I'm moving to a different country in two days and I'm losing my ****.

So I'm moving to Ecuador on Wednesday, to a country where I speak the language only barely (I can read and write but speaking is still very difficult to me), I will be living with a host family of strangers and they do not speak english, I will be all alone from my therapist and doctors, and on top of that I am trying so hard to get sober from alcohol/pills and I don't think I can do it.

I'm having panic attack after panic attack. There are so many "what if"s and unknowns. I'm scared about not being to get my medicine (I am going to have to find a new doctor to prescribe my xanax) and I'm scared my addiction problems will get worst. Most of all I'm scared this will send me spiraling into a horrible episode... depression or mania? who knows.

Does anyone have any experience with this? Or words of advice? Or even just some comfort, I could use that thank you.

You are very brave. I hope all goes well. Will you still have access to PC? You could post often and we could support you through your move. Sending big hugs and positive vibes.

Hey no real advice. Just wanted to say I too think it’s a brave and exciting thing to do. I wish you luck with your travels. And I will say that no matter how good or bad I have felt, no matter how much I was struggling moodsise, even when I have regretted doing certain actions or behaviors, not once have I ever regreted traveling to somewhere new.

That doesn’t mean it’s been all rainbows and sunshine, but with enough perspective even the experiences where things just keep going wrong become treasured memories. And being in new scary situations, I always either learn something new, discover strengths I didn’t know I had, or if nothing else I have a kick arss crazy story to tell at parties. No one wants to hear about somebody’s boring trip where everything goes right anyway...

It is probably a good idea to put some supports in place, even if it is just coming on here or face timing family members regularly or something. But at least imo, it is a waste of time and energy to think through all of the what if scenarios that could (but prob won’t) go wrong and just deal with the stuff that actually does go wrong as it is happening. I really applaud your trying to get sober/clean, just make sure you are not putting too many things on your shoulders at the same time to deal with all at once.

And most of all, just have fun, keep an open mind, be flexible, and if or when it blows up in your face try to keep a sense of humor and try again tomorrow. Good luck.

Please make sure to bring your medication with you in your personal bag. Also, you should have some contacts in place just in case something goes wrong. Contacts, such as friends or family members you can contact right away if an emergency occurs. Also, don't always worry about what could go wrong but just enjoy your stay one day at a time. Please try to make the best of it and not get into a terrible situation by taking your medications faithfully. Also, may be writing a journal about how you are doing may be a good tool to see whether or not you are doing well and just allowing you to vent in some way. I am living in another country by myself. I don't recommend it unless you are compliant with your medication and are stable. Otherwise, the country has reason to kick you out if you are a nuisance. I hope all goes well and that you are able to take care of yourself and remain stable throughout your stay.

make sure you take lots of bacon.

lol

but seriously, I hope it all goes well.

why are you moving?.

is their an oppotunity their of something you want to do

I've been to Ecuador as a tourist and loved the place and the people. It is a modern country.

Does your psychiatrist in your country know about your addictions? Can he/she maybe prescribe something to help with cravings? There are meds that can help with that.

If you think you will have a potentially severe detox/withdrawal, maybe you might consider postponing your trip. Really.

Yes I will have access to internet and PC, and to friends back home. So I do have support there

I am studying abroad! I'll be there until May

I'm happy to hear you liked it my psychiatrist does not know. but I have gone through xanax withdrawal before and for me it wasn't that bad, probably because I take xanax XR (2mg) every day for my anxiety and that's constant, that's not one that I abuse. and if I do get sick I will have access to doctors in Ecuador. I can't postpone my trip

I up and moved to Mexico when I was 21. It's scary and there will be an adjustment. Panicking is to be expected. The only thing I recommend is to find an English speaking GP and pdoc, preferably before you go. If there are any issues you need to have that resource.

I could read and write only when I went and came back speaking fluently. Good luck and have a blast!!