The New Guy
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Des Moines, IA
Posts: 12
The New Guy
Hello everyone,
I found these posts on the internet and I thought it would be good for me to participate. I've been reading a lot of what you folks have to say out there and I'm gonna stick my neck out for those of you who do not feel AA is a reasonable solution for you.
My drinking started about 3 years ago (non-social) after I realized it could eliminate my anxiety and help prevent panic attacks (bad idea). For a while, it was wonderful, until one day I realized I NEEDED it to sleep. Keep in mind my anxiety wasn't caused by anything going on in my life, it was a 'gift' passed on by my mother.
Once I realized I needed it, I tried to stop. When I wasn't able to I decided it was time to get some help. I checked myself into an outpatient clinic and spent a couple of weeks hearing the horrors some of those people have been through. When it came to my turn, I told them that I had anxiety and couldn't sleep. Of course, that is a symptom of withdrawl and that is how they addressed it - completely ignoring the plain and clear reason for it starting my drinking in the first place.
I left the clinic convinced that they couldn't help me. I attended AA for a few meetings but their beliefs do not align with mine, so I gave up. For the past 2 years I've accepted that there was nothing I could do as every doctor I talked to gave me a number instead of something for the axiety. I knew I could never get better without treating the root cause. So, I didnt tell them I drank and I was prescribed Paxil (that stuff is great!). I thought that could help me quit knowing I wouldn't get the panic attacks, but the damage was done.
I then began my search for a medication that I could use to quit drinking. I poured over countless studies and once I saw the actual success rates for AA, I knew then it REALLY was not an option for me. One medication, antabuse, statistically had the highest success rate for quitting. I hate to be sick - didn't usually get sick from drinking.. so I gave it more thought. Most of the time I am in control, my cravings only hit before bed. So, I searched for a doctor willing to prescribe it. Three doctors down, not a one would help. So I went to the campral website and was able to find one that would prescribe that medicine, so I took a chance and contacted him.
Today I had my meeting with him and I'm glowing. He prescribed it for me after we chatted for a while and I fed him numbers about the treatments and how I was confident this would work for me. He didn't feel I needed anymore couseling as besides my drinking, I'm very happy and comfortable in my life, besides the habit.
My point to those that don't feel AA is good for you - do your research. There are tons of alternatives - you pick what is right for you. Everybody is different and there isn't a single treatment option out there that works for all. For those that it did help (and I personally know a couple), good for you! Getting better is everyone's goal and we should support each other, no matter what path we take.
To a better life!
I found these posts on the internet and I thought it would be good for me to participate. I've been reading a lot of what you folks have to say out there and I'm gonna stick my neck out for those of you who do not feel AA is a reasonable solution for you.
My drinking started about 3 years ago (non-social) after I realized it could eliminate my anxiety and help prevent panic attacks (bad idea). For a while, it was wonderful, until one day I realized I NEEDED it to sleep. Keep in mind my anxiety wasn't caused by anything going on in my life, it was a 'gift' passed on by my mother.
Once I realized I needed it, I tried to stop. When I wasn't able to I decided it was time to get some help. I checked myself into an outpatient clinic and spent a couple of weeks hearing the horrors some of those people have been through. When it came to my turn, I told them that I had anxiety and couldn't sleep. Of course, that is a symptom of withdrawl and that is how they addressed it - completely ignoring the plain and clear reason for it starting my drinking in the first place.
I left the clinic convinced that they couldn't help me. I attended AA for a few meetings but their beliefs do not align with mine, so I gave up. For the past 2 years I've accepted that there was nothing I could do as every doctor I talked to gave me a number instead of something for the axiety. I knew I could never get better without treating the root cause. So, I didnt tell them I drank and I was prescribed Paxil (that stuff is great!). I thought that could help me quit knowing I wouldn't get the panic attacks, but the damage was done.
I then began my search for a medication that I could use to quit drinking. I poured over countless studies and once I saw the actual success rates for AA, I knew then it REALLY was not an option for me. One medication, antabuse, statistically had the highest success rate for quitting. I hate to be sick - didn't usually get sick from drinking.. so I gave it more thought. Most of the time I am in control, my cravings only hit before bed. So, I searched for a doctor willing to prescribe it. Three doctors down, not a one would help. So I went to the campral website and was able to find one that would prescribe that medicine, so I took a chance and contacted him.
