How can I cope with panic attacks if I have no medical insurance?
The panic attacks I’ve experienced very infrequently over the last several years have suddenly become horrifying and almost constant since I quit drinking.
I am twenty-seven, uninsured, and have very little money. My options seem to be: 1. Keep drinking (and even this is becoming less effective); or 2. Buy some kind of benzodiazapines off the street.
Any suggestions? Is there some kind of free detox program?
Funny you should ask; that sounds very similar to my situation for the past few years. I also used to self-medicate with alcohol…caused me a lot of court-mandated stuff and general misery. I’ve since quit drinking, but I remember the initial period was rough with the anxiety.
If you’re in the U.S., I think most average-sized towns have a health facility for flu shots and counseling for lower income folks. It is possible to go in and see a counselor about the anxiety, and possibly a psychiatrist will prescribe small-dose Xanax tablets (Alprazolam). I take 1-2 .5 milligram pills when needed. I must stress however, that these are considered addictive and classed as such. A lot depends on a person’s individual body chemistry. Alprazolam is the most widely-used and also the most effective short-term treatment of anxiety, if my memory serves me well.
The most important part is that I finally learned that when I drank, I actually had MORE anxiety. Because the morning after, you’re coming up from extreme relaxation into what seems like an agitated state, in comparison.
I tend to be long-winded, but mostly try to get in and see one of those counselors. It’s nothing to be embarrassed about, by the way. Everyone and their dog needs to see a counselor every so often.
Also, please note that I am just an average Joe- A Professional will have the real answers.
4 Comments »
lindsaylewgirl said :
July 3, 2009 at 8:01 am
Don’t worry. There is hope for you. If you can afford something go online to an online pharmacy and fill out the small form and the U.S. licensed doctors will prescribe you some meds from U.S. licensed pharmacies and this way it is cheaper than going to the doctor and then having to also pay high pharmacy p
References :
bbbumpy said :
July 3, 2009 at 8:45 am
Funny you should ask; that sounds very similar to my situation for the past few years. I also used to self-medicate with alcohol…caused me a lot of court-mandated stuff and general misery. I’ve since quit drinking, but I remember the initial period was rough with the anxiety.
If you’re in the U.S., I think most average-sized towns have a health facility for flu shots and counseling for lower income folks. It is possible to go in and see a counselor about the anxiety, and possibly a psychiatrist will prescribe small-dose Xanax tablets (Alprazolam). I take 1-2 .5 milligram pills when needed. I must stress however, that these are considered addictive and classed as such. A lot depends on a person’s individual body chemistry. Alprazolam is the most widely-used and also the most effective short-term treatment of anxiety, if my memory serves me well.
The most important part is that I finally learned that when I drank, I actually had MORE anxiety. Because the morning after, you’re coming up from extreme relaxation into what seems like an agitated state, in comparison.
I tend to be long-winded, but mostly try to get in and see one of those counselors. It’s nothing to be embarrassed about, by the way. Everyone and their dog needs to see a counselor every so often.
Also, please note that I am just an average Joe- A Professional will have the real answers.
References :
Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis
Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior
Chandler A said :
July 3, 2009 at 9:09 am
Hey there,
I have Panic disorder for more than 12 years already and my condition has been improving a lot! My medication started from 20mg per day till just 10mg on alternate days (or just 5mg per day) - I even thought of quitting medication. I also realized that there are many others who have Panic Attacks out there and I decided to reach out and help them.
So I have started a blog to give free panic attack tips and techniques that have helped me for all these years:
http://PanicAttackResearch.blogspot.com
I do hope it will help you all =)
With Regards,
Seng
References :
Claire W said :
July 3, 2009 at 9:25 am
Here’s what stopped me:
Im 12 now and for about 8 months when I was 11 I had really bad panic attacks at night which followed into school sadly. But my mum bought me this spray called Rescue Remedy you spray it on your tongue (it doesn’t taste bad!) and it helps you breath better therefore calming yourself down.
References :
Personal Experience
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