Posted by Chloe on November 28, 2001, at 19:56:02
In reply to Am I copping out by asking for a Benzo?, posted by Krazy Kat on November 26, 2001, at 20:39:22
KK,
YOu may want to try a local AA meeting and see what it might be like to try obstaining from alcohol in a supportive "one day at a time" setting.When I was hospitalized in my 20's, every patient was required to go to alcohol awareness classes and AA meetings 2 times a week. I thought this was ridiculous! I was never a big drinker, but I did like to have a glass or two of wine every night, or I was pretty cranky. And friends/family used to say how it "relaxed" me. I look back on what they said and cringe on how they enabled me...
Well, the awareness classes were pretty much a waste, but the AA meetings were very enlightening and helpful. Though I don't think I was an alcoholic, I was introduced to people who struggle daily to abstain from alcohol, despite the pain it caused them. And I also witnessed the destructive power of alcohol on the body, the human spirit, and relationships.
I did not stop drinking right away, but these meetings were very pivitol for me. I learned that everybody does NOT drink! And that I can survive a party or a happy hour without a drink in my hand and actually feel pretty good.
I also learned that I was making my depression worse with alcohol. Initially, it made me feel less anxious, but it came back in spades. I was often more irritable the next day, until "happy hour" the next day...I eventually figured out drinking was not worth it, I did not want to continue to numb myself. I wanted to find better ways of coping.
I have not really craved alcohol in years. There is just no room in my life for another depressant or mood DEstabilizer! The first few sips of wine were always so nice going down though! But mood wise, the price is just too high to pay, IMHO
Have you considered just going to an AA meeting before any med additions?
Just my thoughts.
Chloe
poster:Chloe
thread:85243
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20011123/msgs/85462.html