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Caffeine and Anxiety

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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 3/18/2015 11:18 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Everyone,

Until around 2 months ago, I was addicted to drugs for around 6 months (please do not judge, I'm in a much better place now) and I believe that this has had a detrimental effect on my body. I have regular heart palpitations and tightness in chest, short breathlessness and periods where it is harder to breathe and because of this I believe that I have developed anxiety- every time I get a palpitation or I'm in a room that is too hot I panic and try to calm myself down.. I have also more recently in the past week or so been experience tingling in the side of my head and face..I have read that this is to do with anxiety although when it first came I literally thought that I was going to have a stroke (drinking alcohol also seems to cause these effects) . Im an avid gymgoer and weightlifter and regularly take pre workout drinks (drinks that allow you to have more energy for your workout that containe caffeine) and I also believe that I abused these supplements when I was younger. I don't want to live like this, in constant fear and being restricted in the things that I do. I only turned 18 2 weeks ago and I regret so many of the decisions that ive made in the past year of my life but now that's what I have to live with- please somebody give me reassurance or tell me what I need to do to stop this horrible period of my life..and I urge any young person reading this to stay away from drugs (you've all heard it from a real adult but I have first hand experience at how it can ruin your life)
Posted 3/18/2015 11:30 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Rob,

First of all welcome to the forum. There are some great people on here who can help.

I can tell you from experience that caffeine does seem to make my anxiety worse and therefore I have stayed away from it as much as possible. I too have had the same symptoms as you and I was given an anti-anxiety medication to help during my panic attacks.

I would suggest you talk to your doctor and just make sure that your symptoms are related to anxiety, though they mostly sound that way to me. If you've been given a clean bill of health then you can start to tackle the anxiety issues. There are some great coping mechanisms listed in the Resource section at the top of the forum. I would also suggest talking to your doctor about either being referred to a therapist or getting some medication if that's the path you would like to take.

Anxiety can be a vicious cycle, the key is to break the pattern of fear that is driving it. Try some of the breathing exercises in the Resource section. I find them to be very helpful in the midst of my shortness of breath episodes. Positive thoughts are sent your way!
Posted 3/18/2015 2:54 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Rob and welcome!

First of all CONGRATULATIONS on your sobriety!!! That is amazing news, and you should feel so very proud of yourself for gaining recovery over the subtance use! We all make some poor choices as young people...but only the strong and smart turn the behavior around, and learn from the missteps.:)

You have every reason to believe that you can continue on in your life, with no restrictions...happy and healthy!

The first step is as Lisa recommend, seeing your doctor and getting a thorough exam. You should come clean and tell all of the things you have here, so that he/she has a clear picture of what to look for...and give you reassurance.

It is very likely that you are absolutely fine healtwise. However, you will also want to talk about treatment options for the anxiety issue.

You may discuss medication, therapy or both. This should be an informed and personal choice, so listen to your options, learn all you can, and then proceed with what you are most comfortable with.

We do have some great self help material that you could get started on today.:) If you want to tell me what your main concerns are, I can post something that would be most helpful.

For example, if the PVC's are most bothersome, I can get some links to you specifically for help with those...

If the tight chest/breathing is challenging, I have ideas for help with that as well.

You have found a great place for support. Keep posting if you find it helpful...we are here to listen, understand...and support is key!

Scaredy Cat
Posted 3/18/2015 4:44 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Rob

Welcome to the forum I am pleased you have found us you will get good support here from the members who will be able to relate to what you are going through and won't judge you so you are in good company.

Well done on giving up the drugs as SC mentioned you should feel very proud of yourself for doing this as it is not an easy thing to give up. I abused drugs for years and self medicated with alcohol and caused myself all sorts of problems and got myself in to all sorts of nasty situations so I am pleased to hear you have made the decision to quit.

As the others have mentioned a trip to your doctor should be your first step. The good news is lots can be done to help with anxiety such as taking medication or doing some talking therapy and your doctor will be able to to tell you all about these.

In the meantime have a look at our resources thread which you will find on the main page and keep posting here we are here to support you.

Hibee
Posted 3/19/2015 1:33 AM (GMT 0)
I would just like to mention thst since I stopped drinking coffee, soda, and energy drinks my anxiety has gone down significantly.

Please cut those out if possible and see a doctor to voice your concerns.
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