3 weeks without any beer!

[donpablo]

Hi There,

Just want to let people know its been 3 weeks since I had my last beer. Let me tell you a little more about my life

I'm 39 year old male, just last week
I been drinking since I was 16
Before quiting I was drinking 1 sixpack a day and one 18 Fri, Sat, Sun per day
I did cocaine for over 5 years, about $30 a day in the last 3 years of those 5. I stated when I was about 17
I also did crack for about 3  years. I did this while I was doing cocaine
I quit drugs when i was about 22 or 23
I been managing a company with 16 employees for the last 13 years.
I'm always under lot of stress at work
and just recently was diagnose with Anxiety disorder
Now that I kind of know what Anxiety is all bout I think I had it for the last 4 or 5 years.

Anyway one question I have is that my Anxiety was diagnose because of an event that happen in Vegas. I stop drinking cold turkey
Can it be that my Anxiety is worst because of the way i quit my drinking?
 
 
   

[lt33]

Hi,

First of all, my congratulations for the 3 weeks.

Yes, when you stop drinking (specially cold turkey), you get an extra dose of anxiety, pretty much as when you're with an hangover. It's common to use prescription drugs to make it less severe (diazepam, aka valium, for instance) then start cutting the drug back to zero (so you don't get hooked on the transitional drug).

Since you've gone through withdrawal already, don't mind the meds (uness you feel you need them all the same, but that's another matter).

In my experience, quit drinking help you overcome anxiety. You stop relying on it as an anxiolitic and desensitize yourself, making you less prone to anxiety. Even of you haven't noticed any progress yet, don't go back to drinking, it only makes things worse. Hang on!

[donpablo]

Hi lt33,

I appreciate you advise,  but I have another question for you. Its been almost 4 weeks now and I still feel like crap. My last afternoons have gotten better, just a little bit. My question is how long did it take for you to get over your Anxiety because of the Alcohol?
Do you think it will take weeks or months?
By the way, congratulation on your alcohol recovery.

Thank you
donpablo     

[abeja_reina_1989]

I think it's sooo amazing that you have quit drinking good for you :):)

I have always heard that it takes a few months to get past the withdrawal of Alcohol

Best of luck to you!!

[lt33]

Thanks.

The time one takes to feel "normal" depends on the person and on the amount and frequency of the alcohol intake, but if you have an anxiety disorder, you'll continue feeling some anxiety even after the withdrawal, because the anxiety was already there when you drank.
Still, you say you've been feeling better lately, so maybe you'll improve more as weeks go by.
By being sober you're making your mind readjust to reality, which is a positive process, even if it takes some time.

[donpablo]

Hi lt33

My days are getting a bit better everyday, I did had a set back today. I woke up nervous and very worried. It seems I will get allot of those before it gets better. I really appreciate your input.
Almost four weeks now, WOW

Gracias Abeja,
It was nice meeting you on the chat room

donpablo 

[BundleofNerves]

CONGRATULATIONS !!!!!!!!!!!!

You have made such a big and important step in your life - I wish you well

 

[speedfreakadelic]

Hang in there, Don!  I have not had a drink since May 2.  As others have said, the early going is tough, because people like us have used alcohol to mask the anxiety.  So it's natural to really start to feel some things - not all of them pleasant - when you quit.

In the long run, the choice you're making will make you less anxious and depressed, better able to cope with stresses, healthier, and put some extra money in your pocket...maybe this is money that can be put toward therapy or other healthier ways of dealing with stress and anxiety.  AA and other similar support groups are free, and effective.  My father did 90 meetings in 90 days when he first joined, and is now sober 3-1/2 years.

Just take it one day at a time, man...one day at a time.

[donpablo]

Thanks guys,

I have started going to recovery group last week. Even the first day, i felt the support already. I also want to congratulate you guys who had stop the drinking, i know how hard it is for us who are alcoholics. Keep up the good work!
I hope GOD will give us the strenght we need to acomplish this.

donpablo