Panic attacks and alcohol

[mr nobody]

Coiledspring- in no way does name offend.  Glad you are getting better. All is OK.

[hqinmaine]

Welcome mate!

I have had exactly the same thing! Panic attacks and alcohol. Depression and alcohol. Pain and alcohol. The reason for this was it was cheap and easy to get and it initially worked. And then it didn't. Alcohol is one of the most addictive substances there is and will consume you and destroy your health. Any relatives that are alcoholic or having a hard time of it? Then so will you. It will NOT be a matter of choice for you. The problem with a hangover is another drink will "cure" it. This will not become a choice.  I've had all my family members but one succumb to this disease and buried them all. It is why I am here.  
Valium is a great choice for you because it will cure your panic attacks and there is no hangover causing you to drink again. I've had a very hard time getting benzo's prescribed because of an alcoholic history (and uh-oh, I might get addicted..,)  but they have saved my life.

I wish you the very best in your journey. Stay healthy my friend. Let us know how you are doing. I care. 

[CoiledSpring]

Welcome mate!

I have had exactly the same thing! Panic attacks and alcohol. Depression and alcohol. Pain and alcohol. The reason for this was it was cheap and easy to get and it initially worked. And then it didn't. Alcohol is one of the most addictive substances there is and will consume you and destroy your health. Any relatives that are alcoholic or having a hard time of it? Then so will you. It will NOT be a matter of choice for you. The problem with a hangover is another drink will "cure" it. This will not become a choice.  I've had all my family members but one succumb to this disease and buried them all. It is why I am here.  
Valium is a great choice for you because it will cure your panic attacks and there is no hangover causing you to drink again. I've had a very hard time getting benzo's prescribed because of an alcoholic history (and uh-oh, I might get addicted..,)  but they have saved my life.

I wish you the very best in your journey. Stay healthy my friend. Let us know how you are doing. I care. 

Wow - my twin!

No family stuff although I partly wonder if my dad had it but hid it from us....

I feel exactly the same as you at this moment. Exactly. 

And apart from your losses for which I am sorry I feel as if I have had the same journey.

Thank you so much for your message

[nickolyko]

Anyway I dont know what would be best for anyone but I would choose benzo addiction than Alcoholic WDS . I dont know anything more dangerous that WDS from alcohol the have mortality rates like no other WDSyndromes.

[Raven]

What I find most worrisome with the combined use of alcohol and benzos is that:

• A couple of Alp's or V's can make a hang-over go away fast, at least for me. I'm not a hard drinker... not even close, but I do occasionally need to deal with the after-effects of a solid recreational buzzfest.
  
• Benzos decrease your inhibitions. You may wake-up and say "I'm staying clean today, absolutely no booze", then take your daily therapeutic benzo dose and suddenly find yourself not feeling bad about a little partying tonight.
  
• Benzos and booze work on your brain in exactly the same manner (non-professional opinion). Early on I realized this, I recognized that I was falling into a trap and I'm glad I did. If you combine use of these substances you will find that your need for an extra beer (or whatever octane you consume) is almost exactly in sync with your need for an extra tab. Tolerance for one substance seems to build tolerance for the other. It's a recipe for disaster which, fortunately, scared me stupid.
  

If you are here, then most likely you have assumed responsibility for maintaining the checks and balances that are required for controlling the use of these substances. Be smart about it and live a good life.

Black Bird

[MoJim]

I'm in the same boat CS. I originally was prescribed Inderal and it was effective while I was at work. I retired about six months ago and have noticed my consumption of alcohol has increased. Before retirement, I wouldn't get home till 6-8pm and would only have one or two beers. Now I start my habit earlier after chores are done. I really need to slow my roll!! I recently received some val's and hopefully will be able to decrease my alcohol intake. Any system, like more days not drinking than drinking are good ideas. I think I'll start writing down my daily consumption. I think the physical act of writing and then reflecting back on it a week later might give me that cold splash of water on my face that I need. This is a very good thread for many of us.

[CoiledSpring]

Update from Mexico....

So basically I found myself at a crossroads just before a 12 night all inclusive bloody holiday with the family!!

Can I just say that Valium has been a revelation as I was worried I would be on 12 hour booze binges.

I have drunk less than on any previous holiday and actually were it not for a few social drinks with the missus could easily have drunk little if anything.

The Valium does not 'hit' me in a big way - I feel relaxed and at ease for the first time in a couple of years.

The only way I got it though is through private GPs who don't want me to have more than 28 tabs.

I think this is wrong. I feel healthier than I have done in years.

[Charon]

Well done, coiled spring. You are so far into ur journey of regaining you and your health.

Stay safe.

[nickolyko]

Good point Raven. V's and Benzos but especialy xanax's are a bad combination with alcohol. I have seen people go completely out themselves in mania or in paradox reaction been hostile and dangerous after some Xanax's and some drinks. Back in my youth there was the problem with qualudes and barbs and alcohol. Many were lost it was a stupid habit that claim lives. Most important of all is our safety, you only live once, LOL, yes if someone want this kind of synergy and Benzo drinking combination no matter what, then I would advise carrying with him a shot of anexate (flumazenil) just in case things go out of control. Maybe dude if you have no worries then start wondering then why anexate it is one of the top ten most common drugs in ER.

[ShortSqueeze]

Xanax + alcohol = felony sticks.