Panic Attacks Support Group

Hey all I have probably a really ridiculous situation that I'd like input on. My brother and sis-in-law are having a little get together this Saturday. There is obviously giong to be alcohol involved. I have not had a drop of alcohol in about a month since really trying to tame the panic beast. But, I'm a social drinker and I just really enjoy the taste of wine/beer/cocktails on occasin. I don't want to go out and get trashed but I would love to have a drink or two. Is there anyone out there that has panic disorder that can still enjoy the occasional drink? I know it's not worth it to trigger an attack just for a drink but at the same time I am really being stern in other aspects of my life as far as not giving up the things I enjoy just for fear of panic. Argh. Please give me some guidance, suggestions, or just tell me to get the heck over it. Hugs ()

I would say do not drink the Alcohol. I think that Alcohol can be a big trigger with anxiety and panic and alcohol is also a depressant too.

Just my opinion. Also if you are on any Meds you should not drink.

Hmm tough question. I see what you mean about wanting to somewhat be strong and not fear the panic but then you don't want to trigger an attack either.

If it were me, I would pass on the alcohol. I have been drinking water only and organic green tea only for a few weeks.

mamatrixie,

I like a few glasses of wine occassionally, but everyones body reacts differently to stimulants. Think about what affects you have when you drink, do you panic, trigger sensations? are you drinking to just be social with friends? If you want to try it but know the risk you are taking in triggering an attack, and as Angel said meds and drinking can be a bad combo. If you can have a few and it not be a trigger, do what you are comfortable with.

I am with Phil on this one. I used to drink and had not one single attack I would attribute to drinking. If anything, alcohol had a calming effect on me. I don't do it now due to Crohn's, not panic attacks. This is far more about preference than cause and effect. Again, if you decide to have a drink or two, be careful of mixing that with meds.

Hi Mamatrixie I'm a social drinker too and the only time I ever had an attack was when I was drinking extremely sugary drinks. (Can't be sure though what exactly triggered it.) Alcohol and meds are a bad mix (if you're on them) but if you'd enjoy having a drink why not try it at home and see what happens rather than risk an attack in a social situation? Take care of you and good luck

Hey Mamatrixie!! Well this is a hard one to answer with a for sure answer because there is not one really. I myself have a few beers every now and then and do fine. I have to watch it though and only drink on my good days of the month. I will pay hell if I try and drink on my bad days of the month. Meaning the hormonal days.

As long as you are not on any meds physically it can not hurt you if you are a healthy person.

The last thing you want to do though is drive yourself crazy over whether to or not to. If you feel ok to maybe have just one or even sip on one so super slowly and see how you feel after a couple sips that way if you did start to feel funny you can assure yourself you have only had a few sips and it is you freaking yourself out not the alcohol. lol I hope this makes sense. Or if you really just don't feel it just don't have one and know that maybe the next gathering or when you are ready you can have one.

I like needserenity's idea in if you really want to try it try one at home and see how it makes you feel. Or you could even go as far as really reassuring yourself and ask your doctor if one drink would hurt you. I have done this and my doctor and nurse has told me that one drink is not going to physically hurt you Amy. So then I felt ok to have me a beer. But my limit is for sure 2 1/2 or 3.

Try not to overthink and just have a fun time and you will be ok.

I agree with Phil and Kildare, alcohol has a calming effect on me, especially beer. I avoid hard liquor (bourbon, whiskey, etc.) due to that causing acid reflux and initiating a panic attack for me.

Mark, But if someone is on MEDS you know that it is not a good idea for them to be drinking...Right? Just wanted to be sure! Thanks!

Thank you all so much for your input on this. I'm not currently on any meds, just supplements so there wouldn't be any reaction there. I think that I am going to have a drink tomorrow night. Just nice and slow while I'm in the comfort of my own home and see how it goes. Haha. Hope you all don't think I'm a lush. I have given up caffeine and I'm fine with that, but I do like my wine and I miss it terribly. Thanks again for the replies!