Originally Posted by
patricia68 
I woke up at 5am. Bad dreams, not about drinking but very vivid and scary. My heart was racing. Tried some breathing exercises and went back to sleep for a bit, more vivid dreams and anxiety. I finally got up and had a cigarette. The anxiety and waves of panic are still here two hours later. I am grumpy. When is this going to end?
For me, the excruciatingly painful panic & anxiety (the kind that takes your breath away) ended at about 3 weeks sober. I quit alcohol AND nicotine at the same time on 11/15/15 because cigarettes caused cravings for alcohol for some reason. Nicotine is also known to increase anxiety levels. Many people think that nicotine helps anxiety when it actually increases it. I also avoided all caffeine. Including chocolate. Caffeine absolutely increases anxiety.
I remember having days that I would literally just lay in bed in a fetal position clinging onto a pillow and praying during those 3 weeks. It was awful! I took ALOT of long walks, posted & read here on SR a TON & prayed & prayed!!! I also talked to my sponsor daily & journaled. Oh! And lots & lots of sleep! I basically put my life on hold except the bare minimum during those first few weeks & 100% focused on not drinking! If that's ALL I did throughout the day that was a huge accomplishment!
So just hang on!!! It gets so much better! My anxiety is nearly nonexistent after 2 months and five days of sobriety. I promise it gets better! I just had to NOT drink no matter what! I had to put the plug in the jug permanently!
I think about you and praying for you daily Patricia! Sending huge hugs and prayers.