New and hello-female questions

[SoosieQ]

Hi all,
I am new to this website and am heartened by all of the support.
I am very holistically oriented (too many bad experiences w. Western docs and meds) and have been working very hard at uncovering the "root causes" of my relapses/ depression/ anxiety.

I've noticed that I can readily taper my drinking and take care of basic tasks for several weeks of the month and then I crash--hard(!) and can't manage to do anything very well for the following week or two. I suspect that this is hormones, although I haven't bled in over six months and it is difficult to chart. I'm 36-a little too young for menopause---and I'm scared.

There are days when I do little more than sit on the floor, read half-heartedly and, of course, drink (which compounds the problem, I know). I don't have insurance or a primary doc, so I am wondering what might help---if any of you have had similar experiences and what you might suggest.

Thanks for listening.

[beingjenagain]

Have you gotten involved in any support groups or therapy? I find that my AA meetings and this web site really help me alot in those "moments of weakness" To just have someone to bounce your feelings off without any hesitation is so awesome. You don't have to be a big God believer for AA as many think. in AA you can find people who really get what you are talking about and experiencing. I am 3 months sober and go to a meeting 1-3 times a week and just know it helps.
Wishing you the best and I know you will get tons of support here

[51anna]

I wonder when you talk about tapering your drinking. For me, tapering was hopeless. I would cut down nicely, and then be right back up where I started or beyond. And, I kept convincing myself that I could manage it. That was part of the insanity for me.

Have you considered stopping drinking? If so, the Salvation Army is very helpful or you can use AA or this message board - whatever works for you.

[SoosieQ]

Thanks ladies,
Yes, I have done lots of AA in the past. Good for social support. I'm also looking for physiological support. I appreciate that you have written. Anna, do you have any personal experience w/ the Salvation Army program? I just looked them up online, but they didn't provide any details. What do you know about their program?
Best,
L

[51anna]

I didn't go to a treatment centre, but I'll send you some info about the Salvation Army by PM.