trailrunrbyday

Hello! I am in Canada and I have noticed that people post about drugs they are using to help them with their sobriety - or with helping to stop drinking.

This question is honestly out of naivety and absolutely NOT meant to judge or question the validity or approach of utilizing a substance that may help any of us to ultimately reach sobriety.

For fellow Canadians - have you experienced a Physician who suggests this and if so - as a first course of action or as an aide if other approaches aren't working?

The 3 Physicians I have spoken with(2 my person Physicians and one a personal friend) have not breathed a word about drugs and supported programs/counselling.

For those of you in other countries - same question - is this something suggested immediately or as a course in the event that going the battle without is not working.

Keep in mind I have NO idea what any of these drugs are for(reducing withdrawal symptoms or helping to taper etc). This is an innocent question out of my own ignorance.

I also have not yet come across a fellow alcoholic regardless of how far they are (or aren't) in their journey that has said that they are utilizing any sort of drug.

Wondering if this is more prevalent in some countries than in other countries.

Thanks for your insights!

Ken33xx

I have a tendency to abuse everything so I have to watch out before taking any kind of medication.

You need to be true to yourself.

But I am not a doctor and often refuse to take part in such AA arguments.

When in doubt ask your doctor.

walkbeformakrun

In my experience, it is best to know your options before going to the doctor. You can then have an educated opinion as to what you want and take advice from your doctor. To expect the doctor to be as interested in your recovery as you are is unrealistic. Unless the doctor is exceptional. So don't assume that s/he is exceptional. Find out for yourself what your options are. Decide what you want and get the ok from the doctor or listen to why s/he thinks you should do something else.

My $.02..... Antabuse worked for me.

ScottFromWI

I personally try to avoid drugs of all kinds whenever possible, especially ones that might become new addictions for me. I understand that in many cases, severe withdrawal absolutely warrants anti seizure meds or other "emergency" type drugs. And for some drugs like anatabuse can help get through the initial stages. But as already mentioned, each person is different and only a doctor can really know what is appropriate to prescribe.

I do recommend asking your doctor about non-drug alternatives anytime something is prescribed, just to see if there is one. There are a LOT of people in the world that want a magic pill to cure their ills...and the medical field tries to oblige sometimes.

trachemys

Always the way to deal with doctors. Be informed and take charge of your health.

Sasha4

In the UK we are offered campral and antebuse, but I understand this is after counselling and therapy type interventions.

Some of the drugs, especially antebuse, are seen as antiquated and cause side effects and need monitoring, so they are used later on when perhaps treatment needs to involve drugs.

The NHS steers away from valium and benzo's but they are still given in small supplies for withdrawal.
There are often signs in GP surgeries saying 'do not ask for benzodiazepines we do not prescribe them'.
Most of the UK offers home detox if needed or there are specialist hospital and community teams available. We tend to have more short detox services than longer term rehab places.

I know some people moan about the NHS in the UK but really we are very, very lucky.
Referral and appointments to specialist services is often not immediate, but there may be a few weeks waiting lists and then you are seen.

In some area's where drugs and alcohol abuse is high, there are drop in centres and services that patrol the streets looking to help vulnerable people. In Glasgow at the moment there are buses that have been adapted to become drop in centres for vulnerable people who need advice and support. They are open all night and staffed by volunteers.

Are you thinking of trying these drugs?

Sasha4

To clarify in terms of what is available.

There are drugs that are supposed to help you stop craving a drink and if you drink while taking them you will become quickly ill. However, if you used household products, perfumes with alcohol, mouthwash with a % or ate food with alcohol in it you would/could become ill too.

There are drugs that help with withdrawal symptoms such as valium and librium. B vitamins are also used sometimes.

Then there are drugs for treating anxiety and depression which may occur when a person stops abusing or 'self medicating' with alcohol. It might be that untreated depression and/or anxiety or other conditions were not diagnosed and that maybe a reason why a person becomes dependent on drugs or alcohol.

Dee74

I think, in the end, you need to trust your Dr. If you don't then maybe a second opinion is called for.

Some folks get meds to help with cravings and some to help with withdrawal.
Some don't.

Every case needs to be assessed on its merits

D

trailrunrbyday

I might not have been clear enough in my original post - I personally steer clear of ALL drugs unless they are needed - I have very rarely used drugs at all (one night of Tylenol 3 following breast reduction surgery is the hardest thing I have used). I rarely use even ibuprofen and have zero desire to incorporate drugs into my recovery from alcohol - I just notice it quite common with other people on here so wondering why that is.

I trust my Dr. very much - she is a wicked athlete and very holistic in her approach - I think she would be hard pressed to suggest a drug at all in my case. She kicks my ass on a mountain bike right now as well but that might change once I've been sober longer

Thanks for the input all!