hangover anxiety

Hey guys..
I have been having a very bad reaction to alcohol all day. I am a weekend drinking, not always binge drinking, but yesterday I was at a day festival, and then went out, so I did drink rather alot. Today, I had a strange hangover and i'm still having it.
I woke up feeling like my throught was being squeezed, then,that went away, to be replaced with a fast heart rate, that went away, and now my chest feels tight. I know that this is prob anxiety, but I am still a bit worried as it's 4am here (I'm in the UK) and it's been over 24 hours i've been feeling like this now.

I wondered, if anyone else suffers with bad anxiety whilst having a hangover? the fast heart rate? and chest tightness? and, how do they resolve it? I have had a panic attack where I thought I was having a heart attack and called an ambulance... though my panic attacks are lessening, the anxiety comes back sometimes when I have a hangover.

any advice would be great.

I am worried about the tightness in my chest, though I seem to be breathing ok, and my hearts normal-so I'm guessing it's no heart attack, just anxiety?

[goldenarm]

R U taking any medications? WHat did u drink and how much,?Liv er problems?

[boogieman]

hi there. could you be more specific as to how much/often you drink? you could be suffering from an allergic reaction or possibly even a form of withdrawal. has this happened before? do you eat well and on a regular basis? do you exercise? sorry for all the questions, but a little more info would be helpful :)       gm

[peaches84]

I'm not taking any medicines no. I don't have any liver problems.
I usually drink occasionally during the week, one or 2 units every other day, then one weekend night-usually about 10 units plus on a heavy session, this weekend, the units must have gone up to 40.
My body feels bruised, my stomach, back, sides, everything feels bruised and achey (achy)-which i've had before, but i've been able to sleep it off. My anxiety is very bad, and preventing me from sleeping properly. I went to sleep for an hour, then woke up with a jump.

I do excersise yes and I do eat well. I know I drink to much and need to cut it down.
I still have strong feelings of anxiety, and It's now monday-I was drinking on Sat.. I would have thought the anxiety would have gone by now. I know sleep will help, but I need to get rid of the anxiety first.

[boogieman]

hi. a physical exam with bloodwork including a liver panel wouldn't hurt if you haven't had one in a while. alcohol acts as a sedative as well as an anesthetic on the nervous system, so you are probably experiencing a bit of rebound discomfort. if not for its damaging side effects and abuse potential, alcohol would be a wonder drug, but unfortunately using it as a painkiller or antianxiety med is dangerous business---this is how a lot of folks develop problems with it. insomnia and overall poor quality of sleep are also side effects that will likely get worse over time as well. all in all, you probably just overdid it, but a doctor visit could rule out any moderate to serious conditions----better safe than sorry. take care,  gm

[broknbck]

hey i am having the same symptoms here. total anxiety. hhhhhhhh..... i think i must be going through withdrawl (withdrawal). but i will not have a drink to feel better. i have dumped out the rest of the half gallon of vodka and i don't want to drink again. i can't . i cannot control it. and my decisions are really really bad. rough people, drugs, sex unprotected.

[ibizan]

i need to cut a record titled Boogieman Right On Again!!!and he is with his advice here.....we have so many ppl post here with situations as u describe.....he advises so soundly and with concern and we don't hear back from what they decide to do.Please keep us posted and again....ms.Broken Record sez follow the boogiemans advice!:)

[kenziegirl]

i cant believe i found this stream. I have never heard of anyone else who has had this happen. The weird thing about me is I used to drink quite often and would get hang overs all the time and be totally fine. but one morning when I did my usual wake up at 6am after drinking. I woke up and immediately started having a REALLLY intense panic attack. it was one of the worse ones i have ever had.  I wont drink more than 2 drinks anymore cuz i am so scared of having a panic attack the next morning.  But why all of the sudden did it happen out of nowhere?

[ibizan]

The brain is a very complex mysterious organ my dear!alcohol depresses it messes with it and numbs it.....i don't think there is an exact answer to this question unless the Boogieman knows and he knows a LOT!alcohol deadens brain tissue and changes the amino acids in it also interferes with neurotransmitters and their activity/pathways.....i would say it is the brain/body way of telling you enough is enough!

