I think its important to start small... Set realistic goals for your self! Once you start achieving these smaller goals it will be easier for you to tackle the bigger picture. Just know that you are not alone and that there are so many people here who are going through the same life struggles that you are. Stay positive, You can do this!

Thank you , I feel like such a failure , I have destroyed my family

You cant change the past. I know thats not something you want to hear but all you can do now is focus on how you are going to change. Focus on the future and the progress you can make!

I’m trying to get my act together this is a huge step and iknow it’s the right one

Yes, have to agree with Neffew23 and forgetting about the past, or it will definitely drag you down again. Focus instead on what you can control, today, this minute, this moment in time that you can effectively change. Congrats on your decision, this is a huge step in recovery. Wishing you continued success and please keep us posted!

Thank you

So, as many of us have observed before, there are lots of types of alcoholics.

The self-medicating drinkers are a relatively big piece of the pie. Whether for depression, PTSD, childhood trauma etc.....or, in your case, anxiety, lots of us found alcohol to be the means to escape and/or quiet down the roar. It worked at first, then gradually less and less until it got to the point that it was a whole additional problem competing with (or amplifying) the original one.

Alcoholism, like anxiety, is a disease - not a choice. I think you would be very wise to take this slowly and start with a physician visit where you can put all the cards of the table. There you should be able to be free of guilt and judgement and just look at where you are right now and how you can see some improvement in your physical health and your emotional well being.

It will get better.

As I often end - may the force be with you

I know EXACTLY how you feel. The guilt and shame brought on by anxiety is relentless. I'm on day 1 and my anxiety has been off the charts.

New here, but sending you positive thoughts.

Yes it’s day one for me too , the anxiety was crippling this morning , so I used acupressure on my ears with seeds and I’ve drank a lot of chamomile tea and believe it or not I’m feeling ok tonight. There is also a spot for craving so I’ve been pushing on it a lot . Sending you positive vibes too

I'm a firm believer in natural calming solutions and i was a bit relieved that others who are contemplating not drinking also suffer from anxiety. I've stumbled onto a pretty good site/forum that is working for me in that it's about tapering off (I'm a hardcore drinker) instead of cold turkey. Lots here advocate AA but it's just not for me. Here's the site, and please keep posting and so will I. 4 drinks for me today as opposed to 6-8. lots of anxiety but I'm getting tired.

https://hams.vbulletin.net/

Yes I feel a big difference tonight , so I’m very relieved and I’ve the same stuff going on last night as tonight and I feel a difference. I’m praying it keeps working , my ears are sore :)

I drink daily to, to deal with the anxiety. I am not on anxiety meds either. I don't want to look like a pill head. so I drink to control it. but now I cant go without drinking evryday bc I get sick. I pray for you and best of luck to you.

wow so many helpful comments! god bless you all.

Welcome. Day 2? Don’t discount AA. Keep all options on the table. That’s my advice. If you’re like me, this is a life and death matter. The clarity you have now is fleeting if you don’t make changes now. Desperation is a gift that many alcoholics don’t get and they die.

I also have secretly drank for a long time now, to mask problems or stress. Like you I have had enough and I’m finding this page really helpful. I have not had a drink for 3 days and I will continue this for as long as possible.