SarahB60

Anyone experience periodic spikes in anxiety (near panic levels) in sobriety? I'll have 10 months on the 30th and while everything has been going pretty well for the most part, I've noticing clusters of anxiety along the way, especially lately.

My guess is that PAWS is playing into this. I really wish the anxiety would just go away! I have xanax to take as needed, but I try and avoid benzos unless absolutely necessary.

BTW - I see a therapist once a week. So I am under a Drs care. My health is fine too as I had a check up recently.

Fly N Buy

Most of my anxiety when it crops up is based on worrying about things in the future. Many times finances. This doesn't happen a lot, but it can be gripping when it occurs.

I use the tools I've been taught to relax and let those moments go - in general my experience looking back is most of the things I worried about never even came close to happening. If I deal with what's put in front of me daily I don't allow procrastination to set in which is indeed an anxiety trigger for me.

It seems to get better as time passes and occurs less frequently. I think it's on the path of starting to live life on life' terms, perhaps.

Thanks for the thread

SarahB60

I think the other thing that's at play is that I seem to be fighting for sobriety at times. I would be lying if I didn't tell you that drinking a glass of wine hasn't entered my mind recently. During my anxious episodes, I actually "believe" that a little nip won't hurt. Well, in reality is most certainly does hurt.

Anna

I don't think I ever experienced PAWS, but I definitely have spikes of anxiety, always have.

Congratulations on 10 months sober.

D122y

I am totally confident I am a PAWS person.

But, I have dealt w it drug free. No pills.

Felt weak, light headed, scared...racing pulse, etc...

Pretty much in a fight or flight mode at times, every day for the last 3 to 4 months.

That is the only way I can explain it.

Pretty much gets better each day for me. Yay!

I work out. Sometimes to the point of near exhaustion.

Really fight for my sleep time.

Try to eat and drink clean. Meditate. Anxiety breathing techs.

For me, I knew it was PAWS, so drinking is never going to happen.

I have been told by others that...they need the pills...

Since you are 10 months clean...My guess is the pills prolong the effects.

But, what do I know....nothing...really...just offering a sounding board...

Therapy for both of us at least...

Everyone is different.

I understand my PAWS. Maybe my ways of defeating it will work for you.

Dee74

It wasn't part of my PAWS experience but like Anna I've experienced anxiety spikes for a long time, drinker and non drinker - I manage mine best I can with exercise and breathing exercises.

I'd speak to your therapist about it, Sarah. I hope they can help - it's not a nice feeling.

D

Soberwolf

I still have panic attacks I read a book recently called panic to power by Lucinda Bassett that book was awesome it was as if the author knew me lol