I'm Having A Wicked Hard Time
 

It's my first full day sober--I'm happy for that. But I feel severely anxious, restless, crying, can't sleep, and the emotional pain I am feeling is a little shocking to me. I am so tired and all I can think about is taking care of my kids tomorrow. I yelled a scary lot today. My oldest goes to preschool and then to Grammas tomorrow, so I do have some help, and I have a meeting to go to tomorrow night, but right now I only want to fall asleep. When I lie down, I am consumed with panic.

I'm sorry for dumping like this, but I'm just having a hard time. Could this be withdrawal after such a relatively short time drinking (large amounts of alcohol, though)?

Lena

Yes, it could also be PAWS (Post Acute Alcohol Withdrawl Syndrome). Sorry I don't have the link handy but you can google it. Your doing great not drinking. You might consider talking to your doctor if you have not already as he may be able to provide some help. Plus withdrawls can cause seizures, hallucinations, and sometimes death.

Hey,

Yes-this is withdrawal and it's not fun I know.This is 'normal'. Do check out the posts here about quitting and what to expect at the top of the forums.You are not alone.We've all been through it.

The panic will pass and the restlessness too.You may not sleep well for a while but if nothing else-just know you never have to go through this again.I know it sucks right now but hang on okay?You can do this and you deserve a better life.So do your kids.This WILL pass-tough as it is right now.

Keep posting and keep reaching out.We're here and we understand.

Julesxox

here's the thread Jules mentioned on what to expect - you sound pretty normal to me - try not to worry too much - consult a doctor if you're worried tho :)

welcome
D



http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...at-we-did.html

Here is the info on PAWS

Post Acute Withdrawl - Relapse Prevention Specialists - TLC The Living Center

When you read the link Dee gave you
I think you will recognize that you are
having typical withdrawal symptoms.

Please don't hesitate to call your doctor if
you get scared. Don't minimize your situation.

Keep us posted please...we care about you..:hug:

Hang in there Lena! Get through this without a drink. I'm so glad you reached out for help here. Do you have some face to face support, too?
We're pulling for you!

Good job reaching out Lena and please reach out as much as you need to because it isn't easy, especially in the beginning. I too was VERY short tempered in the beginning and anxious and as the others have wisely said it is normal. Also as Jules said, you don't ever have to go through this again. That tidbit of knowledge about not returning to that place keeps me sober most days. Stay strong and lean on as many people that can help you with the kids as you can. Will be keeping you in my thoughts. Stay strong and keep posting and reading when you can. :ghug3

Hi there! Don't worry it DOES pass! I was a bawling, yelling, crazed mother-from-hell for the first while after stopping drinking. Sure, I was a crappy mom that first while...but in the long term, my kids have gained a HEALTHY, sober mom! :) You can do this! It will get better...just ride it out...

I hope you feel better today!

Hang in there Whacked Out Mama. I am on Day 5 and the first 3 days drove me crazy. I couldn't sit, couldn't sleep, paced, it was not fun, but now I feel pretty good. Just don't let it cause you to drink again because that will make it worse. It will get better.

Thank you all! I am here, it is morning. I'm tired, but alive and safe.

Happy to know these symptoms are common and that I'm not going nuts.

I'll take it slow today, knowing I won't have to experience this again.

Lena

Yes! I know those panic feelings all too well! I experience them a lot at first. Don't drink, read the Big Book, go to meetings, get a sponsor and work the steps. You will be amazed at how much better it gets. I have nearly 5 months of sobriety and it is A LOT better. I will be thinking about you. Good luck!

be kind
 

Withdrawal is a bitch. I suffered with anxiety/panic when I first quit. It feels horrible and scary.
Try to be especially kind to yourself. Do everthing you can to relax - a nice hot bath, chamomile tea, aromatherapy.Treat yourself like you would if you had the flu. Take care of yourself. Time will make you feel better - the longer you go without the booze, the better you will feel. Hold on.

Hey Lena, hope you keep coming around. Those symptoms I certainly relate too. I went through a lot of the same feelings for maybe about a week and then they did slip away. I was able to sleep through the night, anxiety went away.

I wish you the best!!!! Keep on keepin' on!!!! ;)

Welcome and you're not alone.

I am on day 5 and still go through mood swings, tears, panic, restlessness etc. All I can tell you is that day 2 will be better, and day 3 will be better than day 2 and so on.

Glad to hear you are going to a meeting tomorrow, can you do one today? If not stay on SR for a while, it's safe here. Another option is to go to your Dr. or a walk in clinic and make sure your in good health.

Thanks for posting and glad to hear your sober today.

:SteprobL:

ugh...withdrawls