i am just realizing that i have a very big problem. I have been using alcohol to numb the pain (daily, sometimes close to 7-8 drinks a day), now i have realized that i may have a difficult time cutting down (i worry about physical dependency) and getting onto some effective meds (paxil)
i am so afraid right now, i've been panicky for a week, i am a prisoner of my own house, i'm afraid to lose my job, I know i need to stop drinking, i'm afraid to the physical withdrawl
help somebody please

Hi Koko,

You say you 'may have difficulty cutting down '

There again you may not have a problem. Have 6 drinks the next day, 5 the day after etc . You could be off alcohol within a week if you've not been doing this for long.If its a long term thing you may need to seek additional help but you won't know till you try.

Then you can reevaluate your panic and anxiety and decide whats best for you next.

Good luck

It will be alright man,Im alittle worried about my own drinking!I was just recently put on lexapo and Xanex,It its not easy cause I work at a bar in Boston Ive cut down but its probably good to go to the Dr.and get something to chill you out a bit cause hopefully you wont need to numb the pain of the hell of panic it sux man but you ll be alright dont be scared where for you!

thanks so much for your support. I also work in a bar parttime, but in the past, i would just drink with the customers, and not worry. I also realized that when i wrote that message it was a really down day,and i was worried about everything. I have had no problem cutting down over the last few days. I found that chamomile tea and valerian helps (with deep breathing) i realized it is more of a habit vs a physical addiction. It is just scary to see how it helps iwth the panic attacks. I tried xanax for the very first time the other morning i woke up at about 8am very shaky and anxious, i split half a .25mg and took it, and then tried the relaxation tape,it really helped, i only take it when absoloutely needed.
i see it is much easier to reduce the drinking than i expected.
thanks again for your input
koko

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