Does anxiety come with sobriety? I've never been an anxious

Does anxiety come with sobriety? I've never been an anxious person but have been waking up after sleeping 5-6 hours and not being able to go back to sleep

11 Likes

Yes I have had some pretty bad anxiety. It comes and goes!

1 Like

I'm afraid you may have to change your playgrounds and your playmates.

2 Likes

Yes. Quite normal. Lots of strategies help me with my anxious thoughts and feelings. Keep up the healthy new habits; keep in touch with helpful support system. It will be okay.

1 Like

I’m a year in and my sleep schedule suuucks. It’s not always bad but when it is, it is. What I’ve found most helpful is to have a wind down routine. No screens, quiet, relax before trying to turn the brain off.

1 Like

Yup! Never had panic attacks or anxiety until I got sober. As you work through things, changes may need to be made. Meds, meditation, people, places, things…. Learn the tools to live on life’s terms and it gets easier.

3 Likes

Yes it does come with getting sober, a lot of people that I know started working out to help with it.

1 Like

It’s kinda a trick question. I didn’t “think” I had anxiety before I got sober. So, I thought it came with getting sober. The reality is I was drinking and medicating to suppress the anxiety that has always been there. Alcohol and drugs were my solution for so many years. No doubt my addictions added more to the anxiety. Most of us are pretty F’d up by the time we try and quit. Once we take away the alcohol, we are left with no resources to fight our anxieties. As others have said above, that’s where recovery programs come in to teach us how to live life on life’s terms without the substances. It’s a process that’s takes daily practice

3 Likes

It does, but in my experience it actually will subside with each day .
It may sound silly, but practice different breathing options: square etc.

1 Like

I think I always had it but numbed it with alcohol. I got it so bad right after my one year sober anniversary I nearly had a Breakdown. Got in to see my doctor and a therapist. Also I have learned to trust in the almighty who is really in control. Best of luck on your journey

1 Like

My anxiety all but disappeared once I had six months under my belt. I also have changed my diet, cut out all junk food, processed sugary food, and only drink coffee and water.

I have always been the most laid back, “go with the flow”, “I’m fine with anything” person. In my sobriety anxiety was an entirely new persona for me. My brain couldn’t process the words and ideas I attempted to say and express. I was forgetful. I was always on edge and lacked confidence. It took time but I started to implement daily meditation, prayer, journaling, yoga, therapy, group therapy, process with friends and support and of course my higher power. These things all regrounded me. Helped me cope and with time everything became so small and the weight became lighter. My understanding and clarity came through. I daily take care of “A” and the “B” and “C” of life slowly falls into place and sometimes takes care of its self in the most unexpected ways.

Yes, anxiety is right there on the surface always. Breathing techniques, therapy & more therapy, most of all my faith. Pray to your higher power. So hard when you feel so alone with your own thoughts. I wish you luck. It gets better. But not overnight!!

Yes it's very very common

1 Like

The first time I ever tried to stop drinking my nights were full of anxiety. No sleep and night sweats. Waking up anxious! It wore off as time went on but yes, I do remember how hard it was at first

1 Like

Maybe your body doesn't need anymore rest. I'm 63 and I've been functioning on 4 to 6 hrs a night since childhood. I wouldn't label it anxiety. Be careful about going down roads that tell you that you have anxiety, depression or some other disorder. They all have meds tied to them and it opens up a whole new set of challenges.

I've been involved in AA since around 1990 and these disorders have become more popular through the years with newly sober people.

1 Like

Yes, I was waking up more and super early the first two months. It'll pass.

1 Like

Does anxiety come with change? Huge change? Huge meaning sobriety? Yes indeed it does. You’re body is going into shock by not consuming booze. We’re computers and your body’s software is being rebuilt to normalcy

1 Like

Absolutely talk to your Dr. he can give a non narcotic pill for sleeping :zzz:

2 Likes

If you’re a coffee drinker maybe modify your routine a bit. 1/2 caff? No coffee after 1pm? I’ve had to toy w my schedule a bit - I’m prone to anxiety, too🤦‍♂️

1 Like