Antabuse
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 1
Antabuse
I went to a recovery program for about a month before I found out I was pregnant. I was taking Antabuse during the rehab time and did well. I didn't drink at all while I was pregnant I'm not a monster. But a couple a
Of months after having my child I found myself reaching for the bottle. Still reaching for the bottle not every day but about three times a week. I ask my doctor about Antabuse and she prescribed it to me again although now I don't know why I test it's limits but I do. I've been able to drink 3 days after taking 250 mg of it and I'm wondering why it doesn't make me sick. I also know it's bad for your liver and probably every other organ in the body. I still continue to do it and I don't know why. Do I need a stronger pill. Another rehab? Idk but I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired. How do you change your brain to think you don't need alcohol. I've only been a night time drinker but o don't drink during the day. I don't want negative **** either I just need advice from someone who's been an addict and in my situation
Of months after having my child I found myself reaching for the bottle. Still reaching for the bottle not every day but about three times a week. I ask my doctor about Antabuse and she prescribed it to me again although now I don't know why I test it's limits but I do. I've been able to drink 3 days after taking 250 mg of it and I'm wondering why it doesn't make me sick. I also know it's bad for your liver and probably every other organ in the body. I still continue to do it and I don't know why. Do I need a stronger pill. Another rehab? Idk but I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired. How do you change your brain to think you don't need alcohol. I've only been a night time drinker but o don't drink during the day. I don't want negative **** either I just need advice from someone who's been an addict and in my situation
Mr
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: FRANCE
Posts: 5,230
Hi Hcrazy.
Glad you posted.
What else you doing besides taking antabuse ?
I was on antabuse too at different periods (it made me real sick when I drank with it). I was on lots of different meds at different times...but whereas they help in early stage withdrawal and placebo and the simple fact its a reminder not to drink.... only real action every single day is the answer to your question : "How do you change your brain to think you don't need alcohol."
I post here everyday.
I have friends here who are and were in my situation.
I learn everyday. I do relaxation every two weeks.
I try to get exercise. I see a specialist addiction / alcoholism Dr when I need to.
Never give up but never forget alcoholism is progressive.
It never gets better without effort on your behalf.
Vinny
( a dad too )
Glad you posted.
What else you doing besides taking antabuse ?
I was on antabuse too at different periods (it made me real sick when I drank with it). I was on lots of different meds at different times...but whereas they help in early stage withdrawal and placebo and the simple fact its a reminder not to drink.... only real action every single day is the answer to your question : "How do you change your brain to think you don't need alcohol."
I post here everyday.
I have friends here who are and were in my situation.
I learn everyday. I do relaxation every two weeks.
I try to get exercise. I see a specialist addiction / alcoholism Dr when I need to.
Never give up but never forget alcoholism is progressive.
It never gets better without effort on your behalf.
Vinny
( a dad too )
Member
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: CA
Posts: 1,060
welcome hcrazy22,
You'll find tons of support and suggestions from recovering alcoholics/addicts here. I never used Antabuse but I do attend AA as my program of recovery and I have done the 12 steps which has relieved me of the obsession to drink. Many people won't attend AA so if you're one, there are other sobriety programs that are as or more successful than others. Find one that you want to use and put the effort into your sobriety that you have into your drinking and a good life will be rewarded.
Good luck
You'll find tons of support and suggestions from recovering alcoholics/addicts here. I never used Antabuse but I do attend AA as my program of recovery and I have done the 12 steps which has relieved me of the obsession to drink. Many people won't attend AA so if you're one, there are other sobriety programs that are as or more successful than others. Find one that you want to use and put the effort into your sobriety that you have into your drinking and a good life will be rewarded.
Good luck
G-Woman
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Mississauga, ON
Posts: 979
Hi hcrazy,
I've done the Antabuse thing and I continued to drink on it. Somehow, by some bloody miracle my body was able to handle it (unfortunately!). I'm sure it's a useful tool for some people, so I'm only sharing my own experience.
I also did the rehab thing, and although it was a great experience, it wasn't enough to keep me from drinking once I got home. Personally, I need ongoing support in order to maintain sobriety.
Have you tried anything out like AA or other support groups?
I've done the Antabuse thing and I continued to drink on it. Somehow, by some bloody miracle my body was able to handle it (unfortunately!). I'm sure it's a useful tool for some people, so I'm only sharing my own experience.
I also did the rehab thing, and although it was a great experience, it wasn't enough to keep me from drinking once I got home. Personally, I need ongoing support in order to maintain sobriety.
