I’ve been so anxious all weekend. I’m not sure how much it has to do with not drinking. I’m on day 5 and extremely happy about it. The problem is that I can’t let go of the past, regrets about my divorce, etc. any helpful advice? I have no intention of numbing myself with alcohol to get thru this.
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Hi Karen, I’m sorry to read that you’re going through rough moments. Sometimes it’s the little things that can make a change, try to do something that relaxes you; go for a walk, take a nice bath with your favorite music, listen to a podcast. Try and find something that makes you feel comfortable!
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Hi Karen and Welcome! You came to a great place to share and get tons of great advice. Read around.
Anxiety has everything to do with quitting drinking. Once we stop, our minds race causing it. I was overwhelmed early on. Congratulations on 5 days! That is awesome. Here’s a few tips I’ve learned to make it to day 30 after decades of heavy drinking.
One day at a time! (ODAAT). This helped me to stop thinking about the future, all that matter is you don’t drink today.
Do you have any hobbies or like to read? Keeping busy helps put your mind on something besides drinking. Treat yourself often, every day you don’t drink is an accomplishment.
Come here and share. And if you’re having a bad day, I recommend absolutely posting on the app, rant, be mad, it’s okay. If it helps you not drink, then it’s a win. We’re all here for you, we help each other every day. Hope to see you around often. 
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Maybe try a meeting might help wish you well
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Went to a baby shower this afternoon. Drank water and Diet Coke. Caught up with some long time friends. Feeling really good right now. It is possible to have fun with friends and stay sober. I’ve been very honest with regard to my struggles with alcohol and have received tremendous support. Taking it a day at a time.
Thank you to those that responded to my post earlier. Most appreciated 
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Congratulations on the decision to stop drinking. The anxiety does get better. You are probably feeling and thinking back on all the things you pushed down while drinking. As uncomfortable as it might be, feel those feelings now. They will go away when they’ve been felt. I get random flashbacks of regret, shame, guilt etc. and recognize that as part of my new sober feelings and coping process.
Keep going. The other side of numb is pretty great. 
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I’m so glad you’re here, Karen. The past is done so try not to rehash any poor decisions you’ve made. None of us are without regrets!
You’re going to feel a little better each day.
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I struggled letting go of my past in early sobriety too. There was absolutely nothing I could do to change it so I focused on what I could do each day to make my future brighter.
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I don’t want to be super religious.
I started to read the texts so I could understand other people ( I have a learning communication disability.)
I am reading the quaaran, I’ve studied the bible the first 17 years of my life in Catholic schools, and I’m currently loving the Hindu Gita. It’s not the gods or afterlife’s it’s the stories, and self inspirations they hold and the strengths they’re helping me realize i already had that I’m finding most valuable.
Have you tried reading, even a fiction or non fiction novel, and not a religious text, to get your mind of what ever is driving your anxieties, I know from experience sometimes it can be hard to focus with the mile an hour speed of anxious thought.
Just an idea !
Wegotthis!
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