Panic attack SOBER

Kaz8375 · Veteran Member

Panic attack SOBER

davep12and12 · MIP Old Timer

I'm not a doctor so it's not my place to give information about things like panic attacks, but I AM a recovering alcoholic so I may be able to give some info about those cravings. It's not unusual for us to experience some severe cravings when we are first getting sober, and these could be triggered by something substantial like physical pain, or by other things like simply experiencing disappointment, frustration or getting our feelings hurt, or for no particular reason at all. It's just part of what alcoholism does. It's very important to know that this can happen, so you're not taken by surprise, and also to know that THIS WILL PASS. I've been a sober member of AA for quite a while and it's been many years since I've experienced anything like those sudden cravings that tend to hit during the very early days of sobriety.

Now that you made it through this, I encourage you to make an appointment with the doc and get him fully up to speed on your situation so he can work with you. Make sure he knows that you have alcoholism, and that you have recently stopped drinking and that you need to stay sober. Make sure he understands your situation so he can make valid decisions about any medications that he may prescribe for things like your back pain. I have seen several instances of people getting sober, not telling the doc about their situation, and then the doc gives them some meds for some legitimate purpose but which are not a good choice for someone like us, and the person takes the meds, has a terrible reaction, relapses and starts drinking again and ends up in a worse condition than before. Don't keep your doctor in the dark about this.

It's great that you tried to call people. That was exactly the right thing to do. A tip: If you can't reach any of your AA contacts and you really need to talk, try calling your local AA central office or look up some sort of 'hotline' in your area where you'll be able to talk to other people who know about this stuff.

Very glad to hear you got through this! Keep up the good work!

-- Edited by davep12and12 on Thursday 17th of September 2015 12:27:42 PM

Baba Louie · Senior Member

I totally relate, Kaz.

Alcohol was the cause of my anxiety attacks. It started about 20 some-odd years ago. After a heavy night of drinking, the next day, I would feel really crappy when I woke up, but no anxiety or anything. But then, later in the day, I would start getting anxiety, real nervous, for no reason, ha know? And by nighttime, it would progress into full-blown panic attack. It took me a while to put 2 And 2 together, but eventually I figured out that heavy drinking would cause me anxiety, real bad, the next day.

It wasn't enough to make me stop drinking alcohol. I figured out that the next day, when the anxiety would start, a couple of drinks would calm me down. But that couple of drinks would always turn into more, and I would get drunk again. And the next day, the anxiety would come back. Sometimes, back then, I would just persevere through it, and not drink, and the panic would go away. And I would be ok, I wouldn't drink for a few days, then, I would go out and get drunk. And the next day, it would happen again. Wicked bad anxiety.

Alcohol causes anxiety, Kaz. It also relieves it. it's a vicious cycle. It's actually your body withdrawing from alcohol. The only thing to relieve the panic attack/anxiety is to have a couple of drinks. (Or, benzodiazepines, like Xanax or Valium. Which act the same on you GABA receptors in your brain as alcohol, and also cause anxiety from withdrawl if using them for any extended period of time. But that's a whole nother story).

youre panic attack that you had yesterday wasn't caused from immediate alcohol withdrawl, because you've already been off of alcohol for a while now. But it is still alcohol related, either from PAWS, or from just the fact that you don't have your "security blanket" (alcohol) to mask the back pain.

Either way, Kaz, over time, any anxiety attacks should start to become less frequent, the longer you abstain from alcohol. It takes a little while, though, and for me, even after 14 months of being off the sauce, I still get anxiety every once in a while. But, it's not as intense as when I was drinking, and I know if I use alcohol to relieve the anxiety, its only going to turn into that cycle again, needing alcohol the next day, because the anxiety will come back, but even worse.

Im really glad you didn't drink to relieve yourself. it's so easy to just say "I can't deal with this, I'm gonna have a drink". But you're just digging yourself into a deep

Kaz8375 · Veteran Member

Thankyou all for your words and support, so so glad i didnt pick up a drink, still in a lot of pain at the minute but now husband home and feeling more upbeat about the situation. I cannot tell you how bad the overwhelming feeling of wanting a drink was, but i suppose you already know. Going to have an early night and relax, nite nite all xx

hopefulone · Senior Member

For me when I quit drinking I had more aches and pains than I had ever remembered experiencing. I think alcohol numbed me so much and because I was drinking round the clock, I didn't feel the pain.

Great advice already given.

justadrunk · MIP Old Timer

Yes - same exact story here - minus the meds, but same life story.

I started taking organic tumeric and giner in large doses for pain and inflammation and that was like a miracle cure. Even to this day if I skip a few days - I start to feel it in my back, shoulders and fingers - PAIN SUCKS! And it makes me crabby - and when I'm crabby and treat everyone including myself like crap - I get guilty, and without the help of a HP - I would DRINK to not feel bad. I did other stuff in sobriety, lots of other stuff at first... to feel better. Shop - control people - eat etc etc etc. But all those things fell away with the step work in time.

