TW(Alcohol) How am I supposed to relax without alcohol?

TW: Alcohol

Alcohol is poison. Alcohol is the result of a dying or dead product that was once edible…

But how the fuck am I supposed to relax without it?

I drink kava now but it doesn’t help as much as alcohol unless I drink a ton of it.

2 shots of vodka on an empty stomach would help sooo much 95% of the time. That other 5% of the time it would make everything worse but the other 95% made it all worth it.

Alcohol is very unhealthy… but what’s the point of being healthy if I can’t relax at all?

(My job drug tests so I can’t smoke weed, before anyone recommends it)

in CPTSDby StoppingPowah

96%

20d

ViciousCDXX

20d

As a long time alcoholic one thing I learned is that there is a major difference between relaxing yourself, and sedating.

StoppingPowah

20d

What’s the difference?

ViciousCDXX

20d

Relaxing is having a couple, if you're drinking with the goal of being unconscious that's sedating

StoppingPowah

20d

What’s it called when you’re somewhere in the middle? As in very drunk but not unconscious

pkmnslut

20d

Functional alcoholism

Tsunamiis

20d

My doctor says it isn’t as functional but society doesn’t see me doing anything wrong

Dizzy_Move902

20d

Sed-scaping?

[deleted]

20d

Currently 100 days sober and dealing with CPTSD. It's hard, but it will get better. The only thing alcohol ever did was give temporary relief and then cause my panic attacks and flashbacks to be way worse.

Clear-Week-440

20d

Same. I kept pursuing that temporary relief but the irony was that what gave me the relief was also giving me what I needed relief from. When I quit drinking my CPTSD symptoms MASSIVELY reduced. Like being able to count on one hand the panic attacks I’ve had in the past year vs. having one every couple days.

MannBearPiig

20d

I’m sober since right before new years and I’m shaking more than I did when I first stopped. I’m trying to get some legitimate medication for anxiety and have an appointment this week. If you’re using it like I was to self medicate anxiety then you’re probably going to need a prescription cause things aren’t working out for me even after 4 months of cold turkey pushing through.

StoppingPowah

20d

My primary doctor said that SSRIs are the go-to meds for anxiety. I rather die than take SSRIs again. It’s also just as dangerous to take Benzos 24/7 so idk what meds I could possibly take

macaroni66

20d

Buspar is not bad

Starfriend777

20d

Yeah I don't take Buspar but my friend said it helps a lot with anxiety.

Minimum_Progress_449

20d

Buspar may be a good option for you. Or maybe Gabapentin, but that is a schedule 4(?) Controlled substance. Interestingly, it makes ppl not want to drink. Probably because of those Gaba receptors that it hits up. Hence it's name. DONT ask for it by name though. Just tell the doc you are looking for something other than an SSRI or a benzo.

MannBearPiig

20d

Idk what they’re gonna give me but I took ssri before and didn’t like them either. I’m going to give it another try if that’s what they recommend.

Trazadone helped a bit but it doesn’t stay in your system long and makes you a little drowsy. You can ask for that and at least get some relief at night.

WorstLuckButBestLuck

20d

My doctor prescribed me a muscle relaxer after I admitted to using alcohol to relax and when I had severe headaches, and it is so-so. Least with my muscles less tight, I'm kind of semi relaxed. But can't say I'm better. On my days off I've started mixing weed/alcohol to try and make up for the week of being an overly tense and irritable a hole.

So...I feel you. I get keyed up so easy. Exercise has me hyperventilating and tasting blood, video games even the relaxing ones gets me keyed, journaling gets me keyed, taking a walk gets me keyed—like Christ, did God forget to install an off button for my dang paranoia.

Even on anxiety meds, it's always a balancing act of eat enough, sleep enough and unfortunately indulge in substances enough to keep the demons at bay. Sometimes I worry if I don't, I'm gonna end up in a psychotic episode.

