Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 250268

Shown: posts 1 to 15 of 15. This is the beginning of the thread.

 

What time to take Lex?

Posted by Arrianna on August 12, 2003, at 13:25:13

Hi Everyone. I realize that there's no one time to take Lex, that it's on an individual basis. However, I was wondering what time everyone found it to work best for them. I have been taking it in the evening sometimes right before bed. I've been on it 5 weeks now, and I still have some insomnia and am tired and lazy in the morning. Thinking maybe I should experiment with the time I take it. What do you think? Would it make a difference? Please let me know.
Thanks,
Arrianna

 

Re: What time to take Lex? » Arrianna

Posted by galkeepinon on August 14, 2003, at 0:56:49

In reply to What time to take Lex?, posted by Arrianna on August 12, 2003, at 13:25:13

Hi Arrianna, I've been on Lexapro for about 2 weeks now. At first I had no side effects but the insomnia has been hitting me hard lately. I tried to take it in the late afternoon-and last night at bedtime-WRONG MOVE! So, this morning I took it in the am about 7am and I feel good tonight, tired, but I did sleep most of the day. This med seems tricky. I hope it doesn't fail me. What dosage are you on? That is exactly what I did is experiment with what time I take it and I think the am , for me anyway, is the best.
Good luck and please let me know how you do :-)
Gal

> Hi Everyone. I realize that there's no one time to take Lex, that it's on an individual basis. However, I was wondering what time everyone found it to work best for them. I have been taking it in the evening sometimes right before bed. I've been on it 5 weeks now, and I still have some insomnia and am tired and lazy in the morning. Thinking maybe I should experiment with the time I take it. What do you think? Would it make a difference? Please let me know.
> Thanks,
> Arrianna

 

Re: What time to take Lex? » galkeepinon

Posted by Arrianna on August 14, 2003, at 12:43:10

In reply to Re: What time to take Lex? » Arrianna, posted by galkeepinon on August 14, 2003, at 0:56:49

> Hi Gal. Thanks so much for responding. It's nice to know I'm not alone with the insomnia, etc. I still haven't changed what time I take it. I forgot to take it last night, so I think I'll take it earlier today- sometime late afternoon. I'm a little concerned about doing this in case it makes me tired. But, I guess it's that or the insomnia. Is your insomnia better now that you're taking it in the morning? Right now, I've been on 10 mg., but also thinking about experimenting with that as well: maybe try 7.5 mg for awhile and see how that goes. On 10 mg., I just feel so lazy and unmotivated! Most of my other side effects are going away (I can finally sleep through the night again once I do fall asleep). At two weeks, I think my side effects were at their highest, so hang in there. I hope it works for you as well. Your side effects should go away in time. What dose are you on? I'd like to know how you progress as well. Take it easy and Take care.
Arrianna

> Hi Arrianna, I've been on Lexapro for about 2 weeks now. At first I had no side effects but the insomnia has been hitting me hard lately. I tried to take it in the late afternoon-and last night at bedtime-WRONG MOVE! So, this morning I took it in the am about 7am and I feel good tonight, tired, but I did sleep most of the day. This med seems tricky. I hope it doesn't fail me. What dosage are you on? That is exactly what I did is experiment with what time I take it and I think the am , for me anyway, is the best.
> Good luck and please let me know how you do :-)
> Gal
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> > Hi Everyone. I realize that there's no one time to take Lex, that it's on an individual basis. However, I was wondering what time everyone found it to work best for them. I have been taking it in the evening sometimes right before bed. I've been on it 5 weeks now, and I still have some insomnia and am tired and lazy in the morning. Thinking maybe I should experiment with the time I take it. What do you think? Would it make a difference? Please let me know.
> > Thanks,
> > Arrianna
>
>

 

Re: What time to take Lex? » Arrianna

Posted by galkeepinon on August 15, 2003, at 3:29:10

In reply to Re: What time to take Lex? » galkeepinon, posted by Arrianna on August 14, 2003, at 12:43:10

