Aa
meds, drinking, gambling
Poor judgement is mt story. I'm 35 and have a hard time sticking to anything. I have really good friends but not with a lover. I take 100mg of lamictal and have been for 2 years. It has definately helped my extreme highs and lows. Sometimes i wonder if it just makes me numb. Anyway, the question is this: I believe i have a drinking problem and have a history of compulsive gambling as well. I drink 2-3,4 nights a week. Am i damaging my mind? What is the answer? Is there a choice other than AA?
Namaste,
From your post I assume that you suffer from bipolar disorder since you are taking Lamictal.
Excessive use of alcohol with any medication can not only change the effect of the medication, but can also be dangerous. And yes, alcohol abuse will certainly cause damage to your brain cells slowly dissolving your ability to concentrate and your memory.
If you currently drink to a point where you have blackouts, you're on very dangerous ground. And even without blackouts, if you feel you are abusing alcohol, you probably are.
Alcohol abuse in individuals with bipolar disorder and/or other psychological disorders is a common form of self medication. In a sense, to control the "bad" feelings that we have.
An increase in your Lamictal dosage to 400 mg. per day may help as well as an addition of an anti-anxiety medication. This would help with the anxiety you may be currently covering with alcohol.
If you have an addictive personality however, you need to be aware of this before adding additional medications.
If you can discontinue alcohol altogether that would be the best outcome, but minimizing it to a drink or two a day at the most would be best. As I said, addition of an anti-anxiety medication may help. AA is always an option, although some individuals, like myself, cannot handle the crowds or rules. Attempting to get involved in other physical and/or spiritual(is appropriate for you) can often help. Activities such as yoga, tai chi and meditation can make a world of difference in your desire to drink. Finally,out-patient counseling is available also.
Your desire to stop drinking(and that's what I see this post as meaning) is admirable and it requires a change in your behavior. Some people can do that on their own, as I did, while others may need some support and most communities have the resources available for those who want that help.
I'm sure you can overcome any obstacle that may hinder your behavioral changes if you set your mind to it.
Let us know how you are doing and take care of yourself!!
And, as you know, we are always here when you need to talk. Get on the computer instead of pickig up a beer. You'll feel better for it.
Good Luck!
Michael
From your post I assume that you suffer from bipolar disorder since you are taking Lamictal.
Excessive use of alcohol with any medication can not only change the effect of the medication, but can also be dangerous. And yes, alcohol abuse will certainly cause damage to your brain cells slowly dissolving your ability to concentrate and your memory.
If you currently drink to a point where you have blackouts, you're on very dangerous ground. And even without blackouts, if you feel you are abusing alcohol, you probably are.
Alcohol abuse in individuals with bipolar disorder and/or other psychological disorders is a common form of self medication. In a sense, to control the "bad" feelings that we have.
An increase in your Lamictal dosage to 400 mg. per day may help as well as an addition of an anti-anxiety medication. This would help with the anxiety you may be currently covering with alcohol.
If you have an addictive personality however, you need to be aware of this before adding additional medications.
If you can discontinue alcohol altogether that would be the best outcome, but minimizing it to a drink or two a day at the most would be best. As I said, addition of an anti-anxiety medication may help. AA is always an option, although some individuals, like myself, cannot handle the crowds or rules. Attempting to get involved in other physical and/or spiritual(is appropriate for you) can often help. Activities such as yoga, tai chi and meditation can make a world of difference in your desire to drink. Finally,out-patient counseling is available also.
Your desire to stop drinking(and that's what I see this post as meaning) is admirable and it requires a change in your behavior. Some people can do that on their own, as I did, while others may need some support and most communities have the resources available for those who want that help.
I'm sure you can overcome any obstacle that may hinder your behavioral changes if you set your mind to it.
Let us know how you are doing and take care of yourself!!
And, as you know, we are always here when you need to talk. Get on the computer instead of pickig up a beer. You'll feel better for it.
Good Luck!
Michael
It all depends what kind of things your drinking really.. 12 beers 4 times a week will make you fat and wreck your body but thats mainly it. If your drinking spirits they defininately screw with your mind.. anything over 40% is technically just watered down nerve toxin and is a little like poison if you live off it.
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