Will a Psychiatrist help?
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Virginia
Posts: 187
Will a Psychiatrist help?
As I posted in another thread, I'm going to see one this Fri. I feel that there are some major mental issues that have surfaced since going sober over 3 months ago. Have any of you been helped by a Psychiatrist? I'm fresh on Lexapro now, but it hasn't really gotten into my system good yet. I think it will set well with me, as the side effects haven't shown yet(less than a week)...maybe not time??? Anyway, I still haven't wanted a drink, and don't miss it. I do, however, miss my sanity........
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Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Atlanta, GA
Posts: 88
In my experience, yes, a psychiatrist will help.
Many alcoholics suffer from a dual diagnosis, which takes many forms, such as depression, anxiety, bi-polar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder. In many cases the alcoholic must be treated for both the addiction, as well as the underlying cause for the addiction (the dual diagnosis disorder).
My dual diagnosis disorder was severe anxiety. I've been to 4 rehabs in 2 years. The first three rehabs only treated the addiction. The last rehab I attended treated the addiction, as well as the anxiety. If I had not dealt with my anxiety, I would still be drinking.
I wish you luck.
Many alcoholics suffer from a dual diagnosis, which takes many forms, such as depression, anxiety, bi-polar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder. In many cases the alcoholic must be treated for both the addiction, as well as the underlying cause for the addiction (the dual diagnosis disorder).
My dual diagnosis disorder was severe anxiety. I've been to 4 rehabs in 2 years. The first three rehabs only treated the addiction. The last rehab I attended treated the addiction, as well as the anxiety. If I had not dealt with my anxiety, I would still be drinking.
I wish you luck.
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Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Here, Now
Posts: 4,268
A pschiatrist can help though a lot of what they do is dispense meds. I was on Campril for cravings and seroguel for sleeping/anxiety and something fore depression. I'm seeing a therapist where I actually do most of my self work.
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Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Dancing in the Light
Posts: 61,473
I think it's great that you are seeking support.
I believe that drinking is a symptom.
My depression began decades before I started drinking. I had to get the depression properly diagnosed and treated before I could stop drinking. I am still taking antidepressants and always will, to balance my brain chemistry. And, yes, once you stop drinking, it's necessary to deal with all the emotions and feelings that have been ignored. I hope the psychiatrist works out well for you.
I believe that drinking is a symptom.
My depression began decades before I started drinking. I had to get the depression properly diagnosed and treated before I could stop drinking. I am still taking antidepressants and always will, to balance my brain chemistry. And, yes, once you stop drinking, it's necessary to deal with all the emotions and feelings that have been ignored. I hope the psychiatrist works out well for you.
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Virginia
Posts: 187
Thank you all. I am pretty sure that I know what my main problem is, and it deals with "unforgiveness". I may be in for a tough time dealing with this. I am TRYING to maintain an 'open mind". Can't get to see that doctor fast enough!
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Join Date: May 2007
Location: Sweden
Posts: 1,649
When I got sober, the unresolved issues just came to the surface and I spent the first few months of sobriety being very angry. I did seek a therapist during the first months and she has been a life-saver. My sponsor has a backrground in mental health and she is fantastic as well.
I never knew what a roller coaster ride it would be...but I don't regret it.
I never knew what a roller coaster ride it would be...but I don't regret it.
member
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,433
In my experience, a psychiatrist can help a lot. Your sobriety is a big advantage, as most (conservative) pdocs believe that an accurate diagnosis can only be made after a patient has been sober for at least 2 months.
I encourage you to see a therapist as well, if at all possible - most psychiatrists are not therapists/counsellors. A therapist should be able to help you work through your issues, along with whatever programme you're using.
As a side note, my pdoc prescribed the med you mentioned as soon as I finished detoxing; she was not conservative
The med worked very well for me (YMMV, of course).
Good luck
I encourage you to see a therapist as well, if at all possible - most psychiatrists are not therapists/counsellors. A therapist should be able to help you work through your issues, along with whatever programme you're using.
