I was sober for six months, but relapsed about two months ago. My drinking started becoming a problem again, so as of Saturday, I have been sober. I was keeping wine in my fridge and was super anxious to throw it out but I did today. I will say that I am proud of not relapsing on substances.  It’s been almost a year of being clean. It’s hard to manage my anxiety without drinking because that’s the only thing that would calm me down. I feel agitated and I don’t want to talk to anyone and it’s making me feel like a bad person. Does anyone have any tips for how to manage stress once starting sobriety again?
Welcome back !! The gym is what saved my life ..
I don't know how you feel about CBD gummies, but they help with stress and to sleep . They aren't really psychoactive so it's hard to explain they just help. My struggle is mostly stress in evening and difficulty going to sleep post -alcohol. As far as that: valerian root, chamomile, CBD, melatonin and I have Rx for Seraquel and hydroxyzine that work like a charm. As far as stree through the day I'm not super versed on that....the common anxiolytic for daytime use has been Valium but I imagine you want to avoid Benzodiazepines 🤷. There are definitely supplements and herbal remedies for stress but not my forte'. Good luck to ya. Stay strong.
I have really bad anxiety and depression. I totally understand when you say it calms you down. I’m still very new to sobriety but the things that have helped me have been taking a walk, journaling and meditation. I recommend this app called Insight timer. I started with short meditation (5 minutes or less) and I have progressed to 15 minute ones.
I was feeling very anxious and depressed this weekend and something I tried differently was just telling my friends and family. I usually tried to hide my anxiety because I didn’t want to bother anyone and then I would isolate. My friends and family took it well. Offered suggestions and asked if I was okay later. I friend told me she was felling the same way too. Just by telling someone I trusted I felt better; not completely but it helped.
Prayer and meditation help me along with meeting attendance.
My remedy has been going to the gym. As simple as this sounds, it works
What worked for me when my stress and anxiety was out of control … I was the same way not wanting to talk to noone…. I did alot of walking , that seemed to calm me down …. Also working out does the trick…. Find something u enjoy even if u try something new that u never tried before , never know u might enjoy it and see it relaxes u..
Walking
is free
I have bad anxiety and same issue.. I went to doctor and I got meds to help with anxiety that helps me with my drinking too