Hi Arrianna:-) nope you're not alone with the insomnia-in fact it's almost 1:30AM *sighs* I am on the second day of taking Lexapro in the morning again-which is when I first started taking it. I think it's better that way for now anyway. I slept a lot the past few days by doing this but oh well is what I say. It is helping my depression. I'm on 10mg and I feel really unmotivated. Iam in school and am having a really hard time getting motivated to work on it. I go into swings-work hard then don't care-NOT a way to be.
I just started my 3rd week today. Please wish me luck-I so need it. Please keep me posted on you too k? Did you have any other side effects on Lexapro when you first started it-like at 2 weeks? Hope to hear back:-)

Best, Gal

> > Hi Gal. Thanks so much for responding. It's nice to know I'm not alone with the insomnia, etc. I still haven't changed what time I take it. I forgot to take it last night, so I think I'll take it earlier today- sometime late afternoon. I'm a little concerned about doing this in case it makes me tired. But, I guess it's that or the insomnia. Is your insomnia better now that you're taking it in the morning? Right now, I've been on 10 mg., but also thinking about experimenting with that as well: maybe try 7.5 mg for awhile and see how that goes. On 10 mg., I just feel so lazy and unmotivated! Most of my other side effects are going away (I can finally sleep through the night again once I do fall asleep). At two weeks, I think my side effects were at their highest, so hang in there. I hope it works for you as well. Your side effects should go away in time. What dose are you on? I'd like to know how you progress as well. Take it easy and Take care.
> Arrianna
>
> > Hi Arrianna, I've been on Lexapro for about 2 weeks now. At first I had no side effects but the insomnia has been hitting me hard lately. I tried to take it in the late afternoon-and last night at bedtime-WRONG MOVE! So, this morning I took it in the am about 7am and I feel good tonight, tired, but I did sleep most of the day. This med seems tricky. I hope it doesn't fail me. What dosage are you on? That is exactly what I did is experiment with what time I take it and I think the am , for me anyway, is the best.
> > Good luck and please let me know how you do :-)
> > Gal
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > > Hi Everyone. I realize that there's no one time to take Lex, that it's on an individual basis. However, I was wondering what time everyone found it to work best for them. I have been taking it in the evening sometimes right before bed. I've been on it 5 weeks now, and I still have some insomnia and am tired and lazy in the morning. Thinking maybe I should experiment with the time I take it. What do you think? Would it make a difference? Please let me know.
> > > Thanks,
> > > Arrianna
> >
> >
>
>

 

Re: What time to take Lex?

Posted by Mariposa on August 16, 2003, at 11:59:22

In reply to Re: What time to take Lex? » Arrianna, posted by galkeepinon on August 15, 2003, at 3:29:10

Been on Lex going on 6mos. Started out taking dose in the morning, moved to afternoon, the evening, and now I'm back to as early in the morning as possible. It takes your body a while to get used to Lex, so I found that what seemed to work at first, changed, and I had to change with it. We are all different, and the only way I think is to experiment until you find something that works for you.

I was a terrible insomniac befor Lex, never getting a full nite's sleep, always woke up at 3-4AM and could NOT go back to sleep. Now I fall asleep easily and don't wake up until the alarm goes off. THANK YOU Lex!!!

Good Luck and keep us posted on your progress!~~~8|8

 

Re: What time to take Lex? » galkeepinon

Posted by Arrianna on August 16, 2003, at 14:56:02

In reply to Re: What time to take Lex? » Arrianna, posted by galkeepinon on August 15, 2003, at 3:29:10

