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I can help

  • anonymous Asks ...
    anonymous

    I have panic attacks and bad social phobia and I am addicted to valium and marijuana and I just found I am pregnant. I am probably about 7 weeks pregnant and I have been using my normal 60mgs a day the whole time and also smoking 5 or 6 joints every day. This pregnancy is accidental but abortion is not an option I would EVER consider. I know I need to tell a doctor about this but I am so scared at the thought of giving up the valium. I have tried before and it is HELL on EARTH when I try to stop. I do not have a doctor right now. I just took the pregnancy test this evening and I am still in shock.

    Have I done any damage to my baby yet from the marijuana and valium and will I have to stop valium all of a sudden or will I have to taper down? If I have to taper do you know how quickly I will have to do this. I am very scared at the idea of withdrawals because when I stopped completely a year ago I felt like I was going to die but I want to do the right thing.

  • Dr. Steven Brodsky Says ...
    Dr. Steven  Brodsky

    I think I can help  you, but I need more information in order to advise you best.  Please answer each of the following questions one at a time:

    1.  Can you  please tell me when and in which situations you feel anxiety (or avoid or overcompensate) the MOST and in which situations you feel anxious the LEAST.

    2.  Please revisit my websites at www.ocdhotline.com  and www.anxietyhotline.com and check the  symptom lists and self-tests and tell me whether the problem you are seeking  help with is OCD, social anxiety, agoraphobia/panic, or  PTSD. 

    3.  Do you experience  anxiety or avoid traveling alone to faraway or new places, enclosed spaces that  you can't exit (subways, elevators, planes, bridges, expressways, etc.), being  in the middle of a crowd or a full theater, or big deserted spaces (empty malls,  deserted park), or being alone in your home?

    4.  Do you frequently look for exits or  escape routes from situations, or do you ever depend upon a "safe" person(s) to  accompany your.

    5.  Do you have bothersome thoughts or worries that you can't stop and feel a need to keep checking, getting reassurance, or avoiding situations.

    6.  Do you experience discomfort in or avoid certain social situations or presentations, or do you work very hard to  overcompensate in social situations?

    7.  Do you have flashbacks, as if you're  really living in a past traumatic situation, have a "startle response" to sudden  noises, or feel as if people are trying to harm you.

    I look forward to  hearing back from you.  Please also tell me where you live or work.

    Thank  you.

    Sincerely,

    Dr.  Brodsky

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