Alcoholism and/or Other Ailments

[cubbie]

I definitely have a problem with alcohol. Although I never drank daily, I did drink to the point of black out often. I'm having trouble figuring out why I continued to drink after serious events such as DWI arrests. The scary thing is that I don't remember getting into the car or turning the key prior to my 3 arrests. Is is alcoholism that made me feel confident that I wouldn't get in trouble again? Was it my subconscious that was addicted to alcohol? What caused me to drive in a black out? I believe I can refrain from alcohol because I have lost everything and I have little hope to regain my previous life. However, I feel I have other issues related to depression and anxiety. Will these issues resolve themselves after prolonged sobriety?

[Ten Chips Down]

Yep!

If you were superhuman and able to sustain that prolonged period of sobriety.

See, alcoholism is a addiction of both mind and body. Depression and anxiety go hand-in-hand with the addiction. Stop the addiction, and you're likely to experience these things for a longer time than you can withstand.

Medication will probably be in order. An antidepressant (strictly up to a doctor of course) and 90 days of sobriety might turn you into a new person, Cubbie.

The most frightening thing about your rationalizating, though is "I believe I can refrain from alcohol because I have lost everything and I have little hope to regain my previous life." That's dangerous thinking and ignores the fact that you may have a very serious illness, some call it a disease, called alcoholism.

Best to address that head-on FIRST. Seek advice from doctor and shoot for those 90 days of sobriety, through whatever route that may require.

Luck,
John

[MarkSichelCSW]

Run....to AA. You're in denial about your alcoholism and it sounds serious. As far as anxiety and depression, they won't just go away without help. I'd go to AA and also get whatever kind of counseling you can get.

[Found]

You and I know we aren't drinking today because of what we lost. Will we be able to rely on our thinking tomorrow?
I'm like you and am:
- exploring medications in conjunction with doctors and pharmacist
- researching counsellors to get help from (especially low cost ones )
- looking to reinforce my not very long renewed sobriety
I don't know what events may throw at me tomorrow to unnerve me.
I think the more different sources of help we seek, the better, including AA which doesn't just consist of one meeting.

[Ten Chips Down]

Hi Cubbie...

I sure hope you don't feel like you're being ganged up on or anything but I just read your post again and God.

There a dozen things that jump out pointing to what Mark said.

Primary among them being your trying to understand anterograde amnesia, or the "blackout." See, no one knows the "why" of these things. The more frightening thging to us outsiders; objective people not in denial--is the fact that you did this THREEE TIMES and are still scratching your head wondering "now why did i do that again?".

"Around the tables" in meetings you'll hear it again and again that insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.

I really am sorry for the preaching, but at least know that I'm putting all this out there for ALL still-suffering alcoholics to read - I ain't pickin' on you.

God bless.

-TCD-

[CAS116]

First things first: do not consume any alcohol.

Second, realize that it is your life at stake; and, you have the power within yourself to change. Take control.

Third, explore your options. If you deem it useful, find a support group that fits you. Experiment.

Fourth, find a therapist and medication appropriate to your needs.