Benzodiazepines

[phunky rich]

there are ways to treat anxiety without the use of scheduled narcotics.

[Tazman53]

phunky that is true except when it comes to some one who is "Clinically" suffering from chemical imbalnces in their brain.

[Barto]

Originally Posted by phunky rich

there are ways to treat anxiety without the use of scheduled narcotics.

Well, normal anxiety sure, but that’s off topic.

Assuming you are referring to my condition, I’d like to ask you: "Is that what you learned in medical school, Dr. Rich?"

[phunky rich]

Originally Posted by Barto

Well, normal anxiety sure, but that’s off topic.

Assuming you are referring to my condition, I’d like to ask you: "Is that what you learned in medical school, Dr. Rich?"

who easy there, you shouldn't assume anything, I was just relating my experience. sorry if I came across the wrong way. In my personal experience anti-depressants were one thing, but when it came to xanax and klonopin and other controlled substances I simply couldn't put them in my body. You may be different...

For me, there is a difference between "mood stabilizing" and "mood altering" drugs. If I take something that alters my mood it's only a matter of time till i start to drink. For this reason i don't smoke pot or anything like that either. But I can only speak for me, i certainly wasn't referring to "your condition" Barto...

Peace guys

[nandm]

Originally Posted by phunky rich

For me, there is a difference between "mood stabilizing" and "mood altering" drugs. If I take something that alters my mood it's only a matter of time till i start to drink. For this reason i don't smoke pot or anything like that either. But I can only speak for me, i certainly wasn't referring to "your condition" Barto...

Peace guys

Thank you for sharing your experience. There are many people who are like you who's anxiety can be addressed in non medication ways. Consider yourself fortunate that you do not experience the level of anxiety that others who have to utilize the medications do.

Please do remember though that there are also many people who have a level of anxiety that is so extreme that it truly interferes with their everyday lives. For me that means I can not leave my house at times, I can not be around groups of people (3 or more is a group), I can not work, I can not sleep, I can not function. For this type of anxiety, the non medication routes just do not resolve the problem as I still have to live in the real world while the anxiety issue is being addressed. I combine both non medication therapies with Klonopin as needed to address my PTSD and chronic anxiety issues. I do yoga, I use bio feedback therapy, I see a PTSD therapist, I see a psychiatrist, I exercise when I am able, and I also keep klonopin on hand for those times when the anxiety still winds up out of control and interupts my ability to function. I do not take my sobriety lightly nor do I see my klonopin as an escape from reality when I take it. It is a medication that allows me to live and function in reality. If I wanted to escape from reality I would just drink instead of wasting my time with medications.

I have had people try to tell me that I am walking a thin line with my sobriety or I am not sober because I take an anti-anxiety agent. To them and anyone else who cares to judge me, what my reply is that unless they have walked a mile in my shoes they have no idea how painful my blisters are. I consider myself sober as long as I am honest with my doctors and take the medications as prescribed.

[Barto]

Originally Posted by phunky rich

I was just relating my experience. sorry if I came across the wrong way.

With all due respect, I didn’t hear any experience in your first post, but apology accepted, and no hard feelings. I would like to flesh out the issue a bit if you don’t mind though.

Originally Posted by phunky rich

In my personal experience anti-depressants were one thing, but when it came to Xanax and Klonopin and other controlled substances I simply couldn't put them in my body. You may be different...

We are different. I haven’t been diagnosed with depression (although I get very depressed when I quit the “mood altering drug” caffeine). I’ve been diagnosed with panic disorder. So you could say that Klonopin is a “mood stabilizing” drug in me if you like. Although, I suggest a “mood stabilizing” drug is a “mood altering” drug (albeit with a positive connotation). It alters your mood toward stability (whatever that is).

Originally Posted by phunky rich

For me, there is a difference between "mood stabilizing" and "mood altering" drugs. If I take something that alters my mood it's only a matter of time till I start to drink. For this reason i don't smoke pot or anything like that either.

