Hi everyone. Today is my third day sober, and while I haven’t felt the urge to drink over the last few days, I’m flying out of town today to visit my parents. I get extremely anxious and stressed, both when flying and when staying with my parents, and normally my way of dealing with it is to have a couple of drinks at the airport or on the plane. Obviously I’m trying to stay away from drinking, but I don’t know what I can do to manage the stress and anxiety of today. Any suggestions?
Thank you!
I’m new to this journey as well and I speak to a friend with 2 years of sobriety under her belt often. Her suggestion was self guided meditation. I laughed at first, I’ve never meditated, but she swears by it. She does it anywhere - her car, the bathroom, you name it. I plan on giving it a try.
Reflection on the positives in your life, do puzzles in a book or on your phone, maybe research and read a topic that is interesting to you? My passion is golf and finance, so I’m always looking at the latest updates on golfing news and possibly new courses to play.
HI Anna,
That’s a tough one, I actually enjoy drinking and flying, BUT I did notice that slapping some headphones on helped tune out all the background noise.
What’s funny though, alcohol actually amplifies anxiety, of course this normally kicks in after, during the hang over period.
I’d like to think if you can make it through this experience, you’re truly setting yourself up for success…thinking about how you’ll feel once you fly sober could also motivate you to sit back and let the good times roll. And remember we’re in it together! You got this!
Try taking some Dramamine before your flight! I used to fly a lot (before I started drinking) and I would take it before to help me with motion sickness. It also helps you relax and maybe catch a nap.
@Anna12 Do you see a doctor?
@Anna12 I write when I have anxiety or listen to music. Taking yourself out of the stressful environment mentally can help calm ya down. Maybe writing and music are not your thing, I find it can be anything that you enjoy that forces you to focus.
I am a fearful flier too. I used to have to get WASTED to fly. I have been in recovery for over 5 years and had to learn how to pray like a mofo and tune into God through worship. I also take anti anxiety meds when I fly (which is rarely). But ONLY when I fly. Get a sponsor and start working the steps ASAP. AA is a design for living that works. And this is coming from someone BORN anxious. You are doing the right thing by reaching out to your tribe. That combats your addiction chattering to you and lying to you in order to feed it. Take things a step at a time, don’t underestimate deep breaths, feed yourself, hydrate yourself, rest. You can do this.
Kava tinture or tea-
It’s a natural anti anxiety made from a plant root
I quit for 2 months (and now am drinking only occasionally and socially) and my anxiety went way down without alcohol. Day 3 is probably the worst, and maybe you need to find a valium or something for today, but overall, you can look forward to feeling less anxious I think.
Oh, I’ve never heard of this. Must give it a try 