My Alcohol and Depression

[StevoMuz]

Hi, I am new here. I've reached a point in my life where I am starting to realise that if I keep going the way I am, then I will not likely live much longer. I find myself frequently drinking very heavily and frankly I don't really know why. I figure it is because of anxiety/depression but more than anything I think I have been doing it so long now that it has become habitual. I don't actively search out alcohol, well not often anyway. I just find myself buying alcohol and getting drunk. I hate the way alcohol now controls me, but I also find there is not a lot out there for me. AA i have tried, and that isn't for me. I'd really like to go to rehab but I can't afford the time off work. I'm seeing a doctor today for something else but will have a chat with them. I want to find a solution to this, I just don't know what that is or if there is even one. I don't want to die, I want to live and I want to start having a happy life. Not this lonely, self destructing existence that it is now.

[Guest_9809]

Hello StevoMuz and welcome to the BB Forums.

You will find many others here who battle the joint issues of alcohol and depression/anxiety. For many they go hand in hand. Which comes first? Not sure, its a little like the chicken and the egg.

My husband is an alcoholic and also suffers from depression and anxiety. Last time I saw my GP (I have PTSD) I was asked about how things were going at home. I explained that hubby had a number of recent physical health issues, was much more depressed of late and was drinking a lot more as a result.

My GP argued that studies prove that drinking worsens depression, rather than the other way around. So ... good on you for striving to find a solution to your frequent and heavy drinking habits. Hopefully by improving that part of your life and behaviour, it will have a very positive affect on your depression and anxiety symptoms as well. So how do you go about achieving that?

There are a number of regulars here who also have problems with alcohol (past or present) and they all contribute to a thread here to support each other through it and offer tips and suggestions to help fellow sufferers.

I will give you the link here, so you can find it easily. Just copy and paste the address below to your browser and it will take you directly to the start of what is now quite a long thread. I really hope you will make the time to have a read of the posts there. I feel sure you will find some interesting and vert helpful information there. Can you also please post a reply there, so others will come and support you as well.

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/long-term-support-over-the-journey/battling-the-booze

Its good that you are being so proactive in seeking help and solutions, very brave and determined of you. You said you were seeing a Dr today? If you feel comfortable in doing so, you may like to report back to us as to how that went. I know others reading your post will be interested as well.

There is no shame in what you are going through, and you will be met here by caring, supportive and non-judgemental people who understand. The Forums are moderated to ensure our ongoing safety and anonymity, so please feel free and safe to speak openly.

I hope to see you around the forums again, and also that you check out the thread on Battling the Booze.

Wishing you all the best.

Taurus