Aa
Reasons for Paranoia
Hello Dr. My name is Patty & I am a 56 yrs. old alcoholic. One of my biggest problems that I am NOT familiar with is why I stay so paranoid & scared all of the time. I get scared if someone comes to my home, to the point of running & hiding. I am scared to go to sleep, therefore can't sleep & have nightmares & bad, stupid dreams every night that I am asleep. I do not go out anymore & don't like being around others. I have had several DUIs & am facing sentencing again. I am so full of anxiety that I am exploding in my head & so scared. I have been struggling with stopping drinking & stay so shakey. I have a prescription for Campral. Dr. will this go away if I can quit drinking or may I have your opinion? Thank You, Sincerely, Patty
Hi Patty,
I don't have a drinking problem (unless I am unwell and then I can abuse alcohol, usually in combination with prescribed medication) but I can relate to your other symptoms.
My philosophy is that friends will be there during the rough times too.
I would consider my friends to be the people supporting me through my illness, etc. Perhaps particularly those who are honest about how certain behaviors are affecting my health (and others). I think it takes a true friend to confront us on issues we don't want to see and hear. I also believe that takes courage.
It sounds like you have a great support network in your family.
I think you need support to help you stop drinking.
I think it sounds like you're not 100% certain about going back to AA and that you need somebody to tell you too, or at least to validate your decision too.
Actually you sound a little like me. You need somebody to give you permission to do it. I think it helps us justify it. We're doing this because someone said and not because we choose to do it. You need to do this for you.
If AA works for you, then do it. Maybe therapy could be helpful too. You need to do what works for you, whatever that is.
I would have thought that society was equally accepting. I think the issue is the alcohol, not the person's gender. I accept that there are stereotypes though.
After replying to your post I read an article in our weekend paper. A woman was in court after eight drink driving convictions and 15 driving while disqualified. The last time she was caught she was seven months pregnant.
When you talk about being unacceptable, do you think this may have something to do with how you feel about yourself? Or how you perceive others see you. Something someone has said or implied in your past??
Smoking is considered by many as being unacceptable too. How is smoking any different to drinking? Perhaps alcohol hides more emotional issues??
I would endorse the doctor's view. I would trust his experience and judgment.
I would be happy to provide support when I'm available. I have a lot of personal issues of my own at the moment and don't want to make a commitment or promise I can't keep.
J
I don't have a drinking problem (unless I am unwell and then I can abuse alcohol, usually in combination with prescribed medication) but I can relate to your other symptoms.
My philosophy is that friends will be there during the rough times too.
I would consider my friends to be the people supporting me through my illness, etc. Perhaps particularly those who are honest about how certain behaviors are affecting my health (and others). I think it takes a true friend to confront us on issues we don't want to see and hear. I also believe that takes courage.
It sounds like you have a great support network in your family.
I think you need support to help you stop drinking.
I think it sounds like you're not 100% certain about going back to AA and that you need somebody to tell you too, or at least to validate your decision too.
Actually you sound a little like me. You need somebody to give you permission to do it. I think it helps us justify it. We're doing this because someone said and not because we choose to do it. You need to do this for you.
If AA works for you, then do it. Maybe therapy could be helpful too. You need to do what works for you, whatever that is.
I would have thought that society was equally accepting. I think the issue is the alcohol, not the person's gender. I accept that there are stereotypes though.
After replying to your post I read an article in our weekend paper. A woman was in court after eight drink driving convictions and 15 driving while disqualified. The last time she was caught she was seven months pregnant.
When you talk about being unacceptable, do you think this may have something to do with how you feel about yourself? Or how you perceive others see you. Something someone has said or implied in your past??
Smoking is considered by many as being unacceptable too. How is smoking any different to drinking? Perhaps alcohol hides more emotional issues??
I would endorse the doctor's view. I would trust his experience and judgment.
I would be happy to provide support when I'm available. I have a lot of personal issues of my own at the moment and don't want to make a commitment or promise I can't keep.
J
Thank you for your help & concern...you must be very nice & familiar with my problem...I don't have many friends left - but I know that once I stop using...I will know who my friends are....as of now I do not want anyone around except my grandbabies & sons & husband...are you thinking that I have to go back into AA AGAIN? It did no good because society accepts MEN alcoholics & definately NOT women - we are considered not acceptable - like a *****. Please respond & give me your opinion. God Bless You..& Thank you...please be my friend...Love, Patty
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Once you have been drinking for so long and so much it can certainly be the cause of your current fears. Most of the time sobriety clears up the mind and gives you back the day to day control of your life that you need to be safe...Sobriety is an absolute must if you are going to get out of this state of mind.
Hi Patty
I'm not a doctor but I have experienced similar symptoms at various times.
The alcohol may or may not be a factor. I think the alcohol is a defense against underlying issues.
At times of extreme stress people can become paranoid.
Running and hiding when people come to the house is something I would do, or perhaps would have done. For me, I think this is about social anxiety.
Perhaps it is different for you?
I think that fear exists when we don't confront some of our issues. Perhaps it is even our conscience badgering us? Definitely unresolved issues though.
Sleep can also be affected by our issues. I too have had periods where I've been too frightened to sleep and when I have have had pretty horrific nightmares.
I think talking to others helps.
I was just going to say that it must be hard abstaining from alcohol and dealing with everything else as well. This just reminded me of our dog when we started disciplining her (asking her to sit and wait for meals, etc). She would be waiting and getting anxious and start shaking. It is hard to push through that anxiety and make the behavioral changes. (Our dog is great now, she was extremely motivated but she still needed a lot of reassurance).
Are you able to discuss your upcoming court case with anyone?
Have you been briefed about the likely consequences?
Can you join a support group to help with the drinking? Being part of a group may help you feel more secure and less alone. A hard first step.
I don't think the problems will stop with the drinking but I think they will be significantly reduced and you will be better able to deal with the issues.
I expect things will feel easier after sentencing too.
Best wishes and good luck. You can and will get through this.
J
I'm not a doctor but I have experienced similar symptoms at various times.
The alcohol may or may not be a factor. I think the alcohol is a defense against underlying issues.
At times of extreme stress people can become paranoid.
Running and hiding when people come to the house is something I would do, or perhaps would have done. For me, I think this is about social anxiety.
Perhaps it is different for you?
I think that fear exists when we don't confront some of our issues. Perhaps it is even our conscience badgering us? Definitely unresolved issues though.
Sleep can also be affected by our issues. I too have had periods where I've been too frightened to sleep and when I have have had pretty horrific nightmares.
I think talking to others helps.
I was just going to say that it must be hard abstaining from alcohol and dealing with everything else as well. This just reminded me of our dog when we started disciplining her (asking her to sit and wait for meals, etc). She would be waiting and getting anxious and start shaking. It is hard to push through that anxiety and make the behavioral changes. (Our dog is great now, she was extremely motivated but she still needed a lot of reassurance).
Are you able to discuss your upcoming court case with anyone?
Have you been briefed about the likely consequences?
Can you join a support group to help with the drinking? Being part of a group may help you feel more secure and less alone. A hard first step.
I don't think the problems will stop with the drinking but I think they will be significantly reduced and you will be better able to deal with the issues.
I expect things will feel easier after sentencing too.
Best wishes and good luck. You can and will get through this.
J
What's up Patty?
Did you want to talk about the death stuff? We're all dying a little everyday.
Have you had a diagnosis which has been the consequence of the drinking?
Have you been to court yet? If so, how did it go?
J
Did you want to talk about the death stuff? We're all dying a little everyday.
Have you had a diagnosis which has been the consequence of the drinking?
Have you been to court yet? If so, how did it go?
J
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