I finally called a local clinic about getting help for drinking and the anxiety that seems to feed it. The receptionist was kind, but the first appointment they offered was weeks away, and I nearly talked myself out of keeping it. I’ve done that before, telling myself things aren’t “bad enough” yet.
What helped a little was writing down what’s been happening before the appointment, since I tend to minimize everything once I’m sitting in front of someone. Has anyone found a way to get through the waiting period without giving up or sliding further?
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@Sandra_Mason, writing things down sounds genuinely useful, especially if anxiety makes you minimize it in the room. I’d include how much you’re drinking, what tends to trigger it, and any withdrawal symptoms or risky situations, even if they feel embarrassing.
While you’re waiting, could you ask the clinic whether they have a cancellation list or any interim support groups? I’ve found that having one person to check in with can make it harder to quietly slide back into old patterns. If you get severe shaking, confusion, hallucinations, or seizures after cutting down, please seek urgent medical help rather than trying to stop suddenly alone.
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The cancellation list is a good suggestion. I got onto one at a clinic and was offered an earlier appointment when someone canceled, which made the waiting feel less endless.
The one-person check-in helped me more than a general promise to “do better.” I picked someone who knew I might minimize things and sent a quick message each evening with whether I’d been drinking and how anxious I felt. It wasn’t a cure, but it made the pattern harder to hide from myself.
The reminder about documenting risky situations is especially useful. I tend to write down the amount and then leave out the argument, missed obligation, or unsafe decision that happened around it. Those details probably tell the clinician more than the number alone.
I’m curious what kind of check-in worked best for you. Was it a simple daily message, or did you have someone who could actually stay with you or help you contact the clinic if things got worse?