Alcohol and anxiety

First off I am a drinker. I drink from 2 to 4 drinks a night. At one time I was drinking 7-8 a night. I am not ready to cut it out just yet because of my anxiety. Now here is the problem. No one knows and I don't want anyone to know. I well known in the community even to the point that I cannot see a doctor about this. I don't need it when I wake up, I don't need it during the day. As a matter of fact if I don't get home until 9 at night I may only have one to sleep on. Am I a typical alcoholic? From every thing that I have read and all of the "tests" that I have taken online, it would suggest I am sort of borderline. I enjoy a night capper or 2. I never drink before 6pm and as I said, the later I start, the less that I drink.

[dominosarah]

You are showing typical alcoholic traits.  Alcoholism doesnt discriminate, it hits all walks of life.  Drinking is just a symptom of what is going on here.  You mention anxiety.  I am glad you are here and asking questions.  Keep talking to us          sara

[whatamidoing]

I never drink before 6pm. The later I start the less I drink. I don't feel that I need it, I just enjoy the buzz before I go to bed. I had bad anxiety when trying to go to sleep.

[narla]

I also never drank before 6pm,I held down a management job,It's more about the consumption of alcohol becoming a habit,following a steady pattern that gradually escalates.
You say you enjoy the buzz,well what is going to happen when it takes more and more alcohol to get that buzz,this is how alcoholism sneaks up on you,before you realise what is happening you are addicted to that buzz and will drink whatever it takes to get those feelings.
The longer you drink like this the harder it will be to stop,and believe me you are not doing your liver any favours either,drinking every night means your liver never has a chance to get rid of the toxins.
Keep posting

Denise

[whatamidoing]

Actually I have been doing this for about 8 years. For about 3 years I was into more like 7 to 8 drinks. Now, I always make sure to quit at 4.

[whatamidoing]

I think I will slow it down and quit. It doesn't feel as good to me anymore and the bad sure does outweigh the good now.

[dominosarah]

That is a good decision to quit.  The bad times will only get worse.  We are here to help you so keep talking with us.         sara

[whatamidoing]

Down to 2 a night for 2 nights. I am doing better but not great. My anxiety is up really high here lately. Tell me if it is anxiety or alcohol.....
For the past 3 days I have been short of breath at times, weak all over at other times, feeling like I am having chest pains at other times, dizzy every once in a while, shoulder and left side of back and arm hurting, and a few other things like my left hand tingling and a strong headache for about an hour. I have generally had abdominal pain that hasn't been too severe. My skin seems to be of normal color. I check everything now-a-days. My urine is almost always clear, my stool is normal. By the most part, the symptoms come and go at different times and hardly ever together.

[narla]

These sound like panic attacks,you really need to see a doctor to rule out other causes,especially get the chest pains checked,find a doctor in another town if you don't want to use your local doctor,
Keep posting and let us know how it's going

Denise

[Punkinhead75]

Hi there.  Thanks for posting.  I would see a doctor in regards to the anxiety.  I know when I stopped drinking I had some anxiety but not as bad as you seem to.  Now a days it is very minimal and definetly tolerable enough to work through.  Maybe you need some meds or sit and talk with someone who knows about this stuff.  A friend of mine gat anxiety out of nowhere and he went on meds for it.  I don't think he is on tham anymore.  I also haven't talked to him about it in a while.  Good luck!!

[whatamidoing]

After only drinking 2 last night I had hoped to feel good this morning. I don't have a hangover, but I have been dizzy when I stand up and my head feels swimmy. Of course I have it in my mind that I have brain cancer. My BP is 130 over 82 and pulse rate is 86. My blood sugar was 105.

[colleendawn813]

hi, you sound a lot like me. i am a 29 y/o f with pretty much the same problem.i drink because i cant really sleep unless i have at least 2 or 3.not every night, but most.the nights i dont drink i take an ativan.i get crazy anxiey just like you, and drinking helps alleviate it.i take my bp and pulse and all that too, and its always normal.honestly, i think maybe you have panic disorder, i was diagnosed with it a few years ago.antidepressants help, but you cant drink on them or they mess with you.i guess its pick your poison.meds or alcohol.JUST MY PERSONAL opinion, based on my experience.but at least you're in the right place, talking to people and seeking help.

[strdsbrg]

The alcohol is CAUSING the anxiety.  Stop drinking and after a few days you'll start to feel normal.  Alcohol triggers anxiety.  You may still have some without it, but it will be far less disturbing.

[Jacker]

If you drank 7 or 8 at a time for awhile, it's enough time to build up an addiction.  By drinking 3 or 4 (a reduced number) you are "wetting the appetite" and your body is asking for more, thereby increasing the anxiety.

Heavy drinking is known to increase blood pressure and anxiety.  If you stop for 30 days, I'll bet you'll see a change for the better.  

[jess538]

I also suffer from anxiety/ panic attacks and alcohol helped me with it for a while or so I thought but eventually it caused my anxiety to get worse. Since I quit drinking my anxiety has diminished dramatically.