I think I'm becoming an alcoholic

[frog problems]

For the last few weeks I have been taking a shot or two of vodka every night before bed. I just works, my heart slows down and stops hurting for once and I'm able to actually fall asleep instead of tossing and turning for hours. I know this is such a stupid habit to form but it's the only thing that has been giving me some rest lately.

Tonight I'm out of alcohol and I just realized that I'm actually dreading having to go to bed sober. I know that the horrible thoughts that usually keep me awake are going to come to haunt me, unimpeded by booze. It's going to be a long night.

 

[not-2-b-the-answer]

I don't know if you can become an alcoholic in a few weeks. Have you tried anything else to help you sleep?

 

[quietpill]

I've been worried a out getting to a similar place soon. I don't go to sleep with hard alcohol yet, but seltzers and beer. Every night I don't have one is harder and meaner, both for sleeping and emotionally, than the last and I've actually been considering getting vodka to do full shots before bed instead. Melatonin is such a dull substitute, and only works half the time. I'm sorry you're so stress. I hope you can find a worthwhile distraction from them...

 

[timf]

If you are only using alcohol to get to sleep, you may not yet be becoming an alcoholic. If I remember correctly, NyQuil has a lot of alcohol (30%). You can also use Benadryl to make you drowsy. If your state has legal marijuana, you might also try that. I wouldn't use anything long term. You may have to consider dealing with the stress or anxiety than may be making sleep difficult. It might even be diet such as excessive caffeine. You might experiment with exercise, nutrition, or meditation. You may already know what is contributing to sleep difficulty.

 

[LittleJem]

I recommend weed instead if it is safe for your medical history and helps you

 

[MyTimeIsUp]

It takes a long time to become an alcoholic, not a few weeks. It's only because (for now) it helps you with anxiety to allow you to sleep, not because you're becoming an alcoholic.

Best to try something different for anxiety. Alcohol isn't helpful, because it is a depressant. Eventually, you'll see that.

But again to reassure you, it takes much longer than a few weeks to become addicted to alcohol.