Hi,
Today is day 21 for me. I went through intense withdrawal for the first 6 days and the anxiety was unbearable. I have had great days and times but the anxiety keeps creaping back in for hours at a time. Seems to coincide with hunger. I wake almost every morning with anxiety. Therapist says I am feeling the anxiety that alcohol was masking but I feel it is still part of withdrawal. I never had anxiety issues in the past. Can anyone relate to what I am going through. Even during the anxiety attacks I dont feel like relapsing, I just try to cope as best I can. If I believe her I feel the anxiety issues are just going to get worse and that makes me more anxious. I want to believe this is normal for post acute withdrawal syndrome and I will continue to get better and better. Please send me some hope. I am very thankful for the 21 days and looking forward to 22.
It does get better.
This time sober, I have discovered deep breathing and relaxation exersises to get me through this. And they won't last forever.....I found even short periods of time mostly.
It will grow less and less. Just stay strong.
Best wishes
This time sober, I have discovered deep breathing and relaxation exersises to get me through this. And they won't last forever.....I found even short periods of time mostly.
It will grow less and less. Just stay strong.
Best wishes
hang in there you're doing great, we all start somewhere and its hard to believe that you will feel self worth and euphoria and a real sense of belonging. I used to be exactly the same, in AA we say "HALT" never get hungry, angry, lonely or tired its lethal to us as it sets that racing brain back into action and before we know it if we dont put certain steps into place we can lose that control. pick up the phone or use this forum, read the big book, get to meetings.One day at a time...keep with us....x
I found a very simple but powerful help to me was to recognise that the anxiety is just a feeling. It is not connected to anything happening in reality and always passes. Simply recognising that fact took the terror out of the situation for me and I was left with an uncomfortable feeling, but without the fear that can be so threatening.
If it became too much I went for a walk and really focused on my surroundings. It helped me get in touch with nature, really looking at the trees, the sky, the clouds, and listening to the birds and rushing water....practising being right in the here and now of life instead of away with my thoughts and worries....not only did I forget to be anxious, I found myself in the middle of life, and really living it.
Reading a book on the biology of anxiety helped immensely. There's bound to be stuff on the web. It's simply chemicals doing their stuff and is completely unrelated to reality.
I hope things get easier quickly for you.
If it became too much I went for a walk and really focused on my surroundings. It helped me get in touch with nature, really looking at the trees, the sky, the clouds, and listening to the birds and rushing water....practising being right in the here and now of life instead of away with my thoughts and worries....not only did I forget to be anxious, I found myself in the middle of life, and really living it.
Reading a book on the biology of anxiety helped immensely. There's bound to be stuff on the web. It's simply chemicals doing their stuff and is completely unrelated to reality.
I hope things get easier quickly for you.
Congratulations on 21! That's FOREVER when you're trying to do it yourself! Hang in there. Someone mentioned H.A.L.T. If you're hungry, eat; Angry or Lonely talk to a Sponsor (or someone who understands recovery) and if you're tired, sleep. I napped ALOT. My body went through some serious changes and it's still not done. Just remember that your disease is doing push-ups waiting for you to get exasperated and give in.
Some ofthe anxiety is because all you're probably focusing on in is, "What's next? Doesn't it get better?" The answer is yes, it does, but you've probably spent years getting this way--it don't just fix itself! Relax. Read about recovery. I suggest AA and AA materials (because I've tried EVERYTHING ELSE) because you can learn about the disease, fix some of the Thinking Problem, and begin to understand why all those AA-ers are so damned happy and at peace all the time.
Be kind to yourself. And chocolate, yes chocolate, can ease the craving.
Congrats--
Some ofthe anxiety is because all you're probably focusing on in is, "What's next? Doesn't it get better?" The answer is yes, it does, but you've probably spent years getting this way--it don't just fix itself! Relax. Read about recovery. I suggest AA and AA materials (because I've tried EVERYTHING ELSE) because you can learn about the disease, fix some of the Thinking Problem, and begin to understand why all those AA-ers are so damned happy and at peace all the time.
Be kind to yourself. And chocolate, yes chocolate, can ease the craving.
Congrats--
My education is psychology and I learned that anxiety can be a symptom of withdrawal. Congrats on 21 days...I am at day 10 and have anxiety myself. Another withdrawal symptom of mine is a craving for sugar...isn't suprising since alcohol breaks down as simple sugars. I had given up candy for a few months...but I've decided to allow myself some....better than alcohol.
Hang in there...you're doing great. And remember to BREATHE. :)
In spirit,
Zipper
Hang in there...you're doing great. And remember to BREATHE. :)
In spirit,
Zipper
Hi,
Thanks for the comments and kind thoughts. They help me keep it in perspective. I need patience and I need to stop thinking about all of this all the time. I do get on the pink cloud often over the last couple weeks but then out of no where anxiety sneaks up behind me. I need to find a sponsor at AA.
Congrats to all of you too! Life is better this way.
Thanks for the comments and kind thoughts. They help me keep it in perspective. I need patience and I need to stop thinking about all of this all the time. I do get on the pink cloud often over the last couple weeks but then out of no where anxiety sneaks up behind me. I need to find a sponsor at AA.
Congrats to all of you too! Life is better this way.
Hi I am 5 weeks sober. It does get better. I too had bad withdrawal. Felt like I was crawling out of my skin somedays. I also ate sweets and talked to my sponsor a lot .poor guy probably had him drove nuts. lol. It is difficult and I know EXACTLY the way you feel. Hang in there though it do get better. I still have days where I want to drink. but the feeling is not so intense as it was at the beginning. Enjoy your pink cloud days when you have them. Just hang in there and it will be a brighter tomorrow. Just know you are not alone. There are many of us in the same situation.All fighting for a normal life. Just don't give into the cravings. I wish you the best of luck. When you feel anxious ,do something that you think might help you relax. a hot bath,music read a book,a walk anything that will help you to take your mind of it. I go on the internet and find inspirational quotes to read. I found that helped me. also I spend a lot of time on ARG. Take care and God bless and be safe
Gidday Sberry55
When i was drinking there was no anxiety only another drink.
Anxiety is fear for me in my head and all the scenarios that i used to build in split second bursts untill i was mentally a wreck at times.
It does get better and remember addiction is cunning, baffling and powerful so it wont go to the back of the line without a fight.
As you get stronger share your fears at AA meetings if you can get to them, because a fear aired is an anxiety impaired for the better
light and love zac
When i was drinking there was no anxiety only another drink.
Anxiety is fear for me in my head and all the scenarios that i used to build in split second bursts untill i was mentally a wreck at times.
It does get better and remember addiction is cunning, baffling and powerful so it wont go to the back of the line without a fight.
As you get stronger share your fears at AA meetings if you can get to them, because a fear aired is an anxiety impaired for the better
light and love zac