Have you tried anything out like AA or other support groups?
Member
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: UK
Posts: 4,553
hcrazy22 antabuse isnt something to be messed aboit with sweetheart. If you're timing the effect then drinking that's quite worrying. Basically as a preventative measure it doesn't appear to be working for you. I assume you are at home with your baby full time at the moment? If that is the case maybe look at this time as an opportunity to really work something out that suits you. Would your local AA meetings allow you to bring your infant along for example? Soak yourself up in recovery material. Read learn and get inspired right here on SR. That is what I did. The key for me was acceptance that I could never drink again. Not one sip. Ever. There's so much support here but you must grab it and be an active member. I've been hand-held by SR through some very difficult times and it was amazing. Truly.
You can do it. It's just finding that extra tool. That extra bit of guts and bravery to put the bottle down for good.
Stick around please. I hope you look back on this as the time your life changed for good xxx
You can do it. It's just finding that extra tool. That extra bit of guts and bravery to put the bottle down for good.
Stick around please. I hope you look back on this as the time your life changed for good xxx
Member
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: Scotland
Posts: 3,837
Hi hcrazy. Good to meet you. I was on Antabuse for a year several years ago. Was too terrifed to drink on it until one day I stopped it for a few days and drank. I figured out what I could get away with but misjudged it more that once and was really, scarily ill. Be careful you are not building it up in your body as it might not have effected you so much before but that doesn't mean it wont in the future and the effects are horrific (sorry, no preaching intended!)
Your are asking what works? It's no pill but a change on perspective and mindset. I found that came from learning about your addiction, learning from other people, being on here alot and really understanding that whatever temporary relief you are getting from drinking is a tiny fraction of the role drinking is playing in your life. I found once I could see the full picture drinking became pointless as it took away so much more than it ever gave me. I really feel educting yourself is key, find people who are supportive of what you are trying achieve. Meditation and exercise are also massive for me.
You sound like you are sick of it, maybe it's time to try this! Best wishes to you.
Your are asking what works? It's no pill but a change on perspective and mindset. I found that came from learning about your addiction, learning from other people, being on here alot and really understanding that whatever temporary relief you are getting from drinking is a tiny fraction of the role drinking is playing in your life. I found once I could see the full picture drinking became pointless as it took away so much more than it ever gave me. I really feel educting yourself is key, find people who are supportive of what you are trying achieve. Meditation and exercise are also massive for me.
You sound like you are sick of it, maybe it's time to try this! Best wishes to you.
Member
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 1,183
I tried antabuse at one point, but it really didn't help me. I drank on it, and eventually convinced myself I didn't need it because I could find a way to control my drinking. 
I think it can be a useful tool, provided you're already committed to quiting, but it sounds like maybe you think it's going to solve your problems by itself, and if so I don't think it works that way. As other folks suggest, are you doing anything else to support your sobriety? AA is one option, there are many others.
I think it can be a useful tool, provided you're already committed to quiting, but it sounds like maybe you think it's going to solve your problems by itself, and if so I don't think it works that way. As other folks suggest, are you doing anything else to support your sobriety? AA is one option, there are many others.
Member
Join Date: Jul 2017
Posts: 3,027
Hi there. I "played" with Antabuse for about a year. Basically, it was an attempt to moderate my drinking, because when I went on Antabuse, it was "I don't want to quit drinking at all, so I'm going to take this pill to make myself stop." It's very, very different than this: "I am ready to quit drinking, I am ready to work on the parts of myself I recognize as alcoholic behavior, I am prepared to put in the work; no matter how uncomfortable it is, to recover."
Otherwise, you can and will end up playing games with the drug. It didn't work well for me at all. I understand the game. But after spending a year doing that, let me just say it won't help you recover.
I also used marijuana during one quit to try to recover. That also did not work. It didn't help me change my own thinking.
Best wishes. I know what you're going through. Be safe!
Otherwise, you can and will end up playing games with the drug. It didn't work well for me at all. I understand the game. But after spending a year doing that, let me just say it won't help you recover.
I also used marijuana during one quit to try to recover. That also did not work. It didn't help me change my own thinking.
Best wishes. I know what you're going through. Be safe!
