Alcohol - Anxiety Message Board

monkyfunky · 12-21-2003, 08:04 AM

I think I am getting somewhere with the CBT now, because I'm feeling better generally.

But last night I went round to a mates house, and felt quite derealised at first (probably a bit anxious about going). Then I had a 3 cans of beer and all the time I was drinking I was feeling really derealised.

Now it started before the alcohol would have even have taken effect, so does this mean I am really anxious about drinking?

I think alcohol might have been partially responsible for causeing my anxiety in the first place, so maybe I am associating drinking with my problems?

It just seems that when I am feeling better, I go and do something and feel all derealised and anxious again :x

lori j · 12-22-2003, 01:45 AM

Alcohol is a depressant, if you are having panic/stress or depression problems, then you'd be wise to avoid alcohol completely.

sdunc · 12-29-2003, 12:19 AM

Um... OK, I looked it up and found nothing... what does "derealised" mean?

Anyway, I have to disagree. Yes, alcohol is a depressant, but if one is anxious, then alcohol serves to relax the individual. I have social anxieties that mostly go away when I drink. I also have depression that is mainly due to anxiety and I feel great when I drink. Am I saying that alcohol is good for you? No, not really, but I don't think it's quite the villian that it is made out to be.

Anyway, back to your question... you are your best doctor. If you think that drinking is adding to your anxiety, then it probably is. However, if you already have depression.... then alcohol could be a irritant, but not the main cause. Again, I don't know what you mean by "derealized", but do you always feel that way when you drink? How would you have felt if you drank nothing?

"so maybe I am associating drinking with my problems?"
Don't know... why would you associate the two?

MetalDetector · 12-29-2003, 05:26 PM

sdunc-you might have better luck with a definition if you look up "depersonalization" or "derealization". It feels like your detached from reality- sort of an uncomfortable, dreamlike, floating feeling to me. I get it alot and hate it.