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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 19 of 19. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by just so sad on February 2, 2005, at 10:27:30
Why can't I control my drinking??? Last week I had four days (mon-thurs) without a drop and was so proud of myself and exercising and feeling better emotionally...this week Monday was tough but got through it, but yesterday was horrible. I knew all day that I was going to crash and burn...held out until all my work was done then opened up that bottle of wine...at least I finally admitted to my hubby how hard it is to resist - I don't think he really understood before what a hold it has on me. Today I feel a little stronger and I don't think I'll drink, but what do I do on those days when it's all I think about?? I'm trying the counselling route and anti-depressants - seeing my doc today - she'll probably up the dose which will make drinking even riskier on my health so that should help. I think I'll have to quit drinking altogther - scary thought...anyway, thanks for listening!
just so sad
Posted by partlycloudy on February 2, 2005, at 19:24:01
In reply to What is wrong with me???, posted by just so sad on February 2, 2005, at 10:27:30
I believe that some antidepressants can make a predeliction to alcohol craving more pronounced. Since you have been up front with your doc (which is great!) you should let them know the challenges you're facing now. Giving them as much information as you can helps them make the best recommendations. Meds do make a difference!
I have heard that Topomax helps with alcohol cravings. (My personal experience is that my cravings are directly related to my anxiety and I'll acknowledge genetics as a contributor.) My battle with alcohol is still fought every day.
Posted by just so sad on February 2, 2005, at 19:55:04
In reply to Re: What is wrong with me??? » just so sad, posted by partlycloudy on February 2, 2005, at 19:24:01
Thank you for taking time to share with me. I really need it. It's just so wierd how I KNOW early in the day if I'm going to drink that night, no matter what I tell myself, while other days I know I will be able to get through...As far as the effexor and the cravings - I don't think it's related as I have had the alcohol issue for a long time. My doc just put me up to 75 mg effexor - I hope when I'm less depressed I won't need to drink as often...
just so sad
Posted by AuntieMel on February 7, 2005, at 15:40:53
In reply to Re: What is wrong with me???, posted by just so sad on February 2, 2005, at 19:55:04
You are having a tough time, admittedly. But that does not(!) mean you have anything "wrong" with you.
Anti-depressents didn't help me quit. I just finally had to admit to myself that my depression was *really* bad and I had to get rid of the huge amounts of alcohol in the system before I could attack the mental illness.
If you know early in the day that you are going to drink (that's actually the disease talking to you and telling you that) then you should !immediately! make plans to be doing something to make that unlikely. Have hubby take you for a drive. Something, anything.
And you really should get all the bottles out of the house. And if at all possible don't even be around anyone that is drinking. Not forever, but for the first few months at least.
Posted by just so sad on February 7, 2005, at 16:17:59
In reply to Re: What is wrong?? Nothing! » just so sad, posted by AuntieMel on February 7, 2005, at 15:40:53
Thanks - I appreciate your support more than you know. It seems like such a huge step - to never drink again??? It is so comforting (alcohol). I know I have to work through this. I just wanted to be stronger emotionally before I took this on, but so far the effexor isn't really taking hold. I see the doc again in a couple of weeks and I may have to switch meds. Thanks again for caring enough to reply to my post!
Posted by Fred23 on February 7, 2005, at 19:12:31
In reply to Re: What is wrong?? Nothing! » AuntieMel, posted by just so sad on February 7, 2005, at 16:17:59
> It seems like such a huge step - to never drink again??? It is so comforting (alcohol).
Have you tried the benzodiazepines? They are much more comforting than alcohol, to the point where you might wonder why you ever bothered with alcohol in the first place.
Posted by just so sad on February 7, 2005, at 23:24:26
In reply to Re: What is wrong?? Nothing! » just so sad, posted by Fred23 on February 7, 2005, at 19:12:31
Are they addictive?? Do they cure cravings?? What are the side effects?
Posted by antigua on February 8, 2005, at 10:00:30
In reply to What is wrong with me???, posted by just so sad on February 2, 2005, at 10:27:30
That's a loaded question, "What's wrong with me?" and it can mean so many things to so many people. Maybe you could try a more positive approach to yourself and see what's right with you and think about what you want out of life and how alcohol may be getting in the way of your dreams??
Making a decision to never have another drink in your life is HUGE. I know you've heard it before, but just think about today and what you can plan to do to not drink. I know what you mean when you describe how it eats at you all day long. I still feel that sometimes and wish I could just have a drink to quit thinking about it!
Urges pass, I swear they do and finding other, more helpful ways to deal with them (plan on rewarding youself, maybe) can lessen them.
