Alternatives to drinking?
The main reason I drink at work is anxiety. I know in my logical head that I will make money in my 7-8 hour shift, and that I shouldn't worry about it. I know, chances are, the first couple of people I talk to are going to be just getting there, not ready to get dances, etc. I get there at 8 or 9 - THEY are not drunk enough yet to relax and cut loose. I know I don't make most of my money (VIP customers) until probably midnight. So why, early in the evening, do I get so discouraged and anxious? Then I have that first drink, and it's all downhill from there. I keep drinking. Then I slow down, act stupid, and have a slower reaction time to wandering hands. It's no good. I'm sure I'd make the same amount sober, but I think alcohol is just me self medicating to relieve my anxiety.
I think it might be better to get on an anti anxiety med like valium to chill out than drink. I know I should stop my drinking before I start the med and see if I can get over it, but I'm probably going to talk to my doctor about it if my anxiety sticks.
I think it would definitely be better to be on an anti anxiety med than drinking 4 nights a week.
Thoughts? Experiences? Insight?
Re: Alternatives to drinking?
I'd suggest Xannax rather than Valium. Valium will kick your ass if you drink on top of it.
Re: Alternatives to drinking?
HYDROCODONE. ... i kid, i kid. no, seriously... you need to deal w/ the problem rather than medicating.
Re: Alternatives to drinking?
I can relate to this as I have bad anxiety myself....
For a lot of people, myself included, they drink to cope with it....
Valium I personally prefer to Xanax, but it depends on your level of anxiety.
Don't tell your doctor either that you are looking 4 an alternative to drinking lol. He won't give you a sedative if you do.
Re: Alternatives to drinking?
You should speak with a physician. Is this the only place you have anxiety or do you have it other places. If you have it in different situations I would recommend something along the lines of xanax. For now, try one night a week of not drinking. Drink something else instead, like a sugar free red bull or whatever you have. I rec'd RB because it glows in your cup, so it's another thing to attracr you to people. It may worsen your anxiety though if it's medical. I was on valium post BA and, if you drink when you take it the above person is correct...you will be messed up.
On another note, try doing yoga or some relaxation breathing beforehand. I sometimes feel the same way. I worry about money, or even go home before it's even midnight.
Re: Alternatives to drinking?
Given what you've posted before, anxiety meds seems like a better option. If you were able to limit it to a drink or two per shift, then that would be different. Have you tried drinking really watered down girly drinks? You could order a tall Malibu and diet, or have the bartender put half shots in all of your drinks. It might take the edge off psychologically without you having to get trashed. If that doesn't work, then see what a doctor recommends for your anxiety.
Re: Alternatives to drinking?
Quote:
Originally Posted by
VegasPrincess
Valium I personally prefer to Xanax, but it depends on your level of anxiety.
I have enjoyed the Valium I've taken. I just don't think I could function in any business capacity while on it.
Re: Alternatives to drinking?
What are the main differences between Xanax and Valium?
Re: Alternatives to drinking?
Re: Alternatives to drinking?
I would let your doctor recommend something for you. If you go in saying, "I want Medication X," it could come off as drug-seeking behavior. It depends on your relationship with the doctor, though.
Re: Alternatives to drinking?
I want to be honest with him, but how is this going to sound "I'm a stripper and I get really nervous at my job so I drink a lot. I'd like some pills, please"?
Re: Alternatives to drinking?
Tell him your work environment is causing anxiety..to the point where you feel you need to drink. Explain you'd like to abstain from drinking, but you feel like you're at a point that you either need to drink, or you are not functional. He would most likely understand those terms. Also, if he recommends a drug that you are wary of, just explain to him that you have heard and seen people experience negative responses. Tell him you've heard that X works better, and would he be willing to rx that, or does he still think you should try the other first?
Hope that helps.
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Re: Alternatives to drinking?
no pills... rescue remedy. It's an herbal tincture (alcohol base) that calms you down. It's gotten me through many nights at the club, plane rides, crowded bus rides, all the things that make me want to freak out and die.
Re: Alternatives to drinking?
Medication will steal your personality and nobody likes a zombie stripper.
I agree that drinking makes things a whole lot easier (I'm super shy so talking to custies is an eternal challenge for me) but unfortunately it's expensive and gets tiresome. What I did was just kind of built a complete persona that IS NOT me. That way I could shelter my heart and emotions while still being able to manage. I also continuously remind myself of the utter amazingness of my job...I get to run around nearly naked and have money thrown at me.
Existentialisim...it's my saviour.
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^ not true. i work on xanax and i'm not a zombie. i still have a personality. /:O
valium literally slows the body down. i cant imagine that you could work that way. i personally would rather not take any pills while i'm working though bc (and my dose is only a half mg) it sometimes makes me not work as hard bc you dont care as much.
did you know that alcohol CAUSES anxiety?
Re: Alternatives to drinking?
Maybe you should try a little self CBT.
I used to be very afraid of simple things like ordering a drink at a bar, buying something in a shop, or answering the phone(still am to a certain extent).
Over a few months i gradually exposed myself to the situations that made me anxious and i can do all of the above now and feel quite calm.
I think it's because you can make a running list of all the things that could go wrong in your head, some of which can be really silly, so in your head you connect the bad things happening with being in the situation that makes you anxious-so you avoid it.
When you force yourself to go into that environment ( in your case into work without a drink) you sort of reprogram your brain to remove those unjustified fears, and get a sense of "that wasn;t so bad really".
I would suggest doing it gradually though, and sometimes you have to really force yourself to remain in the situation when you really just want to get out.
I'm still afraid of going to the doctors because of a bad experience, and i managed to go into see him alone last week (before that i held appointments over the phone, avoided him and got my mum to come in with me *shame* ).