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Originally Posted by aGrandma  My husband has shoulder injuries which prevent him from lying down without a lot of pain, so he cannot sleep unless he drinks alcohol. He has tried physical therapy, cortizone shots, and prescription drugs (pain pills, anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxers), and he claims nothing really helps. Because of this he drinks a 12-pack of beer each and every day, just to sleep at night. He swears he hates it, he doesn't like the taste, etc., but he has to do it to sleep (so he can work the next day.) This has been constant for at least 5 years. He is depressed and hates this way of life. I don't know who to turn to - his m.d.'s keep giving him more stuff that does not work (physical therapy, etc.) I feel bad for him and his depression. What can I do to help him? He went to a therapist who referred him to a psychiatrist, who in turn prescribed an anti-depressant, and told him to quit drinking. He tells me it's not as simple as that since he needs to drink so he can sleep, so he can work, etc. - see? It's a viscious cycle. Is he exaggerating his shoulder pain? Help! What can I do? Who can help us? |
Oh yes aG, that certainly does sound familiar. I went through a period of time that I drank JUST to get some sleep. That was at the very beginning of my Drinking Career. I was told by a Doctor AND my husband at that time to "Have a drink" that'll knock you out. Well, I DID have a drink and a few million more. Stayed up alot of nights too not giving a flying crap if I was awake or not, just having a good old time.
Yes, it IS a viscious cycle and he may have to do the cycle for a while until he sees that it's really a Bad Road to go down.
I quit drinking a few times for long periods but went back BECAUSE of physical pain. I think THAT is just the Worst trigger for us.
Now if I have pain I TRY to figure out WHY it's there and what I can do, besides drinking, to prevent it or alleviate it when it happens.
Since he has You there maybe a nice, warming massage? There is a warming lotion you can buy. Can't recall the name right now but I'll see if I can find it.
A hot shower or long hot soak, a heating pad, Bengay, buy a tub Spa, they aren't that expensive. Go to the Y and sit in the whirlpool if you can or Swim, or for him just float in the warm pool if they have one. Also, there are OTC pain meds you can try, I use Momentum sometimes for back pain and it works Very well for being OTC. A masseuse might help.
I feel bad for any Alcoholic who has to deal with physical pain. Is your husband's pain from a accident?