Hey everyone, i've been 24 days sober and got over the physical symptoms after about 7 days. Had sweats, shakes, nightmares, disturbing images when I closed my eyes, insomnia but I got through it with help from my doctor with a diazpam taper which helped a lot. It was horrendous but without the diazpam I think I could have been in seizure territory. But that's not why im making this post.

Now im left with the mental battle. I have increased anxiety, especially social. Im even afraid of talking to my roommates. It seems to be getting slightly better but it's hard to tell. Im also more forgetful, when im speaking to someone sometimes I forget mid sentence the rest of what I was going to say, the world just seems off, like im on auto pilot and everything kinda scares me. Shopping etc. is even a challenge but im functional somehow. I feel like im going insane but everyone says im coherent and look better but my head is a mess. I also don't find joy in anything I love (writing, reading, gaming, running). Nothing appeals to me but I just force myself to watch TV and scroll down this subreddit. I guess I should also mention this has been my third withdrawal and each one has been worse (kindling is real). I really don't want to live like this forever and this is the kindest subreddit so I guess im just looking for what's in the title. Im afraid I've fucked my brain up permanently. I have phoned my doctor and she has reassured me this willl dissipate with time and she doesn't want me on any anti-depressants because its unwise to diagnose someone going through their first few months sober. She told me exposure, diet, excercise and time will help and my brain will recalibrate after a few months then we'll reassess. My doctor is great and I trust her. Im just scared really, that this will be my life forever. Im a 31 year old man and im even getting tearful writing this. I just need some advice or help, reassurance or maybe even someone who's had this happen to them and came out the other side. Thanks for reading, I didn't mean for it to be this long, apologies. And ill not be drinking today with any of you.