Brand new here
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 3
Brand new here
Hi everyone. I finally decided to admit I have a drinking problem and face the truth. I'm scared but excited to quit drinking. The anxiety is kicking my backside already though. I realize now I've been using alcohol to self-medicate. I hope I can do this!
11.30.14
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: California
Posts: 401
Originally Posted by Alastraea 
I realize now I've been using alcohol to self-medicate. I hope I can do this!
Oh and anxiety STINKS!
Administrator
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Dancing in the Light
Posts: 61,504
Hi and Welcome,
Lots of us have used alcohol to self-medicate anxiety, but of course, we end up with a bigger problem. You can learn healthy ways to deal with anxiety. Glad you joined.
Lots of us have used alcohol to self-medicate anxiety, but of course, we end up with a bigger problem. You can learn healthy ways to deal with anxiety. Glad you joined.
I'm so glad you found us 
Member
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: DFW area, Texas
Posts: 521
Welcome to SR Alastraea! I too have anxiety problems (and have since I was a teenager)...was definitely using alcohol to self-medicate. Now that said medication is gone, I'm dealing with that good old anxious "friend". You're not alone and in the right place! 
Community Greeter
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Upstate New York
Posts: 51,564
Welcome! I was scared and excited too Alastraea. I was so afraid to let go of it, even though it was making me miserable.
Being here with us will help you to not feel alone. We've all been through early recovery, and we understand what you're going through. You can do it.
Being here with us will help you to not feel alone. We've all been through early recovery, and we understand what you're going through. You can do it.
Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: North East, USA
Posts: 46
Welcome Alestraea. I'm a fellow self-medicator. I work in a high stress field, have a daughter who is a handful, and am not the most mature person to begin with.
Drinking and all of that was a bad combination. I'm a few weeks in and I feel better, and I'm dealing with stress better, including less anxiety.
Alcohol is the proverbial bandaid, and does not help with the actual problem. Just keep on, one day at a time.
Drinking and all of that was a bad combination. I'm a few weeks in and I feel better, and I'm dealing with stress better, including less anxiety.
Alcohol is the proverbial bandaid, and does not help with the actual problem. Just keep on, one day at a time.
bona fido dog-lover
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: SF Bay area, CA
Posts: 99,780
I drank to numb my depression and anxiety but it just made those things worse. 
It took me a few months to start feeling good again, but it was worth the wait.
Welcome to the family.
It took me a few months to start feeling good again, but it was worth the wait. Welcome to the family.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 3
Yes, drinking was definitely making it worse. Now that I haven't been drinking I'm noticing the difference. I'm noticing other weird things related to my anxiety, like the fact that I breathe shallowly...I never noticed that before. So now I'm working on learning to breathe properly. Sheesh lol. Thanks guys for the awesome welcome!
Life is an unlikely miracle.
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: England
Posts: 1,859
Originally Posted by Alastraea
Yes, drinking was definitely making it worse. Now that I haven't been drinking I'm noticing the difference. I'm noticing other weird things related to my anxiety, like the fact that I breathe shallowly...I never noticed that before. So now I'm working on learning to breathe properly. Sheesh lol. Thanks guys for the awesome welcome!
Yes things come to light when you have been sober for a little while.
Sounds like you're doing pretty well.
How's it going ?
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