Whatever the cause of anxiety or panic attacks some sufferers turn to false props to help them cope with there fears. These props can be alcohol, hard drugs or tranquillizers but none of these will treat your problem and can easily add further stress and impair your ability to think or act normally.

Alcohol can be a relaxant and taken in moderation especially in a social environment can help to ease the stress of the day. However, it can be a small step from social drinking to becoming dependant upon alcohol to handle or escape from the problems you perceive that you have. Regular excessive consumption of alcohol will affect your ability to cope with both your professional and private life.

The other problem with alcohol is that whilst it may temporarily raise your mood and spirits it can quickly turn into feelings of depression and self loathing as the after effects kick in. Continual reliance on alcohol can lead to alcoholism and eventually serious health problems.

Non prescriptive “hard” drugs such as cocaine and heroin are an even bigger threat to a persons well being. Once someone begins taking using these props they will quickly become addicted and the “cure” becomes more acute than the anxiety or panic symptoms.
Even prescribed tranquillizers, sleeping pill and anti depressants can become addictive and lead to dependency.

So if alcohol and drugs are false props what will help you overcome anxiety and panic attacks?

There are ways that you can decrease the chance of an onset of a panic attack. You can learn how to deal with them better. You must recognize the symptoms. When the initial ones begin, they may be others that come along. Just remember to take slow and deep breaths.

Keep decreasing you anxiety level through things such as exercise and meditation. Don’t be in a rush and take your time with this. Doing it quickly can defeat the purpose. Therapy is a time consuming process and improvement will be gradual.

Don’t be hard on yourself. Take it easy. Don’t beat yourself over the head criticizing yourself because of your condition. Make sure that you avoid things such as cigarettes, teas that have caffeine, and carbonated drinks. That may be difficult, but at least start weaning your way off slowly.

Work on not thinking about things that may have been traumatic for you in the past. These traumatic events can shape how you will react to things in the future. You cannot allow the past to hinder you if you are looking to move forward.

Make sure to keep a loving and understanding support system around you so that you will be able to move forward every day. Whether it’s family members or a friend, they need to be genuinely interested in help you get better and relieve those fears that you have pent up inside.