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Nothing helps my anxiety—I need alternatives to drugs or alcohol.

Posted by 69n420 @69n420, Feb 21 3:01am

I’ve tried countless antidepressants and therapy since a kid it’s still here. Usually I have intense anxiety with no reason like I can be having panic attacks but straight faced. it’s extremely painful so I resorted to drugs.

But after the years of drug abuse polyadiction I noticed it never leaves it stays there just to cause pain. Like I have been nodding or about to pass out but still feel it no matter how much I take. It’s like a conjoined twin that wants attention

I’m going down a bad path like all my receptors are fried from the pills but I can’t live with this pain it’s literally worse than my full body nerve damage. I can distract the pain

What can I do for anxiety because I feel have nothing left to try. At the moment I can’t raw dog life like I just can’t stand it I feel so uncomfortable in my own body I can’t stand not being able to live wi

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kaliope | @kaliope | Feb 24 9:20pm
In reply to @malebreastcancer47 "@kaliope Yes, I to teletherapy. Mayo recommended therapy since I self care and on few occasions,..." + (show)
Profile picture for Arvind Natarajan @malebreastcancer47

@kaliope Yes, I to teletherapy. Mayo recommended therapy since I self care and on few occasions, wanted to quit. I have therapy once a month, as long as I use the Alpha Stim. The idea is, eventually I will not need therapy.

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@malebreastcancer47 I looked him up. It appears he (like so many therapists) does not take Medicare. Am in California… will see if I can find a local source. Glad to hear about Alpha Stim.

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maybeaz | @maybeaz | Feb 25 9:14am

Anxiety can be so debilitating. I’ve had some but have seen it be worse for my son. Exercising has been the best drug for both of us. For myself I’ve even tried drinking water very slowly has actually helped to me. When you’re having an anxiety attack if you can call someone, get up and move, take a fast paced walk.

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Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Feb 25 11:24am
In reply to @maybeaz "Anxiety can be so debilitating. I’ve had some but have seen it be worse for my..." + (show)
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Anxiety can be so debilitating. I’ve had some but have seen it be worse for my son. Exercising has been the best drug for both of us. For myself I’ve even tried drinking water very slowly has actually helped to me. When you’re having an anxiety attack if you can call someone, get up and move, take a fast paced walk.

Jump to this post

@maybeaz Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. You're absolutely right, there are many ways we can address our anxiety. I am glad you have found something that works for you! Thank you for sharing what has worked for you!
Ginger

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Moderator
Kelsey, LADC, Moderator | @kelseyt | Feb 26 11:04pm

@69n420, As human beings, we are naturally wired to avoid pain—whether it’s emotional, physical, or mental. Using substances or numbing out can feel like a quick solution, but as you’ve recognized, it is often only a short-term fix for issues that require time, support, and intentional healing. Anxiety is real and can be incredibly debilitating. Living without relief would be exhausting

One of the difficult realities of substance use and addiction is that, while substances may provide temporary relief, they can actually worsen mental health symptoms over time—including anxiety and depression.

@69n420, What has been your longest period of sobriety from all mood-altering substances?

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