Awakened with terror....like when newly sober
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Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Orange County, CA
Posts: 27
Awakened with terror....like when newly sober
Need help with this one. For the past few days, I have been startling awake with intense anxiety like when I first got sober. I am just over 1 yr sober , my date is 6/23/12. The anxiety is over real and imagined fears, especially regarding either my children or my finances which are still very stressful. I jolt awake with pounding heart and crazy fear. Is this still PAWS? I am working a strong program, and when I redirect my mind, meditate or pray immediately, or just get into action for the day this helps but perhaps I am missing something. My sponsor says stick close to program, take next indicated step in the moment. I did just spend some time with my ex-husband when I went to retrieve my kids. Still many issues working through there, divorced 2 years but only now since sober am I addressing the very toxic, codependent dynamic with some clarity. This is very difficult. Perhaps it is this. Thank you for reading and in advance for any insight you may have
In gratitude
In gratitude
voices ca**y
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: St. Paul Minnesota
Posts: 4,359
It is my understanding that paws can last 2 years for alcohol. 30/60/90/120/180/1yr/2yr. my 120 was the worst of them all(so far) That very well may be what is happening to you. Take extra care of yourself right now.
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Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Orange County, CA
Posts: 27
Thank you. I should have mentioned my recovery is from addiction to painkillers, Xanax and alcohol. Yes I was a complete and utter mess. Even a bad day now is better than any day back then..... 
Grateful
Join Date: May 2013
Location: NC
Posts: 1,763
I don't have much sober time Cali so I don't really have any experience to share. It does sound like addressing these issues has probably stirred up some old feelings from deep within that are starting to bubble up to the surface. It sounds like your sponsor has given you good advice to keep stick close to the program. I hope things improve for you soon. As an old timer I knew used to say...getting sober ain't for sissies.
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Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: east coast
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Perhaps you are just anxious about the situation you are dealing with? I was diagnosed with anxiety way before I became an alcoholic so I always have that tendency to have physical symptoms, especially when I am going through something that is stressful. I find it helps to identify where it's coming from and acknowledge it. If I try to deny I feel anxious it just gets worse. Maybe not paws, maybe just life
voices ca**y
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: St. Paul Minnesota
Posts: 4,359
http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...formation.html there are actually a lot of threads on this site about this. Here is one to get you started. Congratulations on the 1 year.
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Join Date: Jul 2013
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Originally Posted by quitforme79 
Perhaps you are just anxious about the situation you are dealing with? I was diagnosed with anxiety way before I became an alcoholic so I always have that tendency to have physical symptoms, especially when I am going through something that is stressful. I find it helps to identify where it's coming from and acknowledge it. If I try to deny I feel anxious it just gets worse. Maybe not paws, maybe just life
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Join Date: Jul 2013
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Originally Posted by Jessi178
I've been sober from alcohol for 72 hours but the panic attacks are the worst.
Does anyone know how long it lasts
Does anyone know how long it lasts
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Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: UK
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It sounds like you are pretty aware of what is causing the anxiety. And its a totally manageable thing. It is just like tools for sobriety. Get a good book on CBT for anxiety and work your way through some exercises. I have suffered from horrendous anxiety and I was surprised how much writing charts and all that other cbt type stuff really helped me. I was reading about it thinking 'how's that gonna help' but it really did. Another thing I have found really helpful is mindfulness meditation. Even just reading about that made me feel more grounded. It's like that quote... 'If you are depressed you are living in the past. If you are anxious you are living in the future. If you are at peace you are living in the present'.
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Originally Posted by hypochondriac
It sounds like you are pretty aware of what is causing the anxiety. And its a totally manageable thing. It is just like tools for sobriety. Get a good book on CBT for anxiety and work your way through some exercises. I have suffered from horrendous anxiety and I was surprised how much writing charts and all that other cbt type stuff really helped me. I was reading about it thinking 'how's that gonna help' but it really did. Another thing I have found really helpful is mindfulness meditation. Even just reading about that made me feel more grounded. It's like that quote... 'If you are depressed you are living in the past. If you are anxious you are living in the future. If you are at peace you are living in the present'.
Sober Today
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 779
It may not necessarily be alcohol related. From a quick search:
"Anxiety disorders affect about 40 million American adults age 18 years and older (about 18%) in a given year, causing them to be filled with fearfulness and uncertainty.
Women are 60% more likely than men to experience an anxiety disorder over their lifetime. Non-Hispanic blacks are 20% less likely, and Hispanics are 30% less likely, than non-Hispanic whites to experience an anxiety disorder during their lifetime."
NIMH · Anxiety Disorders
I would talk to a doctor to see if there are treatment options for you. Good luck - I've suffered from anxiety at night (when falling asleep) and it's horrible. Literally feel like I'm dying.
"Anxiety disorders affect about 40 million American adults age 18 years and older (about 18%) in a given year, causing them to be filled with fearfulness and uncertainty.
Women are 60% more likely than men to experience an anxiety disorder over their lifetime. Non-Hispanic blacks are 20% less likely, and Hispanics are 30% less likely, than non-Hispanic whites to experience an anxiety disorder during their lifetime."
NIMH · Anxiety Disorders
I would talk to a doctor to see if there are treatment options for you. Good luck - I've suffered from anxiety at night (when falling asleep) and it's horrible. Literally feel like I'm dying.
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Originally Posted by Jessi178
Almost a week an feeling a lil better
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