Lin22

I am new here. To give you a little background about myself I have had anxiety and panic attacks for about 7 years now. I tried a couple of medications, but didnt like how I felt while taking them, and after that I became fed up with medications, trying to find the right one, etc.

I have drank all my life, but it was never out of control until I started having anxiety and panic attacks. I use alcohol to get rid of the symptoms of anxiety, and moreso to relieve the scared feeling I get when I have a panic attack. I was officially diagnosed today with anxiety and panic attacks, and also alcohol dependency. It was suggested that I try AA meetings.

Can someone please tell me what goes on in such meetings? Also, what do you all do instead of drinking? I am looking for things to keep my mind off alcohol and to avoid the urge to drink.

Thanks for any help you can offer.

Anna

Hi and Welcome,

I also used alcohol to self-medicate anxiety/depression and it quickly got out of control. I am not an AA person, but others will be along who can tell you about meetings. And, basically when I stopped drinking, I had to plan and plan. I needed to have something specific to do at times when I would have been drinking. Watch a good movie, listen to music, play with a pet, go for a long walk - there are many things you can to help you take your mind off drinking.

Lin22

Thanks for replying anna. I am not sure if I am an AA person yet since I have not gone to a meeting as of yet. Planning sounds like good advice. Did you ever attend an AA meeting? If yes, what is it that you didnt like about it if I may ask?

CarolD

Hello Lin Welcome...

Here is link re AA meetings..

http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...-aa-73224.html

I found my depression/amsiety fled when I was sober about 3 months. No meds taken. Never returned.
This is not always the case but it certainly will do you no harm.


Alcoholism is a disease and it is progressive.
I suggest you get more factual info

My favorite book on alcoholism is
"Under The Influence"
and it has a sequel..."Beyond The Influence"

Both can be ordered from Amazon...


It's great to see a new member...we understand

Justme57

Hi there Lin, welcome to SR

my name is Lee , and I am an Alkie !

I found my solution in the rooms of AA. carol has posted a link that will give you the general idea.

I now have just over 2 1/2 years sobriety, and i owe it all to AA. Just get along to a meeting, sit and listen for the dimilarities, and not the differences, and keep going back

I wish you well in your recovery journey, keep psting , and let us know how you are going, we care

HUGX
Lee

Lin22

Thanks Carol. I have a place to go to for AA, I just havent tried it yet. How did you quit drinking?

Lin22

I like your first statment Lee " I am an alkie". Good idea, find the similarities rather than differences. I just wondered what Carol didnt like, but since this is my first time out to AA, I am probably better off just to make my own opinion. Thanks Lee.

CarolD

Lin...

I finally quit by using the info in "Under The Influnce" that explained why my brain and body processed alcohol in a different way than normal drinkers.

I use AA as my recovery method as I was not aware of any other when I started recovery in '84
It was before the alternatives were formed.
I have looked into other ways from am intellectural stand point.
but never needed to switch as I am quite happy with my AA committment.

Glad to see you here...

Justme57

Hi again Lin, yep, like carol, I used AA cos at the time , it was the only method I had ever heard of, and it has fulfilled my needs, I have quit, I have a hugwe number of friends, and I have support, I dont need any other

Hope you like it



HUGX
lee

markofevil

AA is free and there are lots of meetings. If you just try to go to a meeting each day and tell yourself not to drink between meetings, that's a good start.

AA is also very warm and friendly, and can be inspiring. The key for me so far has been finding good meetings and a good sponsor. I meet people in AA meetings all the time who have your panic and anxiety problem.

I know there are other ways to stop drinking, but AA is everywhere.

CarolD

Sorry I was not vey clear Lin...
the link I posted was to tell you what to expect from
AA meetings and the different types.

I am pleased to see you have a list for your area.

Anna is the SR member who does not use AA
I have going for many years with pleasure.
I am now sober for 17 years.

Anna

Hi Linn,

How are you doing today? I hope you keep posting!

Lin22

I was going to go to an AA meeting today but realized I had another appointment for the same exact time. I will try to attend one tomorrow. The thing is, I am really scared to get started. Scared to walk through the door for the first time and scared to see total strangers. I dont understand what I am suppose to do when I get there other than sit and listen. I dont like the idea of sitting in a circle and waiting for it to be my turn to say my name and that I am an alcoholic, nor do I like the idea of holding hands and saying a prayer. I know I am sounding terribly negative, and I dont mean to be, its just that I dont know what to expect. I dont understand about sponsors and what they do. Does everyone have a sponsor from the group?

CarolD

read the darn link Lin...just click on it and read.

you don't ever have to say your name or talk just
say Pass or I am here to listen...
nor hold hands and pray..
.just walk towards the door or ladies room
and we seldom sit in a circle,
Sponsors are mentors for Step work...
no need for that at this point.

Think of meetings as classrooms for learning
Ask a friend to go with you.
Try a Speakers or an Open or a Newcomers meeting.

daddysgirl29

Hi Lin. The others have given great advice, and I hope you take it. I can understand your being scared b/c I was, too. Is there a friend/confidant that you can go to a meeting with? If not, call the AA line and ask to talk to someone, and they can meet you somewhere (or pick you up at your house) and take you to a meeting.

Though I don't go anymore, I sure did when I first got sober, and you can bet your bazooka that I'll be there again if I need to!!

p.s. There are TONS of things you can do besides drink. There is a link on this board somewhere that lists the zillions of things you can do besides drinking. Drinking was my life, and since I gave it up, my life is my own, and better than ever! You can do it too! Just try!

Justme57

Hi again Lin

You dont have to say a word at the meeting, just pass. And if you dont want to hold hands , dont. There are no rules in AA, just listen up, tell people you are new, accept any phone numbers that are offered, and enjoy

Take care

HUGX
Lee

Lin22

I did read the link Carol. I just wanted more personal experience from members here. I guess I'll figure it out once I go to a meeting. Thanks Carol!

CarolD

You are more than welcome Lin...

Take care....

Lin22

Thanks daddysgirl. I think I will go on my own to the meeting.

ASH

Hi Linn,
Welcome to SR, glad your here, this is a great place for information and support.
There is nothing to fear about going to an AA meeting. You dont have to do anything, just sit and listen for the simialrities. I found if I did that there was always something in it that "spoke to me".
A sponser is something that comes when you are ready for it.
Like Daddys Girl I have found AA very helpful when quitting alcohol.
I especially liked womens meetings, and noon meetings, but each of us is different. I hope you give it a chance.
Also, there is an online meeting here today and Thurs at 5pm Pacific, you just need to register for chat which is not too complicated. There are online meetings here most days. This is not as good as a live meeting but it would give you an idea of the format.
Remember, you dont have to do anything, just go and sit.
Again, welcome to SR and maybe see you at one of the online meetings here sometime,
Take care