I don’t do "illicit" drugs because I’m afraid they may lead to my drinking or to my being hooked on something potentially as hazardous as booze (if there is such a thing for this alcoholic). Did you eventually drink after taking a so-called mood altering drug or are you speculating, just curious?

And, if you don’t mind me asking, if you still see a "relevant" difference between a “mood stabilizing” and “mood altering” drug, what exactly is that difference? And are all mood altering drugs bad? Isn’t caffeine a mood altering drug; isn’t nicotine. (These are rhetorical questions, the answers to which are a scientifically, undisputed yes). The point is that I think many alcoholics can take mood altering drugs and not drink. I don’t advocate this except under a doctor’s care. It is risky. I’m just making the point.

FYI, I’ve been taking this stuff for the past few years and I haven’t abused it, or drank alcohol, in over twenty years. Have you read AA’s literature on the subject? Here are a couple of links that are very informative. After all, this is the quasi AA forum not the quasi NA forum, right?

Alcoholics Anonymous :
http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org/..._aamembers.pdf

No offense, but like I posted above, I have to keep this one real. My health and even my life may depend on it.

[phunky rich]

I can only speak for me.. You should obviously do what's best for you and it appears that you are doing so. I'm not trying to argue with you..I obviously hit some kind of nerve here so I'm going to move on. What i originally said had absolutely zero to do with you Barto..I'm sorry you took it personally.

[Barto]

You didn’t hit any nerve with me, Rich. I don’t take these things personally anymore. I’ve heard most everything in the rooms of AA over the years.

When I was first prescribed the medication, I was upset because I was uncertain about my sobriety. Then I started to research the issue. I educated myself about AA’s position on the subject by studying AA literature. I read things I would not have otherwise read (some linked to here). This has lead to growth for me. I’m just passing it on.

I also write these replies for those AA members who may needlessly be feeling guilty about taking prescribed medication when there is nothing to feel guilty about, provided certain guidelines are followed. And now you have the opportunity to read, if you care to know. Of course, these are only guidelines because AA is not concerned with drugs, only alcohol. AA defines sobriety as “freedom from alcohol,” period.

Do you know there are people in AA who would say that one who is taking anti-depressants isn’t sober? It’s sad, but true.

So, I post links to AA’s official guidelines when the subject comes up, and I question people about the statements they make on the issue. It’s all in the spirit of sharing and growing. It is not personal at all. When I wrote no hard feelings, I meant no hard feelings.

[kelsh]

Hi nandm,

My story is exactly the same as yours only I take Alprazolam (generic for Xanax) & an antidepressant for my depression + another AD for my depression..I rarely use the Alprazolam and like you do anticipate a very serious event coming up and I take a very small amount... 0.5 mg as needed up to two times a day which would be about 12 hours apart. I used to take 1 mg every six hours so have reduced it a lot.

The psychiatrist that evaluated me asked me at the time if people in my AA groups talked against medications for depression....I told him yes they did...he told me not to listen to them...that my depression at that time could be life threatening without the medication on a continual basis. I had been sober nine months by then and had been admitted to a psyc-unit at a near-by hospital.

I basically kept my depression counseling and groups separate from my alcoholism counseling and AA Meetings, which worked good for me.

kelsh

[Kimmers927]

I am new to this forum, but saw this topic and wanted to post about my experience. I drank for 20 years (I have been sober now over 5). When I first got sober, I too was a wreck. I have always had anxiety yet my medication was drinking. So, after a few months sober, I was bouncing off the walls to say the least. Couldn't sleep, anxious, then depressed etc, etc. I was in counsling and it was suggested I talk to a physcian. So I talked to my regular doctor who definitely felt I should be on some medication or I might start drinking again. She didn't prescribe, she sent to me to someone more qualified on these type of issues. I went to a psychiatrist who did a full history etc, and prescribed paxil, wellbutrin and klonopin. Needless to say, it worked and I am much less anxious, able to think without racing thoughts and sleeping much better -- and sober over 5 years. I use the klonopin only during stressful periods or when my sleep patterns are not good. I agree with those who say, you need to recognize whats best for you. It was also suggested to excercise regularly and do deep breathing work. All of that has been so successful. Without the meds, I truely believe I would be drinking today. These meds do not make me stoned, high or whatever. They don't work that way. Used in conjunction with healthy activities make all the difference.

