alcohol and anxiety

[jubiloo]

Does anyone else drink alcohol to help with anxiety.  I think I have been drinking a bit too much lately.  I feel that when I drink the likelihood of having an attack is less due to altered state of mind.  I am a bit worried about it.  Any thoughts???

[stomachgrr]

I've had anxiety problems all my life and drank to get rid of it for years. I quit drinking a year ago and still battle with my anxiety. a doctor had told me back when I was drinking that if I kept drinking the anxiety would be irreversible and he was right. I still battle everyday with my anxiety and I think in the long run it only made it progress even more. I'm being treated for anxiety with benzo's. they do help alot but you also have to be careful to only take them as prescribed and only use them when needed because you build up a tolerance for them and they too can become addictive.

[jubiloo]

Thank you very much for your comments.  I am still drinking, but I know that it is not good for me.  It does cause me to think more about my health and I would like to stop but then if I start to feel anxious, I just get myself another drink.  I do not take any other medication.  I sometimes smoke a bit of pot, but I need to be in the right frame of mind or it causes me to have severe attacks.  

[smellycat1986]

I have had panic attacks and Agoraphobia for along time. I started drinking to self medicate myself (get rid of panic attacks and to feel better) I ended up drinking almost everyday for about 2 years. I still drink quite a bit and it still helps me feel better. I would advise you not to drink all the time, because you will end up wanting to everyday.

[Lemonhed]

I'd agree that the alcohol isn't necessarily a good thing.  The thing for me was that as it wore off it could trigger the symptoms because I felt 'different' or abnormal, and would need to remind myself of having drank.  I would also be concerned about the self-medication aspect, and encourage you to see a doctor.  

I tried some marijuana for the symptoms once, and while it sure did mellow me out nicely, it still worried me up to and after how I would react.  Nothing's worse for me than taking something that's supposed to help, and *then* getting triggered and having to ride out both the anxiety and the med.  Best bet, work with a doctor and a mental health professional.

[suzi-q]

Before I realized I had an anxiety disorder, I would drink much more.  It was the only way to settle my nerves in a social situation.  I now realize what I used to do and trust me, alcohol is not the answer....it just opens up a new can of worms with more problems....It can also cause worse attacks after you come off your high....reconsider drinking and find other coping mechanisms.  You want to be able to enjoy life without being under the influence.

[1805RAD]

I HAVE NOT DRANK IN 2 YEARS. AND NOW I HAVE THESE ANXIETY PROBLEMS.BACK WHEN I DRANK I NEVER HAD PANICK ATTACKS,I DIDN'T EVEN KNOW WHAT ONE WAS.I TEMPTED TO STOP TAKING MY XANAX AND START DRINKING FOR A FEW DAYS AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS.I DON'T KNOW IF THIS HELPS YOU OUT ANY OR NOT.