new comer

[supersonic737]

hi everyone I'm Craig 23 years old and i decided to join because i have recently realized I'm an alcoholic. i would like to make new friends in similar situation and to feel i can talk to.

[pinky5]

Craig,
Hello and welcome! I read your other post about becoming an alcoholic to self medicate for your anxiety issues. I think a large percentage of people with anxiety do exactly the same thing with alcohol and a large percentage of alcoholics have underlying unresolved issues and anxiety/depression. I used to drink way too much in my early 20's as a way to release emotions that I wouldn't deal with when I was sober. I never became an alcoholic, but would definitely categorize myself as a binge drinker. I would get drunk at least once a week and then would feel terrible remorse the next day and would be depressed. But it did take away my anxiety, and what a great joy that was.
 I would have people over for dinner sometimes and would be feeling nervous and I don't think I ever cooked a meal for a group without drinking. My motto used to be "A hammered cook is a happy cook!"
 The good news is that there are other ways to make yourself feel calm and happy and bring your anxiety level down to a manageable point. I think people who experience anxiety of any kind have unresolved issues underneath that they can't or won't deal with. I know I did. I used to have all kinds of topics that I wouldn't discuss, was very private and secretive and wouldn't talk to anyone really about what was bothering me. Finally I had enough and started to change. I went to a couple different therapists and became much more open about how I was feeling and things I was ashamed of about myself and my past and my family. I found a anxiety/depression program that really helped me and some books that helped a lot too.
I wish you success in your recovery. There are lots of people here that care and understand.

Rachel

[jillkeeg]

hey craig.. yeah i was an alcoholic too. still trying not to be one.. i dont drink like I used to. everyday, staying up till 5 in the morning with my alcoholic friends that i used to have. yeah i averaged about a pint of liquor and a 12 pack a night. I went through alcohol withdrawls when I stopped out of nowhere.. if i were to give any advice, try to wean off because now I have panic disorder from having my withdrawls. but i'm no doctor...

[GMan86]

  Craig! We are here to support you in any way possible so don't be shy!

[Petersfine]

I'm also here to support you Craig. I have some experience with addictions and have been clean for almost 3 years. Just holler anytime mate...

[Thorne]

 
Hey, craig.  I'm new here, too.  I think even with my numerous overlapping diagnoses, that getting clean and sober 18+ years ago was the single best thing I ever did for my mental and emotional health.  it wasn't an "instant fix", by any means, but it was a damned good beginning!!