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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by AuntieMel on April 11, 2005, at 12:04:02
Thank you so much for being here - and I apologize in advance if this is outside your realm, but Dr. Bob introduced you as a psychiatrist so I'll hit you with a medical/addiction problem.
Background: I started being treated for depression in March -02. My doc believed a lot of my depression could be explained by my drinking and that quitting would help.
April '03 I quit drinking. Almost two years ago.
The problem: After I quit the depression got worse. Much, much worse - to the point where I was no longer functional. {functionality wasn't a problem before, except when actually snockered} I literally couldn't even remember what I just did, much less what I did the day before. I had to make a list in the morning just to do minimal mundane things. Work was out of the question.
The addition of Wellbutrin to the coctail helped some, and adding Provigil also helped.
Do you know what it might be in my chemistry that is different? Why did drinking *help* my overall mood and function during the times I was sober? What might restore the functionality?
I went from being a 'rising star' traveling the world for the company (software) and being involved in many high profile projects - to barely being able to complete much simpler things and holding onto my job by a thread.
Posted by jeffrey d roth, md on April 11, 2005, at 22:15:53
In reply to Roth: backwards addiction, posted by AuntieMel on April 11, 2005, at 12:04:02
> Thank you so much for being here - and I apologize in advance if this is outside your realm, but Dr. Bob introduced you as a psychiatrist so I'll hit you with a medical/addiction problem.
>
> Background: I started being treated for depression in March -02. My doc believed a lot of my depression could be explained by my drinking and that quitting would help.
>
> April '03 I quit drinking. Almost two years ago.
>
> The problem: After I quit the depression got worse. Much, much worse - to the point where I was no longer functional. {functionality wasn't a problem before, except when actually snockered} I literally couldn't even remember what I just did, much less what I did the day before. I had to make a list in the morning just to do minimal mundane things. Work was out of the question.
>
> The addition of Wellbutrin to the coctail helped some, and adding Provigil also helped.
>
> Do you know what it might be in my chemistry that is different? Why did drinking *help* my overall mood and function during the times I was sober? What might restore the functionality?
>
> I went from being a 'rising star' traveling the world for the company (software) and being involved in many high profile projects - to barely being able to complete much simpler things and holding onto my job by a thread.
>Dear Auntie Mel,
Thanks for the question. I want to say clearly that as an addiction psychiatrist I have my own biases about the relation of addiction to other mental illness. That being said, I will state my opinion that most of us confuse alcohol with the "ism." Simply stopping drinking may exacerbate whatever symptoms led to drinking in the first place. I consider all of the symptoms part of the "ism." What recovery from addiction entails is addressing all of the components of the "ism", not only as a form of relapse prevention, but also to achieve a quality of life that is experienced as worth living. The folks in AA say that the "ism" stands for "I sponsor myself." Whether you are engaged in a Twelve Step program or not, I hope you have an opportunity to receive support from others who are recovering from alcoholism, and I suspect you will find a subgroup within any cohort who share your experience with depression. While medication may help, in my experience there is no good substitute for interpersonal support.
Jeffrey D. Roth, MD
Posted by AuntieMel on April 12, 2005, at 8:33:06
In reply to Re: Roth: backwards addiction, posted by jeffrey d roth, md on April 11, 2005, at 22:15:53
Thank you for replying.
When I quit, I didn't 'just quit.' I first checked myself into hospital for detox - just in case of severe withdrawal, which I luckily didn't have.
After that I went to five weeks of intensive outpatient. This was a group setting that met with counselors for three hours a day, four days a week. Since then I go there once a week for 'aftercare' and occasionally go to AA meetings. I don't do a formal 12 step program, but I go through the same work with my therapist, who I also see once a week.
I have a wonderful family support system also.
But to date the only thing that has helped with my brain fog and depression (and ability to function) has been chemicals. I think even my psychiatrist is at a loss - he's suggested I get another evaluation from a doctor he respects so they can possibly work together for a solution.
Needless to say I'm quite frustrated. I'm at a point where I'll try anything.
This is the end of the thread.
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