@Forums- Thank you so much. You have no idea the hysteria I am going through right now. I would cut off my right arm to make sure I could breathe, I am that panicked that I did something permanent. I have a feeling of burning as I breathe in as well, I am not sure if its mental or just my lungs rebuilding after 13 years of smoking a pack a day and not smoking cigs as well. Thanks for the words of advice. I am glad for people like you, everywhere else I posted was pretty much people giving me more anxiety. I know you didnt smoke it for the length I did, so I am still paranoid. I am just scared that the blends really did me in you know, that panic attack I had was like no other one I had previously. It lasted hours not minutes and the anxiety is continuing still from that very minute. Thanks man cant wait to see your response. I check this like every few minutes lol, getting really concerned.
(1) It sounds like you hit a "hot spot", a volume of plant matter with an unusually high concentration of synthetic ingredients. This caused you to get a very high dose.
(2) Cannabinoid overdose frequently induces panic attacks. Even cannabis (weed) with a very high THC content can induce an attack, especially in people with low tolerance.
(3) Synthetic cannabinoids appear to induce panic attacks in people much more frequently than cannabis. This is probably due in part to their high potency and the tendency of blends to be poorly mixed.
(4) Of those who have posted here with lasting problems, most have reported gradual improvement with time.
(5) Your condition will almost certainly improve with time.
(6) Panic attacks are self-feeding. The anxiety makes you hypersensitive to your thoughts and to the feelings in your body. Feelings that would otherwise be mildly uncomfortable can be experienced to be severe and a threat to your health.
(7) Fatigue can also play a role since panic tends to lead to exhaustion followed by more panic.
(8) Nicotine withdrawal may be making you more panic prone, both by increasing your baseline anxiety level and making your lungs feel uncomfortable. How much did you smoke cigarettes? If you don't smoke again, the withdrawal should begin to fade within a few days and taper down over a period of 1-3 weeks.
(9) Withdrawal due to the blends (if there is any) should disappear within a week or so as well.
(10) The most likely physical reason for your continued attacks is lack of good food! Eating may be the last thing you want to do, but you need to eat! Your health absolutely depends on it!
What I suggest:
Concentrate your attention on accomplishing simple tasks to get through each day. Take your time. Find food that you can nibble on even if you don't feel hungry. Do you like soup? I like soup because it's warm, comforting, and can be held in the hand and sipped slowly. Drink plenty of water and some juice too! Do you know a friend or family member who you feel comfortable with who you can visit, or maybe a quiet place where you go when you need to retreat. Any changes you can make to your external environment that reduce your anxieties will help.
Your thoughts about being permanently damaged are probably a substantial cause of your anxiety! This leads to increased hypersensitivity and the tendency to think more negative thoughts. Changing your thoughts is not easy, especially when you feel so out of control! In the short-term, the Xanax you ahve can help you by calming your mind enough for you to get a grip on things. Once you feel more in control, you can practice changing the dialog in your mind to a more positive one that is more focused on your inevitable recovery. For the long-term, you cannot use Xanax because it is addictive and you'll feel extra anxious when you're without it. In this case, you should seek help from a qualified therapist if possible. Alternatively or in conjunction with therapy, you can study and practice meditation to calm your mind and encourage more positive thoughts.
Just remember, your feelings will improve, so long as you don't believe otherwise.
