Anxiety attack?
“[The] Power that brought us to this program is still with us and will continue to
guide us if we allow it.”
Basic Text, p. 26
Ever had a panic attack? Everywhere we turn, life’s demands overwhelm us. We’re
paralyzed, and we don’t know what to do about it. How do we break an anxiety
attack?
First, we stop. We can’t deal with everything at once, so we stop for a moment to let
things settle. Then we take a “spot inventory” of the things that are bothering us. We
examine each item, asking ourselves this question: “How important is it, really?” In
most cases, we’ll find that most of our fears and concerns don’t need our immediate
attention. We can put those aside, and focus on the issues that really need to be
resolved right away. Then we stop again and ask ourselves, “Who’s in control here,
anyway?” This helps remind us that our Higher Power is in control. We seek our
Higher Power’s will for the situation, whatever it is. We can do this in any number of
ways: through prayer, talks with our sponsor or NA friends, or by attending a
meeting and asking others to share their experience. When our Higher Power’s will
becomes clear to us, we pray for the ability to carry it out. Finally, we take action.
Anxiety attacks need not paralyze us. We can utilize the resources of the NA
program to deal with anything that comes our way.
Just for today: My Higher Power has not brought me all this way in recovery only to
abandon me! When anxiety strikes, I will take specific steps to seek God’s continuing
care and guidance.
pg. 63