r/alcoholism • u/gelidascension • 1d ago

Is this the start?

I guess the question is, how did alcoholism start for you?

I'll make my story short. I'm in my twenties with an history of depression/anxiety. I never was an heavy drinker but this year I've started the habit of drinking alone while very depressed. Only little/moderate amounts (1 or 2 beers and one drink), but I take medications AND Xanax so it doesn't take much to get me tipsy. I never crossed the line of getting full drunk, however much I wanted it. This was a everyday habit for at least 1 month. After that I got told to stop and went on a sober streak of 1 month. It wasn't easy but it was feasible.

Then one day I wake up with incredibly strong cravings. I was shaking. I ended up drinking the usual dose and started back the cycle. Now I do one or two days sober (resisting cravings) and then I drink again, not very much but alas. When I don't drink, I have nausea, headache and vertigo, my hands shake a bit (and people have noticed).

I don't understand if I am developing a problem or if I'm already IN the problem and neck deep in denial... Mainly I'm shocked that I'm having withdrawals with how little I drink. (confirmed it was withdrawals by my doctor). Where do I go from here?

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u/HealifyApp 17h ago

Cravings, withdrawals, and the cycle- definitely edging into dangerous territory. It’s great that you’re recognizing it now before it digs in deeper. Mixing alcohol with Xanax and meds is like playing with fire. Your next move should involve support, whether that’s a doctor, therapy, or even a local support group. It’s not about judgment, it’s about building a plan before this spirals further.