For me, relief was in the steps. In the meantime, getting out of myself was key. When I was having all those feelings, service work saved the day.
Until I took the steps, I had fear, anxiety, "is-this-all-there-is-itis", boredom, and exasperation.
I did a 4th step immediately after taking the 3rd step. And so on. I needed a solution and I needed it NOW. All my feelings were sitting there, eating away, pushing me toward the drink/drug. I believe I would have relapsed if I had to wait 10 months to do a 4th step. I was 90 days sober when I started my 4th.
Today though, my life is beyond description. When I feel those old feelings, I pick up the phone, reach out, help others, and pick up some extra meetings, and do some step-work. Works every time.
