49 days off heroin, developing severe panic attacks?

[seerelated]

I'm now 49 days clean of heroin and pills, but I'm having SEVERE panic attacks now.  It started only a week or so after I stopped, where I would start to feel like I was dreaming, then I would panic and start to feel short of breath, sweaty, and dizzy.  It got even worse when I was driving.  Then it went away for a few weeks and now its back again, and seemingly worse than before.  I panic severely when I drive and think I'm going to lose control of my body, or that I'm just dreaming, my senses seem strange like the touch of my hand is not my own.  The whole world just seems unreal.  I don't know what to do, I feel trapped now, I can't go on the highway or else I feel a NEED to pull over.  Can anyone offer some advice?  This is completely new to me.  I've always had anxiety but not to this level.

[seerelated]

Great!  I'm glad to hear your anxiety subsided!  Mine did too after a day or so, it just seems to come in waves.  Just gotta tough em out I guess, but keep it up I'm right there with ya!

[seerelated]

I'm so happy that my post helped you!  It brings a smile to my face to know I've helped someone.  And you are just as brave for taking the leap as well!  I hope you keep up what you're doing too, best of luck to you!!

[cleanguy]

Doing all good now! Anxiety away! Phew!

[HappyDays2Come]

Wow I am so impressed with your clean time...what an inspiration you are! I'm only on Day 3 (okay well technically Day 4 started at 4pm today:) yay! ) and reading your post is so unbelievably motivating. So thank you so much. I know there are other reading and lurking who are scared to jump and you are so incredibly brave for taking the leap and plugging through. I can only imagine how challenging it must've been (and still is). You're doing great and whatever you do just keep moving forward. You'll be living a normal, healthy, and happy life before you know it! I'm so proud of you:)!

[seerelated]

Awe I'm glad my post helped!!  I feel you on the anxiety big time. How are you doing now?  Any better?  

[cleanguy]

Was watching your post as i too was having bad anxiety at day 49. I kept on telling myself, its an adrenaline rush. It helped. Reading that I wasn't the only one helped a lot... so thank you!

[seerelated]

Thank you all so much for your support.  I definitely feel better now, knowing that this is all just a part of recovery.  I was really starting to consider going on meds yesterday, I was that terrified about how I was feeling, but I know in my heart that it's not the right choice, so thank you all for reinforcing that.

I can totally relate to sounds being too loud too.  In the morning my boyfriend (who is also 50 days clean today!) yawns this really loud yawn haha and it drives me crazy.  Any super loud sound is disturbing to me.

Anyway, yes the sunglasses helped.  I also had a good cry after I posted the first topic and I think that sort of let out some of my anxiety too.  Everything was just feeling really "pent up" yesterday.  Its 8 am now and I feel just fine.

Thanks again to you all, I really appreciate your advice and kind words.

[clean_in_ks]

Glad to hear the sunglasses helped!  Also, glad you know yourself well enough to not get started w/Xanex.  I abused that and was off of it before the pain pills and somas....don't need to add any more weapons to my arsenal))  

ALL of our senses have been drugged and numbed and deadened.....I have noticed bright light affects me diff now that I'm clean and the glasses I used to wear and read with while taking 20-30 hyrdros (10mg) per day don't even work anymore!; noises are louder, too.  I hate for my hubby to unload the dishwasher or bang stuff around right after I first get up....it sounds REALLY loud and gives me an instant headache.  Smells are driving me CRAZY!  On me, around me, in food, and it's this one particular smell.....it's nuts!  Then my taste buds....they are also wacked.......I FINALLY am finding some foods that don't taste weird to me.

My using timeframe is about 4 yrs, too.  I mean, I say to myself, you took this poison at an increasingly ridiculous rate for 48 months......at least I should give my poor body and brain 6 to 12 months to heal??  Huh?  

I am just trying to share how strange this whole process is for me....I'm skinny and none of my clothes fit.....don't have $ to do anything about that cause I blew a lot of money on my increasing addiction.  I don't like how I look and none of my bloomin senses are working right!!  My teeth are even messed up......hopefully last dentist appt to fix all that damage the end of the month!  I tell ya......I totally screwed me up!!  

Lovingly.....I say....give yourself some more time to work thru all the new stuff that rears its head.  You are doing fabulous IMO!!
Blessings to you~~

[Jimmy1975]

The panic and anxiety will go away my friend I promise ! I know its tough it was for me too . I know many of us would go threw the physical part of withdrawals five times before we face that anxiety monster again . Hang in there you're doing great . Keep posting we are always here for support ..Jimmy

[akitagurl12]

congratulations on 49 days! That is a big deal right there.  You received good advice above.  Part of living sober is learning how to address anxiety and fears differently now, in healthy ways.  Whatever it is, you will get it figured out, and there are people out there that can help you too.  Just remember, you broke free from herion, you can do anything, just be patient with yourself:)

[seerelated]

I'm very afraid to go to the doctor because I don't want to be prescribed xanax because I know I will abuse it.

I've never been in an accident, and I've always been an avid driver; it was my therapy for some time so I've gone from loving it to hating it.

I was using pills and heroin for 4 years.  

I think you may be right about me having to get used to "being alive".  I took a ride after I posted this and wore sunglasses and that seemed to help a great deal.  I also do not panic when I drive at night, it only seems to be on very bright, sunny days that I really freak.

And no I'm not on any meds at all right now.

[clean_in_ks]

Are you on ANY meds of any kind?  That will make a difference to sharing what has worked for me/us.

Do you have a history of a car wreck or something that traumatized you while using and while driving?
I had a previous wreck....first one in 40 yrs!!  At weird times, I'll have a panic flash...
or at the intersection......or while driving at night......but it's slowly healing.

I listen to music that makes me feel good when I drive.  Do you do that?

You have come 49 BIG DAYS.......the anxiety coming and going is also happening to me........that's why I asked you the above ??'s.

How long did you use?

Your brain is just learning to be alert and react to traffic, stimulation and BEIING ALIVE for a change.......you can do it!!    You can pull over anytime....if it helps and if you can't relate to anything above.  Much better to pull over, deep breathe, drink some water and calm down than taking something to make it go away, huh???  I've heard after relapsing it gets harder and harder each time....you can do it!  Let us hear from you.....keep postin ok?
Blessings~

[IBKleen]

Welcome tot he forum and congratulations on getting clean!

Anxiety is often the result of an unknown fear. The best way to resolve it is through therapy or counseling of some sort. You need to get to the bottom of the issue.

I would suggest normally that you see your doctor but my fear for you would be that you are placed on another addicting medication.

Please don't use this as an excuse to go back to abusing drugs. Get to the bottom of it and hang in there. It does get better.