As a side note, my pdoc prescribed the med you mentioned as soon as I finished detoxing; she was not conservative
The med worked very well for me (YMMV, of course). Good luck
Member
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Virginia
Posts: 818
Shrinks are good for dispensing meds, but very few of them do any therapy. I saw a therapist for a few years and she helped me a great deal. While I went the Campral/Paxil route, the therapy was of far greater help in resolving my "issues." It's good that you're seeing the mess that drinking kept locked in the closet. Now you can deal with your problems rather than hiding from them. My problem was never alcohol. My problem was me.
bona fido dog-lover
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: SF Bay area, CA
Posts: 99,759
I am blessed that my shrink is specially trained and educated in addictions. So he's not only able to help my mental illness but my alcoholism too. I hope you can find a good one.
Belgian Sheepdog Adictee
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: In Today
Posts: 6,101
I was a lot more 'stubborn' than you, thought AA could solve all my 'mental issues' lol for a long time.
Finally at 9 years sober I decided (I was stark raving nuts by this time, but still sober) that I needed professional help. Found a Psychiatrist that had been working with a lot of alkies/addicts (today she would be considered a specialist in addiction). I can HONESTLY and TRULY say that was the BEST thing I ever did for myself. She certainly helped me immensely and did a lot more than just dispense medication. She got me to look at things that I had buried so deep I didn't even know they were there.
So, yes, give it a shot, be as open and as honest as you can. Do, to the best of your ability what the Dr asks you to do, and I think you will be amazed at how much help the Dr will be to your mental and emotional sanity.
J M H O
Love and hugs,
Finally at 9 years sober I decided (I was stark raving nuts by this time, but still sober) that I needed professional help. Found a Psychiatrist that had been working with a lot of alkies/addicts (today she would be considered a specialist in addiction). I can HONESTLY and TRULY say that was the BEST thing I ever did for myself. She certainly helped me immensely and did a lot more than just dispense medication. She got me to look at things that I had buried so deep I didn't even know they were there.
So, yes, give it a shot, be as open and as honest as you can. Do, to the best of your ability what the Dr asks you to do, and I think you will be amazed at how much help the Dr will be to your mental and emotional sanity.
J M H O
Love and hugs,
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Originally Posted by 51anna 
I think it's great that you are seeking support.
I believe that drinking is a symptom.
My depression began decades before I started drinking. I had to get the depression properly diagnosed and treated before I could stop drinking. I am still taking antidepressants and always will, to balance my brain chemistry. And, yes, once you stop drinking, it's necessary to deal with all the emotions and feelings that have been ignored. I hope the psychiatrist works out well for you.
I believe that drinking is a symptom.
My depression began decades before I started drinking. I had to get the depression properly diagnosed and treated before I could stop drinking. I am still taking antidepressants and always will, to balance my brain chemistry. And, yes, once you stop drinking, it's necessary to deal with all the emotions and feelings that have been ignored. I hope the psychiatrist works out well for you.
I like psychiatrists, they help me to understand me better.
Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: San Francisco Bay Area, CA
Posts: 61
Watarman,
I think if you are on psychiatric medication, then yes, a psychiatrist is a good choice. However, I am a firm believer that cognitive behavioral therapy,personal lifestyle changes, nutrition, and spirituality can make a world of difference in almost any mental illness. However, there are some people with serious psychiatric illness which need medication at all costs.
I am sufferer of depression, anxiety, and panic disorder. I have been on all sorts of medications (celexa, seroquel, abilify, to name a few), and found that they have hurt me mentally and physically. In fact, it has been proven that some of these psychiatric medications (antipsychotic, antidepressants) can actually cause damage to the brain/body and make illnesses worse in some people. I would never take another psychiatric drug in my life, they messed me up almost as much as alcohol. I see a good psychologist, eat well, stay active, sleep well, and meditate. That has done wonders for me...more than a pharm. drug could have. However, to each his own. I have known people who have gotten great benefit from such drugs, just not myself. Just my 2 cents. Good luck.