[Tazman53]

I am lucky, I am on no meds, but folks in my area of AA have a sensble attitude about meds, in a nutshell if a dpctpr [rescrines it and you are taking it as prescribed all is good.

We had a speaker last year who is schizophrenic (sp), when he did not take his meds eh wound up getting into all kinds of wild situations and would drink like a fish to boot. He has been taking his meds and is sober for quite a few years now, he is holding a job and living on his own. he had some wild stories.

[nandm]

Welcome to SR, Kimmers927!

Always good to see someone new to our forum.

Thank you for sharing your experience, strength, and hope.

[itisatruth]

One thing I have learned is that there is more gray than black and white. What I mean is, IMHO: whether or not prescribed meds are right or wrong for a person depends mostly on these things:

*Are the meds being abused?
*Are the meds benefiting your life?
*Are you taking as needed, or as wanted?
*Is your doctor experienced in dealing with this kind of medication?

Some people need help in balancing chemical imbalances, conditions, or difficulties. Others do not. It is for each of us to decide, for our own good.

[miss communicat]

Barto,

I missed this thread before but am glad to read everything since its a topic I do have some experience with. I have struggled with deprseeion and anxiety all of my life and have utilized every imagineable lifestyle change, holistic and natural supplement and superfood, tried every non-medical approach in the world including breathing practices, meditation, prayer, sobriety and sleeping, all with varying good results, none permanent as far as curing depession.

Which is to say, I now accept that I have serious clinical depression and anxiety disorder to the degree that it limits the quality of my life at times. Fewer and further between episodes but nonetheless, I have these issues.

Now, Im sober through AA, and 2 years ago, my untreated depression finally required medical intervention. So, I was prescribed an anti-depressant and anti-anxiety benzodiazepam.

In the Big Book I remember reading that alcoholics have lost the option of chemical peace of mind, and I took that to mean that if I took a chemical for peace of mind, I would no longer be sober. And I didn't want to undermine my sobriety at all.

I checked with my sponsor, who has 35 years in AA and she said that that was written at a time before perfectly suitable, non-addictive psych meds were available. The anti-d's she told me, are to repair my brain, and the benzos that were prescribed to me, by a doc that knows of my alcoholism, were safe.

Somehow, by my sharing this with my sponsor and keeping my conduct in the light of day, the drugs lost any "recreational" feel to them and I have been immensely happier since I've started them. I only take the benzo as needed which for me, is very rare. Like 3 times a year now.

Good luck and feel free to pm me if you have other questions. I'm happy to share.

[Puddy]

I was prescribed Benzos after a year and half of sobriety, in 2003. Halcyon (triazolam) for sleep. Had no idea what a "benzo" was, I was never a "pill" guy in all my 24 years of substance abuse/alcoholism. Just trusted the doctor. Pills lead to pills for me and I ended up losing my sobriety at the 5 year mark with prescription painkillers.

I do NOT recommend pills in sobriety if it can be avoided. Even if you can safely take them, you're still blocked from the Sunlight of the Spirit. Well, that's my story anyway.

Amino Acid complexes from the GNC will get those brain chemicals flowing correctly if you're in post acute withdrawal or in any situation. They do the same job as all these MAO's and SSRI antidepressants. With exercise and a good diet.

It cost me a lot of pain and a 5 year coin to bring you this story....make of it what you will. Love you all /// Dave

[Barto]

Do you mean you don’t recommend pills to your patients? No pills?

And you mean pills cut "you" off from the sun light of the spirit, right?

Are you actually saying that proteins will work in the place of anti-A’s or anti-D’s? On what do you base this? Do you guarantee it?

Sorry about your pain. I could give a rat’s ass about the coin though. What does a coin mean? What did losing it cost you? Or would you say you gained from losing it?

Seriously, thanks for the reply (especially the experience part, which is really all that is worth anything).

