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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 13 of 13. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by mattsit on June 10, 2004, at 7:38:33
Heres my story. I have a history of alcohol abuse (drinking more than 24 drinks a week sometimes, etc). Two weeks ago I got married, and as a result went on the honeymoon. I probably drank everyday, no more than 6 drinks, but upon arrival back home, I went to work, and of course am trying to catch up. The anxiety I feel is too much to handle. Im wondering if this is alcohol withdrawal, and wondering how long it is going to last. The obsessive thoughts are killing me....Im worried my wife will find out about me meeting up with an ex girlfriend 6 months ago, and end our marriage on me. I will never again break my vow to my wife, but im freaking out.
Posted by Mariposa on June 10, 2004, at 8:29:21
In reply to Please help me., posted by mattsit on June 10, 2004, at 7:38:33
> Heres my story. I have a history of alcohol abuse (drinking more than 24 drinks a week sometimes, etc). Two weeks ago I got married, and as a result went on the honeymoon. I probably drank everyday, no more than 6 drinks, but upon arrival back home, I went to work, and of course am trying to catch up. The anxiety I feel is too much to handle. Im wondering if this is alcohol withdrawal, and wondering how long it is going to last. The obsessive thoughts are killing me....Im worried my wife will find out about me meeting up with an ex girlfriend 6 months ago, and end our marriage on me. I will never again break my vow to my wife, but im freaking out.
Alcohol is a drug. Stopping *cold turkey* with any drug is probably going to cause some type of withdrawal, and it's bound to be uncomfortable. Your body and liver are used to having the drug, and taking it away can cause *problems*, including anxiety and depression. And alcohol is a depressant. If you really feel you have a problem you can't deal with alone you should consult a medical professional of some type. I hate to say this .... but have you considered AA?? If these are not options for you, you can try to tough it out, stay clean, and eventually your body will return to *normal*. It will take time, not a day or two. We are always here for you to offer support and encouragement. Good luck!!! and Congratulations!!! on the wedding.~~~8|8
Posted by mattsit on June 10, 2004, at 8:38:42
In reply to Re: Please help me. » mattsit, posted by Mariposa on June 10, 2004, at 8:29:21
Thanks for the advice....
The thing that's really bothering me is the fact that I met up with an ex. It was 7 months ago and I went there with intentions of something happening, but when I got there, I just couldnt do it. I love my wife too much, (then fiancee). The ex put my hand on her boob, and I took it away, and then left. I just feel guilty about it, although I had forgiven myself previously. I wonder if the alcohol withdrawal is causing these feelings to surface or what? I am most worried my wife will find out about the past meeting, and end the marriage already, even though I know this is not likely. You dont think the ex would call our house do you? I havent talked to the ex since that last incident, and she seemed to realize it was over and had moved on completely. Im weird. I used to be on Lexapro, and Im thinking about going back on. What do you guys think? Alcohol withdrawal, or just my anxiety disorder, obsessiver thoughts coming back to the surface?
Posted by King Vultan on June 10, 2004, at 8:53:17
In reply to Please help me., posted by mattsit on June 10, 2004, at 7:38:33
> Heres my story. I have a history of alcohol abuse (drinking more than 24 drinks a week sometimes, etc). Two weeks ago I got married, and as a result went on the honeymoon. I probably drank everyday, no more than 6 drinks, but upon arrival back home, I went to work, and of course am trying to catch up. The anxiety I feel is too much to handle. Im wondering if this is alcohol withdrawal, and wondering how long it is going to last. The obsessive thoughts are killing me....Im worried my wife will find out about me meeting up with an ex girlfriend 6 months ago, and end our marriage on me. I will never again break my vow to my wife, but im freaking out.
I'm not an expert on alcohol abuse, but I do live in Milwaukee, which is the most alcohol infused city I have ever seen. By the standards around here, 24 drinks/week doesn't seem like an outrageous amount, but I suppose you might objectively be classified as a heavy drinker. Regardless, if your alcohol consumption is causing you problems, it doesn't matter whether it's 6 drinks a week or 6 drinks a day; it's in your best interest to seek some help.Many people who have alcohol problems have other issues that they may or may not be aware of, and they are essentially using the alcohol to self medicate. One of the more common is simply to reduce anxiety and relax. As in everything, though, moderation is the key; while it is probably not a big deal to occasionally use alcohol for this purpose, if it becomes habitual, it suggests dependence on the alcohol, which is not at all a good thing. I don't know your exact reasons for drinking (or if you are sure, either), but if you suspect dependence or are concerned you might be abusing alcohol, I would seek a more learned opinion. It certainly does sound like you may have some anxiety issues, anyway, and I would suggest an evaluation by a mental health professional.
Todd
Posted by Bill LL on June 10, 2004, at 8:57:10
In reply to Re: Please help me., posted by mattsit on June 10, 2004, at 8:38:42
When you were on Lexapro, did it help you? If so, go back on it. It could very well help you with your drinking problem as well as with your excessive anxiety.
Posted by Buckeye Fan on June 10, 2004, at 9:30:55
In reply to Re: Please help me. » mattsit, posted by King Vultan on June 10, 2004, at 8:53:17
I really feel for you.
