Venting Cannot cope without alcohol

[BlueButterfly111]

I usually have some kind of alcohol at night before I go to bed. But tonight I have nothing, I'm really struggling. I would be drinking right about now because it's the only way I cope with my life every day. Tonight is the first night that I haven't had anything, and I don't know what to do. I feel like it helps with all the loneliness and depression, and without it I'm just here suffering. I don't drink like a whole bottle but I just need at least a moderate amount almost every night. It's like a warm hug. I'm really struggling. I didn't want to post this because I know I should feel embarrassed, but I don't know what to do without alcohol, it's my coping mechanism. I wish I was dead already.

 

[Darkover]

i am in the same boat unable to cope with everyday life but with a different substance weed, not had any today so i am still awake at 1am tonight
i need some every day just feel comfortable within my self

 

[ummwhaaat]

I alternate between benzos and alcohol.. maybe alcohol 3-4 days a week and benzos 1-2 days a week, and I drink a lot more than you, throughout the day too to cope with social anxiety and inability to sleep. I do try and take breaks a week at a time as well and yeah those days are rough. I would not recommend this pattern of behavior. I'm seeing a doctor this week to get some other meds to try out for anxiety. It's hard, good luck to you.

 

[onthefence]

I usually have some kind of alcohol at night before I go to bed. But tonight I have nothing, I'm really struggling. I would be drinking right about now because it's the only way I cope with my life every day. Tonight is the first night that I haven't had anything, and I don't know what to do. I feel like it helps with all the loneliness and depression, and without it I'm just here suffering. I don't drink like a whole bottle but I just need at least a moderate amount almost every night. It's like a warm hug. I'm really struggling. I didn't want to post this because I know I should feel embarrassed, but I don't know what to do without alcohol, it's my coping mechanism. I wish I was dead already.

Don't be embarrassed. This is a place you can talk about it. What can you do to distract yourself until you are tired? Maybe try a warm bath, herbal tea, warm milk, read something?

 

[BlueButterfly111]

Don't be embarrassed. This is a place you can talk about it. What can you do to distract yourself until you are tired? Maybe try a warm bath, herbal tea, warm milk, read something?

I'm trying to distract myself by watching tv, but it's not working. Maybe I'll try watching something new. Thank you for the kind words and suggestions.

 

[whiskeyblanket]

I don't have any suggestions, but just wanted to say that you're not alone. I need to have at least 2+ drinks after work to calm down. When I can't (or just want to try going without), it's rough, and it makes me want it more the next day. I hope you're able to find a distraction that helps you through it.

 

[KillingPain267]

Alcohol fucks with your sleep, especially REM sleep quality. But the hardest is only the first few nights without alcohol. After a week your sleep quality will get better.

 

[BlueButterfly111]

Alcohol fucks with your sleep, especially REM sleep quality. But the hardest is only the first few nights without alcohol. After a week your sleep quality will get better.

It's not just about sleep though. It's the only thing that helps me cope with my life in general.

 

[KillingPain267]

I'm trying to distract myself by watching tv, but it's not working. Maybe I'll try watching something new. Thank you for the kind words and suggestions.

Try listening to audiobooks or podcasts at bed time rather than watching something, so you can close your eyes. If you specifically drink because you have severe trouble falling asleep, try asking your doctor for non-addictive sleep meds such as low dose seroquel and mirtazapine. That's what helped me.

It's not just about sleep though. It's the only thing that helps me cope with my life in general.

Okay, yeah, that's tough. We're in the same boat. I crave alcohol and opioids every day but it's too destructive to relapse. It just causes more problems down the line.

 

[nomoredolor]

I usually have some kind of alcohol at night before I go to bed. But tonight I have nothing, I'm really struggling. I would be drinking right about now because it's the only way I cope with my life every day. Tonight is the first night that I haven't had anything, and I don't know what to do. I feel like it helps with all the loneliness and depression, and without it I'm just here suffering. I don't drink like a whole bottle but I just need at least a moderate amount almost every night. It's like a warm hug. I'm really struggling. I didn't want to post this because I know I should feel embarrassed, but I don't know what to do without alcohol, it's my coping mechanism. I wish I was dead already.

I'm sorry that you need it to cope and don't have it tonight. Today was the funeral and I'm drinking to cope too. I never had drinking problem before now but if I'm not careful im going to develop one: I still grieve while drinking but it gives me degree of removal between me and my emotions.

Hugs the time will pass. Might pass like a kidney stone but it will pass

Anna
you are valid and you've been thru a lot

 

[BlueButterfly111]

Try listening to audiobooks or podcasts at bed time rather than watching something, so you can close your eyes. If you specifically drink because you have severe trouble falling asleep, try asking your doctor for non-addictive sleep meds such as low dose seroquel and mirtazapine. That's what helped me.

Okay, yeah, that's tough. We're in the same boat. I crave alcohol and opioids every day but it's too destructive to relapse. It just causes more problems down the line.

Thanks, I appreciate it. But I don't plan on being alive for much longer as I'm waiting for my Sn to arrive, so it's probably no use!

I'm sorry that you need it to cope and don't have it tonight. Today was the funeral and I'm drinking to cope too. I never had drinking problem before now but if I'm not careful im going to develop one: I still grieve while drinking but it gives me degree of removal between me and my emotions.

Hugs the time will pass. Might pass like a kidney stone but it will pass

Anna
you are valid and you've been thru a lot

I'm so sorry Anna, I hope you're doing okay. Yeah alcohol does the same for me, that's probably the only reason I've survived this long through the grief. Sending love and hugs to you

 

[toxicjester]

Im the same way although I more use weed than anything else. I've had to not use it as much because otherwise I can't take care of my gf in a way that she likes and I try to reserve it for when she's asleep or in the shower or something. Substances just make it easier to deal with all the loud emotions. I'm sorry you don't have anything tonight. Sometimes I like having coffee or ramen instead since they're comfort foods for me (although if you don't have a caffeine tolerance like I do the coffee is prolly a bad idea). Maybe something along that vein might help? I'm not the greatest with advice but I hope it gets easier for you

 

[genie]

I used to binge drink every other day. Can't say I miss it. Did it in moderation for a year, was meh. I'm too old to process it well now. One drink messes up my sleep, stomach and gives me dry eyes. I can see the want for escapism though, I need a substance every day to get me through. Kratom (highly addictive I recommend not taking that up), CBD or even caffeine help me relax now. I still have cravings to drink but am mostly teetotal but experiment with tinctures. Remember it is a neurotoxin.