Hi Again Gal! How are you doing today? So glad to hear that the Lex is helping your depression. You asked what other side effects I experienced at 2-3 weeks. Well, I went on Lex for terrible anxiety. When I started it, I wasn't depressed (at least didn't think I was). But after about 2 weeks, I got really depressed. I'm thinking it was because my mind and body were still adjusting to med., as well as from being tired and lazy on it. When I get tired, I become depressed. I also had horrible headaches, frequent urination, loss of sex drive, and frequently woke up during the night. Oh yeah, my appetite changed too. After I'd take it, I'd become really hungry even though I had just ate; and food didn't taste good, either. All this, but it seemed my anxiety improved instantly! I almost forgot I went through all this because it is soooo much better now. I don't experience any of these now. Thank God, they've gone away. I still haven't switched the time yet. It seems silly, but I'm too scared too. I have a three year old, so I'm afraid if I take it earlier, I might get too tired for him. I'm waiting for the right day.
It really sounds like you have alot going on in your life with school and everything. It takes alot of strength to do what you're doing so hang in there. The "motivation" thing is such a bummer, but I think it'll get better for both of us as time passes and we adjust to Lex. We can only hope. Also, if your insomnia continues to be a big problem for you after 4-6 weeks, you may want to talk to your doctor. Maybe you could get something that works with Lex to help you sleep. Just a thought. Take it easy and keep up your schooling!!
Arrianna

 

Re: What time to take Lex? » Mariposa

Posted by Arrianna on August 16, 2003, at 15:06:49

In reply to Re: What time to take Lex?, posted by Mariposa on August 16, 2003, at 11:59:22

Hi Mariposa! Thanks so much for responding. You really put things in perspective for me. I'm a slow learner at this and want everything to get better yesterday. It's good to hear that the med. will continue to improve for us in time. Right now, I still haven't experimented with my dose: I have a 3 yr.old, and am afraid if I take it earlier, I might be too tired for him. So, waiting for the right time. It also seems, though, that my motivation is getting better. That's whats been happening on Lex for me. I'll experience a negative side effect of it and then when I get the answer for it, it's better. (Still adjusting). Lol.
Anyway, really glad to hear that Lexapro is working so well for you. I'm finally able to sleep through the night on it again! At first, I'd wake up about every hour and then, I'd wake up at like 5 a.m. wide awake. Yeah, that sucks!!
Have you had to change your dose at all in the 6 mos. you've been on it?? Well, take care and enjoy the Lex. (Smile)
Arrianna

 

Re: What time to take Lex?

Posted by Mariposa on August 16, 2003, at 18:31:47

In reply to Re: What time to take Lex? » Mariposa, posted by Arrianna on August 16, 2003, at 15:06:49

Started at 5mg. went to 10mg around week 4. Saw pdoc a few days ago and got raised to 20mg. Do not take any other meds, and Lex is the first med I have ever taken.

 

Re: What time to take Lex? » Arrianna

Posted by galkeepinon on August 17, 2003, at 2:24:55

In reply to Re: What time to take Lex? » galkeepinon, posted by Arrianna on August 16, 2003, at 14:56:02

Hi Arrianna!! I'm so glad your anxiety improved instantly!! That is great!! Mine is slowly improving on Lexapro. My appetie is decreasing too. All I ate today was 1/2 a turkey sub, and some cookies :-) Sex drive is okay too ;) Today was a beautiful day! I finally got rid of some *toxic people* who basically screwed me over. Boy did I learn a lesson! I still get moody-I'm bipolar hehehe I'm still taking Topamax and Lamictal and it seems like a great combo so far!
Thank you so very much for your support, my schooling is getting more organized-I should have my Bachelors this time next year!
Keep me posted on how you're doing okay? I have been sticking with taking Lex in the am-seems great-way better for me anyway-good luck.
(((hug))) Please keep me posted :-)


