trytrytry

I get nervous on an airplane. I am flying home soon for the holidays. "Normally", I would combat the stress and anxiety with a few vodkas or beers before and during the flight. That is not an option now. Has anyone delt with this or similiar situations and have some advice? My flight is 3 days away and I'm already worried. I know it's the fear of flying that should be addressed (obviously not here) but how bout the use of alocohol to calm that fear? Also, is it wrong to take a nighttime cold medicine to help me sleep on the plane?

CarolD

Hmm...As I love to fly..I .used to be a private piolet....
no help from me on that problem.

There are non alcoholic cold medicines.
And over the counter sleeping pills.

Have you asked your doctor for an opinion?

Good to see you posting....

michski

I just did that.. I mean last May was the first time I flew sober EVER! I didn't think I could do it but I did and you can too. I didn't take anything but I've got a few years behind me of sobriety. Do you have a dialogue going with your doctor? Maybe he/she could write you a script for a mild tranquilizer? I'd opt for that rather than cough medicine which is mostly booze anyway. Call your doctor and see if you can swing it OK?

convergence

I don't see anything wrong with taking cold medicine or sleeping aids to help you sleep on the plane. Sounds like a good option next to drinking.

Music

I'm amused at the never ending source of attempts to escape reality. You stand a better chance of getting hurt or killed on the highway than you do in a plane. If driving doesn't bother you, neither should flying. Just get on the plane and have a good time. Be sure to pick a window seat so you can enjoy the scenery.

FriendofBill

Taking med's to sleep?

Thats self medicating.

What do you think the right answer is?

NoMoBeer

If you are talking about Nyquil to help you relax, that's got alcohol in it, so I would stay away from it....

Get a book or a magazine, or maybe an MP3 player or portable DVD player. Relax and enjoy the flight -- don't forget to move around and stretch....

Ken

Peter

I see nothing wrong with taking a sleep aid if your fears are too much.

Go slow and be gentle with yourself try.The most important thing right now is to avoid alcohol. You will have pleanty of time later in your recovery to address your flying issues.

trytrytry

Everyone,
Thanks so much for the advice. About to board the plane. I've got the DVD player, Ipod, books, magazines. Everything but a beer. And I feel ok with that. I'll let you know how it went when we land safely Thanks again for your support. This forum has been a tremendous help over the last two weeks. Take care.