[boogieman]

hi. there are a lot of parameters that would need to be examined to give you a definitive answer, but often common sense will prevail----have you been eating and sleeping well? exercising any? any other meds (prescribed or otherwise) being taken? any pre-existing conditions? are you under a lot of stress? often times it's the simple things, or lack thereof, that can have drastic effects. like ibizan said, your body is trying to tell you  something, and even a full medical exam might not tell all, but a doctor's evaluation could not hurt. best wishes--------gm

[mf85251]

It is a combination of anxiety and withdrawl (withdrawal). You drink all day, it could take 1-3 days to recover. You will start to feel better after several days. If I go out drinking all day and all night, I usually feels the effects for several days. That is why I want to quit drinking...it is hard to live and it doesn't feel great.

Drink lots of water. :)

[Natho]

I get the same symptoms here to. I eat healthy, go to the gym, don't suffer from anxiety in real life. If I have a heavy session though I wake up feeling half drunk, but fairly ok. Around 3pm everything comes crashing down. I have panic attacks, worry about nothing, breath fast, chest tight, go hot and cold, think crazy thoughts. Lasts for 2 days. I've had blood tests done, everything is normal, tried every hang over cure going including L glutamine and milk thistle. Nothing works apart from sticking to a 12 unit limit. If i go over that i freak out the next day. Started when i was around 24 and has just got worse (27 now). Bad days. The only thing I have found that helps is forcing myself to go jogging or at very least walking. Going to the gym helps but i usually feel too self conscious in my messed up anxious phase. Try not to stay indoor it only makes it worse. Otherwise totally uncontrollable no matter how many breathing exercises or calming words I have with myself.

[Jacker]

This is a pretty old thread you pulled up, but it's still relevant.  I started to feel this way after quite a few years of drinking, and I think it was a sign that my body was reacting as an alcoholic for the first time (instead of reacting as a heavy drinker).  Alcohol effects the central nervous system and I believe this feeling is sort of like a "mini-withdrawal" after the alcohol leaves your body.....that's my personal feeling anyway.  Be very careful- if you do a lot of drinking in this condition you can be at risk for heart attack, stroke, or something along those lines. Your body is trying to tell you something- listen!

[Drew2502]

Thanks guys for reactivating, I go through the same things, anxiety attacks, depression, my brain just goes berserk and cant think.. it just goes through all the negative things in my life and uncontrollable thoughts and terrible feelings. I have been living with this condition for 3 years now and it is really taking a toll on my mental state. 3 years ago I got caught up with my brother in laws brother (john, he has a history of drug and alcohol abuse and even tried to take his own life once) and between him my friends and family I found myself binging three to four times a week sometimes more for quite a few months (sufering hangovers at work) then one mid afternoon during a weekend hangover i started to get these real intense feelings that I wanted to harm myself or someone, my brain just seized, sweats, deep feelings of despair, my nervous system was shot, I was catatonic for around a week, I had to take Valium to relax, crying, scared ********, wondering how long it would last, kind of had a case of psychosis, thinking i was going insane, the gp put me on anti depressants which made things worse for me, got off them and started seeing the psychologist (he has been good), I have been having waves of attacks ever since, longest period free has been about 2 weeks, i is so friggen hard to deal with and i don't know how long i can put up with it, my brother took his own life and i don't want to put anyone through that, I have never attempted this (thought about it alot, and have probably come close) , I have been trying to give up drinking during the week and only drink on the weekend, I keep getting it somewhat under control, and then relax my control and then I may have a few too many drinks and drinking nights and then wham! (i don't drink by myself, only socially) I have been seeing the psychologist for the last 2 years and working through my issues, he told me last week that I don't have schizophrenia, i was kind of shocked when he said this after seeing him  for 2 years that he was contemplating that i might and it hadn't crossed my mind...maybe i have a lot of issues. i drink cause i enjoy it. I have had problems in the past being social and it seems the only way for me to be social is to drink, otherwise everything just seems awkward. I live in and around a real drinking culture and have friends and family who don't have the same problems as me, (though i seem to drink with everyone) and the only way to socialize with them is to drink? They enjoy my company when I drink. I am 38, it has helped me reading depression and anxiety forums when i am going through it, helps me relax, like right now... had a bit too big of a Fri & Sat nights, but reading this one, it seems that alot of my problems can be resolved by giving up drinking, it will be hard and alot of people around me will think and say that I am being a big wuse, but at the end of the day it is my life and I need to get this monkey off my back.

[gazza28]

i understand were your coming from i whent out friday for a friends birthday and now is sunday and im still in bed i havnt moved as feel scared , feel bruised all over , hot @ cold sweats and as for my head i feel like im loosing it i lie here heart racing , tight chest and when i do start to go into a deep sleep i find it that it feels like i stop breathing like a weight on my throat and i jump up and then my head starts playing mind games how long b4 it wears off ?????