Today I had my meeting with him and I'm glowing. He prescribed it for me after we chatted for a while and I fed him numbers about the treatments and how I was confident this would work for me. He didn't feel I needed anymore couseling as besides my drinking, I'm very happy and comfortable in my life, besides the habit.
My point to those that don't feel AA is good for you - do your research. There are tons of alternatives - you pick what is right for you. Everybody is different and there isn't a single treatment option out there that works for all. For those that it did help (and I personally know a couple), good for you! Getting better is everyone's goal and we should support each other, no matter what path we take.
To a better life!
. Lost of different people and ways to be found here. We all have recovery in common though. Keep posting.
Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 56
Nine outta ten people who come through the doors don't wanna stop drinking, they want the consequences to stop, they want someone off their backs, they want to 'feel good' about themselves, they are lonely, the list goes on and on. My observations.
That's the ones who show up.
Eight out of nine drunks never come through the doors in the first place. I can count a good eight or nine drinking buddies, in and out of treatments, jails, etc., I am the one of those who searched out the solution offered by AA.
Horrible success rates.
I'll take your thinly disguised slash at me, since I am AA, as the greeting you attempted to pass it as, and say welcome back.
Cheers
That's the ones who show up.
Eight out of nine drunks never come through the doors in the first place. I can count a good eight or nine drinking buddies, in and out of treatments, jails, etc., I am the one of those who searched out the solution offered by AA.
Horrible success rates.
I'll take your thinly disguised slash at me, since I am AA, as the greeting you attempted to pass it as, and say welcome back.
Cheers
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Des Moines, IA
Posts: 12
All I was trying to do is point out there are many others out there that have AA forced as their solution where it might not be appropriate for that person. I certainly respect that AA works for you and I apologize if I offended. I have AA friends and they've been very supportive of my path.
Given the option of getting no help unless they conform to that program is the wrong way to go. I'm an analyst in my career so I tend to do research before coming to a conclusion - I wasn't just spouting off. Even with lower success rates I have been reading about, there is obvious benefits to some of us. Again, good for you! You have to do what works for you.
Best wishes.
Given the option of getting no help unless they conform to that program is the wrong way to go. I'm an analyst in my career so I tend to do research before coming to a conclusion - I wasn't just spouting off. Even with lower success rates I have been reading about, there is obvious benefits to some of us. Again, good for you! You have to do what works for you.
Best wishes.
Administrator
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Dancing in the Light
Posts: 61,501
Welcome New Guy,
I think you should do whatever works for you because all that matters is that you live a sober life. AA works wel for a lot of people, but there are many of us here who use alternative recovery methods.
I think you should do whatever works for you because all that matters is that you live a sober life. AA works wel for a lot of people, but there are many of us here who use alternative recovery methods.
Member
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 56
Sorry if I was sharp. Most of those anti-AA greetings are cut and past form letters, I took it as that and bit before I googled. You're a genuinely literate fellow.
My Dad drank and puked his way through antabuse and finally learned to stop taking antabuse. Some of us find more serious lengths necessary.
My Dad drank and puked his way through antabuse and finally learned to stop taking antabuse. Some of us find more serious lengths necessary.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Des Moines, IA
Posts: 12
I agree antabuse isn't for everyone. My cravings don't occur through the day - usually around 8:30 or 9 and I fight with myself on whether I'm going to drink or not. Fortunately, I haven't had any consequences in my life but I could see the path I was on.
IF I knew I would continue to drink, I would not take antabuse. That is why I got that instead of the campral, which the doctor really wanted to prescribe. I knew I had to take the option away.
I could go a couple days without drinking before..but that voice always bothered me in the evenings. Tonight, I know I can't drink and it's a major stress relief. It actually makes me emotional finally finding a doctor willing to hear me out and help.
I'm going to enjoy getting to know you all. My real name is Rob, by the way. I see another one on here, so you can call me Bobby.
IF I knew I would continue to drink, I would not take antabuse. That is why I got that instead of the campral, which the doctor really wanted to prescribe. I knew I had to take the option away.
I could go a couple days without drinking before..but that voice always bothered me in the evenings. Tonight, I know I can't drink and it's a major stress relief. It actually makes me emotional finally finding a doctor willing to hear me out and help.
I'm going to enjoy getting to know you all. My real name is Rob, by the way. I see another one on here, so you can call me Bobby.
