Newly Sober, Really want to Prevent Relapse
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Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 1
Newly Sober, Really want to Prevent Relapse
Hi Everyone,
I have a sort of dilemma that I wanted to post about and ask anyone if they have gone through something similar. I was sober for most of 2014 after learning that I was pregnant. I did not drink my entire pregnancy. Before I became pregnant I was constantly drinking beer every day just to get through the day and also to help me if I got a panic attack. I would need to drink at least 2 beers just to pick up my daughter from school. I am a very shy person and when I am sober, I start sweating, blushing and act generally nervous around people. Anyway, after i had my baby I stayed sober for 12 days. On the 12th day I got really drunk because of a fight with my husband where he took off and left me alone with our newborn. I tried so hard not to drink but I was sleep-deprived and delirious. My current problem is having panic attacks and anxiety while trying to quit. I barely drink, maybe just a beer or two every few days, but I really want to stop. Can anyone give me any tips on how to stop panic attacks quickly. I usually breathe in deeply and it will stop, but I can't stand to feel my heart racing and beating out of my chest. I literally feel like I'm going to die and it scares me. Any helpful advice would be much appreciated. Also, just to clarify: I am not breastfeeding. I would never harm my daughters. I just really can't stand panic attacks and anxiety and it drives me to drink. As of now, I have not had a drink in a week.
I have a sort of dilemma that I wanted to post about and ask anyone if they have gone through something similar. I was sober for most of 2014 after learning that I was pregnant. I did not drink my entire pregnancy. Before I became pregnant I was constantly drinking beer every day just to get through the day and also to help me if I got a panic attack. I would need to drink at least 2 beers just to pick up my daughter from school. I am a very shy person and when I am sober, I start sweating, blushing and act generally nervous around people. Anyway, after i had my baby I stayed sober for 12 days. On the 12th day I got really drunk because of a fight with my husband where he took off and left me alone with our newborn. I tried so hard not to drink but I was sleep-deprived and delirious. My current problem is having panic attacks and anxiety while trying to quit. I barely drink, maybe just a beer or two every few days, but I really want to stop. Can anyone give me any tips on how to stop panic attacks quickly. I usually breathe in deeply and it will stop, but I can't stand to feel my heart racing and beating out of my chest. I literally feel like I'm going to die and it scares me. Any helpful advice would be much appreciated. Also, just to clarify: I am not breastfeeding. I would never harm my daughters. I just really can't stand panic attacks and anxiety and it drives me to drink. As of now, I have not had a drink in a week.
Member
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Kansas
Posts: 399
I think I would consult a doctor or a psychologist. Mindful meditation has helped many people with anxiety but it's not a quick silver bullet fix. I would certainly try it if there is a reason you can't see a doctor.
Member
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 770
I used to work in a DV hot line and we would use grounding exercises. I couldn't find a good link tho. Grounding exercises are things that bring you into the present moment (sounds counter Intuitive for panic , I know). But it isnt like meditating and breathing it's about noticing your physical surroundings . So placing hands under running water. Looking ariund your hiuse and stating the colors of things, making lists (bands, sports teams, foods, whatever ). Im going to try to find a good link for an article
Member
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Kansas
Posts: 399
I used to have panic attacks and general anxiety all the time... I really thought something was wrong with me and didn't connect it to drinking until way later. Drinking strips your body of vitamins and minerals, so on a whim, I started taking a high quality B vitamin (I use Vitamin Code Raw B Complex), and fish oil (I use Barlean's). I really feel this has helped greatly, as I haven't had any panic attacks for years now. Sometimes I feel anxiety and then I realize I've forgotten to take my vitamins for several days! I also used to take GABA... but it was too much of a downer for me, but worked great for my friend who would wake up in the morning with horrid anxiety. She swears by it. Worth a shot!
Vera, I have two books which have helped me a lot. They are full of helpful information on how to deal with panic attacks:
From Panic to Power by Lucinda Bassett
When Panic Attacks by David Burns MD
Congratulations on the birth of your baby and I'm glad you want to stop drinking.
From Panic to Power by Lucinda Bassett
When Panic Attacks by David Burns MD
Congratulations on the birth of your baby and I'm glad you want to stop drinking.
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