Sober. But dealing with anxiety and panic attacks
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Join Date: Nov 2016
Posts: 1
Sober. But dealing with anxiety and panic attacks
I am fairly new to sobriety (going on 4 months). I was a steady drinker for probably 10 years drinking at least 5 beers a night if not more and more on the weekends. About 3 weeks into sobriety I starting feeling as if I was going to have a heart attack. Went to the ER a couple of times but left after finding out it was nothing. The feelings soon lightened but this past weekend came back with a vengeance. Is this normal any advice is appreciated.
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Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Adelaide, Australia
Posts: 28,642
My anxiety is in part due to my past. Subconscious flashbacks of something that caused me stress. A smell, a visual cue... Also linked with drinking and depression. I saw a doctor re the depression. I see a therapist about the anxiety. Also HALT.
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Join Date: May 2012
Posts: 1,981
I have horrible anxiety and depression issues that i would abuse alcohol in an attempt to cover it up, but it only got worse.
Often times when you get sober, the underlying issues will pop back up. It does get better with time, also you can see a therapist if it continues to address the issues.
Often times when you get sober, the underlying issues will pop back up. It does get better with time, also you can see a therapist if it continues to address the issues.
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Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: England
Posts: 2,675
Echoing what the others have previously said, self medicating these conditions is common, once you stop drinking they'll still be there. Seeing a doctor or therapist is probably the best course of action for you.
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Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: DFW area, Texas
Posts: 521
Hi Bruno, I have suffered from underlying anxiety since the mid-1980s, and drank to "make things better", which after a while was definitely not the case. Coming off alcohol causes anxiety to be worse initially for many, and then over time any underlying anxiety/panic can come to the forefront again or for the first time.
I have found relief in seeing my doc and taking a fairly small, but therapeutic, dose of Lexapro (SSRI antidepressant).
Since you have been cleared medically at the ER, perhaps seeing your doc to talk about the anxiety/panic and what options are there would be a good idea.
Hang in there!
I have found relief in seeing my doc and taking a fairly small, but therapeutic, dose of Lexapro (SSRI antidepressant).
Since you have been cleared medically at the ER, perhaps seeing your doc to talk about the anxiety/panic and what options are there would be a good idea.
Hang in there!
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