I just came back from a detox center for alcohol yesterday. I’m really struggling with my anxiety right now. Any tips would be much appreciated. Bc this is where I would go get a drink. And I’m not going to do that.
Just breathe it gets better I suffer from panic disorder…. Go to aa meeting and pray. God will always take care of you
It can help to keep a list of things that reduce the anxiety. If you write down a literal list and have it in an available place for when you feel anxious (it can be on your phone as your background or a piece of paper on your door etc) you will have directions for when you can’t think clearly and feel too overwhelmed. Does 4-7-8 breathing help? youtube taichi videos? lavender? Tea? Going for a walk? I really didn’t like the idea of yoga, but it helped! It’s a long term method where you have to learn what works but will ultimately be helpful. In the short-term though, you can search online something like “CBT anxiety breathing technique” and follow the instructions. I’d consider therapy too. If you can’t afford it or don’t have insurance, search “non-profit psychotherapy” or counseling in your area, you might find something. Hope some of what I wrote is helpful. Sorry if some of what I wrote is obvious to you, you just never know what someone is aware of or not.
Just don’t drink no matter what. Get to a A.A. meeting asap.
I just came from one. And have been taking deep breaths since you recommended it. One day a time. Thank you
Good deal. Hang in there. It’s going to be ok. If you have a HP ask for help.
My advice would be get to an AA meeting and get some contacts there for support. Try some meditation- there is tons on YouTube. And relaxing breathing techniques as well!
AA meeting for sure. I get a lot of catharsis after sitting down and just writing stream of consciousness most of the time. Walks, cooking, a hot shower, all things that bring good vibes with them!
This is normal. I’m 16 years sober and I struggle with anxiety sometimes too. What I find works is to start writing. Just let whatever you are feeling flow to the writing. Then sit back and read it. Not judge just read. Let yourself know your feelings are valid. You are filled with anxiety because you have a new normal. It’s probably more quiet less chaotic. That can cause anxiety because you are used to chaos, drama, dysfunction etc. I’m going through some of that now with my daughter in treatment. I suffer from trauma from her chaos the last few months and now that my house is quiet and serene I am realizing how much stress I shoved out of the way so I could care for her. Now I’m having crying jags and missing her and chest pain. My counselor told me my body is now releasing the stress I’ve shoved away and to just cry and let it flow and I feel better. I wrote it all down. It helps. Trust me.
Just don’t drink. Just don’t drink. It gets better with time but you are going to feel anxious. Find something to occupy yourself. Don’t act on the urge it will go away
First off, I haven't even made it to detox yet, so SUPER proud of you!
Secondly, for you to turn to us instead of your old vices (I.E. alcohol) is fricking AMAZING and you should note that even though it's a simple decision, it's a MASSIVE win
Thirdly, in moments like this, if I were you and I was just starting my journey towards sobriety (which I hope to be soon), I would find a group meeting. I would look for NA groups but in your case AA would be the way to go. Depending on your location there are groups designed just for those late night urges. The NA/AA community is STRONG and full of people who are willing to take the time at literally ANY point in the day whether of be 4AM or 4PM and listen to your story, triggers, thoughts, plans, and teach you coping skills, walk you through your temptations, stick with you through your temptations, and flat out support you in any time of need even if it's just to talk .
Lastly, I want top wish you all the positive energy and light because this is a process. I now understand why in NA they say take it one moment at a time. It is moment to moment. You work through one situation just to be faced with yet another. Be patient with yourself Patricio, and whatever you do, don't, I repeat, DO NOT be hard on yourself. It's YOUR journey, nobody else's. Own it and cherish every moment at it's just another win and another reason to be proud of yourself! This is a HUGE deal no matter how small it's still a WIN!
So, now for my personal suggestion, besides the meeting... If there isn't a meeting and I haven't gotten a Sponser yet, I would write in my journal. Keeping a journal to document your thoughts and feelings and triggering moments as well as your wins and everything else that goes along with the journey is a GREAT way to visually see how far you've really come. The only person who knows what you've been through is you! Love yourself and you've got this!
Wow, that genuinely put it into perspective for me. That makes complete sense. I thought the detox would “fix” everything. But now I’m seeing that was the easy part. Thank you for this
Journal your thoughts! It helped me when I was in rehab and I still look back and found the root of my alcoholism and anxiety.