Imagine the worst hangover you have ever had in your whole life, after you did the stupidest possible thing after a night out...you know the one, we all have it. Well, for those suffering from anxiety, every hangover is this hangover. For myself, a big night out can lead to a couple of days of intense anxiety, that far out weighs that of a regular hangover. Add that with the other symptoms of a hangover and you get yourself a pretty unenjoyable day. Is it worth it? No. Do I still do this? Yes, but less all the time, something I'm working on.
Then there is the side effects of drinking with medications. If you ever want to fall flat on your face, I highly suggest you try this. Side effects of anti-depressants, anti-anxiety meds and anti-psychotics are pretty crappy to begin with. Adding alcohol just compounds these effects. There is a chance of increased sedation, blood pressure spikes, severely impaired thinking and the list goes on and on. If you are taking meds talk to your Dr instead of just taking it for a flying test run like I did.
Quitting drinking isn't as easy as one might think, at least it hasn't been for me. Alcohol is incredibly socially acceptable, and it is in your face all the time. I've also had people give me a rough time about it when I have tried to quit in the past, and even accuse me of being pregnant for turning down a beer. You would think in our 30s we wouldn't cave to peer pressure, but it can be pretty effective, my will power needs some work. You also start to learn very quickly who your real friends are when the social outing invites start to dissipate. (Which is weird because I'm pretty silly, and capable of stupid choices as a sober person.) I guess I just need to focus on the good ones.
I won't say that I'll never drink again, that is just silly talk. I have cut down drastically over the last few years, and continue to do so on my quest to tame the party monster. I don't think I have alcoholism, but according to every website I've checked myself, and most of my friends are in denial about that. I think boring people must write those articles. Here is a prime example:
If you do at least one of the following, you may suffer from alcoholism:
- Drink alcohol four or more times a week
- Have five or more drinks containing alcohol in one day
- Not be able to stop drinking once you’ve started
- Need a drink in the morning to get yourself going
- Feel guilty or remorseful after drinking
- Heard a relative, friend, co-worker, or doctor express concern about your drinking or suggest you cut down
If you do think you or someone you know has alcoholism there are tons of support networks out there. For now, I am going it alone, and by alone I mean with the support of my fantastic friends and family. I think if I can cut this one major demon out of my life I would be living a way healthier lifestyle, unfortunately, drinking can just be so damn fun.