Forum Leader
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Wisconsin, USA
Posts: 16,945
Welcome hcrazy...lots of good advice here already, glad you decided to join us. We've all been in your situation and understand it. As most have mentioned, Antabuse is not a "cure" for cravings or addiction any more than aspirin would be a cure for arthritis. Addiction is a disease/condition/ailment of the mind, and you have to make wholesale changes to your life in order to "treat" it. For some people that means a very structured recovery program like AA/Smart/Life Ring, etc. Others use therapy, self help, online communities like SR, books, exercise, meditation, and many combinations of those .
Most of us had to change our daily routines significantly too. The places we go, the things we do, and the people we do them with needs to be evaluated. For example, hanging out in a Bar is not something I do anymore. Sure I could go there and drink soda, but the real reason to go to a bar is to drink alcohol, right?
Most of us had to change our daily routines significantly too. The places we go, the things we do, and the people we do them with needs to be evaluated. For example, hanging out in a Bar is not something I do anymore. Sure I could go there and drink soda, but the real reason to go to a bar is to drink alcohol, right?
Guest
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 8,674
I too drank on it- the first time I was prescribed it. I didn't want to quit drinking.
When I decided to quit, 100%, I started on Antabuse and every single day for 90 days....I signed a sheet and got it witnessed and showed it to my psych. I voluntarily offered up pill count, too. It was a success but also just ONE tool in my growing recovery plan- I also took Campral for cravings (still do- as maintenance- and never had one physical craving)....most importantly I started a dedicated AA program, worked the steps with a sponsor, learned a different way of life and spiritual living....ALL based on the fact that I was DONE drinking.
Antabuse isn't a magic pill. It can be useful. Those of us who drank while using it and didn't have severe or deathly reactions- I got off with just some majorly intense flushing one time and another time minor-ish leg seizures- were lucky (and foolish).
I hope you commit to sobriety.
When I decided to quit, 100%, I started on Antabuse and every single day for 90 days....I signed a sheet and got it witnessed and showed it to my psych. I voluntarily offered up pill count, too. It was a success but also just ONE tool in my growing recovery plan- I also took Campral for cravings (still do- as maintenance- and never had one physical craving)....most importantly I started a dedicated AA program, worked the steps with a sponsor, learned a different way of life and spiritual living....ALL based on the fact that I was DONE drinking.
Antabuse isn't a magic pill. It can be useful. Those of us who drank while using it and didn't have severe or deathly reactions- I got off with just some majorly intense flushing one time and another time minor-ish leg seizures- were lucky (and foolish).
I hope you commit to sobriety.
Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: West Tn
Posts: 3,043
Originally Posted by August252015 
I too drank on it- the first time I was prescribed it. I didn't want to quit drinking.
When I decided to quit, 100%, I started on Antabuse and every single day for 90 days....I signed a sheet and got it witnessed and showed it to my psych. I voluntarily offered up pill count, too. It was a success but also just ONE tool in my growing recovery plan- I also took Campral for cravings (still do- as maintenance- and never had one physical craving)....most importantly I started a dedicated AA program, worked the steps with a sponsor, learned a different way of life and spiritual living....ALL based on the fact that I was DONE drinking.
Antabuse isn't a magic pill. It can be useful. Those of us who drank while using it and didn't have severe or deathly reactions- I got off with just some majorly intense flushing one time and another time minor-ish leg seizures- were lucky (and foolish).
I hope you commit to sobriety.
When I decided to quit, 100%, I started on Antabuse and every single day for 90 days....I signed a sheet and got it witnessed and showed it to my psych. I voluntarily offered up pill count, too. It was a success but also just ONE tool in my growing recovery plan- I also took Campral for cravings (still do- as maintenance- and never had one physical craving)....most importantly I started a dedicated AA program, worked the steps with a sponsor, learned a different way of life and spiritual living....ALL based on the fact that I was DONE drinking.
Antabuse isn't a magic pill. It can be useful. Those of us who drank while using it and didn't have severe or deathly reactions- I got off with just some majorly intense flushing one time and another time minor-ish leg seizures- were lucky (and foolish).
I hope you commit to sobriety.
I took Antabuse for more than a year following graduating from treatment.
Campral didn't exist then, otherwise, I would have taken it too.
But the Antabuse was noting more than a belt and suspenders supplement to my vigorously working the 12 Steps of AA, going to meetings, reading its literature, doing service work, developing a meaningful prayer life, etc.
After ~ 15 or so months, I reluctantly put the Antabuse into the back of the drug cabinet and haven't taken it since.
Antabuse is a supplement to working a plan of recovery.
But taking it does not equate to working a plan of recovery.
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