Question:
I have heard that these drugs can lead to panic. I suggest you talk to your doctor as soon as possible. Panic attacks can be treated.
Response:
Does anyone know if drugs such as cocaine, crystal meth, ect. can causepanic attacks.
I think so, yes. Every mind-altering substance can provoke panic attacks, especially if you have a genetic disposition for PD. It may well be the onset of Panic Disorder. One may wonder whether this is really PTSD in case of flashbacks from *bad trips* on hallucinogens or whatever because the bad trip could be regarded as a *trauma* or that the drug use just *triggered* latent PD. After only a year of experimenting with these drugs I developed my panic disorder. I didnt do very much but I completely wiped the drugs out of my life. It’s been over year since I have quit yet my disorder grows worse. Am I wrong in linking drugs with my problem?
The drugs seem to have triggered your PD. You probably would have developed PD without drugs as well. Am I going crazy?
Absolutely not. We’ve all been there. We all thought at one moment or other (or quite often ) that we were dying or going crazy. You’re not. But you do have a disorder and should be treated for it because chances are that it won’t go away of its own. The best thing to do is find a pdoc who is specialized in anxiety disorders (maybe at a university clinic in your area?). You should be prescribed meds. The sooner PD is treated the better the chance to keep it limited. Any comments?
Yes, see above 
) Philip
Response:
Does anyone know if drugs such as cocaine, crystal meth, ect. can causepanic attacks. After only a year of experimenting with these drugs I developed my panic disorder. I didnt do very much but I completely wiped the drugs out of my life. It’s been over year since I have quit yet my disorder grows worse. Am I wrong in linking drugs with my problem? Am I going crazy? Any comments?
Response:
Does anyone know if drugs such as cocaine, crystal meth, ect. can causepanic attacks. After only a year of experimenting with these drugs I developed my panic disorder. I didnt do very much but I completely wiped the drugs out of my life. It’s been over year since I have quit yet my disorder grows worse. Am I wrong in linking drugs with my problem? Am I going crazy? Any comments?
Well…I am not a doctor, but a detox counsellor. I recognize these symptoms very well. Especially after using so many substances, your body now has to "re-adjust"…ie…coming down. According to research…chemical changes in the body need time "rebalance" themselves. I have seen numerous consumers come in and out of our Center with various psychiatric disorders. The question is..which comes first..the psychiatric problem, or the substance use? It’s often a VERY complicated "schematic" to figure out. But…there is hope. Thankfully, the "Harm Reduction" model is catching wind here in North America, whereas it has been utilized in Europe for quite some time. Simpley put…using a "less harmful" substance in place of the "abused" substance, which either 1)replaces the effects of the abused substance (which isn’t really used much…except in the case of the Methidone clinics..) 2) or, provides a medication which "more effectively" targets the reasons for substance abuse (the more popular of the two). So…this is why you may want to talk with your doctor about this..as quite often…they are VERY knowledgeable about ALL substances (legal and "illicit"). Many antidepressants have helped individuals deal with, and stay off of the abused substance. Benzodiazepines are LESS used with people who have abused substances in the past, due to the POSSIBILITY that they MAY be abused. BUT…often the physician/psychiatrist can control this, particularly through dispensing benzo’s in small quantaties. (And yes..Benzo’s are NOT addictive….but..just like ANY medication…can be "misused".) So, see your doctor ASAP…because there is PLENTY of help for people who have substance use problems, and their post-use effects. Good Luck!! Greg
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