Does anybody drink to cover anxiety?

[CJnewme]

Hi I have had anxiety all my life and started to drink alcohol to mask it. I no longer want to drink alcohol ever again and would like to chat with others who are suffering and have used alcohol as a coping mechanism.

[geoff]

Hi CJnewme, can I offer you a warm welcome to the forums?

Can I say that some people do drink to relax or they may need to reduce any anxiety they have, I certainly did when I was suffering from the many types of depression and it was a devastating experience.

Are you able to tell us if you have had a diagnosis and what type of anxiety you are struggling with.

My Best Wishes.

Geoff.

[CJnewme]

Hi Geoff,

nice to meet you.

Yes I have had a diagnosis and am on medication. They didn’t say what type it is, just said high anxiety.

CJ

[Distant]

I quit the drink just over 3 years ago, due to crippling anxiety. Sobriety doesn’t fix everything but I’m 99% sure it doesn’t make anything worse.

It’s hard to tell if I’m in a better place now because I quit drinking or if it was just a matter of time. All I can say is that other than the withdrawal symptoms you may get at the start, it won’t do you any harm if you choose sobriety. And ofcourse, it might even benefit your mental health.

[geoff]

Hi CJnewme, thanks so much for getting back to us.

I wonder whether they have given you medication which is meant to help you in stopping the alcohol, just curious.

Best wishes.

Geoff.

[Digger000]

Hi everyone,

A very ironic post for me, as of last night, I have had enough.

I came here this morning for your exact reason. I haven’t been diagnosed, none required as I am well aware of what’s going on, but I have health anxiety which is getting hold of me after having it most of my life.

I drink to cover it up, and also use cannabis at night to help it too. I don’t have a crushing alcohol habit, about a carton a week, but interestingly enough if I smoke a little to much pot, (I have a very low tolerance) I then drink more to take the edge off of the pot which is making me more anxious!

I am getting some horrible weird sensations in my head and body which my brain is telling me is brain cancer, stroke or whatever other illness it can come up with, even though I know it is only anxiety, I can even prove it to myself as the problems go away while I am busy.

Yesterday was ok until I smoked and drank and sat down in front of the tv. I could feel the sensations coming but couldn’t shake them off, until I was in borderline panic attack mode.

After a sleep, it’s still with me a bit, but I too have decided this behaviour isn’t doing me any favours. This needs to stop.

Im guessing you have now hit a similar limit? What do we do now?

Thanks for listening guys 👍

[45987]

I tried and it didn't help at all so don't even bother with it anymore. May as well be healthier since it's not going to help in the long run and will probably only make things worse.

[Immortalwookie]

Hi CJ, I have used alcohol for about 30 years to cover or deal with my anxiety and depression, ever since my brother died. And cannabis at times.

For me it came to a head when my wife left me last year after 20 years of marriage because she had had enough of me hiding my drinking and gambling.

Since then I've been on medication to stop drink, gambling counselling Etc. I have got it down to drinking 1-2 days a fortnight drinking.

I must say that I've lost weight, eat healthier, my mental health is much better. I do have my bad days though.

It hasn't been easy, but worth it. When I drink I think that it helps but really it makes things worse.

I have had many family losses and friends die. Alcohol only hides the pain while you drinking afterwards it's still there.

Alcohol has only increase my anxiety and depression.

Sorry for rambling, hope this helps.

[geoff]

Hello Immortalwookie, a good post and you are right, alcohol only hides what you are going to have to face the next day once again.

Best wishes.

Geoff.