Richard your telling part of my story.  I believe the worst they ever were was when I was first getting sober, but some of mine were just part of coming off the alcohol.  Ghezz, what we can do to our bodies.  I'm also grateful that I was not around alcohol for the first 6 to 8 months.

For what ever reasons, I too, am dealing with panic attacks again.  I do give myself permission to "run" if I need to though.  I envy your ability to go ahead and chair that meeting.  I've said no more than once.

My G.P. was the last one that put my alcoholism in my face, so he and I both agree that it would be best for me not to get started (again) on any meds for now.  I walk and talk myself through them and if a friends around I let them know whats happening.  (I've freaked some out when I start hyper-ventilating)   I say to myself, "I'm not going to die, I know what this is and it will pass".  I talk to God, "God, I know I'm going through this for a reason, but enough is enough, please relieve me."  Third Step Prayer's help too.

I do a written 10th Step every night, but lately, before I get started, I pray for God to really open me up, so not to lie to myself and I have found things that needed to be looked and discussed with my Sponsor.

I've come to this conclusion, gift or curse, it is mine and I will share what I do to get through them with others.  I do believe I'll take my panic attacks over other things I could possible have.

Thanks for sharing, you've helped me and I hope I've helped you.

I have personal experience here and professional knowledge.  Have had more panic attacks than I care to remember.  Sometimes they are just random and it's best not to think about why it happened.  It just is.  To cope, just accept what it is like Joni said.  Nobody has ever died from a panic attack. We convince ourselves we are going to die because it feels like a heart attack, but it isn't.  You have to practice relaxation and just breath deep and repeat "It's okay.  I know what this is.  I'm fine."  Let at least one person in on what you are going through because feeling that you have to hide the panic makes is so much worse.  Sometimes just saying "I'm having a panic attack" to someone else can almost end it right then because you feel safe in your surroundings again and that walls closing in feeling goes away somewhat.  Usually the panic attack passes pretty shortly.  Typically, there is a heavy somatic/bodily component to panic attacks.  I notice that the first thought I have before launching into one is "I don't feel right."  It's something having to do with my body and just not feeling comfortable in my skin and in my surroundings.  This is pretty common for us seeing as alcohol would numb these feelings and now we are much more consciously aware of what is going on with us emotionally and physically.  Relaxation, prayer, exercise could all help a lot.  I would avoid valium also.  I might opt for a non addictive medication if the suffering is that bad.  Buspar is one option, lexapro, effexor...those will take time to work and they don't take panic attacks away right on the spot like valium, klonopin, ativan, xanax (benzodiazipines).  Those drugs are highly addictive and they do make you feel instantly different/mind altered and that can feel like a relapse.  I might investigate other nonhabit forming meds because panic attacks suck and other meds should greatly reduce them without you building a tolerance, needing more and more..etcetera.  I need to caution that I am not a psychiatrist.  I know a lot about meds and this issue, but don't take my suggestions as anything more than based on my own experience. As far as issues that might be triggering them, it could just be your history of anxiety and nothing more than that.  It's more important to cope with them than to find the reason for them.  Spending time thinking about why you might be so anxious will just make you more anxious.  Acceptance and action are the key here...tools from the program can help you too.