> Hi Again Gal! How are you doing today? So glad to hear that the Lex is helping your depression. You asked what other side effects I experienced at 2-3 weeks. Well, I went on Lex for terrible anxiety. When I started it, I wasn't depressed (at least didn't think I was). But after about 2 weeks, I got really depressed. I'm thinking it was because my mind and body were still adjusting to med., as well as from being tired and lazy on it. When I get tired, I become depressed. I also had horrible headaches, frequent urination, loss of sex drive, and frequently woke up during the night. Oh yeah, my appetite changed too. After I'd take it, I'd become really hungry even though I had just ate; and food didn't taste good, either. All this, but it seemed my anxiety improved instantly! I almost forgot I went through all this because it is soooo much better now. I don't experience any of these now. Thank God, they've gone away. I still haven't switched the time yet. It seems silly, but I'm too scared too. I have a three year old, so I'm afraid if I take it earlier, I might get too tired for him. I'm waiting for the right day.
> It really sounds like you have alot going on in your life with school and everything. It takes alot of strength to do what you're doing so hang in there. The "motivation" thing is such a bummer, but I think it'll get better for both of us as time passes and we adjust to Lex. We can only hope. Also, if your insomnia continues to be a big problem for you after 4-6 weeks, you may want to talk to your doctor. Maybe you could get something that works with Lex to help you sleep. Just a thought. Take it easy and keep up your schooling!!
> Arrianna

 

Re: What time to take Lex? » galkeepinon

Posted by Arrianna on August 18, 2003, at 12:39:10

In reply to Re: What time to take Lex? » Arrianna, posted by galkeepinon on August 17, 2003, at 2:24:55

Hey Gal! Great to hear that things are going well for you: you sound really positive!! I really want to give you credit for your determination and persistence with school. That is great! Keep it up: I was going to school before I withdrew in 2001 due to stress and being overwhelmed. I plan on (hope to) go back once my life (inner and outer) are stable again. (One day at a time).
Well, I started cutting down to 7.5 mg. of Lex, which was going okay, yet I've been starting to notice some slight anxiety doing that, so last night I went back to 10 mg. So far, so good. Are your side effects getting better? Once mine went away, things got better. It seems that everything is coming more natural for me now- the way it's suppose to be. I'm still a little tired and out of it in the morning, but that goes away.
Anyway, really great to hear your positive attitude! Keep me posted.
Hugs,
Arrianna

 

Re: What time to take Lex? » Arrianna

Posted by galkeepinon on August 18, 2003, at 16:33:23

In reply to Re: What time to take Lex? » galkeepinon, posted by Arrianna on August 18, 2003, at 12:39:10

Hey Arrianna! Thank you for your support-it means a lot! I'm trying to persist with school, it just takes some really, really hard motivation to get me going a lot of the times lately, but once I get going-I'm fine. I'm really afraid of success a lot too. Don't know why though.
What were you going to school for may I ask? There have been many times I dropped out and I still have my days now when I feel like taking a leave of absence. I feel like you do, like I need to get my inner and outer stabilized more, but that could take me forever lol ,so I just do the best I can and hope for the best-but it's really up to me. The insomnia on Lexapro is getting much better! The depression has lifted a little and when I do get depressed, I'm able to think about the causes and think about how I can deal with it and accept it. It still hurts, but at least I'm not feeling as hopeless. I'm glad you're feeling better since you went up to 10mg-sounds as if 7.5 wasn't helping enough with your anxiety? How was/is your appetite now on Lexapro?
I don't get so much anxiety, more depression.
Keep me posted too:-)
*one day at a time* ;o)
Gal



> Hey Gal! Great to hear that things are going well for you: you sound really positive!! I really want to give you credit for your determination and persistence with school. That is great! Keep it up: I was going to school before I withdrew in 2001 due to stress and being overwhelmed. I plan on (hope to) go back once my life (inner and outer) are stable again. (One day at a time).
> Well, I started cutting down to 7.5 mg. of Lex, which was going okay, yet I've been starting to notice some slight anxiety doing that, so last night I went back to 10 mg. So far, so good. Are your side effects getting better? Once mine went away, things got better. It seems that everything is coming more natural for me now- the way it's suppose to be. I'm still a little tired and out of it in the morning, but that goes away.
> Anyway, really great to hear your positive attitude! Keep me posted.
> Hugs,
> Arrianna

 

Re: What time to take Lex? » galkeepinon

Posted by Arrianna on August 18, 2003, at 22:57:56

In reply to Re: What time to take Lex? » Arrianna, posted by galkeepinon on August 18, 2003, at 16:33:23

