My anxiety and abstenance

[Spencer71]

Hello everyone, this is my first post,I am in recovery from alcoholism.i am currently taking antibuse medication to support me from not drinking.i am 8weeks sober I do feel fine most of the time.However I have noticed that in certain situations such as queing or in a busy environment,my anxiety levels have increased dramatically.im not sure why but I have thought it may be the case that when I was drinking I probably didn't realize that my anxiety was a problem like it is now.i am 50 years old and I'm unemployed,I do volunteer work to keep busy,and to keep temptation at bay.i live alone in a flat owned by the city council.most of my bills are payed direct from my benefits.i do get stressed and panick with the rise in fuel, food prices.i don't have many true friends I regularly talk to my ex partner about most things.my family live 50 miles away from me,but I do get to see them at least once a month.i do get very lonely, but at the same time I'm around people I do get sweaty and anxious in no time at all..I was not always like this and would love to be around people and not get anxious and have to leave or even worse I can't appear at an appointment because of my level of anxiety tells me I can't attend,and in some cases I have been sanctioned for not attending an appointment.i am also on sertraline medication for depression...

Can anyone suggest any thing they have found good for dealing with their anxiety and depression,and also is there anyone who's in a similar situation as me whose taking the antibuse medication and can share their experiences in particular with dealing with anxiety sober after years of alcohol abuse..I sincerely am great full for this platform and all those on here for the help and support you all provide.

Many thanks 😊

Spencer, Cambridge.UK.

[HopenMia]

I have found breathing exercises help. I also have very severe anxiety and panick attacks so I am trying all kinds of things. I also carry around a flat stone so when i get those feelings I rub on it just bc i like the feel of it. I also have a small fidget device for anxiety someone gave me. I also wear headphones when I know I am going somewhere and I listen to meditation music or something calming.

[Spencer71 in reply to HopenMia]

Ah that's really great advice,I like the flat stone to rub,I have found that a very good destraction technique.I will try to find a fidget thingee to fit in my pocket.Whe I walk on a beach,I often pick pebbles and shells up,I take them home and keep them in a bucket.when I get enough I'm going to attempt to make a wind chime using the beach collected bounty and fishing line.. thank you for your suggestions.

[HopenMia in reply to Spencer71]

Sure thing. I also love winchimes and would love to be near the beach bc i would do that to

[Spencer71 in reply to HopenMia]

Yes I love the coast,I often catch the train down to the Suffolk coast . it's a safe and memorable place for me,a space where my anxiety doesn't rarely visits.. would be great for my well being in general to exchange properties with some one who would like to live in Cambridge,How far away do you live from the coast,is it easy for you to get there.There is something very peaceful and comforting about the coastal areas I especially love to watch huge waves crashing into the higher shorelines..oh and fishing these areas is the cherry on top for me and visiting these remarkable places..

[AnxiousSilver]

Sadly anxiety and self-medication with alcohol have been a thing for a long time.

Give yourself credit for recognizing it, and trying to find better ways in dealing with it.

[Dell12345]

Hi Spencer, sorry to hear you are going through this, but well done for getting on the road to recovery!Personally I have found that medication (an SNRI) has been the biggest benefit for me. Reading about what anxiety is and how it works in the body has also helped me recognise the symptoms for what they are, natural bodily processes.

Medication can help get you to a point where gradually exposing your self to anxiety provoking situations, and showing your self that they are ok, is possible.

If your anxiety is still very bad then it may be that you would benefit from an increased done of your antidepressant medication. Could you discus this with your doctor?

Hope this helps X

[Daveacr1959]

Each day sobriety gets easier, until the urge is gone. 2 things that helped me in the early years. Find an activity, a daily activity, that if you drink, you can’t do the activity. For example, maybe a 1 hour hike. Some people rode bicycles or mountain bikes. Some went swimming or to the gym. Almost all of us went to a a meetings. Sharing with others. And finally surrender our addiction to a higher power of our own understanding. And there were a few non believers in there who used the group as the higher power. Because there are so many religions, they discourage talk about specific gods . But we like to say, this is too much alone god . And I surrender this to you , and together we can do it together. One day at a time. Only one day at a time. Because 10-30 years sobriety, is all one day put together in a long string of one days . Because 10 years of sobriety can be ruined if you get too confident or comfortable and let your guard down for one day.

Other things that help me are daily guided deep breathing exercises and long breath holds . And cold shower or bath or lake or ocean cold water therapy. Free on you tube. Slowly training to work your way to colder water. Releases half a dozen feel good chemicals in the brain and nervous system. Tons of information on the internet or you tube. You can do this life is much better sober.

[Baily]

Hello Spencer 71, i am replying as I felt " heart sorry" for you. Do you attend AA? MEETINGS. I watched my mother trying to abstain from alcohol, after many yrs she attended AA. they gave her all the help she needed. You definately need the help of others,who are going through the same thing. To help you with your depression & anxiety I recommend long walks or swimming. You will probably have to force yourself to do this but its worth it. I am a Christian & suffered from chronic anxiety & depression,it was agony attending any social function so I used to pray asking God to take my hand and not to leave me.......he did. That is how I got through my life, im 81 now.Be strong and dont give in, keep telling yourself your a survivor, I will pray for you, take care & God bless you.

[Louie35]

First off congratulations on getting sober!!! Maybe if possible talk to your doctor, explain the situation, they might be able to add on an anti anxiety med to your regiment. Also you should look up any support groups in your area, it would be easier than taking all of this on alone. Keep in touch with family and friends! And keep posting!!!

[catch_the_music]

Yes. Congrats on being sober also. You can find support at Celebrate Recovery groups as well. They offer some good inspiring messages and support groups to help you get to where you want to be. Praying every day is a great thing to do. Prayers for your success!