Posted by gilbert on November 29, 2001, at 18:53:23
In reply to Re: ex drug-addicts and psychopharmocology, posted by medlib on November 29, 2001, at 15:34:41
> Hi Peter--
>
I am an ex alcoholic and coke user. I have been on xanax for the last 3 years and it has saved my life. I would be drunk if it were not for these meds. I waited until I had 13 years sobriety and struggled with panic sober trying to CBT it away trying to pray it away trying to 12 step it a way trying to Lucinda Bassett it away and it only got worse. After my 10 year anniversary in AA I was suicidal. I could no longer live that way. I managed to survive another 3 years and finally gave in and saw my doc got meds and have a great life now. I have no more panics. I come and go as I please. I still am very active in AA and this has taken a while not to feel guilty about taking xanax and going to AA but I don't use xanax the way I used dope and alcohol. I just feel normal. I don't get in trouble and my personality does not change for the worse. My sponsor who has 25 years is on xanax also for the same condition. Remeber the the drinking and drugging were only symptoms of the illness, and sometimes that illness requires medication. I have said this over and over on this board, even the cofounder of AA Bill Wilson dropped LSD after many years of sobriety in hopes of alleviating his depressions. He was sober but still suffered greatly from depression. In 99.99% of all drug abuse and drinking is self medication for some underlying neurotic tendency or some pyschosis.....very few people set out to kill themselves on booze or drugs....they get comfort from them, why because they are in pain from some underlying illness.Good LUck,
Gil
poster:gilbert
thread:85484
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011123/msgs/85554.html