SoberRecovery : Alcoholism Drug Addiction Help and Information - View Single Post - Need help...herbal supplements a relapse?

Rowan · 10-14-2009, 05:15 PM

Hi and welcome to SR.

I could identify with your post. I went through extreme anxiety and withdrawals in June and July after coming off my anti-depressants. It was so bad, I was briefly hospitalized. My intent was to stop one med and to start another, but unfortunately, I should have tapered as opposed to cold turkey.

At different stages of my own recovery, I've come off my meds, twice. Both times I figured I had enough sober time (2 yrs) to deal with life without medication. Turns out I was wrong - but that's my experience only. I have relapsed more than once over the years, and although I suffered from deep depressions each time, it was a combination of factors that led me to drink each time.

I take melatonin occasionally to sleep. I used to take valerian. I consider neither a relapse, as I take them as directed and don't get a buzz or anything from them.

I understand your desire to quell your anxiety when you were coming off the meds. But you didn't drink or take narcotics, so, IMO it's not a relapse.

I hope to see more of you here at SR. You've found a good place.

10-14-2009, 05:15 PM	#2 (permalink)
Rowan Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 12,138	Hi and welcome to SR. I could identify with your post. I went through extreme anxiety and withdrawals in June and July after coming off my anti-depressants. It was so bad, I was briefly hospitalized. My intent was to stop one med and to start another, but unfortunately, I should have tapered as opposed to cold turkey. At different stages of my own recovery, I've come off my meds, twice. Both times I figured I had enough sober time (2 yrs) to deal with life without medication. Turns out I was wrong - but that's my experience only. I have relapsed more than once over the years, and although I suffered from deep depressions each time, it was a combination of factors that led me to drink each time. I take melatonin occasionally to sleep. I used to take valerian. I consider neither a relapse, as I take them as directed and don't get a buzz or anything from them. I understand your desire to quell your anxiety when you were coming off the meds. But you didn't drink or take narcotics, so, IMO it's not a relapse. I hope to see more of you here at SR. You've found a good place.