Panic Attacks Support Group
A panic attack is a period of intense fear or discomfort, typically with an abrupt onset and usually lasting no more than thirty minutes. Symptoms include trembling, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, sweating, nausea, dizziness, hyperventilation, and sensations of choking or smothering. Panic attacks can be very sudden, appear to be unprovoked, and are often...
HI --
I've been "lurking" in the group for a few days before posting. I actually joined Daily Strength because I realize I have a drinking problem. In addition to drinking too much being generally unhealthy, I realize it is potentially dangerous when combined with the medication I'm taking for anxiety.
Add to that the fact that waking up tired and hung over makes me feel more anxious (not to mention the negative effects my drinking has had on my relationship with my wife) I realized that it was time to focus seriously on no longer drinking.
All of this got me thinking about when my drinking started to increase and when my anxiety started. My first anxiety attack was in 2003 which I think pre-dates the start of my heavier drinking -- I started a new job in 2004 and my co-workers and I would often go out on a Friday night after work for drinks and then eventually I started to go to a sushi bar for two for one margaritas on Sunday nights.
During this time though I was working with a therapist and finding the right meds for my anxiety and making progress and so I did not draw any connection between my alcohol consumption and my anxiety.
I'm wondering, however, if there are others who have drawn a connection.
Prior to 2004 I was what I would consider a "social" drinker -- I would have one drink when out with friends but nothing more because I had to drive, and I never kept alcohol at home - it just wasn't something I thought to do. But as I mentioned, over time, my social drinking increased and friends started giving me wine or tequila (I was big into margaritas for a while) as gifts and so there was alcohol in my house as well.
I realize this is sort of a cross post between the anxiety group and the alcoholism group but I am curious to see if there are other anxiety sufferers who have also had issues with alcohol.
Thanks
Rich
I've been "lurking" in the group for a few days before posting. I actually joined Daily Strength because I realize I have a drinking problem. In addition to drinking too much being generally unhealthy, I realize it is potentially dangerous when combined with the medication I'm taking for anxiety.
Add to that the fact that waking up tired and hung over makes me feel more anxious (not to mention the negative effects my drinking has had on my relationship with my wife) I realized that it was time to focus seriously on no longer drinking.
All of this got me thinking about when my drinking started to increase and when my anxiety started. My first anxiety attack was in 2003 which I think pre-dates the start of my heavier drinking -- I started a new job in 2004 and my co-workers and I would often go out on a Friday night after work for drinks and then eventually I started to go to a sushi bar for two for one margaritas on Sunday nights.
During this time though I was working with a therapist and finding the right meds for my anxiety and making progress and so I did not draw any connection between my alcohol consumption and my anxiety.
I'm wondering, however, if there are others who have drawn a connection.
Prior to 2004 I was what I would consider a "social" drinker -- I would have one drink when out with friends but nothing more because I had to drive, and I never kept alcohol at home - it just wasn't something I thought to do. But as I mentioned, over time, my social drinking increased and friends started giving me wine or tequila (I was big into margaritas for a while) as gifts and so there was alcohol in my house as well.
I realize this is sort of a cross post between the anxiety group and the alcoholism group but I am curious to see if there are other anxiety sufferers who have also had issues with alcohol.
Thanks
Rich
Now I am not saying you shouldn't quit drinking. If you have a problem you definitely should quit drinking. The path to quitting drinking normally ends up in stopping all at once, like AA. Hitting your bottom and realizing the problem. (I grew up in AA meetings as my father is a recovering alcoholic.) The trick is since when you STOP drinking you stop and the body goes through the withdrawal which is going to cause all sorts of anxiety. Know this will get better, know that what you are doing is positive in your life. Make sure you have a solid support system in place and that your support system knows that you have issues with anxiety / panic as well as dealing with stopping alcohol. They need all the information if they are going to be able to help you. I really suggest joining AA or a support group that deals will alcoholism. They even have online meetings. For your wife Al-Anon would be a great suggestion. She goes through this with you and may need to know she is not alone in dealing with the issue. That program also will help her express to others how she feels and deal with the emotions involved.
Anxiety will be present as you quit drinking, but know that the increased amounts you are feeling WILL decrease over time.
I applaud and am happy that you have decided to begin dealing with your drinking problem. You can do it, You will feel better. We are here for you. Have a good day!!!
Bad news is alcohol is a depressant and that can eventually lead to more anxiety. Mixing alcohol with anti-depressants isn't a good idea (1 beer or glass of wine is fine every now and then).