Mhc0322

I find that one of my biggest problems is I try and justify yet another night of careless binge drinking. I tell myself that it will give me a few hours of solace and happiness. I tell myself that it will finally allow me to be loose and not so tense, and that it will also distract me.

However, what it really does is it amplifies my depression and leaves me feeling monumentally worse once I sober up. I am fully aware of that happening, yet I still trick myself into believing that a) "It won't happen this time" or b) it's worth the few hours of release. I need to stop tricking myself because it is the worst form of self-sabotage and self-destruction.

thomas11

You are correct, it is a vicious cycle that many of us talk about and have been through. Breaking the cycle is hard, but when done it very worthwhile.

ljc267

Try switching your way of thinking to: It will happen this time and it is not worth the release.

Alcohol will never be the answer to your problems

soberclover

I, too, used to believe that drinking a glass of wine and having a cigarette while sitting outside was "true relaxation". I was concerned that I would never find this place again. Over time I learned that the reality of the situation was that drinking had negative consequences physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally for me....and these were the things that were stressful to me.

You are spot on with the reality that your drinking will only bring you anxiety. I don't have panic attacks nearly like I did before. Once in a blue moon I will wind myself in to one. Lots of great information on this site. Do stick around

FreedomCA

It takes time to distance yourself from that release with continued sobriety. Also try and develop new coping skills such as exercising, etc.

Dee74

Hi MHC

yeah I could have rationalised for the Olympics

It;s important to realise that any thought that suggests a drink might be good is a lie. No exceptions.

Why not come here and post the next time you feel that way?

D