Help me to stop drinking
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Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Dancing in the Light
Posts: 61,516
Patricia, yes, it will pass and I'm glad that you are here posting. Can you do something to distract yourself? It's snowing here, but it's much warmer and an enjoyable day to be outside. 
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Canada
Posts: 1,075
Originally Posted by Anna 
Patricia, yes, it will pass and I'm glad that you are here posting. Can you do something to distract yourself? It's snowing here, but it's much warmer and an enjoyable day to be outside.
Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Gulf Coast, USA
Posts: 2,229
Great job on posting Patricia. Stay on and post as much as you need to get you through the cravings. I know I was logged in as much as possible during my early days.
Like the others are saying, it gets better and easier. I know that doesn't help with your immediate cravings, but trust that all of your efforts will build a better tomorrow for you!
You are re-shaping your future by not drinking today. No matter what, don't give in.
You're doing great!
Like the others are saying, it gets better and easier. I know that doesn't help with your immediate cravings, but trust that all of your efforts will build a better tomorrow for you!
You are re-shaping your future by not drinking today. No matter what, don't give in.
You're doing great!
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Canada
Posts: 1,075
It's weird, I don't really miss alcohol, or the taste, or even the effect of alcohol. What I am craving is something that helps me deal with this fear and anxiety. I crave anything that would help me feel at peace right now. Does it make sense?
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Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Dancing in the Light
Posts: 61,516
Yes, it makes sense. I used alcohol to self-medicate, to deal with depression, anxiety, insomnia. Sadly it doesn't help with any of those things, and I ended up with alcoholism on top of everything else. Have faith that you will be able to deal with the emotions without alcohol.
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Canada
Posts: 1,075
Originally Posted by Anna
Yes, it makes sense. I used alcohol to self-medicate, to deal with depression, anxiety, insomnia. Sadly it doesn't help with any of those things, and I ended up with alcoholism on top of everything else. Have faith that you will be able to deal with the emotions without alcohol.
non-drinker
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
Posts: 13,846
When I first quit drinking, my anxiety was off the charts. The doctor prescribed an anti-anxiety drug and it really helped get me through the first couple of months. The longer I stayed sober, the more the anxiety faded away. As for sleeping, I spent the last 10 years of my drinking life passing out nearly every night, so I didn't really know what a good night's sleep was like anymore. One of the greatest things about living sober is the deep, restorative sleep that I now get every night.
Patricia, have you seen a doctor about your anxiety?
Patricia, have you seen a doctor about your anxiety?
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Canada
Posts: 1,075
I meditate and I am seeing a doctor and counselor about my anxiety.
But nothing seems to help with the morning anxiety when I wake up with my heart racing and hands shaking. That's when I self medicated with alcohol...but of course it added to the problem.
But nothing seems to help with the morning anxiety when I wake up with my heart racing and hands shaking. That's when I self medicated with alcohol...but of course it added to the problem.
Member
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Boston, MA
Posts: 1,601
Originally Posted by patricia68
It's weird, I don't really miss alcohol, or the taste, or even the effect of alcohol. What I am craving is something that helps me deal with this fear and anxiety. I crave anything that would help me feel at peace right now. Does it make sense?
non-drinker
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
Posts: 13,846
Originally Posted by soberwolf
Breathing exercises really help
Hang in there, Patricia...things WILL get better
Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: CapeCod, MA
Posts: 842
Patricia, I just read this thread.
Today is my 18th month anniversary; I was 61 when I stopped drinking - after 1000+ Day Ones. I drank for every wrong reason in the world - to help with anxiety, occasional panic attacks, to give myself courage in social settings, but mostly out of loneliness. I always thought I could moderate, but of course I never could.
It really does get better. At the beginning I used ice cream, chocolate and exercise to help me cope. I figured out that hunger and thirst were also triggers for me, so I made sure I ate a balanced diet and lots of water. Yoga has helped calm me; I have tried meditation, but it has not worked for me - I just can't seem to clear my head. I find shopping, even window shopping, helps keep me calm, as does reading, walking the beach, baking (for others) and exercise. I do not see my old drinking friends as much as I did, which is probably a good thing. I have become friendlier with neighbors, YMCA members, other library volunteers - now that I do not have to be home by 4:00 every afternoon to start drinking, I find I enjoy doing things like taking seminars, at night.
I no longer have the heart-pounding, crazy songs going through my head, sick to my stomach nights, and as someone else wrote, sobriety truly brings deep, rejuvenating sleep.
At the beginning I really babied myself with manicures, pedicures, massages, facials, etc. That helped keep me away from drinking, calmed me down, and made me feel I was rewarding myself.
PLEASE keep trying. I truly believe if I can do this, anyone can.
Take care of yourself.
Today is my 18th month anniversary; I was 61 when I stopped drinking - after 1000+ Day Ones. I drank for every wrong reason in the world - to help with anxiety, occasional panic attacks, to give myself courage in social settings, but mostly out of loneliness. I always thought I could moderate, but of course I never could.
It really does get better. At the beginning I used ice cream, chocolate and exercise to help me cope. I figured out that hunger and thirst were also triggers for me, so I made sure I ate a balanced diet and lots of water. Yoga has helped calm me; I have tried meditation, but it has not worked for me - I just can't seem to clear my head. I find shopping, even window shopping, helps keep me calm, as does reading, walking the beach, baking (for others) and exercise. I do not see my old drinking friends as much as I did, which is probably a good thing. I have become friendlier with neighbors, YMCA members, other library volunteers - now that I do not have to be home by 4:00 every afternoon to start drinking, I find I enjoy doing things like taking seminars, at night.
I no longer have the heart-pounding, crazy songs going through my head, sick to my stomach nights, and as someone else wrote, sobriety truly brings deep, rejuvenating sleep.
At the beginning I really babied myself with manicures, pedicures, massages, facials, etc. That helped keep me away from drinking, calmed me down, and made me feel I was rewarding myself.
PLEASE keep trying. I truly believe if I can do this, anyone can.
Take care of yourself.
Administrator
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 211,452
what about exercising in the morning to get rid of that anxiety Patricia? I know it's snowing but maybe you could skip rope in the garage or something?
PS congrats again on 18 months Scooterboo
D
PS congrats again on 18 months Scooterboo
D
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