Will I- Won't I. Hmmmm

kikel

1 week off the booze but have spent the last few days lurking on here. There is something bugging me, I know I want to give the booze. I'm not a big drinker. MIGHT have 2-4 drinks over the whole weekend. Most of the time that would only be 2. Would have the odd heavy session every 2-3 months. Depression is an issue and the mood swings after a big session are crazy.

Gave up last year for 3 months and felt absolutely amazing. Never had so much energy in my life. Was surviving on 6 hours sleep a night and was buzzing to get out of bed the next morning. At that time I was involved in some very engaging community stuff. Was constantly meeting new people and was really buzzing about it. Would regularly go to events and the pub with new and old mates. Never stayed long but always loved jumping back into one of my cars for the drive home.

Anyway the summer is coming, the sessions are coming and I'm thinking I need\want to give up the booze.

GerB40

To me it sounds like drinking itself isn't a problem for you but if it aggravates depression/anxiety then it does become problematic. I've had depression before but that's been overshadowed by anxiety disorder that has taken over my life. Turning to drink or drugs is an easy short term solution but it will (not can) lead to major problems down the line. If you feel that having a few drinks will not negatively impact your mental health then I'd say go for it. But if you're in any doubt then my advice would be to steer clear. Your mental health is too important to be leaving it up to chance..

hubba

I read somewhere that if you suffer from anxiety/depression that drinking is like 'driving with the handbrake on'. You will never have any peace if you keep feeding the monster basically. I repeat it to myself regularly when any doubt sets in.