Drinking ultimatum and night panic attacks and feeling on edge all day

[Redbeard]

I have been a drinker for at least 20 yrs , i have recently had a huge day on the cans and passed out even before the game. Mrs had a chat to me about it and what its doing to our relationship. I seem to be worrying all the time and waking up at night having racing heart and sweats. I constantly think I'm dying or going to, and i have stopped drinking now but a few days up to now i just had a few as i was on holidays. I have probably gone to the docs 3 times for tests and all come good and seem to stop for a while then i start thinking again about it again. I have also seemed to have lost my appetite. Most all the time just at night.

[MsPurple]

Hi Redbeard and welcome to the BB forums

Like you I do drink. I never say I have ever been an alcohol however in the past I have abused alcohol. What this means to me is that I would binge drink to ease the pain. I was either sad, low or anxious.It put a strain on some of my new uni friendships and it affected my self worth.

It sounds like you are having some anxiety. For more information on anxiety on the top of this page there is a table called 'the facts' hover on that and they have a section on 'anxiety'. I would have a read of that as it will give you the facts on anxiety and let you know the signs and symptoms. It will also help you get a better understanding of it.

There is a youtube video beyond blue made on anxiety. See link below. It is really useful as it helps give a voice and representation of what it is:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oyTsR4eR7kw&t=1s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mi6INfrkODk

If you are concerned you have anxiety the best advice I could give you is to talk to your GP. I wish I did this years before because I suffered alone. They can help you manage your anxiety and if they think it is appropriate, they may refer you to a psychologist. Now you don't have to do this yet but it is something to think about. As I said it is better to get support then to suffer alone

Hope some of this is helpful

MP

[geoff]

hello Redbeard, thanks for posting your comment, and I was an alcoholic when I was depressed and this was one reason why she divorced me because I was hoping it would numb my feelings, well maybe, but it was no different the next day, so the cycle kept on repeating itself.
With these intrusive thoughts could be the reason why you're drinking and yes you maybe able to stop but this is only going to be temporary unless you get the help you need, especially if you want to stay married, because I know she isn't going to hang around if it continues, sorry but I had to mention this.
Have these thoughts started because of what your Mrs has said to you, that unless you stop she will leave you, if so, this is when it's easy to become a cupboard drinker, hiding when you drink and how much.
Your doctor can prescribe a particular medication that will stop any cravings and even if you decide to have a drink while on this medication then you won't get any buzz, but it will only work if you decide that this is what you want to do.
There are places which your doctor can direct you, to also help with your counselling, but I think it goes much deeper than this, meaning that there is always a reason why people turn to alcohol. Geoff.