[boogieman]

Hi. Once again, chronic alcohol use can have devastating effects on many parts of the body. Most common are problems with the digestive system, especially the liverwhich filters toxins from the blood. In time, what occurs is the liver becomes more and more inefficient in doing its job, and overconsumption of alcohol can introduce more than the liver can handle, as a result the excess alcohol circulates through the blood to all organs. This results in damage. The result of this is often sadly ultimate organ failure, which is a painful and slow death. I would highly reccomend seeing/ continuing to see a physician as well as looking into aa or other support group. Take care, GM /-

[Littlejudoka]

I am very happy I found this!

I was reading about why I'd have breathing problems, sweating and a very weak feeling body after drinking only a drink past my normal amount. I am a very small girl, very active and super healthy (as much as I can be on a tight budget.)

I really think doctors should look into this, because it seems to be with many particular people a serious thing. Sometimes I feel like I am going to die and it takes, luckily, only a few hours to go away. I've had it last a few days, but the only thing on day 2 and on that is different is my digestion.

I guess the only thing you can do is drink little to none!

[ibizan]

welcome small girl:)how tall r u?how much do u weigh?so how much is a drink past your normal amount?numbers of drinks please?and in what time frame do u consume them?beer?liquor?

[VAPVAPVAP]

I've been drinking most weekends for about 9 years now and I drink enough to make me black out most times. It's just the lifestyle I have.

Hangovers used to be fine when I was 17, but now at 26 they are very much like what people are describing - on the Sunday night after a Saturday drinking, I get a tight chest, feel the urge to breath really deep but it never feels right, and then just when I'm in bed just about to fall asleep my heart explodes and I start breathin really shallow and fast.

A horrible horrible feeling but I've been working on drinking less (not at all in fact) although there's always the odd weekend I "fall off the wagon" or whatever the term is.

I think what helps is living a healthy lifestyle in general (exercise, eat well, etc) which helps with the breathing but the real fix is to stop drinking entirely which I am working on.

[europagrl]

I had some of the most horrible hangovers ever.the tightnes on the chest and heart papilation is hard to take.also body jerks and sick ,not able to keep anything down.Couple of times...I was seriously thinking ,this is it.Trying to stay sober now.

[ibizan]

hope u give AA a try and do your best to stay around sober ppl....the light has gone on upstairs in ur head!

[summer20123]

i suffer with anxiety after a heavy night drinking it also i feel really low. but at the time you dont think of it and wish you never the day after

[rpooo]

Sorry I didn't take the time to read all the replies and sorry if someone already mentioned this. When I first read your post the first thing that came to my mind was Dehydration. It is very common after a hard nights drinking. Here's why:

While consuming such large amounts of alcohol it tends to make you urinate more often. Because of that you are striping your body of its electrolites. Hense causeing you the hang over. The next day your body is dehydrated (which has all kinds of side effects) and the electrolites need to be replaced. So you need to consume alot of fluid to help your body. Gatorade is full of electrolites and works best, thats why its so commonly used for people in sports that perspire alot. I hope this helps.
Randy

[lenny7364]

i know exactly why this happens... first of all it only happens to people whom have an anxiety/ panic disorder. It has to do with the Serotonin and adrenaline levels in your body... When you are drinking your serotonine levels sky rocket and your adrenaline level dips a lot, so you feel a lot less anxiety when you are drunk depending on how much you drink, alcohol is a depressant/ a downer, that explains that... So when you are hungover the alcohol is leaving your body at a fast rate so your serotonine and adrenaline is restoring itself, so a normal person without anxiety will feel a little anxious with their hangover but, someone with anxiety feels the adrenaline 10 time worse. Your body is hot, tingling, heart rate fast... pretty much in panic mode thats why you feel more anxiety than usual because of the chemicals in your body already out of wack because of the anxiety disorder... when I go out drinking I make sure to have a long recovery time the next day... Before you pass out drink lots of water that helps a lot then in the morning I take 3 mg of xanax when the anxiety is getting pretty bad and 2 min. later the anxiety is gone COMPLETELY and I am fine the rest of the day after a 2-3 hour nap... But DON'T abuse the xanax as it is very addictive but works very very well with hangover anxiety... I hope this helps

[ibizan]

It is sheer folly to advise ppl here to use Xanax in moderation to cure a hangover.....most if not all pppl who post here about their alcohol use have a big issue w/alcohol and Xanax is the worst drug for them aside from the opiates.

