Scared that alcohol helps anxiety

[loui50]

So I was on vacation last week and came to the realization that 1 drink helps my anxiety more than my meds do. This scares me. I'm actually fighting not to have a beer. I use to drink maybe 1 time a month but now I want it every day for relief. I know this type of self medicating is harmful and I'm successfully fighting the urge. I'm by no means an alcoholic. Like I said I drink maybe 1 time a month. But I drank more on vacation and was so relaxed. I really dont know for sure if it was alcohol or getting away from the daily grind. But I'm pretty sure that it was the alcohol. Now to just stop!! Should I talk to my doc about this. Do maybe the meds are not working right?

 

[Virtues]

It's been a long time loui...

I'm going to give you the honest answer which probably isn't a popular answer but it's honest. Booze does help with anxiety (at first)...

For me it started when I came back from Iraq. Sure I always drank, but it was an occasional thing, and I would get completely wasted... when I came home from Iraq I started drinking to curb the anxiety. It started at 1 drink until that didn't work anymore and then 2, and then 3, and then a 6 pack, and then I was getting drunk and it was doing nothing to help with the anxiety, but I still "needed" it. Self medicating with alcohol is a slippery slope. I'm not telling you what to do. I'm not telling you what will happen to you. I'm only telling you what happened to me. BTW I'm back to drinking again, so I don't want to be a hypocrite either. I'm drinking for the same reason (anxiety). I wish the best for you while you battle this, and it's nice to hear from you; I'm sorry you're struggling with this.

 

[EveHarrington]

Yep!

That’s what everyone loooooooves about alcohol. It loosens inhibitions. It makes socializing easier. It reduces anxiety. If alcohol didn’t have this effect, I don’t think anyone would even drink!

 

[loui50]

It's been a long time loui...

I'm going to give you the honest answer which probably isn't a popul...

Florian,

Long time! That's exactly what I'm afraid of. One drink works...until it doesn't. I just told my husband how I was feeling and he has got my back thankfully. He said no beer for you! Exactly what i needed him to say. We only have it in the house because it is left over from our camping trip. Once it is gone I'm not buying any more!!