Sdjfam

I had my first go at sobriety recently and I lasted 9 days. During those 9 days I was happy, hopeful and had no cravings.

Today is day 2 of starting over and I'm already having cravings, I'm extremely depressed and feeling overwhelming feelings of hopelessness. I guess I just wasn't expecting this already.

On my 10th day of sobriety the first time I had a panic attack (which I wasn't expecting) and needed relief so I drank.

I'm just not sure how to deal with these emotions right now. I'm alone in my house right now which was always a trigger for me.

Opivotal

Find something to occupy your mind. Go for a walk, exercise, binge watch a great series ... anything but sit around and listen to your cravings.

Any of these things will help with anxiety as well.

Hang in there!

MidnightRider

Honestly - I can totally understand what you are going through.

It's hard.

But you don't have to drink.

Take a walk, clean the kitchen, watch a movie, have a cup of coffee or tea. Take a shower or bath, Stick you finger in Peanut butter (well that's silly .. but what the heck).

Stay close to SR.

What ever you do ... Please -Please don't drink again.

SimplyFree

Yep, that is part of the nasty cycle. Hang in there, do the work now because it tends to just get harder each time. Stay strong.

Anna

Panic attacks are scary, but you can learn techniques that will help you and you won't have to turn to alcohol. When you have a panic attack, your breathing becomes shallow and this causes the panic to increase. Sit comfortably, with your shoulders, head and neck relaxed. Breathe in slowly through your nose so that your stomach moves out.
Tighten your stomach muscles, letting them fall inward as you exhale slowly through your mouth.

Inchworm

sdj, I have quit a hundred times and it does get harder. The shame takes up more and more space in my soul each time I let myself down. Patooey! Remember that no one ever died from a panic attack and just keep breathing. And, abstaining

Sdjfam

Thanks everyone for the encouragement! I took a bath and headed to work early. I came home (sober) to my husband and son. It's a great feeling because id usually be drinking before and at work, and come home feeling like garbage. Im feeling MUCH better now

DontRemember

Glad you're feeling better and are mentally present for your family.

PhoenixJ

SDJ- that very, very big, little word- ALONE. Go to a meeting, see your doc, see a counsellor, get active and do not stay home alone.
Support to you.

Hevyn

Good that you got over that hurdle, sdj. Just think, you never have to go through that again.