Alcoholism Support Group
Alcoholism is the continued consumption of alcoholic beverages, even when it is negatively affecting your health, work, relationships and life. If you think alcohol is causing you to lose control, it's time to seek help. Our group is a safe place to vent, check in, get back up if you fall, and reach sobriety.
Ten years ago things in my life were so bad and my anxiety was so out of control that I used alcohol to relieve my symptoms. I used alcohol to relieve my symtoms because every doctor that I saw refused to help me with my the panic attacks that I was having which were brought on by my high anxiety. Long story short we moved away from the cause of my anxiety and eventually I landed myself in a hospital and decided to never drink again. We moved back home and things were fine for a while. I had my ups and downs, but I've learned to handle them, so I thought. Anyway, these same issues that caused my anxiety have arisen again. The anxiety is so bad that today I actually just stopped by a store and purchased some wine. I am sitting here looking at that bottle right now and I am aching for it. Not for the taste, but to relieve me of this horrible panicky feeling that I have in my stomach and have been feeling the past week and just can't seem to get rid of.
Prayed. Yes I have prayed. But the fact is that I am weak. It's hard to be strong all of the time and when people catch you at a weak moment and get the best of you, it can be so detrimental. So I was caught at a weak moment and am now the prime target for being bullied. Yes, people get bullied when they are adults. It's not pretty and it's not fair, but it does happen. Ten years ago was the last time I was bullied, so I guess the cycle will repeat itself until I move.
In the past ten years I've learned to be more patient with people. I always tell my son that you have no idea what someone else is going through. The person who is ahead of you in the check out line at the grocery store just might be a recovering alcoholic and not having a good day. Making any unkind remark just might push that person over the edge to drink again. I wish everyone a nice evening.
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Dick Van Dyke’s path to sobriety was a turning point in his life and career. Here’s what happened:How He Got SoberStruggles and Realization: Van Dyke began drinking as a teenager, largely to cope with shyness and social anxiety. Alcohol made him feel more comfortable in social settings, but over time, his drinking spiraled out of control. By his mid-40s, he recognized that he had an addictive...
Best wishes to you!
It looks like you are in a bad place right now but please know that there is hope.
I am no expert at dealing with anxiety but as I see it, successful treatment involves a partnership approach between the person with the problem and the relevant professional services. That would demand a lot of work on your part and a willingness to change your attitudes, opinions and outlook. In my limited experience with the medical profession, I have come across some wonderful doctors whose dedication goes well beyond the call of duty. Sadly, I have also encountered a significant number whose attitude was dismissive and almost uncaring. Therefore, you would be wise to keep looking until you find the right person, one who cares and who will leave no stone unturned in order to help solve your problem.
It look like you have not confronted the cause of your anxiety and have been trying to supress it as best you can or to run away from it. Alcohol did not work well in doing that ten years ago and it will not work now either. Moving away from the source of the problem is rarely a good approach as you will find that the unresolved problem will follow, no matter how far you move. There comes a time when you just have to stand and fight against it, no matter how painful that may be.
In the time before I stopped drinking several years ago, I was getting drawn more and more into depression and anxiety. One of the symptoms was that I was beginning to develop a stutter when talking to people. There was a lot of fear in my life and although I had the talent to make a positive contribution in many areas, I was a prisoner in a cell of my own making. When drinking got completely out of control and I had exhausted all other options, I went to a meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous, something that was extremely difficult to do in my state of mind. I disagreed with much of what I heard at AA meetings but as there was no other show in town, I stuck with it. Fortunately for me, I stumbled upon a solution that solved not only the drinking problem but also those life issues that led to so much fear and anxiety. My life-changing experience came about as the result of the Twelve Step programme of Alcoholics Anonymous.
What you do is not my business but I hope that you will make the right decisions. This life on earth is a great gift but it passes so quickly and therefore each day should be savoured. Although there is much help and many support services available, it is only you who can set the process of recovery in train and to see it through to a successful conclusion. You are worth it and you have a right to be happy. If you are being bullied, try to find a way to get help and to confront the bully. More importantly, take action to build up your self-confidence and self-worth so that you will be in a position to stand up for yourself, no matter what comes your way.
Fear is your biggest enemy and you will not have freedom until you find a way of dealing with it. For me, it was and is Alcoholics Anonymous and that could also be your path to freedom. However, AA is not the only way and if you are willing and determined, you will find something that works for you. It will not be a bottle of wine.
Hello hopeless9,
It looks like you are in a bad place right now but please know that there is hope.
I am no expert at dealing with anxiety but as I see it, successful treatment involves a partnership approach between the person with the problem and the relevant professional services. That would demand a lot of work on your part and a willingness to change your attitudes, opinions and outlook. In my limited experience with the medical profession, I have come across some wonderful doctors whose dedication goes well beyond the call of duty. Sadly, I have also encountered a significant number whose attitude was dismissive and almost uncaring. Therefore, you would be wise to keep looking until you find the right person, one who cares and who will leave no stone unturned in order to help solve your problem.
It look like you have not confronted the cause of your anxiety and have been trying to supress it as best you can or to run away from it. Alcohol did not work well in doing that ten years ago and it will not work now either. Moving away from the source of the problem is rarely a good approach as you will find that the unresolved problem will follow, no matter how far you move. There comes a time when you just have to stand and fight against it, no matter how painful that may be.
In the time before I stopped drinking several years ago, I was getting drawn more and more into depression and anxiety. One of the symptoms was that I was beginning to develop a stutter when talking to people. There was a lot of fear in my life and although I had the talent to make a positive contribution in many areas, I was a prisoner in a cell of my own making. When drinking got completely out of control and I had exhausted all other options, I went to a meeting of Alcoholics Anonymous, something that was extremely difficult to do in my state of mind. I disagreed with much of what I heard at AA meetings but as there was no other show in town, I stuck with it. Fortunately for me, I stumbled upon a solution that solved not only the drinking problem but also those life issues that led to so much fear and anxiety. My life-changing experience came about as the result of the Twelve Step programme of Alcoholics Anonymous.
What you do is not my business but I hope that you will make the right decisions. This life on earth is a great gift but it passes so quickly and therefore each day should be savoured. Although there is much help and many support services available, it is only you who can set the process of recovery in train and to see it through to a successful conclusion. You are worth it and you have a right to be happy. If you are being bullied, try to find a way to get help and to confront the bully. More importantly, take action to build up your self-confidence and self-worth so that you will be in a position to stand up for yourself, no matter what comes your way.
Fear is your biggest enemy and you will not have freedom until you find a way of dealing with it. For me, it was and is Alcoholics Anonymous and that could also be your path to freedom. However, AA is not the only way and if you are willing and determined, you will find something that works for you. It will not be a bottle of wine.
Hugs.
G.