I think if you are on psychiatric medication, then yes, a psychiatrist is a good choice. However, I am a firm believer that cognitive behavioral therapy,personal lifestyle changes, nutrition, and spirituality can make a world of difference in almost any mental illness. However, there are some people with serious psychiatric illness which need medication at all costs.
I am sufferer of depression, anxiety, and panic disorder. I have been on all sorts of medications (celexa, seroquel, abilify, to name a few), and found that they have hurt me mentally and physically. In fact, it has been proven that some of these psychiatric medications (antipsychotic, antidepressants) can actually cause damage to the brain/body and make illnesses worse in some people. I would never take another psychiatric drug in my life, they messed me up almost as much as alcohol. I see a good psychologist, eat well, stay active, sleep well, and meditate. That has done wonders for me...more than a pharm. drug could have. However, to each his own. I have known people who have gotten great benefit from such drugs, just not myself. Just my 2 cents. Good luck.
Not all better, getting better
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: The Beautiful Inner Banks of NC
Posts: 1,702
A lot of good advice here. As most have already said a psychiatrist is basically there for medication purposes. If possible one that has a background in substance abuse would be best. Make sure they are aware of your drinking past and be completely honest.
I would highly recomend seeing a psychologist for therpy, again preferably one with a background in substance abuse, but not necessarily a substance abuse counciler. There are questionaire/tests they can give you to help identify underlying issues and help you deal with them. It's ok to shop, find one you feel comfortable with. I have found a wonderful woman, who even though I have only worked with her a few times now, I actually feel some hope in my life that it may get better. It's been a lot of years since I could say that. Oftentimes if you can find a good psychologist, you may find the meds are no longer necessary. If you are comfortable and respect the doctor you are seeing for meds, ask him for a recomendation. It is best if they can work together as a team to help you. Hope some of this helps. Take care.
I would highly recomend seeing a psychologist for therpy, again preferably one with a background in substance abuse, but not necessarily a substance abuse counciler. There are questionaire/tests they can give you to help identify underlying issues and help you deal with them. It's ok to shop, find one you feel comfortable with. I have found a wonderful woman, who even though I have only worked with her a few times now, I actually feel some hope in my life that it may get better. It's been a lot of years since I could say that. Oftentimes if you can find a good psychologist, you may find the meds are no longer necessary. If you are comfortable and respect the doctor you are seeing for meds, ask him for a recomendation. It is best if they can work together as a team to help you. Hope some of this helps. Take care.
To Life!
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Rhode Island
Posts: 9,293
You ask a good question, waterman.
And it reminds me of a quote I once heard:
"The doctor you chose
determines the diagnoses you receive."
Go to a shrink, you'll get a psychiatriatric diagnoses;
Go to a GP, you'll get a physical diagnoses;
Go to a heart specialist, you'll get a cardiac diagnoses;
Go to a gastrologist, you'll get a stomach/intestine/bowel diagnoses....
You get the picture, don't you?
I don't know what you mean by "unforgiveness."
If it's for yourself, for others or others for you.
And for our purposes, it's probably irrelevant.
You know.
But, it *may* be that you should seek spiritual remedies for your ailment?
Just a thought.
I hope you feel better soon.
We care.
Shalom!
And it reminds me of a quote I once heard:
"The doctor you chose
determines the diagnoses you receive."
Go to a shrink, you'll get a psychiatriatric diagnoses;
Go to a GP, you'll get a physical diagnoses;
Go to a heart specialist, you'll get a cardiac diagnoses;
Go to a gastrologist, you'll get a stomach/intestine/bowel diagnoses....
You get the picture, don't you?
I don't know what you mean by "unforgiveness."
If it's for yourself, for others or others for you.
And for our purposes, it's probably irrelevant.
You know.
But, it *may* be that you should seek spiritual remedies for your ailment?
Just a thought.
I hope you feel better soon.
We care.
Shalom!
Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: San Francisco Bay Area, CA
Posts: 61
Originally Posted by historyteach
You ask a good question, waterman.
And it reminds me of a quote I once heard:
"The doctor you chose
determines the diagnoses you receive."
And it reminds me of a quote I once heard:
"The doctor you chose
determines the diagnoses you receive."