SilverSusan13

20d

I've been sober for over a year now, before that I drank every day (except when I was trying to quit) for the last 30 years. Alcohol was my solution to EVERYTHING. In my experience it takes time to figure other things to relax. For me it is:

-going for walks

-connecting with people

-therapy

-AA

-support group for people who were abused as kids

-bike riding/yoga

Long story short, alcohol in the long run hasn't helped my mental health, but quitting drinking has helped me a lot (as much as I resisted quitting for a long time). :)

throwaway091i1

20d

i felt very proud of u reading this. what an achievement :')

SilverSusan13

19d

Thank you so much!! :)

ThrowRA152739

20d

Depending on your previous drinking pattern you might have racked up mineral and vitamin deficiencies.

Make sure you eat healthy, loads of fruits, veggies and daily helpings of leafy veggies. Leafy veggies help with increasing magnesium in your system, and this has a calming effect on your system.

And you could try CBD oil, it has helped me immensely during times of stress.

Good luck! Alcohol is a demon that gives once, then takes twice, keeping you stuck in a destructive loop all the way down.

Mem0ry-Lane

20d

Warning!! CBD shows up in drug test as positive for weed, unless it’s a blood test! Most employers will refuse a blood test as most substances only stay in the blood for up to a week, while piss can be dirty for awhile.

sharingmyimages

20d

L-Theanine is an amino acid made from tea. It's very relaxing, helps for calming anxious thinking, and is not habit forming. I take 200-600mg at a time. Less than that does nothing for me. I take it anytime, day or night, when I feel the need. Here's an article:

L-Theanine for Generalized Anxiety | Psychology Today

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/integrative-mental-health-care/201710/l-theanine-generalized-anxiety

Here's another thought for relaxing: 10-Minute Yoga For Beginners | Start Yoga Here... - YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j7rKKpwdXNE

pyrosis_06

20d

I’ve been using L-Theanine for a couple years and have found it helpful. 200mg doesn’t have a hugely relaxing effect on me, but it takes the edge off a bit.

sharingmyimages

20d

If you need more effect and you take additional L-Theanine beyond 200mg, does it work for you?

pyrosis_06

20d

I’ve been taking 200mg in the morning and then 200mg at night plus a supplement that has some in a blend but it doesn’t say how much, maybe 100mg or less based on the ingredient list. In the past I also tried 200mg in the morning and then a mushroom coffee (Everyday Dose) that has 200mg and that was pretty effective in getting me to chill a bit.

sharingmyimages

20d

I usually take 400mg at a time and that works well for me. I keep my cost down by buying it in bulk. 1/4 of a teaspoon is 400mg and I use a measuring teaspoon so I'm not guessing. I dump the powder in my mouth and then take a sip of water and swish it around and swallow it.

pyrosis_06

19d

That’s good to know, I didn’t know you could buy it in bulk like that. Thanks for the recommendation!

sharingmyimages

19d

You're welcome!

jraven877

20d

Magnesium

Dizzy_Move902

20d

If you like the taste of beer non-alcoholics have come a long way. I find them relaxing - probably due to association. Exercise relaxes me - hiking and swimming in particular but whatever works.

I also find that doing the work in therapy and related self-improvement slowly but surely pays off in having a more pleasant and spacious internal experience without substances.

Sweetgum87

20d

After 9 years sober I can say I am able to relax much better than I ever was able to with alcohol. Though I still occasionally miss that quick relief, I realize now that feeling only lasted a few minutes at best and the price was hours, if not days, of anxiety afterwards. It’s not going to make sense at first, but trust me, after 90 days or so of sobriety I started to feel peace like I’d never felt before. I still have CPTSD and a lot of bad days, but nothing comes close to how it was when I was drinking. You don’t have to quit right now or ever, but imo there’s better relaxation out there for you, it might just get harder before it gets easier.

External-Tiger-393

20d

Have you ever tried emotional freedom technique tapping, or mindfulness meditation? They both help me a lot. My sister (who also has CPTSD) recently started meditating and does it daily due to the benefits she's seen, too.

I'm not saying that meditation is guaranteed to work immediately or is for everyone, but I can send you the same meditation guide that I've sent a few people if you want. (It's really short, since I also wrote it.).

StoppingPowah

20d

Yeah, meditation makes me twitch/shake just like EMDR. It’s too harsh

LaGripo

20d

If you wouldn’t mind, I would like it. Really been working through anxiety (now that I recognize it/am a bit more aware). Boy, is it pervasive in my life! If you don’t mind I’d like to try your suggestion. I’ve never heard of it.

