Do you have an addiction you are struggling with?

Question

I've been struggling with a drinking addiction for a while now. I also have generalized anxiety disorder that goes unmedicated which is why I started drinking to help cope with the extreme nervousness I feel everyday. My doctor retired a few months ago and I've been too nervous to find another one (go figure). I know that is not a good coping solution but I am getting better.

Answer

Self harm

Answer

I also have GAD and am in recovery from addiction. I have been clean and sober for almost 2 years now. It's really hard with anxiety because the easiest solution is to self medicate, and in my case the anxiety medication was one of the drugs I became addicted to. I've had to learn how to cope without any medication and it hasn't been easy but I will say this...I was terrified to come off the medication bc of my panic attacks and fear of not being able to stop them. My doctor told me that when you medicate yourself for so long your brain actually starts to produce more anxiety so that it can get medicated again. It's a vicious cycle. I was medically detoxed from the drugs but since then I have had FAR fewer panic attacks than I ever did when I was on the medication. You can get sober! Find a support person (sponsor if you choose AA) and any time you feel the urge to drink you call that person and talk through your anxiety. Take everything day by day. Focus on just staying sober for one day and feel accomplished when you do. Then start over again the next day. I promise it will be the best thing you've ever done for yourself! Good luck and let me know if you'd like to talk more.

Answer

Currently a only month away from an official full year of sobriety after a difficult battle with a pretty serious cocaine and Adderall addiction. I reached rock bottom November of last year, when I really looked at my life for what it was and understood that I had completely drained my savings account, I was significantly underweight and malnourished, I could barely function or hold a conversation because I was so sleep deprived, I was constantly dealing with one illness or another because my immune system was shot, and I was waking up more mornings than I’m proud of with blood pouring out of my nose. It was a hard truth to face, but it put me on the road to recovery. It wasn’t an easy year. I had cravings that I never knew could be so strong, I had meltdowns and second thoughts and setbacks, I found out what my triggers were and how to deal with them, and I lost a lot of people that I loved and thought were important, but realized had no room in my life if I wanted to stay sober. It’s been the hardest experience I’ve ever lived through, but with the right mindset and support system, it is possible and it’s one hell of a journey.

Do you have an addiction you are struggling with?

Let's Glow!

The Top Baby Tracker App: Embrace New Beginnings with Tender Care

The Top Fertility Tracker App: Your Path to Achieving Pregnancy

The Top Pregnancy App: Nurturing Your Journey to Motherhood

The Top Period Tracker for Empowering Your Menstrual Health Journey