Sounds to me like its the alcohol withdrawl
here is a list of symptoms..and a weblink that might helpAlcoholism / Substance Abuse
Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal
From Buddy T,
Your Guide to Alcoholism / Substance Abuse.
Sign up for my NewsletterWithdrawals Can Be Mild, Moderate or Severe
Alcohol withdrawal refers to a group of symptoms that may occur from suddenly stopping the use of alcohol after chronic or prolonged ingestion.Not everyone who stops drinking experiences withdrawal symptoms, but most people who have been drinking for a long period of time, or drinking frequently, or drink heavily when they do drink, will experience some form of withdrawal symptoms if they stop drinking suddenly.
There is no way to predict how any individual will respond to quitting. If you plan to stop drinking and you have been drinking for years, or if you drink heavily when you do drink, or even if you drink moderately but frequently, you should consult a medical professional before going "cold turkey."
For more information about withdrawals, see Alcohol Withdrawal.
Withdrawal Symptoms:
Mild to moderate psychological symptoms:Feeling of jumpiness or nervousness
Feeling of shakiness
Anxiety
Irritability or easily excited
Emotional volatility, rapid emotional changes
Depression
Fatigue
Difficulty with thinking clearly
Bad dreams
Mild to moderate physical symptoms:Headache - general, pulsating
Sweating, especially the palms of the hands or the face
Nausea
Vomiting
Loss of appetite
Insomnia, sleeping difficulty
Paleness
Rapid heart rate (palpitations)
Eyes, pupils different size (enlarged, dilated pupils)
Skin, clammy
Abnormal movements
Tremor of the hands
Involuntary, abnormal movements of the eyelids
Severe symptoms:A state of confusion and hallucinations (visual) -- known as delirium tremens
Agitation
Fever
Convulsions
"Black outs" -- when the person forgets what happened during the drinking episodehttp://alcoholism.about.com/cs/withdraw/a/aa030307a.htm
God bless
Buckeye Fan
Posted by asoiferman on June 10, 2004, at 11:34:16
In reply to Re: Please help me., posted by Buckeye Fan on June 10, 2004, at 9:30:55
go back on the meds - i have OCD and i go through the same type of guilty feelings you're talking about. i went off my meds a few weeks ago to see if i could be ok without them, and i found out that i can't NOT take them. if the lex helps, go back on it and stay on it. i don't know anything about alcoholism, but i know mixing it with an OCD/depressive personality can cause problems. good luck!
Posted by Sebastian on June 10, 2004, at 12:03:43
In reply to Re: Please help me., posted by mattsit on June 10, 2004, at 8:38:42
I think you are anxious about the ex, not an illness, or alcohol addiction/withdrawl. You should talk to your wife about it, or the anxiety could turn into a serious mental illness, like anxiety, and will get worse. If you can't do that you should see a councler, and decide what the best aproch is. If it bothers you that much about your wife finding out, it will probably come back to haunt you over and over till she finds out, then it could look worse, unless you try to do some thing about it.
Posted by watergirl on June 10, 2004, at 13:11:16
In reply to Re: Please help me., posted by Sebastian on June 10, 2004, at 12:03:43
Posted by Mariposa on June 10, 2004, at 15:06:02
In reply to I Agree with Sebastion (nm), posted by watergirl on June 10, 2004, at 13:11:16
Yes, better to be honest, especially since nothing happened. If your new wife were to find out from someone else and not you it would look very bad indeed! DO NOT start down that road, new marriage and all, it's better to get it off your chest and be done with it. If she loves you she will understand and forgive.~~~8|8
Posted by mattsit on June 14, 2004, at 14:23:36
In reply to Re: I Agree with Sebastion, posted by Mariposa on June 10, 2004, at 15:06:02
Well, here i am. 6 Days after my initial breakdown, I am back on the Lexapro, and trying to return to normal. I did talk with my new wife about the past. I believe my anxiety blew up because again, I feared losing her. I thought to myself, what is the only thing (besides death) that could break us up now that we're married? This was all I thought of. As a result, I obsessed over this until it was bigger than reality. My wife told me I just need to get better, and that it would take a LOT more than something this trivial to break us up. I feel a lot better, but I still want to go back on the Lex. Talk to you all as I go.
Posted by watergirl on June 15, 2004, at 11:58:38
In reply to My Condition, posted by mattsit on June 14, 2004, at 14:23:36
Im glad you spoke with your wife. Just hang in there, it takes weeks for SSRI's to work. Maybe your doctor can give you some Xanex or Klonopin for immideate relief, until the Lexapro really kicks in.
Best Wishes,
Cindy
Posted by owenus32 on June 17, 2004, at 12:28:48
In reply to Please help me., posted by mattsit on June 10, 2004, at 7:38:33
I drank to kill the fear. At the end I was in a constant fear state or in an alcoholic blackout. Most people have a sort of "breakdown" and that's why they get help- bc the alcohol can't fix their problems anymore. Or the consequences come back. You rally need to deal with your drinking problem (STOP) imho and also see a good therapist and psychiatrist. Thats what I did. Oh. and I did AA. Also find out if you need a detox. If you are bad enough you could be withdwrwalphysically addicted and what you experiences was like
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