It was after 4 years that I 'slipped'...my mom took my sister and I on a river cruise on the Rhine...through wine country, I knew it wasn't a good idea, but didn't want to ruin the trip. On the first day there, I told my Mom and my sister that I might drink on the trip and didn't really encounter any resistance. I drank at dinner only and it was fine. When I got home I felt like I could drink socially, but just didn't keep any wine in the house.

For about a year it was fine, but slowly and surely I loosened the rules and allowed wine back in the house and within the next year was right back where I started, Am in the process of getting back on track, but wish I never got off. Will hopefully remember this the next time I'm tempted. I wonder to this day why it took me so long to try to get back on track...

My depression and anxiety lifted when I quit drinking, but for many people the depression comes first, and drinking is used to self medicate.

Here is an interesting article. It mentions that preferred treatment is now treating depression at the same time as alcohol dependency, instead of getting sober and then treating depression:

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/09/25/ask-well-alcoholism-and-depression/?_r=0

Hi Janine,

Welcome, we are all glad you are here. I've been sober a number of years thru AA and it has really changed my life. However, I still battle anxiety from time to time and recently joined DS for anxiety and just joined alcoholism group tonight. Many Alcoholics suffer with depression, anxiety, panic attacks, etc. There is a world of knowledge on this sight and think of it as a "support system" to go and take out into the world with you. Personally, I recommend trying to go to an AA meeting in your area in addition.

Welcome to the support group.....you will get lots of tips, hints, and advice in here. Not all of it will be that useful and some will be. Just lesson to everyone and use what you can. I too am kinda new to all the "stop" drinking thing and so I don't have much words of wisdom for you. I can tell you that I have only been dry for 24 days now and I don't yet see a really big change. Im always depressed, pissed off and think about a cold beer all the time. So don't ever think it will be and easy 3,4, or even 12 steps and all is good. But I will say this...... Every Day Is A New Day...... so don't ever give up..... when you slip just get back into it and never stop working on it.........Good Luck and God Bless..... hope we can talk more sometime and compare notes........