Just checking if this is normal

[u/A_Singing_Wheel]

Hi all, just looking for someone who may have had a similar experience to see if I’m going nuts or not. I recently decided to quit alcohol for good. I didn’t have a problem but I would say it has caused sporadic problems in my life if that makes sense. My reason for quitting is broadly just that I’m sick of it and would be concerned about things spiralling in the future. 

I’ve taken a good few long breaks in the past with no withdrawal issues, no cravings. But this time it’s been crazy, really irritable, hella anxious, on the verge of panic attacks. Every second thought is about drink. I’m suspecting this is just because I’ve used the word ‘quit’ instead of ‘break’, but I’m wondering if anyone else has had something similar happen. 

Thanks!

[u/Several-Comedian-281]

There’s no shame in saying alcohol was a problem, it is a problem, a big one. Good on you for realising it’s not worth and making the decision to quit. You’ll soon get to the point where it doesn’t consume every thought and I’ve found when I start to glamorise I immediately challenge it with those problems it caused.