What a great quote! I will have to remember that.
Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 525
I agree with the folks who say psychiatrist's greatest advantage is in dispensing meds.
That is a huge medical benefit, and one i benefited from.
Before i went to a psychiatrist, i had seen a psychologist. For me, i didn't benefit too much from that. He wanted to find a historical event that caused my sadness. And he tried to blame mom. I didn't agree. And truthfully, it's unprovable.
If the psychologist can convince me that i'm screwed up for a specific reason, what do i benefit? Basically, i may somehow feel more confident for a time, now that I have a scapegoat that i can blame for the way i feel. But deep down, i was uncertain if he was right. All that i could tell was that he was trying to convince me he was right.
After 5 sessions, i concluded it was irrelevant. What's the point of even looking for a mental "cause" for the physical sensations of anxiety? It's probably chemical related anyway. I was never abused, I've got no anger at my parents or anyone, i'm not nurturing grudges. I just wanted to get rid of the weird constant butterflies in my stomach. I didn't feel they'd disappear because the psychiatrist revealed some subconscious "truth" to me.
Now the psychologist could say "You're in denial, because the truth is too strong. We need to spend time working through these issues."
For me, i'm very sceptical of that kind of reasoning. "Subconscious motivations" and such is just theory. And no matter how convincing you are, if you disagree, they can say "You're in denial." But how can "being in denial" be proved, other than through the psychologist's subjective opinion?
For my talk therapy, I feel SR is a better place.
And coupling that with an evaluation by a psychiatrist, and time on meds, was an effective way for me to unhook myself from alcohol. The anxiety went away, and the mood swings become much less intense. I was on meds for about 8 months and then i was able to get off them. And of course, each one of us is different. That's just my story.
That is a huge medical benefit, and one i benefited from.
Before i went to a psychiatrist, i had seen a psychologist. For me, i didn't benefit too much from that. He wanted to find a historical event that caused my sadness. And he tried to blame mom. I didn't agree. And truthfully, it's unprovable.
If the psychologist can convince me that i'm screwed up for a specific reason, what do i benefit? Basically, i may somehow feel more confident for a time, now that I have a scapegoat that i can blame for the way i feel. But deep down, i was uncertain if he was right. All that i could tell was that he was trying to convince me he was right.
After 5 sessions, i concluded it was irrelevant. What's the point of even looking for a mental "cause" for the physical sensations of anxiety? It's probably chemical related anyway. I was never abused, I've got no anger at my parents or anyone, i'm not nurturing grudges. I just wanted to get rid of the weird constant butterflies in my stomach. I didn't feel they'd disappear because the psychiatrist revealed some subconscious "truth" to me.
Now the psychologist could say "You're in denial, because the truth is too strong. We need to spend time working through these issues."
For me, i'm very sceptical of that kind of reasoning. "Subconscious motivations" and such is just theory. And no matter how convincing you are, if you disagree, they can say "You're in denial." But how can "being in denial" be proved, other than through the psychologist's subjective opinion?
For my talk therapy, I feel SR is a better place.
And coupling that with an evaluation by a psychiatrist, and time on meds, was an effective way for me to unhook myself from alcohol. The anxiety went away, and the mood swings become much less intense. I was on meds for about 8 months and then i was able to get off them. And of course, each one of us is different. That's just my story.
Last edited by AcceptingChange; 07-27-2009 at 08:55 PM.
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Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: The Swish Alps, SF CA
Posts: 2,144
I don't know if you are attending AA, but your meds are YOUR business (and your Drs and your Sponsors)
A spiritual solution didn't seem to work for diabetes, nor does it work for depression, Bipolar etc. what it does do wonders for is alcoholism, which frequently "is but a symptom", most frequently of a spiritual malady but often other underlying issues.
The BB states:
There are a LOT of well meaning people both here and in AA that will suggest a spiritual remedy when a physicians care is needed, they mean well but they can be quite harmful on occasion, remember, they aren't Doctors, and someone who has found a spiritual solution for their problems will many times insist that that's all you need for yours when in many instances that's just not the case.