[rpooo]

So when you take away the bad advice of using xanax you're left with nothing more than drinking a lot of water. I'm glad you figured it out!

[lenny7364]

I think anyone and everyone who has experienced a panic attack would probably disagree with you on that... Xanax is addictive and very harmful if you abuse it but, in the event of severe anxiety and panic attacks it is still a medication prescribed to HELP relieve your anxiety, whatever the cause, be it alcohol hangover or personal stress, that's what I am most conserned with NOT the amount of peoples drinking. I leave it up to the individual and personal responsibility to manage their drinking... The obviouse answer is DON'T DRINK if it gives you anxiety, but I am answering the person's question and sharing my personal method of helping with hangover anxiety. I can understand where you're coming from but, when I have a panic attack, I can asure you that xanax doesn't seem all that bad when you're hyperventalating and think you're about to die...

[Mr_Rager]

oh god hangover anxiety is bad, that is why i try and quit binging, but its hard, so im gonna go and drink some more to get rid of this feeling, even tho tomorrow it will double and the need to drink will get worst

[rpooo]

lenny7364,
I somehow missed your post. I wouldn't think a doctor would prescribe xanax having any intentions for it to be used it as to cure for a hangover, that my friend IS abusing it. Alcoholism is a very deadly disease and offering suggestions that can lead to drug abuse is not helpful despite your honest intentions. We are people with addictive personalities so please keep that in mind when posting in this forum.

Randy

[ibizan]

i can always count on my administrative assistant here to offer good advice!i can't offer anything else...nuff said!

[let2it2out]

Dear Drew

Reading your thread made me feel how I did just last week. I arrested for being drunk in a public place twice in one week. I woke up one morning and my whole apartment was smashed, glass everywhere. I went to a party and woke up with a cigarette burn on my wrist and a black eye, I guess someone punched me out because when I drink I am argumentative and extremely blunt, I tell people how I feel and don't care if it hurts them. It's the truth.

I figured the best thing for me to do was to run and go to my grandmothers so I would be forced to not drink. I swore to myself I would never drink again. I was on the bus to Toronto and had not drank for 2 days and all of the sudden I felt like I was out of my body and got feelings and uncontrollable thoughts that I was going to strangle someone on the bus or go into the bathroom and hurt myself. It scared the living **** out of me and I never want to feel like that again. I thought I was going insane. I ran to the hospital downtown Toronto as soon as I got off the bus.

My relationship ended and I wound up in a place I hated, I guess that's why I went so nuts with my drinking. This was just literally a few weeks ago. I woke up one morning and I was sweating, shaking, freezing cold and thought I was literally going to snap and turn szhizophrenic. I went to the hospital and they gave me 50 mg diazepam and I calmed down. However it took me 7 days to get my mind back on track and not feel like I was going crazy.

I keep swearing to myself I wont drink and only end up drinking time after time again. I know that if I continue I will end up in mental institution or in jail.

My life has been not one of an easy childhood and many hard experiences and looses I chose not to face....so I drink and I drink to the point I black out and am a danger to myself and others.

The only thing I can do to be a good person is not to drink...but I am petrified every day of my life to get wasted and feel the way I do after wards with anxiety, and feelings of losing control and going insane. I think it is what you said a psychosis and it is not fun.
Just writing this blog gives me the chills and brings me back to that feeling. You would think that one would do anything to avoid that feeling and be able to never drink. Not drinking is better than going through all of those terrible shakes and mental problems, but after a few days when my head is on straight again, the desire to drink comes back due to habbit.

Tried AA
Went to rehab
Seen addictions councellors
Psychitrist who just gave me a prescription so I ripped it up because I overdosed on lorazepam when I was drunk, so I figured it is best not to have pills in the house and now...pretty lost on what to do

[rpooo]

uncontrollable thoughts that I was going to strangle someone on the bus or go into the bathroom and hurt myself


Why would you ever  want to hurt someone?