Not drinking during these first months on sheer will power alone is absolutely incredible! It can't last! WE have no defense against the first drink on human aide (including our own). In time even calling people, working with sponsor, going to meetings and doing all the 'right' moves - will not be enough. The steps have to be worked - the desire has to be removed. Well at least that's what I've experienced.

Keep posting xxoxo

www.amazon.com/Organic-India-TURMBTL-Turmeric-90-Count/dp/B000YC70XY/ref=sr_1_1

I take organic milk thistle too - both of these things help heal the liver which helps clear thinking and over all health :)

Tanin · MIP Old Timer

Glad you got through the episode, Kaz. Definitely consider seeking appropriate medical consultation. AA doesn't treat muscle spasms or panic attacks. They are in the realm of medicine.AA instructs us not hesitate to see a doc when necessary.

Pythonpappy · MIP Old Timer

So glad you made it through this episode without a drink Kaz ... great advice has already been suggested so I'll just say I'm very proud of you ... I know a little 'bout physical pain in sobriety now myself ... and the best way I've found to deal with it is to follow my Drs advice ... (and sometimes THAT ain't easy) ...

I like what everyone said, especially 'justadrunk', start working the steps with a sponsor ASAP ...

You have our love on your side too, God Bless,
Pappy

-- Edited by Pythonpappy on Thursday 17th of September 2015 09:37:01 PM

Kaz8375 · Veteran Member

Back pain still bad, but not as bad as yesterday and no panic attack. I went on an online AA meeting last nite, only one other person, but really helped, for some reason i felt extremely guilty for not being able to go to one, and speaking to someone online really did make a big difference. So here we go, day ten of my sobriety and still going strong, if i can get thru yest, i feel at the moment i can get thru today, whatever is thrown my way. Have a fab day everyone xx

Pythonpappy · MIP Old Timer

You have our prayers and support ...

If you are in a position to take it easy today, maybe read through the AA Big Book some ... and if there are issues or questions, don't hesitate to come here and discuss them ...

Love ya and God Bless,
Pappy

Tanin · MIP Old Timer

Kaz8375 wrote:
I went on an online AA meeting last nite, only one other person, but really helped, for some reason i felt extremely guilty for not being able to go to one, and speaking to someone online really did make a big difference.

Good for you, Kaz. An online meeting can save the day. The Big Book encourages us to attend online meetings.

Here is a site with 4 online meetings a day, each usually well attended:

http://aaonline.net/

Kaz8375 · Veteran Member

Feeling a little down at minute, was really tired last night and night before and now, cant put my finger on it, apart from saying to my husband, 'i feel as tho i have crashed', feel wiped out. Prob my back and i think womens problems, but also said to my hubby, after being so up beat for so many days, now i feel as tho i am flagging. Has anyone else experienced this after roughly a week sobriety....mind you, its not as tiring as being secretive!!! xx

hopefulone · Senior Member

Tanin wrote:
Kaz8375 wrote:
I went on an online AA meeting last nite, only one other person, but really helped, for some reason i felt extremely guilty for not being able to go to one, and speaking to someone online really did make a big difference.
Good for you, Kaz. An online meeting can save the day. The Big Book encourages us to attend online meetings.
Here is a site with 4 online meetings a day, each usually well attended:
http://aaonline.net/

Really? I didn't know they had the internet that far back. Is it in the latest edition? I know they added stories to those.

------

Kaz...

Early in sobriety for me, there was a tremendous amount of feeling drained, exhausted. Your body is detoxing now and from my understanding and personal experience this is to be expected. Others have suggested seeking medical attention for anything you are concerned about and that is good. We are not doctors. (Well, maybe some of us are, however, your own personal physician would best be able to diagnosis your issues. I did all kinds of supposedly safe things to help me get through those days which I don't share because people can have adverse reactions/allergies to things and I would be afraid of that happening should I suggest anything to anyone else. I am my own guinea pig :)

Pythonpappy · MIP Old Timer

Morn'n Kaz, ... What you described is totally 'normal' for this point in time with your sobriety ... you need to know that early in sobriety, we go through some very wild and extreme emotional mood swings ... add pain to the mix and it makes it even more difficult not to want a drink ... you want to remember that no matter what happens, don't drink, and know that 'this too shall pass' ...

Please consider saying a prayer to your HP and ask for the strength to get through this day sober ... it helps ...

Be sure you have a few sweets close by and have one any time you feel the urge to drink ... this helps you past the cravings which you are sure to have from time to time ... AND, come here and post your thoughts and feelings, as you did here, anytime you feel you're going through this alone, cause you're not, you have us to lean on ...

