Ok I just read the PAWS articles over on the alcoholism site, I can see all the similarities to PTSD symptoms aside from the flashbacks. Problem I'm having is that I had all the same symptoms long before I drank, from the PTSD without any substances.
This is confusing and frusterating as I hope this PAWS is not becoming a blanket term for many, many conditions which can have the same results and effects on the nervous system, our physical conditions, and our emotional responses as addictions do. That being said and hoping not to offend anyone I am still not completely convinced that you can not recover without being enrolled in a 'recognized' treatment program even though I agree with 98% of how to combat PAWS and anxiety similarily as stated in the arcticles.
I may be being a little arrogant without realizing it as I've dealt with both substance and mental disorders through family and friends long before I ever became one myself. Been through numerous therapys, religious meetings and doctors/specialists because of the same. As well as suffering from ptsd for so many years. I keep saying fifteen but I highly suspect it goes many years even before that without me having realized it. My abuse started at 5 years old and I had social anxiety as long as I can ever remember.
I still find talking here with other addicts, anxiety sufferers and continuing to research proven self help methods that I can put into practice on my own ie meditation/relaxation/journalizingand nutrition to be the most effective solution for me, at the moment. After all don't we all have to go home and face ourselves in the mirror daily.
I'm really just venting I guess and still deciding the best course of action for 'myself' to recover. Was planning on writting tonight on irrational fears and various ways to combat them in rational ways when they are triggered tonight,while I'm still mainly bedbound with this pnemonia.
The goal planning I wanted to start is too complex for me to start just yet beyond just getting my house in order, getting more energy to exercise, getting out of the house and staying rational and resolved in recovery.
Even just that seems overwhelming at the moment. As I said just venting thoughts. Not meant to disagree with anyone on whatever is working for them..
Any thoughts or unconventional ways that are working for others here????????