[mememe13]

wow i am 27 also. u are the most similar case to my own. i am glad i am not alone, but do not wish what we go thru on anyone. with me my anxiety goes thru the roof from when i wake up (more so a couple hours after i wake up) and the anxiety doesnt go away till 24 hours from my last drink even tho im still tired after 24 hours. i literally count down the hours until the 24 hour mark. its hell in my mind and sometimes pyhiscal, it feels like i cant catch my breath, my chest tightens, increased and heavy heart beats, im scarred to choke on anything i eat or drink, feels like somethings in my throat, i hyperventalate and tingle all over my body, the back of my skull tightens, my arms and legs go numb somtimes from poor circulation, im extremely worried and scarred about everything. this kind of hangover only happens if i binge drink and blackout. if i never blackout, this all doesnt happen the next day. its truly scary in my mind even tho i know nothing seriously bad ever happens to me. the only thing that EVER helps is going for a super long walk outside. this is the only thing that calms me down. i heard anxiety is extra adrenaline ur body is producing and sends ur body into "flight or fight" and since u arent do anything at the time, thats why u are so anxious. alcohol withdrawl (withdrawal) brings this on heavy. thats why walking for me helps. its using up that extra adrenaline. one time i walked for 13 hours outside, when id stop walking my mind and body would be in hell. i know the solution is to not drink as much or at all, but easier said than done. good luck to all & know u are NOT alone in this madness, and nothing bad is going to happen to u and with TIME it will pass and u will go back to normal, try copeing the best way u know how. and def do NOT be around someone who doesnt understand it or is loud andf obnoxious. if ur going to be with someone, pick a calm person

[mememe13]

ps if u dont like going for walks. keep urself busy!!!!! esp ur mind. text alot of people all day so ur mind is concentrated on something else. if im not going for a walk i try to text alot and go on facebook and interact there. i also dont mind working on days like this even tho im so sick. im a waitress/bartender so i am constantly moving and my mind is distracted on getting the task done and makes the time go by faster. and if ur laying down watching tv, dont watch anything dramatic or itense. leave light and funny things on. intense things throw me into anxiety . hope some of this helps

[Jtrams]

I also have had this happen to me before. With myself it only happens after a heavy drinking session. I had the worst panic attack I've ever had yesterday. I only have these panic attacks when I'm extremely hungover. I felt like I couldn't breathe, but was breathing. Also felt like my heart was racing at times and like I was going to pass out. I also had a warm burning sensation in my stomach and my. Hands were tingling. Does anyone know what this is?

[cruiser950]

Hi,

It is really good to see people who can relate to me. I have suffered from panic attacks from the age of 20 and i am 28 now. I blame it partly on the media for the shock stories we are exposed too. I have become somewhat of a panic connoisseur and although I have not found the route cause of the attacks and anxiety I do not what triggers an attack, and I know the best methods to prevent an attack.

I do agree with everyone go and get checked out at the hospital check your heart is good, check your vitals are well, have that piece of mind because without that knowledge it is tough to convince yourself.

It is harsh reality for me the bad things in life which i enjoy are my triggers, the things which require effort and are more difficult to include in my lifestyle are the things which help get rid of panick attacks.

Let me explain, smoking and alcohol and no exercise are my triggers. Alcohol the day after and the withdrawal are so tough for me, I experience so much anxiety it prevents me from taking my shirt off or having a shower because for some reason it will make me panick to see my naked chest, for some unknown reason having a shower can trigger an attack as much as i love taking showers. I know if i do not drink I will 95% stop my panic attacks. Smoking, does not help me as i know it is unhealthy but It is not a direct trigger.

When I exercise and dont drink my panic goes away completely, I am no longer a drinker and I have made this lifestyle change solely because of my panic attacks when I am hungover, it is tough at the start but now it is become who I am. I know longer want to feel so empty that I have had enough of the panic that I am ready just to die and have mentally prepared myself for death because of the panic.

Even though it is expensive i would suggest, if all other routes are not working, try some hypnotherapy from a clinical hypnotherapist because they are not trippy they are scientific and use your subconscious to train your body, I have had it, it does work for me but I moved house and did not complete the course.

[ladiva637]

After a night drinking and smoking some cigarrets i am know feeling shakie, cold, nervious. What can i do to  remedie this?

[bahamamama13165]

Your going threw withdrawal.  Drink alot of water,take a vitamin and ride it out.  Next time don't drink so much.

[SteveeJ22]

I have had a variety of this happen to me for the past 4-5 months now and it was extremely frightening at first.  This could be totally different from what is causing your anxiety/feelings but here is what I find usually happens to me:

Heavy drinking the night before will lead to a feeling of chest tightness/pressure that makes it feel hard to breathe or hard to breathe deeply.  I've found that although it feels like my heart is racing, it really isn't beating much faster than normal, it just feels like each heart beat can be felt throughout my whole body.  For me, I have found that drinking heavily causes the chest discomfort and the chest discomfort causes the anxiety.  Along with the anxiety comes some rapid breathing, nervousness, numbness/tingling in the extremities.

