Posted by maree on July 22, 2008, at 21:32:13
In reply to Re: opiates and major depression, posted by androog on October 19, 2001, at 23:26:35
> There's no doubt in my mind that my depression is at the root of my substance abuse, not the other way around. It's just a guess, but I'd say a good majority of substance abusers are suffering from some form of depression. I further believe that the reason we abuse certain substances is that we're trying to make up for something lacking in our brain chemistry - something that occurs naturally in others. I know all the talk is about serotonin, but I'd bet the house that what we substance abusers are lacking in are endorphins.
Hi Androog/Peter
I have often thought the above, since I know that i have a very addictive personality, AND that I only love life when I am on a permanent endorphin high.
Years ago, I discover alcohol, unfortunately because it destroyed an incredible memory, and it was likely 10 years after the alcohol abuse that I realized that the drinking was why I had suddenly had difficulties remembering stuff at work, which, previously had never been a problem. I thought that I had got away with the drinking, unlike other people who get a lot of health problems, but, it also awoke the likelihood that I would have a CVA, which I did. Since then, 12 years ago, I have NEVER been able to get an endorphin rush, not even from alcohol, so you can imagine that life is pretty dismal for me.
I point out to many of my treating docs (psyches & neuros) that it is the lack of an endorphin rush that, not only makes me so unhappy and unfulfilled, but is also likely responsible for many of my physical problems, in particular the ongoing fatigue, lowered pain threshold, short term memory loss (even worse then after the drinking) and lowered immune system. Are they interested? Of course not. Who do I think I am? A retarded stroke victim, who only just finished high school, not some erudite personage who went to medical school, who has experience with dozens of patients over a period of many years. Experience? I have lived with a broken, disabled, body and brain for 12 years, I think THAT counts for experience far more than anything that they might have done.
So, what my long diatribe is saying that, yes, yes, yes, I think that you are so right in your statement, and when you find some doctor who actually listens to what you say, please tell me.
Regards, and good luck in your quest for happiness.
poster:maree
thread:81414
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20080718/msgs/841521.html