in every meeting: keep coming back!