could use a friend

[bugzbunni]

Alcohol has turned out to be my major downfall. I used to enjoy soft drugs, now I find they aren't enough and when I'm high I want something else, more. So I've tried to stick to alcohol. Unfortunately because of some physical pain I was prescribed medication and I found the mix irresistible.

Now I'm trying to quit it all with just over the counter aspirin and I got to say it's hell. My body hurts all over. I'm trying to stay positive, look up, ignore the pain. Some days I'm losing the battle though and I'm afraid I'll sink back into that dark pit again.

Just would like someone to talk too, hear your story.

[ibizan]

so glad u gave up the drink...but oh those pills!what are u on?life could be better if u would kick those in the bum as well!

[ithoughtiwasalone]

Mate your not alone , I to have my problems with addiction like most of the people here . some have kicked them for nearly a year and are still struggling .
my mum started mine when I was about 15 , diet pills , she loved me to death and was only trying to help and ive been hooked on one pill or another since then , im now about to turn 45 .
I was dr4inking heavy up untill about a year ago and it cost me some realy nice ladies who wanted to be with me but couldnt handle it when I got drunk because I became stupid , i was dri nking up to a litre of southern comfort a day . and one day I just stopped it started to make me feel sick . one of the things I did was start eating , if you are a bit like me i cant dring if my tummy has food in it because i drank to get drunk not because I liked the taste .
i am still addicted to pills but I dont drink anymore and my life is better for it , Im alone and i wake up alone but hey ive got you guys here and your the people I never have to lie to , regards and good luck Don

[boogieman]

While most people only have a minor discomfort. Like ibizan said, there is a genetic component, both my father and grandfather were alcoholics- my dad died from it. Pancreatitis is an inflamation of the pancreas, which along with liver damage is common in chronic alcoholism, and can be fatal. As far as antidepressants, not all people need them, and those that do might need them for months or years. But it sure beats a slow agonizing alcoholic death. Also be careful mixing alcohol with other drugs, especially painkillers and sedatives, as this can result in respiratory arrest and death. Please talk to your doctor honestly about your concerns, and check out meetings in your area. You may need help to do so, but you can get through this. Take care, GM

[boogieman]

Hello. I can relate to being angry. I look at it this way, I drank so much for so long, more than most do in a lifetime, that I lost the ability to safely drink at all. And where others can drink in a controlled manner, I react to it differently. Just like someone who is allergic to bee stings and can die

[ibizan]

why did this happen to us?well i believe in genetic predispostion...my family is LOADED on both sides with addiction.I used to get very po'd that i could not drink or do recreational drugs normally.....i don't have an OFF switch...never had ...never will.....ain't wired right...faulty wiring!i look at it like its an allergy.....one of anything in my system is a toxin and wreaks havoc!so best for me not to bother with it!

[bugzbunni]

Thanks, I agree AA/NA, or whatever it takes effort. Boggieman glad u sober now. Someone told me they had to stay on anti-depressants 2 yrs. What is a developed pancretitis?
Izban to me soft drugs are anything you don't have to put up yur nose or veins.
Wesinbama, been taking meds w/ alcohol since I hurt my back.
Jacker, my story is so similiar to yours. And I been talking to others who say the hangovers lasting many days. That ***** the alcohol/drugs make you feel better and sicker, that's crazy. Why did that happen to us. I'm angry.

[Jacker]

It gets progressively worse....not better.  I started out as a weekender in high school, and kept my drinking at 2-3 times per week for years.  Then, i began to drink daily and I really liked the feeling it gave me. Initially, the alcohol helped me function in life......I seldom had a hangover and it motivated me....I thought I'd found the perfect solution.  Over the years though, it takes it's toll.  I needed it every night. No matter how many times I tried to take a day or two off the stuff, I would end up driving to the store by the end of the day.  Then came the heart palpitations, depression. lack of motivation, and increasingly high quantities.  It will turn around and bite you in the end.....I even managed to detox and experiment with occasional binges, but it was terrible.  I still need the high quantities, which now left me with 2 day hangovers.  

Quitting is tough, but worth it.  Try to get yourself into some kind of program - whether it's AA/NA, Rehab, Church- wherever you can get the help.  You can beat this thing, but it takes effort and action.  

[wesinbama]

how long have u been on the meds on top of the alcohol?

[ibizan]

what are soft drugs?Boogie gave u good advice......Ever been to AA and/or NA?What kind of support system do u have?partner?husband?family?older kids?friends?VERY IMPORTANT to have sober/clean friends!

[boogieman]

Hello. I can definitely relate. When I started out, in high school, I smoked a little weed, drank occasionally, and managed to function pretty well for a while. But in addition to the instant euphoria, I had also found a cure for my emotional problems, which I would learn in a few years were actually a combination of depressive and anxiety disorders. But the alcohol especially made me feel normal. As the years have passed, I have been through periods of sobriety usually increasing in length, but also horrible relapses which would be worse every time. I also would try to regulate my intake, but that became impossible and my tolerances have increased exponentially. As a result I moved on to much more potent drugs like morphine and heroin. But the same thing would happen- just like the alcohol, I had to have it just to function. I'm just coming back from a bad relapse (sober about a month now) that was preceeded by over 2 years clean. I was hospitalized 5 or so times, and also developed pancreatitis as well as an increase in my negative emotions. I'm now on an antidepressant, a mood stabilizer, an antipsychotic for anxiety, and a med called campral which reduces cravings. It is equally important to see my therapist, use support groups, and try to help others with similar problems. You can check out some of my earlier posts in which I went into greater detail, or feel free to ask any questions. There is a solution and you are not alone. Take care, GM