Hello @tire,

Five years of being off of opioids and alcohol is a big accomplishment. It must be both concerning and frustrating to be experiencing these new symptoms and worrisome thoughts.

@tire, have you had a chance to share these new experiences and possible side-effects of your new mirtazapine prescription with your provider? You also mentioned you are active in therapy, have you been able to share these new feelings of being less content with your therapist as well?

Congratulations on 5 years!! I've been off alcohol 3 years. My favorite therapy is walking. It gives me time to think about my immediate surroundings and how my body feels at that moment. I have neuropathy in my feet and am always aware of how they feel as I progress across various surfaces. This keeps me in the moment and provides a type of mindfulness that helps relieve anxiety. This also provides physical activity that allows me to sleep much better than no activity. I've noticed a major difference in my mood and sleep if I don't get my steps in. Walking has allowed me to lose 70 pounds and lower my blood pressure which in turn lowered my anxiety. It provides a very low impact exercise that improves circulation and can be done almost anywhere. The only equipment needed is good shoes and a place to walk. Taking different routes allows new experiences, smells, sounds, and people along the way. This works as an exercise in neuroplasticity as well as mindfulness. Motion is medicine. Keep moving forward.