Recovering Addicts.... Have you ever experienced anything like this?

Question

Panic attack type of symptoms, heart racing, paranoia, trembling, locked up like frozen inside.... if you are in the presence of someone showing typical signs of a drug user??

I've been clean over two years by the grace of God.

I wonder if anyone else who is recovering from addiction experiences these symptoms. It's never anyone I know, it's just randomly in public places...in the community that I live...not "friends" of mine...just people who look and act high..it freaks me out, to a point of physical and mental panic.

How can I deal with this in a better way? I almost feel as if I am on meth again when this happens... horrible fear and irrational thoughts..its scarey.

brings back bad memories. After two years I would think this would slack off but it seems to be getting worse?
I don't want to be so strange. It's embarrasing if I am around people I know, it's tough to hide what's going on inside of me., and I know so much of it is trauma from the past., my perception

Answer 1

What you are describing, the fear and irrational thoughts, is not uncommen for meth addicts to experience long after they have stopped using. This may be explained by the fact that the meth actually changes your brain chemistry, sometimes permanently.

This may subside over time. See if you can find an addiction specialist to talk to. Read some of Dr. Drew's work on addiction to get a better understanding of the symptoms of post meth use. Keep going to meetings, they can help you stay focused in the moment and give you the tools to manage life without drugs. You may want to see a psychiatrist to help you manage your symptoms as well.

Answer 2

I am not recovering, but my grandson is, and does have panic attacks. He explains that it is in your head, but feels real. some times he has to go back in the hospital, when he gets overwelmed with the things going on around him, just so he can get regulated on meds, for a short time. He will stay on meds for about a month, until he gets clear what is going on, then go off. It has been over a year since he had problems. If you know what is going on, you need to talk about this and you'll find out more than you are going through this problem. If you are going to meetings, then maybe you should bring this up and see how many others are experincing this same thing, and thought only they where going through it. If you have a sponser than talk to them, and I'll bet they know what you are going through. Seek medical help if it gets to much, so you will stay clean. Good Luck. Hugs.