A psychiatrist and a therapist couldn't get or keep me me sober but they sure have kept me from sorting my gun collection by barrel flavor on a few occasions while I was sober.
There is also an important piece of A.A. conference approved literature called "The A.A. Member - Medications & Other Drugs" that addresses these issues specifically plus issues of cross addiction.
A spiritual solution didn't seem to work for diabetes, nor does it work for depression, Bipolar etc. what it does do wonders for is alcoholism, which frequently "is but a symptom", most frequently of a spiritual malady but often other underlying issues.
The BB states:
"Now about health: A body badly burned by alcohol does not often recover overnight nor do twisted thinking and depression vanish in a twinkling. We are convinced that a spiritual mode of living is a most powerful health restorative. We, who have recovered from serious drinking, are miracles of mental health. But we have seen remarkable transformations in our bodies. Hardly one of our crowd now shows any dissipation.
But this does not mean that we disregard human health measures. God has abundantly supplied this world with fine doctors, psychologists, and practitioners of various kinds. Do not hesitated to take your health problems to such persons. Most of them give freely of themselves, that their fellows may enjoy sound minds and bodies. Try to remember that though God has wrought miracles among us, we should never belittle a good doctor or psychiatrist. Their services are often indispensable in treating a newcomer and in following his case afterward."
But this does not mean that we disregard human health measures. God has abundantly supplied this world with fine doctors, psychologists, and practitioners of various kinds. Do not hesitated to take your health problems to such persons. Most of them give freely of themselves, that their fellows may enjoy sound minds and bodies. Try to remember that though God has wrought miracles among us, we should never belittle a good doctor or psychiatrist. Their services are often indispensable in treating a newcomer and in following his case afterward."
A psychiatrist and a therapist couldn't get or keep me me sober but they sure have kept me from sorting my gun collection by barrel flavor on a few occasions while I was sober.
There is also an important piece of A.A. conference approved literature called "The A.A. Member - Medications & Other Drugs" that addresses these issues specifically plus issues of cross addiction.
"...A.A. members and many of their physicians have described situations in which depressed patients have been told by A.A.s to throw away the pills, only to have depression return with all its difficulties, sometimes resulting in suicide. We have heard, too, from schizophrenics, manic depressives, epileptics, and others requiring medication that well-meaning A.A. friends often discourage them from taking prescribed medication, Unfortunately, by following a layman's advice, the sufferers find that their conditions can return with all their previous intensity..."
"It becomes clear that just as it is wrong to enable or support any alcoholic to become readdicted to any drug, it's equally wrong to deprive any alcoholic of medication which can alleviate or control other disabling physical and/or emotional problems."
"It becomes clear that just as it is wrong to enable or support any alcoholic to become readdicted to any drug, it's equally wrong to deprive any alcoholic of medication which can alleviate or control other disabling physical and/or emotional problems."
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Virginia
Posts: 187
OK......Here's my problem....
I'll not be specific, but here's what I've been through. Let's say that you would NEVER even date a girl who had done certain "things"....That you absolutely DESPISED girls who had done these things. You get married, and a close family member gets killed leaving your wedding(in the car that you rode there in). Then, 2 weeks after your wedding, your bride makes a confession.......You cannot "break up", because how will that look, concerning the death of a family member and injury of another on your wedding day? You start to medicate your grief and pain with alcohol, and it continues for 21 years(but you drank well before then). You decide to quit drinking(and do), only to have the issues staring at you like Mt Everest each day. You realize that you have a good, loving wife, but can't seem to forget the pain. You don't want to let her know what is REALLY wrong, because you don't want to hurt her any more. But she seems to know what it is. When she asks you if it's HER, you say "no, it's ME".....because it really is.....You know it's YOU, for not being able to let-go of the past hurt. So, that's where I am.......Thanks for the replies!
Belgian Sheepdog Adictee
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: In Today
Posts: 6,101
Now you are getting into an area where ........................... WE ARE NOT DOCTORS OR PSYCHIATISTS .......................................... keep your Friday appointment.
J M H O
Love and hugs,
J M H O
Love and hugs,
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