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Severe short-term memory loss following decades of moderate drinking

I am a senior who has suffered from depression all of my life. I have been a moderate alcohol drinker for many decades. I stopped drinking almost a month ago, hoping my short-term memory would improve. It hasn't. In fact, it's worse than during the period of consumption. I've led a production life, publishing novels after retirement. I guess I'm just trying to reach out, for I have kept this to myself because I'm embarrassed.
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7052683 tn?1392938795
Hi Davmex,,

I know exactly where you are coming from. I am a recovering alcoholic of 30 years--I never had memory loss due to alcohol , when drinking or abstaining.

I have gone to numerous specialist to see if I had dementia, I am 66 years old)Many tests later NO.

What I found out to my utter shock was all my symptoms were coming from taking a Benzodiazepine called Clonazapam. I was on it for 2 years as prescribed from my doctor. She gave it to me for restless leg syndrome without warning me it was severely addictive, and the side effects are horrendous.

Check Benzodiazepine on the web for more info--there is a lot out there. It should only be prescribed when there is no other alternative drug, for Seizures and Anxiety....Especially dangerous for alcoholics !

Hope you find the answer. It is embarrassing. I would have to review my statements and questions just to be sure the words were there --because ibn addition to memory loss I could not come up with the names of simple everyday items. I had to point to them...People thought I was crazy with dementia.

Good luck, CML
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