Again this is simply what I have found works for me, but I have tried many, many things to remedy this feeling and so far I have the following:
- I strongly believe that the chest pressure and shortness of breath is gas-related.  Gas pressure pushing up from the stomach on the diaphragm and putting pressure on the lungs.  I have also been told that gas pressure can be felt in the chest/back/shoulders.
- Following this thinking, during one of my hangovers I took a 300mg Zantac to try and relieve this pressure.  DO NOT ever take Zantac with alcohol in your system, I immediately felt like my face/head was on fire and vomited for 2 hours. (I haven't vomited from drinking in 3-4 years)
- Just yesterday, after a heavy night of drinking of Saturday,  I was feeling a bit hung over, ate Easter dinner, and immediately felt the pressure and anxiety hit me.  I took a GasX (my new favorite buddy) and laid down for 15-20 min and the chest pressure was gone.  I could still feel some small discomfort in my left chest/shoulder area but just a small soreness.
-  On some really bad days, and this has only happened once or twice for me, this anxiety/discomfort will hit again at night when I'm ready to go to sleep.  Again I will take a GasX and a 5mg melatonin (natural sleep aid) and before I know it I am waking up the next morning feeling pretty good, just a little drowsy from the melatonin.
-  For the anxiety aspect, I have found there's nothing to do other than stay calm as best as possible.  For me, I have had this happen 10+ times so I tell myself "OK, you've had this feeling 10 times and it hasn't killed you or done any serious physical harm yet, just wait it out."

Lastly, let me add that after the first time I felt this chest pain I consulted a walk-in medical care place near my house and they hooked me up to an EKG and also tested my lung capacity.  Always consult a doctor if you have new chest pain or anything out of the ordinary.

[adi1684]

I'm just back from a 3 day stag in benalmadena and have never experienced a hangover like I'm experiencing now.

Over the weekend, I drank a serious amount of alcohol, lost my mobile phone, fell and cut my face twice. The last drink I had was in the early hours of Saturday morning. When I woke on Saturday early afternoon, I felt like I was going to die. I was shaking, my chest was tight and I felt like my heart was going to stop beating, even though when I checked my pulse it was reasonably normal.

I lead a pretty healthy lifestyle, eat well during the week, regularly exercise. However, I would binge drink often, maybe 3 times a month, and mostly to the stage where I can't remember what happened the night before. After this hangover, I seriously contemplate whether I will ever binge drink again, it's just not worth it and surely could be no good for our bodies at all.

I must admit I'm pretty relieved after reading this. I was thinking of heading to the hospital/gp in the morning (it's Monday evening and I still don't feel 100%) but I'm putting it down to my body telling me enough is enough. I still feel young enough as I'm only 28, but don't want to end up with some chronic health problems later in life, just cos I over did it a an earlier age.

My chest is still tight but I feel happier now I have got home and have my family around me. However, anyone who has any advice for me to get completely over this hangover would be much appreciated. I must also say that I don't see myself as having an alcohol problem, like some of the other people who have posted on this forum. I think I could live the rest of my life very happily without having another a drink, maybe I'm wrong but hopefully not.

[SteveeJ22]

Read my last post that was right above yours, that is the only advice I could offer to you regarding the hangover.  I also binge drink occasionally and have been doing my best to cut back.  Like you, I don't consider myself an addict by any means but I also feel it's beginning to take a toll on my body.  Once the habit forms it is a hard one to break, but if you choose to continue to drink try doing some of the following:
-  Don't start earlier, drink faster, or drink more than those around you.  If you're already 4-8 drinks in when your buddies start drinking and you try to keep up it could definitely end badly for you.
-  Try your best to mix in water throughout the night or every other drink if possible, not only will it slow down how much you consume but keep you hydrated at the same time.  Also try to drink a good amount of water before bed.  
-  If you've been drinking beers all night long and some ladies or tough guys at the party/bar want to do some shots try and sit them out.  I am always guilty of not knowing when to turn a drink down.

After drinking for so long my body no longer tells throughout the night that I've had too much by making me feel nauseous or vomiting.  I could literally drink to the point of blacking out and drink some more and that's where these killer hangovers come from.  Definitely slow it down if not quit altogether before it does some serious damage.  

[213Gabriel]

Yeah I got anxiety and withdrawls a lot because I drink to get that feeling gone but comes back with full force when it wears off. I have PTSD. lost my partner of ten years and just makes drink and do the dumpiest things ever,