Giving up alcohol and the symptoms of anxiety which followed.

[Harpoon]

After many years of moderate to heavy drinking I decided to take a 28 day challenge from a book I purchased and give up alcohol for 28 days. And then reintroduce alcohol on a lower scale after 28 days. However one week into this coincided with a medical procedure which was already planned. This procedure would have me sedated and was a internal inspection of my bladder. I guess you know what that means. Well what was already a scary idea with all those nurses and me being exposed whilst sedated became a nightmare when I suffered and continue to suffer anxiety. I now learn that anxiety is also a symptom of giving up alcohol. So this has exploded into something that has occupied my mind ever since- anxiety from the operation and anxiety from giving up alcohol which is a physical thing. I feel like crying and going into a foetal position seeing myself imaging myself exposed on the operating table. After some research and some 10days alcohol free I learnt that there is some treatment for anxiety after going cold turkey with stopping alcohol. So seeing GP tomorrow. But days since the operation have been a nightmare, and just want the anxiety and thoughts to stop. The lesson here is that heavy long term drinkers who stop drinking should consult their GP. And if others have experienced similar symptoms would be interesting.

[PamelaR]

Hi Harpoon and warm welcome to the community

You've asked a very good question. I'm a light to moderate drinker with many days/weeks of no drinking and have anxiety. Though I drink to mask my anxiety, to help me sleep. Not good behaviours.

It's good to hear you are going to see your GP. Especially if you think your anxiety has increased since ceasing alcohol.

I have severe anxiety and my thoughts are what you have experienced with your recent hospital procedures is something I can also relate to. I too had a procedure recently. My anxiety went through the roof (I too had stopped drinking - but I think my anxiety was from the upcoming procedure and anaesthetic) because once the procedure was over I had a drink, and my anxiety levels remained the same .... until I had the results of my procedure. Life returned to normality.

I agree with you - anyone who is a moderate to heavy alcohol drinker and considers stopping, should go to the doctor before doing so.

Kind regards

PamelaR

[Quercus]

Hi Harpoon,

How did your GP appointment go?

It makes sense to me that removing a coping mechanism (booze) could potentially increase your anxiety.

I gave up alcohol years ago now and found that I reached for other coping mechanisms to fill the void. Binge eating unfortunately is not much healthier.

Have you looked into other distraction methods you could try? I am still working on healthier alternatives but found it does help to plan and organise these before the anxiety hits. I listen to music, write on the forums or garden... What interests you that you might use?

I hope your doctor could help. If you feel like updating we would love to hear how you are.

Nat

[geoff]

Hello Harpoon, and a warm welcome to the forums.

I'm sorry for the having the operation and it's brave for you to stop drinking for 28 days and realise that if you aren't prepared for sobriety then the task can be very difficult.

If you see your doctor they can prescribe a particular medication that will stop any urge and can reduce the craving for alcohol, and it will help you remain abstinent from it.

It's worth trying and may help you.

Geoff.

[LesDave]

After decades of it, and trying numerous medications I eventually found some relief. For me at least, all the meds did was mask a bigger issue I needed to face: fears. So I did a lot of soul search to understand what the fears were. Then I had to understand WHY I was being irrational about these fears. The issue was deep down in my history with things that happened as a kid. I found some some advice online about being a father to that lost and anxious child and helping them to grow up. It's a long term piece of work but it's working. Now when I get anxious I do the 3 3 3 tactic. Look and name 3 things I see, name 3 things I hear, and name 3 parts of my body. That brings me back to the present moment and I can then be more self aware and stop fretting about nonsense from the past and fears of the future

[Harpoon]

Thank. The GP put me on medication, and some pills to reduce cravings for alcohol. Truth is my issue was anxiety not so much alcohol cravings especially after 2 weeks. I took some medication and decided to stop, and only took one dose of the alcohol craving tablets. The most useful things for my anxiety were 1. Speaking to my specialist to address fears I had over the procedure (wasn’t as bad as my mind playing on). I had a vision of what happened which wasn’t true. 2. I escalated this issue with hospital and a senior person contacted me, listened with sincere empathy and apologised. I feel I didn’t need the medication, and instead talking it through with all parties involved helped. And time heals too. So much better thanks. But as a side note, the medical profession needs to do more to respect and protect a patients dignity. On this the hospital said they would like to use my case as a case study, including the fact I reached out to this forum.

[Harpoon]

Thanks Geoff, I have this medication, and have it just in case cravings start.

[Harpoon]

Absolutely, please my other reply. Thanks.

[geoff]

Hi Harpoon, thanks, has the doctor advised you to take this medication every day so that it's always in your system, sorry just asking.

Geoff.

[Harpoon]

Hi Geoff, the GP was happy for me to take the pills forever it appeared. When I opened the box there were pills going for a long time. Now they did say make sure you see a GP each week, but no one checks! This was weeks ago, I took one pill, and no one cares if I took the whole lot , or none at all. Now I have to take responsibility, but it appears when it comes to a GP really caring,.....no.