Hi- Just me again. Your support means alot to me as well. It's been good to be posting back and forth like this. (Smile) My appetite has gotten better now. Food is starting to taste like it used to (hallalulah!), and I don't feel like I'm starving after taking my dose anymore. Still, I don't feel like I need to eat that much which may be good for my belly, lol.
School: I was going to school for chemical dependency counseling. I made it through all the "classroom" part of the program, but quit after just 1 week into my internship. The internship would have only been 6 months, but it was a wake up call for me. I'm also a recovering alcoholic and compulsive gambler. I was still gambling then so when I was in my internship I realized I was just as sick as the clients. Ha. I don't know what I was thinking! I was a mess. I am now also recovering from my addiction with gambling and it's going great: 7 mos. clean. So, with a little more time under my melt and with ALOT more sanity (lol), I want to pursue my education again. This may be more than you wanted to know, but I get carried away easily: I can type and type and type.
Now I'm interested (have been) in knowing what you're going to school for?
Glad to hear your insomnia and depression are improving! Aah.....sleep. That's another thing with this Lex- I can sleep forever. Been sleeping at least 9 hrs. a night since taking it. Good thing I'm not working now- hah!
Anyways, take care of yourself.
Arrianna

 

Re: What time to take Lex? » Arrianna

Posted by galkeepinon on August 19, 2003, at 0:44:28

In reply to Re: What time to take Lex? » galkeepinon, posted by Arrianna on August 18, 2003, at 22:57:56

Hey there :-) First, I wanted to thank you for sharing that with me *smile*--of course I want to hear-please don't feel you ever get carried away with me-I'm not like that-I'm very understanding. I realized a long time ago when people open up sometimes that it helps to get to know them better and trust them easier-if that makes sense?
My appetite is still a little poor-don't eat much at all-which is good-need to lose a few ha!
About school-I think that is great that you went into what you did-even though you dropped out-it happens-really-I did it so many times I can't count, and I'm still trying LOL-try not to be so hard on yourself-I have to tell myself that ALL THE TIME! I am famous for that! My dad is a compulsive gambler really bad and he has a history of drugs and alcohol, etc. so I can relate to what you are going through. But more so, I study that stuff!!!
Yes, I am majoring in Psychology and one course I am taking this Fall is called *Alcohol, drug, misuse, use, and addiction*. I am a senior and I have a few more courses to complete. It has been a really rough road because of this illness-the lack of motivation on days, etc.
And YOU are 7 mos clean GOOD FOR YOU!!! Now, tell me, how are you doing it? Just think, when you are feeling *better*, you'll probably be one of the best chemical dependency counselors out there-because you will have been down the 'road'
I'm embarrased to say this because I feel lazy in saying it, but I hear you--I take my Lexapro in the AM and my other meds at night, I don't go to sleep until around 1 or 2am and can sleep like 9 or 10 hours too. LOL It just feels so good! I think as time goes on with the Lexapro-the insomnia is getting better.
Hope to hear back soon.
Take care:-)


> Hi- Just me again. Your support means alot to me as well. It's been good to be posting back and forth like this. (Smile) My appetite has gotten better now. Food is starting to taste like it used to (hallalulah!), and I don't feel like I'm starving after taking my dose anymore. Still, I don't feel like I need to eat that much which may be good for my belly, lol.
> School: I was going to school for chemical dependency counseling. I made it through all the "classroom" part of the program, but quit after just 1 week into my internship. The internship would have only been 6 months, but it was a wake up call for me. I'm also a recovering alcoholic and compulsive gambler. I was still gambling then so when I was in my internship I realized I was just as sick as the clients. Ha. I don't know what I was thinking! I was a mess. I am now also recovering from my addiction with gambling and it's going great: 7 mos. clean. So, with a little more time under my melt and with ALOT more sanity (lol), I want to pursue my education again. This may be more than you wanted to know, but I get carried away easily: I can type and type and type.
> Now I'm interested (have been) in knowing what you're going to school for?
> Glad to hear your insomnia and depression are improving! Aah.....sleep. That's another thing with this Lex- I can sleep forever. Been sleeping at least 9 hrs. a night since taking it. Good thing I'm not working now- hah!
> Anyways, take care of yourself.
> Arrianna

