Anxiety and alcohol

[gofigerr]

It has been 37 days since my last drink. Yay. I've noticed over the last couple of weeks that I have a lot of anxiety when I get home from work at night. It's bad. I'm wondering if the drinking was masking an anxiety problem or if I could still be adjusting to not drinking, it can't still be withdrawls. It's just from the time I get home until I go to bed, and that is the only time I drank.  I do have dreams that I've had a drink and not realized it and freak out because I drank. lol. So I guess it's still on my mind.

[BeautM8]

That was common for me too. Try to find alternative things to do with that time in the evenings to take your mind away. I did jigsaw puzzles and made changes from the old lifestyle. Started activities, and as others have mentioned, exercise, even just a light walk helps. So does a nice hot chocolate, and warm bath before bed. I started reading more too. And those dreams are normal in the first few months as well. They can't hurt you and will settle. Well done on 37 days :}

[narla]

I used to just drink at night, so I started going to the gym at night when I get home I'm too tired to think about alcohol,I've lost 15kg or 33lb in 5 months and feeling great.

[Jacker]

My anxiety persisted for quite a few months, but it eventually goes away.  Make sure you stay away from Caffeine in the afternoon and think about getting some exercise - possibly in the early evening.  It will help take the edge off.  

[rod44]

I found light reading helped with my concentration witch was dreadful for months after I stopped,

[dominosarah]

I agree with Rod.  The emotional pain was causing me tons of anxiety.  It will take some time to rewire your brain and with any type of addiction it seems that the time you would normally use is the hardest.  Since you would always drink at night try changing up your routine a bit.  Attend a meeting, go for a walk, watch a funny movie, just something to keep your mind busy.  Dreams are very common and they will subside with time.  They can be very disturbing i know.  If the anxiety keeps going i would check with your doctor too.          sara

[rod44]

anxiety is common when you stop drinking, for me it was part of the reason I drank. I go to AA and work the twelve steps and this has taught me how to cope with this and all the other issues I had going on when I quit.....
If it continues see your GP.