I think I have baseline anxiety to start with and I tried to drink the anxiety away. But as you know that only works for a little while. You have to stay passed out to avoid it. Who wants to live like that.
I have to admit that my anxiety was worse after I stopped drinking too. It was pretty bad- I don't know that it was actual panic attacks but bad enough to make me miserable at times. Fortunately I really didn't have any of the other symptoms of PAWS- just that awful anxiety. It was hard to deal with. What kept me going was the promise that it would eventually go away. And it did, but not for a few years. I think it helps to accept the anxiety, acknowledge it, breath with it, don't fight it. And eat right and take B vitamins.
I still have some anxiety if you push the right buttons but doesn't everyone?
Good luck. Quitting drinking was the hardest thing I've ever done in my life but it was worth it.