Hi, I'm new and I need help

[jerrywwe]

I am 23 yrs old and I have been dealing with panic attacks since about 3 years ago. They were so severe that I need to make sure they never happen again. I have been abusing alcohol for roughly 4 years and it's the only thing I know I can do to make sure they wont happen. I am dealing with depression as well, and my drinking has now become an issue. I am hiding it now. From my girlfriend, from my parents, from my friends because I dont want them to get upset. I know I need help. I am desperate for help. I am seeing a therapist to deal with my issues but I cannot stop drinking. I went through hell with dealing with panic. Absolute hell. I tried to kill myself twice. I am on medication and I think its helping but I cannot escape the fear of falling back into getting panic attacks for 8 or 9 hours a day. Im lost, and I need help...

[tiggz1977]

panic attacks happen during alcohol withdrawals. if you get one , close your eyes, breath easy, and with your eyes closed look left and right slowly , and remember to breath slowly and more slowly. the looking withbeuea close actually interferes with the anxiety you feel and cuts it way down. but this is a temp fix. now looking at your post I see alot of self issues and lots of fear. step one you did by posting here, step 2 now -tell someone you love and trust without question that you would like help, and you have a problem. it's hard but we can't do this alone, our journy needs to be with people we love so it makes recovery 10x's easier. your family will not cast you out, they will not shun you out of your life. you will find that they will be very supportive and see you through anything. you heard the whole addage - blood is thicker than water it's very true. seek out help for your alcohol problem, if you find you can't find the words write a letter explaining your problem with drinking and you need help give it to your girlfirend or parents. they will help you. i really hope you ask for help don't live in fearing the worst, live for you. There is a way out, you just hav to ask for help and you will get it I promise!

God bless

[M_DuBb22]

I suggest finding a good hobby that you can help to kind of "vent" when you feel you might be having an attack. I've had a LOT of panic attacks and they really suck, they are the worst. What hobbies did you have before you started drinking? If you are taking any benzos, I've gotten addicted to them before I took them for the high and they increased my attacks significantly. Maybe some drug/alcohol outpatient counciling would help?

[authrjenn]

you need a rehab center or the vicious cycle will con tinue. The alcohol and
XANAX WILL BOTH GIVE YOU PANIC ATTACKS. GET HELP!

[vicki595]

Hi~  You're panic attacks MAY be related to your alcohol abuse. The timing is right.

You need to get with a doctor and be honest. Explain how much you drink and that you're hiding it. You're going to need to stop. Can you do that?  There is some new medication that can help you to stay off alcohol but you need to be under a doctor's care to stop. Also,you just can't keep this a secret. It will make you sick and anxious!

Get with a doctor. Tell your family. Not wanting to upset them is just an excuse!!  You need them all right now so reach out.

Good luck~
Vicki