Bag440

20d

I had to stop drinking because I can't stop once I begin. I didn't ever feel comfortable enough and always want more. Thankfully, I had quite a few bad things happen to me directly because of alcohol and I've been able to stay away from it.

The key for me is that alcohol literally disgusts me, and I don't mean the modern literally that means figuratively, I mean LITERALLY it is repulsive to me now. I don't know how I did that to myself, but it's kept me away from that shit despite having half a bottle of Smirnoff something-flavored Vodka, two cans of the 8% Whiteclaw, and a whole bottle of Sake that I bought on an impulse underneath my bed.

Ok_Project2538

20d

wish i could go back to drinking too. it was one of the last things i enjoyed somehow

cowaii

20d

Ashwagandha, herbal tea in the afternoon and propranolol for being out in public help me stay level.

benji3k

20d

God I feel you so much, Im the same way and lost alot due to my own actions because of drinking, But I couldnt function without it just like you say. I am now on Klonopin and it helps, Perhaps you could talk to a Pdoc about benzos like xanax, ativan, klonopin? Not advocating drug abuse but it is a viable solution for many.

Otherworldschaos

20d

Try the CBD weed and products associated with CBD with the drops to put in your water or whatever bev you have. Aromatherapy. Lots of alone time and finding new hobbies. I’m a pothead now but alcohol was truly bringing out my unhealed wounds and demons. After getting sober I realized I did not know how to live outside of the world that liked to numb itself to death with alcohol and partying.

While the world is seemly psychopathic, touch grass, hangout with animals, reconnect to yourself. It’s gonna be hard but worth it. Find sober friends or ppl in religions that don’t drink.

In the mean time to ween you off, non alcoholic beer/wine/bevs will help A LOT. LIKE A LOT if you are someone who drinks every day.

Wooden_Tip9852

20d

have you tapped into what makes your body relax? headphones on with a particular noise (not necessarily music), putting a wet handkerchief on your neck for 10 min, or maybe stretching (it doesn't have to be yoga)

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20d

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radiical

20d

I smoke weed 24/7. I'm sorry that's not an option for you. It's a much less destructive drug for me than alcohol

Icy_Dust6763

20d

I felt similarly after quitting weed. When I was high my life was better; I loved my self so much, the future was exciting and everything and everyone was amazing. At that time - weed gave me, what I needed it to give me - but I had to let it go. I did it slowly and now, a year since I decided to smoke less, I don’t want it anymore. That being said I do crave it. My head constantly tells me how much “I want to smoke” but once I realised that the voice was actually saying was; “I want to stop feeling so bad” everything got easier. Maybe this isn’t relevant to you but might there be something behind the “I need to relax” thought? Maybe there is something there that can help you get through this. You’re doing a good job and I wish you all the best on your journey.

Icy_Dust6763

20d

And! Spending the money you would have spent on drink on something relaxing like a massage

FlimsyRecipe5066

19d

Meditate. Sit with the feelings of disturbance and restlessness and try not to judge or change them. Let them be. Journaling, exercise, saunas, or cold showers. Yoga, Tai chi, breath work, somatic therapies. It's OK to drink occasionally, but overindulging frequently is a bad habit to break, so try tapering off slowly.

fizzyanklet

20d

Weed. For me cannabis has been the thing that gives me similar benefits without the other effects that come from alcohol. It lowers my inhibitions enough to where I can unclench and relax and not overthink but it can’t go as wrong as with booze. For me I can only get so high with cannabis to where it just levels out. With alcohol I can’t stop. I want to continue and when I do I get drunker and that results in me being sicker and depressed and anxious the next day.

I love making craft cocktails but I haven’t had alcohol in a few months and it has been a noticeable change in my life. I miss the effectiveness of alcohol sometimes. When I’m very anxious and overwhelmed a few shots can quiet that right down, but now I’m forced to look at other options. My go-to strategy for dealing with anxiety these days is to pick up heavy stuff in my yard.

Mysterious_Mind2618

20d

Indica THC edibles. I like the "Chill" variety from Camino

macaroni66

-1

20d

Try cannabis

SterlingProducer

20d

Try kava