 

Re: What time to take Lex? » galkeepinon

Posted by Arrianna on August 19, 2003, at 12:23:51

In reply to Re: What time to take Lex? » Arrianna, posted by galkeepinon on August 19, 2003, at 0:44:28

Hi Gal! Thank You! Thank You! And, Thank You! Your post has been the light of my day so far. Woke up really groggy this morning, and with a headache. Took my lex earlier last night than usual. So, thinking that is why?
I really do appreciate your support and understanding. At the time I dropped out of school, I think it is what I needed to do. It was the right decision for me then, but still at times I have some regret. My family doesn't help either. They don't understand my illnesses- nor, the importance of taking time to take care of me. It's frustrating with them at times, but I'm the one who has to stay true to me.
I'm sorry to hear about your dad. Gambling addiction is one of the toughest! I also have an aunt who is a compulsive gambler, and had an uncle who was as well. Then my "ex"step-dad was/is an alcoholic. It truly does run in the genes.
I don't know if you've heard or not, but many studies have been done, and the effect gambling has on the brain is just like that of cocaine, heroin and alcohol. The only difference is how you take the drug.
I really don't know how I did it. I'm still amazed that I'm free from gambling today. It ruled and controlled my life to the fullest. I guess with my gambling, I just got really sick and tired of the pain to the point that I didn't even enjoy it anymore. The last time I went, I lost my rent money, and had to force the tears from coming when I was still gambling. I was so miserable. It was then that I finally surrendered to this thing. It took many trys, but I finally realized that I couldn't control it nor would I ever win. So, "surrender" and "acceptance".
Also, I really wanted recovery. I wanted a better life, I wanted to be a better person- free of addiction. I truly believe that in order for one to be successful with recovery, one has to want recovery more than gambling (or whatever the drug is). But, what really has saved me is GA. Without GA, I don't know where I'd be. The support and fellowship of the group is so crucial.
Thanks also for your interest in how i did it: I love talking about it- to anyone who will listen. I also need to.
How's your relationship with your dad? That has to be hard, too. He has to quit when he's ready. Only the addict knows when they're ready to do it. Until then, (most likely and unfortunately), nothing will work. But, there is hope.
I don't know your situation with your dad or anything, but if you're interested or haven't checked it out already, there is Al-Anon and Gam-Anon. It could be a huge help for you.
Also, want to give you a BIG THUMBS UP for doing what you're doing!! You're breaking the cycle by not only going to school, but by bettering yourself as a person. It is a tough road, but your rewards will be worth it! It's got to be one of the hardest things to stop the pattern of illness, but you are and can do it! And, your determination to keep trying gives me strength to never give up. "We meet failure on the road to success".
Thanks again, Gal! It's been great getting to know you better here, and I hope we can continue to support eachother.
Hugs,
Arrianna

 

Re: What time to take Lex? » Arrianna

Posted by galkeepinon on August 19, 2003, at 19:19:22

In reply to Re: What time to take Lex? » galkeepinon, posted by Arrianna on August 19, 2003, at 12:23:51