Love ya and God Bless,
Pappy

Kaz8375 · Veteran Member

Thanx everyone, especially Pappy, u seem extremely wise xx

Tanin · MIP Old Timer

hopefulone wrote:
Tanin wrote:
Good for you, Kaz. An online meeting can save the day. The Big Book encourages us to attend online meetings.
Here is a site with 4 online meetings a day, each usually well attended:
http://aaonline.net/
Really? I didn't know they had the internet that far back. Is it in the latest edition? I know they added stories to those.

It's in the Forward of the Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th edition.

As info, Alcoholics Anonymous (aa.org) links to online AA meetings at:

http://www.aa-intergroup.org/

hopefulone · Senior Member

Thanks Tanin,
I recently had a member saying that changes needed to be made to the Big Book--that it needed to be "edited"/"updated". Now I can point out that it has been. LOL.

Fyne Spirit · MIP Old Timer

Kaz your post reminded me of something my sponsor impressed upon me right at the start. "People have feet of clay" It means that people will always let you down eventually, so relying on people to keep me sober was not a great long term strategy.

We talk about what it means to be beyond human aid, at certain times having no effective mental defence against the first drink etc, and those words that our defence must come from a higher power. It seemed to me then, that the most important thing was to get a handle on this higher power thing. When that became my priority, the obsession to drink left and has never returned. The method I used to get to that point was the twelves steps of course.

In the event you described, your human defences worked quite well. The first thing being your own realisation that you needed to talk to someone. That is a very sane thing to do. When the insanity of the first drink was upon me, the last thing I would do was call anyone. When the obsession is back, all bets are off!

I remember once having a kind of panic attack, so much so that it made me sick. My solution (there was no phone available) was prayer to get me through. It didn't occur to me to drink, and the attack passed after a couple of hours.

I have anxious moments even today, but prayer through the daily practice of the 24 hour plan in step eleven has always provided a defence, 24/7, no matter where I am. People may have feet of clay but as Dr Bob promised 'your Heavenly Father will never let you down", and mine never has.

Pythonpappy · MIP Old Timer

Absolutely,

What Fyne Spirit said ... ... ... Prayer is one of the strongest tools we carry with us daily ... never leave home without your HP ... we may let ourselves down at times, but God will never do that ...

Above the mantle of my fireplace is this plaque: ...

"The Will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you."

Love ya and God Bless,
Pappy

hopefulone · Senior Member

What Pappy said....if I didn't have a God who I believe in, who cares more about me and loves me more than I ever can or will love myself, I know I would be drinking --maybe dead in a ditch somewhere.

Also what Fyne Spirit said...about the "feet of clay"....I had heard that not long after I got sober. I still forget about that and I have noticed when I put my trust in people more than God, I get myself in trouble about every time. My expectations go through the roof, get all pouty (why didn't such and such do such and such??????) and depressed. When a drink starts to sound like an option, I know I am in BIG trouble. I am trying to be more aware of this BEFORE it happens. I am a slow learner, though, and sometimes it takes days/weeks of anxiety/depression and I have a wake up moment and realize "Oh, I did it again." There are a couple of people who have more wisdom in their big toes than I have in my whole body who have helped me "wake up". Ones my mom and the other...well he knows who he is. I am very grateful.

roham · Newbie

Scary stuff Karen. My blown disks ( L-1 - L-5) were fused oct 2013. Started a physical job in March '14, went on oxy's and detoxed July 2014. Hell. Hell in a way i can't describe right now.

After a Dec 2, 1984 sobriety date. I went to my last home group and picke dup a white chip. Guys I sponsored sat with me and we cried.

Pain is no joke. It commands our attention, as does staying sober. See pg 84 ie., complacency. Hard for me to go to a meeting after work if i am wrecked from back pain.

Great you are not keeping it a secret.

care to you,

Ron

Tanin · MIP Old Timer

Welcome to the forum, roham. Glad you came aboard.

How are you doing now?

Pythonpappy · MIP Old Timer

Welcome to MIP roham, glad you found us ...

Physical pain can be a real b!tch ... I finish radiation therapy in March, for prostate cancer, and then started having severe pain in late Apr. in my groin/butt area ... they did a lot of tests to be sure it wasn't cancer related ... then said that some people suffer a lot of pain with the tissue around the affected area trying to repair itself just from the radiation, especially the nerve endings ...

I expressed concern over the pain meds, but they said I had a choice, the pain, or the meds ... I don't 'do' pain very well, especially when it is constant and ya can't get any sleep ... they say it may last a few months to a year I said WHAT .... they were not kidding ... so ... I have good days and then I have Bad days ... No drink'n, but damn if it ain't crossed my mind ... so I try to pick up on my posting here and stay in fit spiritual condition ... I don't feel addicted to the pain killers, but who knows??? ... on my good days, maybe one or two ... bad days?, I usually lose count ... there's a limit to what a Dr. can prescribe and I'm still way below the max. ... ...

So Ron, I pray those of us going through this stuff will be granted the strength to not let it get 'out-of-hand' ... The Lord has carried me through a lot worse than this just getting sober ...

Love ya and God Bless,

Pappy