My first post

[usedtobe]

Been visiting this site and reading people's posts for a few months now but haven't had the gall to post. I'm not really interested in the Topamax and supplements -- I'm mainly just looking for a way to discuss this problem confidentially, privately. I, like so many others, started out drinking socially but gradually became a daily drinker. My poison of choice is beer -- 2-3 per night during the week (not during the day, unless a holiday), upwards of 10 on Saturdays and Sundays (starting around noon whilst doing housework, etc. and ending in the evening). Husband drinks too, I don't expect him to stop, though I know that will make it harder for me. Have a beautiful little girl that I want to be a good role model to, but I feel like the WORST mom in the world. I never in a million years imagined that this is a problem I would have. I used to be a "good girl". Somewhere along the way I guess I got tired of being the "good girl". Only now I realize I was much better off the way I used to be. Now my self-esteem and self-worth are shot, I'm depressed and anxious all the time. I know I can't go back, I can only go forward. I hope this is the start of that journey.

Questions -- does anyone else experience heart palpitations and/or other panic attack symptoms when hungover? I don't get headaches or sick to my stomach anymore -- instead I suffer from anxiety/panic attacks. If anyone else does, I'd love to know how you cope! I have seen a doctor for a random panic attack not related to drinking, but excessive drinking seems to make the attacks inevitable for me. Also, does anxiety/panic get better after quitting drinking? If so, how long does it take?

Thanks for reading this. :new:

[vertigo]

My first post

Welcome U!
I don't post a lot here either, but I wanted to let you know that I, too, experience the anxiety, etc. I've decided, for me, it's because I'm so mad, or upset with myself, and that I feel like I've let myself down that it tends to create more anxiety in me as I feel badly about where I let my drinking go. I have anxiety anyway, but it's controlled. It's way more out of control when I wake up realizing I've "let myself down".
There may be some here who experience it from other reasons - perhaps health issues, etc., but I am convinced mine is totally psychological. On the days that I wake up happy with my control of drinking, I usually don't get the panics, anxiety and depression. Just a thought.
I hope you find lots of support here.

[vertigo]

My first post

Incidentally, I try to tell myself that the reason I'm getting the rapid heart beat, anxiety, etc. is totally due to, well some, just being hungover and not feeling that well, but also try to tell myself that it's just because I'm being hard on myself, I "goofed" (in my mind), I'm mad at myself, and to just try and take it one day at a time and see if I can continue to make the next day better, and not beat myself up. That's how I try to cope.
My Best.

[akgirl]

My first post

Hello,

I'm sorry I can't help yoiu with the anxiety issue, but I did want to take a moment and say
:welcome: this is a wonderful place with some very helpful people. I'm sure there will more along with words of advice.

Good luck to you, if you are trying to be AF I wouldn't discount the meds and supps too quickly. Read the book and see what you think.

:lAK

[Jas56]

My first post

:welcome: I am new to this site as well and I have found enormous support. I also do not experience these side effects...I actually think that because I have drank so much of my life that I have become used to everything and therefore I v. rarely experience a hangover.

Like others, I too feel ashamed and sad the next day. I have no shakes either - which really has surprised me.

I too am trying to cut back and hopefully one day quit but my DH also drinks and this may be impossible... I have started the supplements though but it is too soon to say if they are working.

[boozehag]

My first post

Hi used to be
I am not an expert by any means but the AL interferes with the serotonin production levels in the brain and also it is a mega sugar hit. So basically the AL takes you up and then it dumps you down again and that is where the anxiety comes from. It is a chemical reaction in the brain - if you search for Boss man's posts he has done a lot of very good research on this aspect of the drinking issue. Also if you read the book you will see that the supplements are a very important part in rebalancing ourselves and giving us the best shot at gaining control of our drinking problems so I am not sure why you are not interested in them. In particular I have found that the L-glut, the 5-HTP and/or the Ltryptophan are excellent for anxiety. However the supplements might not do much on their own but together with the other aspects of the programme they are an enormous help.
BH

[akgirl]

My first post

Very well said BH

[usedtobe]

My first post

Thanks!

Thanks to those who have responded, for your encouragement and advice. I too think it has A LOT to do with guilt. Guilt...the story of my life. I won't rule out the supplements, but I'm typically afraid to take stuff for fear of any side effects or reaction. How ironic is that?? I'll have to do more reading on the subject.

Thanks again.

[christyacc]

My first post

Welcome U2B....

We all in some way know how you feel.....I never had the panic attacks until the night before I stopped drinking.....it freaked me right out! I had NO IDEA what was wrong! I broke out in a cold sweat, I was nauseous, I felt faint and my heart was racing. I explained it to a friend of mine and she told me it was a panic attack....scary stuff! I never want to have one again...I was on the verge of going to the ER. I woke up my husband and wanted him to take me......he held me and calmed me down until I fell asleep. Never happened before, and hasn't happened since.....but it was only a few days ago.

This site is a great way to chat about your experiences and feelings without the world knowing. My husband is the only one that knows I have stopped drinking. I've become a bit of a hermit since but I am guarding myself and my sobriety. If anyone asks, I just say, trying to lose weight. Always works! lol....However, I am deluding myself by thinking they don't know....I'm sure it was as obvious as the nose on my face!

Anyway...you are in a great place....with lots of great people! We will help you in any way we can.

[time2change]

My first post

U2B
I don't have any more advice than those who have already responded but wanted to welcome you. You have found a great site with alot of very supportive people. Stick around, read and post. It really helps just knowing you are not alone. Good luck on your journey!

[gyco]

My first post

your story sounds familier,good old anxiety and the dreaded PANIC attack,kinda like you want to die thing,fast heart,shaking,head feels like mush mush thing,nothing makes sense,happened to me at 45,it comes from stress on the brain,long term addicts get it,thts we are or i am, the brain says enuff,in my case the stopping and starting finally triggered it after 29 years of off and on drinking,and yes it does go away,i havent had a real panic attack for about a year,stopped for 10 months,and im trying modding,it actully very gratifying trying to mod, knowing i can stop,but it is hard ,24 hours thts all it takes,withdrawl depending on how much and how long you drank is like a panic attack,there is anxiety,and there is a true panic attack i think theres 13 symptons,thts how long its been,since the last one 13 months,it is mind over matter,stik around here great people and a lot of wisdom gyco,by the way mine were so bad if you talked about one 13 months ago you probably would trigger one,good luck to you

[SandyWaters]

My first post

Supps and Panic Attacks

Welcome Usedtobe!
I used to get panic attacks, and also would always feel like I was going to fall over, especially if I was walking in wide, open spaces like airports or parking lots. Weird. Since taking the supps, and reducing the AL, a lot of that's gone away. I also ran the whole program by my doc, and he had no problem with any of it, including the topa, which I'm up to 100 mgs a day, for a few weeks now. I do the All-one, kudzu, and B pretty religiously. I also like the CDs. For me, the whole package has worked pretty well. But still a ways to go... Good luck to you!:welcome:

[IAD]

My first post

Usetobe......Glad you decided to get your feet wet. Welcome and keep posting. Lots of help here. IAD.