Next stop: real life
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Madison, WI
Posts: 990
Rob, I'm Ann. I really appreciate your post. I've gone to a couple AA meetings, and I don't think I can deal with the religious overtones, it feels too cultish to me. It's so encouraging to hear from someone who's recovered without AA.
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Des Moines, IA
Posts: 12
Originally Posted by tellus 
Rob, I'm Ann. I really appreciate your post. I've gone to a couple AA meetings, and I don't think I can deal with the religious overtones, it feels too cultish to me. It's so encouraging to hear from someone who's recovered without AA.
I wouldn't say I've recovered but I'm well on my way. My doctor, too, felt that the group sessions were not necessary with MY condition, but some folks have real reasons why they drink where mine was more medical.
I won't insult the folks on here that have adapted AA as their way to defeat their own demons, but society as a whole has to understand that many people who suffer from alcoholism do not get help due to the current focus on AA being the "only way". It's a real shame and it's something I feel very passionate about.
We are all in this together!!
Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: CA Native
Posts: 2,509
Man, I just gotta say ... what a RELIEF!
It seems to me that what this poster is implying is that they finally came out with a drug that cures alcoholism, and it's apparently called antabuse.
I'm sure there's gonna be LOTS of people interested in this 'antabuse' given it's incredible healing properties.
Who makes the stuff, I think I'm gonna go invest a few thou ins some of THAT company's stock?!?
Oh, wait, before I do that, lemme ask you? How long does it take before it cures someone? A day? A week? A month? Does it have any side effects, to speak of?
Man, I'm getting all fired up excited to hear about THIS stuff!
It seems to me that what this poster is implying is that they finally came out with a drug that cures alcoholism, and it's apparently called antabuse.
I'm sure there's gonna be LOTS of people interested in this 'antabuse' given it's incredible healing properties.
Who makes the stuff, I think I'm gonna go invest a few thou ins some of THAT company's stock?!?
Oh, wait, before I do that, lemme ask you? How long does it take before it cures someone? A day? A week? A month? Does it have any side effects, to speak of?
Man, I'm getting all fired up excited to hear about THIS stuff!
Paused
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: California
Posts: 22
Very true, I had 8 years of sobriety under my belt, I did this without AA and I do feel that society on a whole "has to understand that many people who suffer from alcoholism do not get help due to the current focus on AA being the "only way" There are plenty of alternatives out there that help people greatly. They just are not broadly talked about. Some much for "Autonomy" ~ But I do know that AA works for many many people and I thank goodness that it is available for those that can embrass it fully.
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Des Moines, IA
Posts: 12
Originally Posted by bvaljalo
Man, I'm getting all fired up excited to hear about THIS stuff!
There is no miracle cure...I would never be so nieve. But what helps you might not help me...doesn't take a genious to figure that out.
Bottom line, the antabuse will help me get past the cravings. Then it's up to me to make sure I don't go down that path.
Negative attitudes like yours are what steals hope from people everyday.
Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 181
I can't believe the venom spewing from the AA camp! Doesn't it say in the big book that they don't claim a monopoly on recovery?
There are as many ways to get sober as there are alcoholics. AA doesn't work for everyone, and that is FINE. We need to do what is good for us and not judge others for making different choices.
Isn't the important thing sobriety? What does it matter how someone gets there?
Welcome GuyinIA, and good luck.
There are as many ways to get sober as there are alcoholics. AA doesn't work for everyone, and that is FINE. We need to do what is good for us and not judge others for making different choices.
Isn't the important thing sobriety? What does it matter how someone gets there?
Welcome GuyinIA, and good luck.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Des Moines, IA
Posts: 12
For the first time in two years, I KNOW I will beat this. Some negativity from some folks isn't going to change that fact. I have the full support of my friends, family, and my physician.
I look forward to posting updates on my progress over the next few months and I look forward to hearing about your successes as well!!
I read something in a book that sticks in my mind: "Once a smoker quits smoking, are they still a smoker? Why are alcoholics still alcoholics when they have successfully quit drinking? In both instances, they are one drink/cigarrette away from disaster"
I look forward to posting updates on my progress over the next few months and I look forward to hearing about your successes as well!!
I read something in a book that sticks in my mind: "Once a smoker quits smoking, are they still a smoker? Why are alcoholics still alcoholics when they have successfully quit drinking? In both instances, they are one drink/cigarrette away from disaster"
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