Alcohol withdrawal or anxiety disorder???

Long story short I quit drinking alcohol on September 12 or 13 this year. I drank nearly every day for 9-10 years. I would say an average of a six pack a day, maybe a little less but much more on the weekends. On September 16 I had a HORRIBLE panic attack that lasted over an hour that sent me to the ER. The following week or two I had zero appetite, lost 10 pounds, couldn't sleep and had the shakes. I also had a few more terrible panic attacks that wouldn't stop and ended up in the ER again. This time I was given Klonopin to stop the panic attacks. By week 2 I had most of my appetite back but had a horrible time getting to and staying asleep. Now a month later the panic attacks don't surprise me out of nowhere but I have a very heightened feeling of nervousness and anxiety that lingers nearly all day and sometimes escalates into panic. I am sleeping a little better now. Am I going through post acute withdrawal syndrome or did I develope an anxiety disorder out of the blue? I want my life back. My career is being affected by this now.

Yes I'm doing therapy but meditation and deep breathing do next to nothing. Its like I can just feel the anxiety flowing through my veins. I hardly ever feel calm with a sense of well being. I guess I'm making SLOW progress. I was much worse off a month ago. I just wish I knew exactly what is causing it. Dr acts like alcohol withdrawal only happens to people who drink a gallon a day. Who knows.

Okay...great news to heat that you are currently doing therapy!

It does take time and effort...so try to be patient with yourself and the process!

...and the self help takes practice. It has to be really more of a lifestyle, than something one just does when feeling anxious. So keep trying everyday...even when you may not think you need to...or think it's not working...it will be effective in time!

You are doing great. Keep up the good work...and stay hopeful. You're dealing with two issues combined...that just on their own are extremely difficult to manage! Recognize how far you've already come...

...and keep working towards your goals. You are going to get there! :)

S.C.

This forum is very supportive. Thanks everyone!

Dave:

You said:

"I quit drinking alcohol on September 12 or 13 this year. I drank nearly every day for 9-10 years. I would say an average of a six pack a day, maybe a little less but much more on the weekends. On September 16 I had a HORRIBLE panic attack that lasted over an hour that sent me to the ER. The following week or two I had zero appetite, lost 10 pounds, couldn't sleep and had the shakes. I also had a few more terrible panic attacks that wouldn't stop and ended up in the ER again."

You asked: "Am I going through post acute withdrawal syndrome or did I develope an anxiety disorder out of the blue?"

From looking on the web for alcohol withdrawal timeline, it says symptoms can start within 8 hours of the last drink and can include “anxiety.” (Americanaddictioncenters.org)

Now, I’m just thinking if you don’t treat the anxiety, it could lead to an anxiety attack.

WebMD.com says symptoms of DT’s can include “severe anxiety.”
You don’t mention having DT’s, but “sever anxiety” is in there with withdrawal.

On alcoholrehab.com, it says,

1. Those people who never suffered with any issues involving anxiety can develop problems as a result of alcohol abuse.

2. This is because drinking excessively induces the symptoms of anxiety, and it can even trigger panic attacks.

3. This is because of the effects that alcohol has on the body – it is a toxin that can cause havoc to proper physical and mental functioning. Initially alcohol can have a calming effect, but when people abuse it they are likely to find that alcohol becomes the source of their anxiety.

You asked: "Am I going through post acute withdrawal syndrome or did I develope an anxiety disorder out of the blue?"

It appears to me from this information (you stopped drinking Sept. 13, anxiety attack Sept. 16), your panic attack started from the alcohol. Your follow-up panic attacks followed the first one, because after my initial panic attacks, I had 40 more in the days, months, years following.

You can get more data from the net search engine under alcohol withdrawal (timeline).

hi dave,

There is evidence that quitting drinking can cause depressive symptoms in the weeks following stopping.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080708104521.htm

So I would venture to guess you probably had anxiety over the years, that was masked/self medicated with alcohol to a certain extent, and then stopping drinking threw your whole system out of whack and accelerated the anxiety to a panicked state. (just my thoughts, I'm no doctor!)

In any case, the fact that you're improving, even slowly, is a good sign. I think you're doing all the right things - therapy, relaxation techniques, etc. Consider adding in exercise if your doctor gives you the go ahead - it can get some of the nervous energy out.

Sending you much strength!

Hi Dave
Hope things are a bit easier today. Everyday is different so be gentle on yourself if it isnt brilliant and hi 5 if its a bit better.
Take one day at a time... some up some down ... But you are on the right track.

Keep in there 😊

D.,

You did do very well, I'd say! What a horrible tragedy...I am so very sorry to hear of your friend's loss. I know that you will be a good support for him...

...but of course that in and of itself is also difficult...especially so with what you are already dealing with.

Keep up the coping skills...and talk to us when you need to decompress. We are here for you.

Thoughts and prayers for your friend...

S.C.

Thanks Funk! I've managed to go 1.5 days without a Klonopin. Really trying to keep myself busy. Hope everyone is making progress! One day at a time.

I feel like I'm taking 3 steps forward and then 2 steps back. I guess I'm moving in the right direction though. If I knew this was part of post acute alcohol withdrawal it would be easier to ride this out. If it's an anxiety disorder I developed overnight, I should probably try an SSRI for a while. I don't know what to do. Everyone's encouragement is def helping though!

Also, if you start an SSRI, you may be more anxious at first...they have start up side effects. But that subsides and they really help over time.

That's good, sounds like you may be able to ease out of the longer term symptoms and enjoy ongoing improvement as the days and weeks go by. But I hear ya on the 3 steps forward 2 back...that's the name of the game it seems.

You're about 2 months sober so that's when I read most people start to notice feeling better; can be a shot in the arm in one's confidence!

D.,

That's a healthy outlook...and a positive and optimistic spirit absolutely stacks the deck in your favor!

Great work...and be encouraged to keep going!!

You are going to make great recoveries in both aspects.:)

High fives!

S.C.