Someone told me once that you have to believe in yourself, you have to believe you can do it.
best wishes,
antigua
Posted by just so sad on February 8, 2005, at 11:36:26
In reply to Re: What is wrong with me??? » just so sad, posted by antigua on February 8, 2005, at 10:00:30
Thank you SO MUCH for your encouragement. I really appreciate being able to share here. I'll check back in soon.
Sad
Posted by AuntieMel on February 8, 2005, at 11:47:32
In reply to Re: What is wrong?? Nothing! » AuntieMel, posted by just so sad on February 7, 2005, at 16:17:59
You are right. It is a huge step. And one that scares the bejaggers out of any confirmed drunk. Never just seems so - final.
I made a decision to not drink until I could get the depression straightened out, and then reconsider it. That was 21 months ago.
And be very careful. Benzos are *very* addicting. Many of the people I detoxed with were getting off xanax. If you end up doing a hospital detox they will give you some for a few days, but no doctor with any integrity will give you a prescription now. Not only the fear of addiction, but the chance you might use them *and* drink - which can be fatal. (read about xanax withdrawal below)
My doctor just now gave me a prescription for a few ativan. I'm going through some really rough stuff right now and was in dire straits.
Posted by Fred23 on February 8, 2005, at 18:11:29
In reply to Re: What is wrong?? Nothing! » Fred23, posted by just so sad on February 7, 2005, at 23:24:26
> Are they addictive?? Do they cure cravings?? What are the side effects?
If your brain chemistry dosen't regulate GABA properly, taking benzos is like adding oil to a car that is always low, you'll always need to be adding that oil, likek your car is dependant on that half quart per week.
If your brain chemistry actually doesn't need benzos, then you could become addicted.
If not needed, they can have lots of side effects, but if needed, they may cause none.
Ideally, a knowledgeable doctor should guide the process, but even they don't always have the proper understanding.
Posted by just so sad on February 9, 2005, at 13:12:52
In reply to Re: What is wrong?? Nothing! » just so sad, posted by Fred23 on February 8, 2005, at 18:11:29
Thank you all so much. I finish my fifth class of "Awareness and Assessment" through our regional addiction centre tomorrow night. At the end of the class I meet with a counsellor to help me decide what steps I have to take next. Wish me luck. I'll let you know.
Sad
Posted by AuntieMel on February 17, 2005, at 16:34:57
In reply to To everyone who replied, posted by just so sad on February 9, 2005, at 13:12:52
Posted by just so sad on February 18, 2005, at 14:09:00
In reply to Re: How is it going?? (nm) » just so sad, posted by AuntieMel on February 17, 2005, at 16:34:57
I'm okay - thanks for asking. I'm disappointed in myself for my lack of control over my drinking. I had cut back alot, then a little, and now it's back to where it used to be. I keep hoping once I'm no longer depressed (waiting for meds to work) I will be stronger. I think I'll have to quit altogether soon - but as I said, that thought terrifies me at the moment. Thanks again for your concern. You seem like a very kind soul.
Posted by partlycloudy on February 20, 2005, at 7:58:58
In reply to Re: How is it going?? » AuntieMel, posted by just so sad on February 18, 2005, at 14:09:00
i have had incredibly bad experiences with trying to taper off from drinking. there is no moderation for me - i can't drink at all - and it seems i have to learn that lesson repeatedly. getting past the resentment (everyone else can drink, why can't i?) is a very big thing for me.
Posted by AuntieMel on February 21, 2005, at 13:03:18
In reply to Re: How is it going?? » AuntieMel, posted by just so sad on February 18, 2005, at 14:09:00
Tapering doesn't really seem to work.
I know it sounds so final to say "never" drink again. It's like booting out your best friend.
That's why I only told myself that I needed to quit until I get the depression under control - and at time I could re-evaluate the decision.
I've also found that doctors and family didn't really take my depression too seriously until I'd quit drinking. At that point the depression got worse, but it got more attention, too.
Posted by just so sad on February 22, 2005, at 12:33:08
In reply to Re: How is it going?? » just so sad, posted by partlycloudy on February 20, 2005, at 7:58:58
I haven't time to reply in full today - but thanks for your concern.
Posted by antigua on March 4, 2005, at 9:47:44
In reply to I'm hanging in there...thanksAuntie MelPartly Cl, posted by just so sad on February 22, 2005, at 12:33:08
It has been a while since we've heard from you and I wondered how you were. Need some support?
antigua
Posted by just so sad on March 4, 2005, at 10:25:14
In reply to How are you doing just so sad?, posted by antigua on March 4, 2005, at 9:47:44
I'm still here. Better than before - I think the effexor is kicking in - but I think I need to up the dose a little as I'm still not HAPPY (ha!). As for the drinking, I'm going to tackle it big time when I get back from holidays at the end of March (yeah, sure)...
This is the end of the thread.
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