[nandm]

Originally Posted by Puddy

I was prescribed Benzos after a year and half of sobriety, in 2003. Halcyon (triazolam) for sleep. Had no idea what a "benzo" was, I was never a "pill" guy in all my 24 years of substance abuse/alcoholism. Just trusted the doctor. Pills lead to pills for me and I ended up losing my sobriety at the 5 year mark with prescription painkillers.

I do NOT recommend pills in sobriety if it can be avoided. Even if you can safely take them, you're still blocked from the Sunlight of the Spirit. Well, that's my story anyway.

Amino Acid complexes from the GNC will get those brain chemicals flowing correctly if you're in post acute withdrawal or in any situation. They do the same job as all these MAO's and SSRI antidepressants. With exercise and a good diet.

It cost me a lot of pain and a 5 year coin to bring you this story....make of it what you will. Love you all /// Dave

Interesting perspective and opinion.

Amino acid complexes from GNC will not do the same thing as MAO's and SSRI's. You are quite mistaken in that respect. You can speak with any qualified medical professional and they can clarify that the aminio acid complexes are not the same thing or an equivalent. They might help with situational depression but they do not help with a chemical imbalance in the brain chemistry. I feel it is very dangerous for anyone to tell others that they are "cut off from the sunlight of the spirit" if they take medications as they are prescribed by their physician. I personally have tried the amino and herbal remedies for my depression because I listened to those unqualified 'wanna be doctors" who said that taking medications would affect my sobriety. It nearly killed me literally. I did not want to drink, I just did not want to live. I personally know of people who have followed the ignorant advice to stop medications and have wound up succeeding at suicide. I realize you mean well sharing your opinion but please remember you are obvioulsy not a physician or a psychiatrist who is qualified to make statements regarding medications and their equivalents. Nor are you qualified to tell anyone what they should or should not be taking. You have no idea what illnesses, or mental health issues they may have. Remember your advice, while it may be well intended, can kill people.

To anyone out there if you are questioning whether or not taking mental health drugs as prescribed will affect your quality of sobriety; be honest with your health care provider about your concerns and recovery. That will allow your medical provider to partner with you to ensure the medications you are prescribed are the best ones for you. Please do not stop taking your medications because someone claims that taking them is wrong.

Personally if it were not for my anti depressants I would not be alive to enjoy my sobriety. I also have more spirituality in my life today than I have ever had. I have not been cut off from my HP. My HP is based on love and compassion not strict, stringent, dictations.

[miss communicat]

Originally Posted by Puddy

I was prescribed Benzos after a year and half of sobriety, in 2003. Halcyon (triazolam) for sleep. Had no idea what a "benzo" was, I was never a "pill" guy in all my 24 years of substance abuse/alcoholism. Just trusted the doctor. Pills lead to pills for me and I ended up losing my sobriety at the 5 year mark with prescription painkillers.

I do NOT recommend pills in sobriety if it can be avoided. Even if you can safely take them, you're still blocked from the Sunlight of the Spirit. Well, that's my story anyway.

Amino Acid complexes from the GNC will get those brain chemicals flowing correctly if you're in post acute withdrawal or in any situation. They do the same job as all these MAO's and SSRI antidepressants. With exercise and a good diet.

It cost me a lot of pain and a 5 year coin to bring you this story....make of it what you will. Love you all /// Dave

I currently take amino acids and EFA's as healthy supplements , ie, IN ADDITION TO, to my prescribed meds and it is working nicely. I did not have the same experience you did however with solely taking amino acids instead of prescribed meds for depression. For me, that formula was insufficient. But I'm glad to hear you are back on track with your program.

[tkdan]

I truly believe untreated depression was the cause of many of my relapses. Now not only with the help of the AA program but also with help of meds to treat the chemical imbalances in my brain I have a quality and fulfilling sobriety.

Even if you can safely take them, you're still blocked from the Sunlight of the Spirit.

I have to trust that God's grace is sufficient. It is at times like this that I have to restrain myself from saying what is really on my mind, knowing it will do no good.
Barto this is a good thread! My ADs do not get me high but they do help to keep me sober.