Coping during withdrawal - valuable tools

[[Buddie]]

Great post [...]<3!

Distract Yourself

The one thing that got me through the misery of early withdrawal was learning how to distract myself from obsessing about my symptoms.  This may sound trivial, but believe me, it's not.  When I started having obsessive and intrusive thoughts, I desperately looked for something to regain "control."  This is what worked for me:

I distracted myself - using anything that stopped the train of thought for even a few moments.
I did this again, and again - using my very obsessiveness as a tool.
Over time, this stopped the train of intrusive thoughts.
I became an "expert" at self-distraction, and began to actually look forward to my favorite distractions.

So, don't take distraction lightly.  It can really help when nothing else seems to.

 

This is really positive, I like it. :]]  Out of curiousity, what are some of the things that you now look forward to doing?

I'm still struggling to ENJOY doing the things that I want to distract myself with.  I'm getting there I think... Not able to sit and read or write for very long as of yet, but soon I [...]..  Cooking has been my favourite thing to find helps distract me so far, which is a new joy I've found.  Something about the multitasking of physical and mental work, it really works.  Too bad my stomach is so messed up!  But this too shall pass. :]]

I'm an artist, and though I'm not quite able to paint yet, I've reorganized my studio, planned paintings in my head, gone to art exhibits, etc.  Generally, I watch old movies on tv (3-4 star, really classic ones), sew, garden, read, spend time with my pets, and get out of the house as often as I can.  Anything that will "get me out of myself" for a while.  It's important to use what works for you, no matter how trivial it may seem, as long as it gets your mind off your symptoms for a while.

[[Buddie]]

Thanks, [...], for a very helpful post! I am definitely in the battle right now! My husband is very supportive, but doesn't really understand how long this may last and I'm really glad to have found this group. I've gotten so much inspiration and encouragement just by reading how others are coping with the recovery process.

[...], I use knitting and reading and my dogs as distractions and it does help an awful lot to have something to do with my hands to keep me from obsessing over symptoms that seem to never abate. I know the day is coming though when I will have a 'window' and I'm watching and waiting for it!! Thank you for your post...makes me think of other ways to distract myself....

Hi Jokker,

I only posted this thread, the person who did such an amazing job writing this very important information was Hoosierfans!

[[Buddie]]

Great advice thank you!  Daily exercise and ZERO CAFFEINE!

[[Buddie]]

If all else fails, play Candy Crush!   

[[Buddie]]

Excellent post.....very inspiring thank you!

[[Buddie]]

This was an invaluable post.....heartfelt thanks from a BB who is early on the journey toward a clear mind.  Had to use Klonopin for the longer acting benzo instead of Valium for the c/o from Ativan, but underway. This is is the first time in over 12 YEARS of no Ativan and no interdose w/d.  Groggy but greatful.   

[[Buddie]]

I found that if I start to exercise during a withdrawal that endorphin rush kicks in and takes it away for a few hours. Then it comes back.

[[Buddie]]

[...],

Once again I want to tell you how much your post has meant to me.
I have read it many times and it has helped me very much.
This one I could relate to the most (when I think about the state of mind I was in just 7 weeks ago) and it relates to many of my personal situations in my past and present life.

"8.   Know that you are worth this fight.  I don't care how non-functional you are right now.  I don’t care if you have lost your job, are not the spouse / parent / friend you want to be, have lost your home, have run through your savings – YOU ARE STILL YOU, AND YOU ARE WORTH THIS FIGHT".

Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[[Buddie]]

[...],

Once again I want to tell you how much your post has meant to me.
I have read it many times and it has helped me very much.
This one I could relate to the most (when I think about the state of mind I was in just 7 weeks ago) and it relates to many of my personal situations in my past and present life.

"8.   Know that you are worth this fight.  I don't care how non-functional you are right now.  I don’t care if you have lost your job, are not the spouse / parent / friend you want to be, have lost your home, have run through your savings – YOU ARE STILL YOU, AND YOU ARE WORTH THIS FIGHT".

Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

cardandchips,

Don't thank me,  the only thing I did was make this a "sticky" so that this wonderful post would be readily available to our members.

Our wise member Parker wrote it and I know it is very helpful to everyone suffering from withdrawal.

[...]

[[Buddie]]

I c/ t from 0.25 mg of Xanax this february 2013 and have horrible symptoms did any one experience cold and hot especially a cold feeling in the chest and shortness of breath, and how did you distract yourselves, any advice thanks