To be fair tho, does 'I used to be a heavy drinker' really give an accurate picture MM?
I know we all tend to downplay stuff but even the best Dr in the world relies a lot on patient disclosure.
I know there are bad doctors out there - and doctors who are good ones, but know little about addiction - but who knows?
you may have been prescribed something else if you'd reminded your Dr at the time of the length and breadth of your addictive history.
Hope...Ok I'm not American and it seems my health care infrastructure is quite different, ...but I owe the quality of life I have now to responsible medical input, and if I'd seen a Dr when I was trying to detox I'd be a lot better off than I am now.
I'd hate for newcomers to be put off seeking help.
I believe there are good doctors around...if you're prepared to spend some time and effort in finding a good one, and in being honest with them.
D