Anxiety and Alcohol

[Henk]

I enjoy a drink at weekends as it helps me relax. Usually I’m ok the next day. However occasionally it can trigger a really bad anxiety episode lasting 7 to 10 days. Has anyone else experienced this?

 

[bin_tenn]

Alcohol is ultimately bad for anxiety. That's not to say you should avoid alcohol entirely. I also enjoy a few drinks once in a while (maybe once a month for me). You just have to be mindful of how much you drink. If you find that a certain amount is more likely to set off your anxiety, respect that limit.

 

[bigjetplane2]

for me, drinking helps me forget about my anxiety and my current fears.

 

[bin_tenn]

for me, drinking helps me forget about my anxiety and my current fears.

I think that's how some folks develop a problem (not that I'm suggesting you have a problem). Moderation is key. But I think a lot of people use it to self medicate, and they are no longer comfortable or functional without alcohol. So I just say be careful.

 

[bigjetplane2]

I think that's how some folks develop a problem (not that I'm suggesting you have a problem). Moderation is key. But I think a lot of people use it to self medicate, and they are no longer comfortable or functional without alcohol. So I just say be careful.

I have also thought that myself tho. That I hope to not develop a problem because it does numb the pain.

 

[bin_tenn]

I have also thought that myself tho. That I hope to not develop a problem because it does numb the pain.

Just be aware of your mental state when drinking, and resist if you feel the need to drink just because you need to numb the pain. That's the only real advice I have.

That's what I do. If I'm in a heightened period of anxiety, I won't drink. Not only because I don't want it to become a habit, but also because alcohol ultimately exacerbates anxiety.

 

[gadamsgrega2]

Drinking is a DEAD end street for those with anxiety or depression... If you are having a drink because you are trying to escape reality, then go naturally... The high feels so much better doing all this without any of that in your life...

 

[Livvie]

Dunno if this is worthy input but I find if my meds are going really well and I go out drinking, the anxiety the following day(s) will completely derail all the good the meds have done and I have to go up a dose

But I haven’t had a drink since feb so yay me. Hope you are well yourself now x


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[Evenflow123]

I just noticed that I shake really bad after a night of drinking. Any ideas why. Never had that before but right now my anxiety is high.

 

[bin_tenn]

I just noticed that I shake really bad after a night of drinking. Any ideas why. Never had that before but right now my anxiety is high.

Pretty typical after drinking, simple as that. It's probably exacerbated by anxiety.

 

[Certate]

I just noticed that I shake really bad after a night of drinking. Any ideas why. Never had that before but right now my anxiety is high.

That's withdrawal from the alcohol.

 

[Certate]

I actually asked the pharmacy about drinking with medications, the medication I take says if you drink while on it, it can
make the medication so its less effective.

I was told it might take a week or so for it to build back up and start working again...

 

[Evenflow123]

That's withdrawal from the alcohol.

I never had that issue before

 

[TruthHurts]

I never had that issue before

It's a sign that your drinking is becoming a problem. Alcohol will affect your nervous system and cause you to shake. You may notice that it's harder to control one hand then it is the other at times. Your nervous system has started to become hyperactive.

 

[Fraser]

I never had that issue before

It MIGHT be withdrawal. How much are you drinking and how regularly when you get the shakes? I never got the shakes, despite being a problem drinker for decades, but my father had it pretty bad. If you're just having a few beers, like 4 or 6 (which is more than you should drink each night) it's probably not "the shakes".