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Anxiety and alcohol

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Posted 6/9/2015 9:25 PM (GMT 0)
Hi,

I'm invited over the weekend to my friends wedding which will be held at some kind of a resort and I shall be spending two days there enjoying sun, beach and the party.

My problem is that I'm suffering these days from high anxiety and experiencing emotional blunt, lack of interest, in addition to my ultimate fear of going crazy.

On top of this, knowing that I might have some alcohol while styling this makes my anxiety hit the roof. I deeply appreciate your feedback and experiences about this as this makes me too anxious and nervous and afraid of the worst to happen there
Posted 6/9/2015 9:59 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Morif,

I'm sorry you're experiencing anxiety about this wedding!

Are you concerned that if you drink alcohol your anxiety will be worse? I was just a little confused by your post and wanted to reply appropriately!
Posted 6/9/2015 10:30 PM (GMT 0)
Hi park22, I'm confused because of my high anxiety and the way I'm feeling these days will prevent me from enjoying my time over there especially that il spend the night over there. I'm also afraid of the way I'll be feeling if I have some alcohol while being too anxious
Posted 6/9/2015 11:28 PM (GMT 0)
I'm sorry about that. I know I get a little anxious about big events and sleeping away from home. Definitely use some of the coping skills that you find here, when you're not at home. I'm sure they'll help to relax you.

If you're concerned about how you'll feel if you drink alcohol, I would suggest either not drinking at all, or maybe just having one drink and see how you feel. For me a glass of wine helps me feel more comfortable in social situations, but I know it's not that way for everyone.

Wishing you the best of luck and try to have fun!
Posted 6/10/2015 2:43 AM (GMT 0)
M.,

I agree with the above...and if you feel like you are.standing around 'empty handed' without an alcoholic beverage, you can order a seltzer water...

...or if offered a toast, you can always raise your glass...have a sip or two, and set it down and walk away from it. No one will notice your not imbibing...and it is none of anyone's business even if they did! :)

I am sure once you get to your friend's wedding that you will be having such a good time, the anxiety will be pushed aside...and like Park suggested, use of your coping skills will help while you are away from home!

Envisioning taking your trip, and being anxiety free and calm can help to ensure success...as can use of positive mantras. Repeat a phrase such as:

"I am going to have a great time and can manage my anxiety throughout this event."

This can really make a difference

Wishing you a wonderful time! Let us know how it goes.:)

S.C.
Posted 6/10/2015 7:45 AM (GMT 0)
Hi M,
Have a non alcoholic or caffeine free drink as its social event ,but you can do it .
relax and think positive .
I know it can be hard as with anxiety everything seems like a burden .
Hope you have fun and nice stuff to tell us when you return.

Enjoy !!!!!!!!
yeah
Posted 6/10/2015 9:07 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

I can relate to how you are feeling as I was at a wedding last weekend and was very anxious about it.

I did have a couple of drinks (3) but then stopped drinking and I really enjoyed the wedding once I was there so i'm sure you will be fine.

Let us know how it goes.

Hibee
Posted 6/10/2015 10:31 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone for sharing your tips and experiences about this.

Actually I hadn't have any alcoholic drinks for one year now, but if there is anything I like is drinking heavily when being on the beach and just don't wish this will cause my anxiety to be worse and ruin my time while being there. Based on your experiences is this what usually happens or on the contrary alcohol will let me forget my anxiety and enjoy my time.
Posted 6/10/2015 11:44 AM (GMT 0)
I wish alcohol didn't have to be a part of every special event, but it is. I quit drinking because of the bad hangovers and anxiety, yuck. Not worth it. Drink a soda or better yet a mineral water.
Posted 6/10/2015 5:44 PM (GMT 0)
Morif,

I never knew my limits. In my heart, I think once you get there and involved, anxiety will take a back seat. I once took Psychology 101 and I got a D. HOWEVER, I remember two things... one of which will help you here.

It is impossible for the mind to completely focus on one thing at a time. For example, my mind wanders when driving. My subconscious drives the car. You are going to be fine.

I can't really drink now, so sometimes I feel left out. The alcohol dependency I see people have is insane.
Posted 6/10/2015 7:08 PM (GMT 0)
It sounds like you really don't want to drink. I vote for a nonalcoholic beverage.
Posted 6/10/2015 8:16 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks again people for the gorgeous replies I really needed this to make my anxiety drop down a bit.

Actually I don't have any alcohol dependency as I hadn't have any in a year now, but unfortunately I won't be able not to during this weekend since I'll be on the beach all day and partying at night, so I just wanted to know if usually being on alcohol while having high anxiety cause any troubles
Posted 6/10/2015 8:24 PM (GMT 0)
Morif,

Personally, I am thinking it would relax you as alcohol is a depressant. Maybe a little buzz, but not too much.
Posted 6/11/2015 4:53 PM (GMT 0)
No I'll definitely make sure not to get drunk just a little buzz would be fine.

One more thing guys, I'm currently not on any medication but I always keep with me some benzos to use in case I got really anxious. I just wanted to know how much time after I drink alcohol should I allow before using the benzos in case this will be needed
Posted 6/12/2015 1:05 AM (GMT 0)
Morif,

I don't have an exact amount of time for your question. I once took 0.5mg of Xanax and about 3/4 of the way through my first beer, I was QUITE buzzed.

I'm thinking Xanax only stays in the system 4 hours, so maybe that's a good number. Mixing the two is apparently a no-no, but I had a blast.

However, I don't recommend you do the same. My prescription bottle said, 'may intensify the effects of alcohol', so I'm thinking win/win. It wasn't the best idea. It was fun at first, but things started to seem very gloomy for me.

We all react differently to medication, but I would space them as far apart as feasible.

I realize how my message looks very mixed. It was just an experience that went from one end of the spectrum to the other.
Posted 6/12/2015 1:08 AM (GMT 0)
I drink wine pretty regularly and only take my xanax around bedtime if I've been drinking because it'll knock me out.
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