Anyone here with PTSD and panic attacks? How do you handle sobriety in that mix of he!!? I'd love to chat.
It can be difficult but buying into a 12-step program along with some professional assistance may help. Think of it this way, the drink or drug never makes the PTSD or anxiety go away. Rather it often makes it worse.
Addressing the addiction will likely make it easier to look at what is causing the rest of your pain.
I have been seeing a therapist for the last 3 years. I'm on meds and I have a psychiatrist. My therapist isn't certified in addictions counseling anymore so I want to find one who is. I've been looking but I've not found anyone. My psychiatrists office doesn't open until 9 so I'll have to wait an hour to talk to him.
I do know what's caused the PTSD working through it is rough though. Sometimes I feel like I'm blowing it out of proportion but my body and mind tell me otherwise. It sucks because I'm in the mental health field so it's really hard to accept you're eff'd up but yet you take care of others with similar symptoms.
Hi Arie, I have both, and manage with DBT tools and meds. Also, to keep me at a more level state daily I practice meditation, mindfulness and yoga. To be honest, with the maintenance and length of sobriety, the symptoms have got less and less. Stick to staying sober, it makes it easier to face tough things like this and allows you to fully work through them when you’re ready.
I don't plan to cave. I've just crossed 31 days which I've not been able to do since this time last year. I do yoga once a week. Maybe I'll add more sessions. I may also build meditation sessions during the week at lunch. I am looking for an addictions therapist so hopefully the one I called this morning will call soon.
I feel stuck in my current therapy. I need something more. How does DBT work?
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That’s awesome! Congratulations!! 
Those all sound like really great steps!
DBT is a kind of therapy, it stands for Dialectical Behavior Therapy. I was taught the tools I use from it from my therapist while we were working through some of my trauma. It came in handy when I started having flashbacks and having a meltdown. Brought me back to the present moment, in my own body.