Hi Arrianna!:-) I took Lexapro around 11AM today and I felt groggy today too, it's weird. It is really helping with my depression though, and how I'm thinking about things-I just like it so far! I think I've lost about 5 Lbs too whoooooooopeee!!!
Did your day continue to be good I hope? Sometimes people, even friends and family don't understand our illness and it hurts-believe me-I know. Right~~You know what they say, *To thine own self be true*
Regarding running in the genes~~~yeah-I have a very addictive personality like my dad-but never got the alcoholic/gambling part of it, I was very fortunate, but I still struggle with other addictions. I heard someone say a long time ago in a therapy group I went to that she got *jeans* from her mom and *genes* from her dad~~~I thought that was funny-do you know what I mean??? LOL It's like I seemed to inherit my dad's personality and a little of my mom's, but when I was little she bought me clothes aka as *jeans*-she seems a little more 'normal' than my father with the *genes* if you know what I mean?? :-) Let's just say, she's never been in trouble with the law ;)
Yes, I do believe that ANY addiction has a certain effect on the brain-that is the *high* one gets from whatever activity they get 'addicted' to-whether it's cocaine,alcohol, sex, gambling, spending, food,etc.
*Surrender and acceptance*-yep I hear you-sounds very good-I am proud of you!!! Also, if you really wanted it, then you'll work towards it and you did and you are. I have to remind myself of that everyday too (another thing;)LOL)
Right now, my dad and I don't talk (on his choice) too much abuse and manipulation towards me and I couldn't handle it anymore. It hurts, I still cry about-a few weeks ago I cried for about 2 hours really HARD-that will hold me over til next month ot so LOL-of course it hurts, but what can I do, I can't control anyone else butmyself and if he wants to m iss out on his daughter's life-then that's *his* choice.
Anyway, I hope you have a grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreat night and talk to you soon. I'm here for you, and to support you the best that I am able anytime! I'm off and online throughout the week.
((((hug))))) right back to you:-)
Galkeepinon

> Hi Gal! Thank You! Thank You! And, Thank You! Your post has been the light of my day so far. Woke up really groggy this morning, and with a headache. Took my lex earlier last night than usual. So, thinking that is why?
> I really do appreciate your support and understanding. At the time I dropped out of school, I think it is what I needed to do. It was the right decision for me then, but still at times I have some regret. My family doesn't help either. They don't understand my illnesses- nor, the importance of taking time to take care of me. It's frustrating with them at times, but I'm the one who has to stay true to me.
> I'm sorry to hear about your dad. Gambling addiction is one of the toughest! I also have an aunt who is a compulsive gambler, and had an uncle who was as well. Then my "ex"step-dad was/is an alcoholic. It truly does run in the genes.
> I don't know if you've heard or not, but many studies have been done, and the effect gambling has on the brain is just like that of cocaine, heroin and alcohol. The only difference is how you take the drug.
> I really don't know how I did it. I'm still amazed that I'm free from gambling today. It ruled and controlled my life to the fullest. I guess with my gambling, I just got really sick and tired of the pain to the point that I didn't even enjoy it anymore. The last time I went, I lost my rent money, and had to force the tears from coming when I was still gambling. I was so miserable. It was then that I finally surrendered to this thing. It took many trys, but I finally realized that I couldn't control it nor would I ever win. So, "surrender" and "acceptance".
> Also, I really wanted recovery. I wanted a better life, I wanted to be a better person- free of addiction. I truly believe that in order for one to be successful with recovery, one has to want recovery more than gambling (or whatever the drug is). But, what really has saved me is GA. Without GA, I don't know where I'd be. The support and fellowship of the group is so crucial.
> Thanks also for your interest in how i did it: I love talking about it- to anyone who will listen. I also need to.
> How's your relationship with your dad? That has to be hard, too. He has to quit when he's ready. Only the addict knows when they're ready to do it. Until then, (most likely and unfortunately), nothing will work. But, there is hope.
> I don't know your situation with your dad or anything, but if you're interested or haven't checked it out already, there is Al-Anon and Gam-Anon. It could be a huge help for you.
> Also, want to give you a BIG THUMBS UP for doing what you're doing!! You're breaking the cycle by not only going to school, but by bettering yourself as a person. It is a tough road, but your rewards will be worth it! It's got to be one of the hardest things to stop the pattern of illness, but you are and can do it! And, your determination to keep trying gives me strength to never give up. "We meet failure on the road to success".
> Thanks again, Gal! It's been great getting to know you better here, and I hope we can continue to support eachother.
> Hugs,
> Arrianna


This is the end of the thread.


Show another thread

URL of post in thread:


Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ


[dr. bob] Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD, bob@dr-bob.org

Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.