I think you already know that the drinking thing is unwise and not the best way to cope with this anxiety. You see your pdoc Tuesday; why not explain that the anxiety has been really bad, and you aren't sure how to take the Ativan correctly, and ask the pdoc to walk you through how to manage this? I wonder if maybe what would help you feel more secure is having two lines of defense, meds-wise-- like "First try this....then, if that doesn't help, try this...."

I am feeling pretty wrecked with anxiety myself, so I empathize. Try to cope in the least harmful ways you can find--try the tea and exercise and snack first, to see if something helps take it down a notch before you try something more damaging.

{{{Little Me }}}