Can't get back on the wagon, help!
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 39
Can't get back on the wagon, help!
After more than 2 years sober and a couple of slips in the end of 2016 I have relapsed big time due to dental pain.
My dentist is puzzled why all of my teeth hurt, neurologist put me on Tegretol and amitryptiline, and I keep on self medicating
I visited my addiction specialist 5 days ago, he prescribed Antabuse (which I was too ashamed and over-confident to buy). I had to have a two week sober time for him to perform an encoding/hypnosis thing (it's a Russian method), it worked for me previously.
Now I managed 3 days sober, decided to drink all day on day 4. Day 5 - woke up really hung over and thought that a couple of shots before 8 AM is a good idea.
Before 2 years sober was easy because I was not in pain, now it's different, and I find it a perfect excuse to drink
My dentist is puzzled why all of my teeth hurt, neurologist put me on Tegretol and amitryptiline, and I keep on self medicating
I visited my addiction specialist 5 days ago, he prescribed Antabuse (which I was too ashamed and over-confident to buy). I had to have a two week sober time for him to perform an encoding/hypnosis thing (it's a Russian method), it worked for me previously.
Now I managed 3 days sober, decided to drink all day on day 4. Day 5 - woke up really hung over and thought that a couple of shots before 8 AM is a good idea.
Before 2 years sober was easy because I was not in pain, now it's different, and I find it a perfect excuse to drink
Administrator
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 211,384
How long have you been on the amitryptiline?
That really worked for me - but not instantly..it took a few weeks
The bottom line is alcohol is not a great pain reliever - if it's effective at all, it's only effective for a very short while and then you need to re-apply the dose, and the foes get larger and larger to get the same effect until one day no amount works.
Keep working with your Drs - it can take some time but I'm confident you'll find the answer for your pain issues.
Support can really help
Why not join our Class of March support group? it's for everyone quitting this month, and all you need to do to join is post
http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...art-one-6.html
D
That really worked for me - but not instantly..it took a few weeks
The bottom line is alcohol is not a great pain reliever - if it's effective at all, it's only effective for a very short while and then you need to re-apply the dose, and the foes get larger and larger to get the same effect until one day no amount works.
Keep working with your Drs - it can take some time but I'm confident you'll find the answer for your pain issues.
Support can really help
Why not join our Class of March support group? it's for everyone quitting this month, and all you need to do to join is post
http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...art-one-6.html
D
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 39
Dee, thank you, you always have the best advice (as a long time lurker in this forum I am aware of how much you contribute )
I started amitriptyine 5 days ago, but what I have researched, it takes, on average, 4 weeks for full effect. So it's too soon to tell.
I also take ibuprofen every 2-3 hours. By adding booze, my liver must be screaming.
Thank you for suggesting class of March 2017. It's a great idea, but kinda makes me sad, because I thought my "class" will always be August 2014. And then I blew it...
)I started amitriptyine 5 days ago, but what I have researched, it takes, on average, 4 weeks for full effect. So it's too soon to tell.
I also take ibuprofen every 2-3 hours. By adding booze, my liver must be screaming.
Thank you for suggesting class of March 2017. It's a great idea, but kinda makes me sad, because I thought my "class" will always be August 2014. And then I blew it...
Administrator
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 211,384
I'm sorry you're in such pain.
I remember the pain I was in (nerve trouble) nearly sent me insane.
It definitely took longer than 5 days for me unfortunately.
Weirdly enough, exercise seemed to help me - I'd do a little stationary bike riding and get a little relief for a while.
I hope the meds will kick in soon.
I can understand regrets but it takes what it takes, you know?
The important thing is you're here now.
I can vouch for the March group being a good one
D
I remember the pain I was in (nerve trouble) nearly sent me insane.
It definitely took longer than 5 days for me unfortunately.
Weirdly enough, exercise seemed to help me - I'd do a little stationary bike riding and get a little relief for a while.
I hope the meds will kick in soon.
I can understand regrets but it takes what it takes, you know?
The important thing is you're here now.
I can vouch for the March group being a good one
D
Member
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 27
Hey, now is the best time to get sober. You know it in your heart.
Originally Posted by Ugnius 
After more than 2 years sober and a couple of slips in the end of 2016 I have relapsed big time due to dental pain.
My dentist is puzzled why all of my teeth hurt, neurologist put me on Tegretol and amitryptiline, and I keep on self medicating
I visited my addiction specialist 5 days ago, he prescribed Antabuse (which I was too ashamed and over-confident to buy). I had to have a two week sober time for him to perform an encoding/hypnosis thing (it's a Russian method), it worked for me previously.
Now I managed 3 days sober, decided to drink all day on day 4. Day 5 - woke up really hung over and thought that a couple of shots before 8 AM is a good idea.
Before 2 years sober was easy because I was not in pain, now it's different, and I find it a perfect excuse to drink
My dentist is puzzled why all of my teeth hurt, neurologist put me on Tegretol and amitryptiline, and I keep on self medicating
I visited my addiction specialist 5 days ago, he prescribed Antabuse (which I was too ashamed and over-confident to buy). I had to have a two week sober time for him to perform an encoding/hypnosis thing (it's a Russian method), it worked for me previously.
Now I managed 3 days sober, decided to drink all day on day 4. Day 5 - woke up really hung over and thought that a couple of shots before 8 AM is a good idea.
Before 2 years sober was easy because I was not in pain, now it's different, and I find it a perfect excuse to drink
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 39
It really takes what it takes
Yesterday I went for a long walk (even though intoxicated) and it felt good. Dressed for -20 degrees Celsius to protect my teeth and face although it was really warm outside.
When I got sober in 2014 I took up running and got really obsessed with it. Now I have not gone for a run since October (because of my teeth hurting), and that's when the notion "a drink will take your pain away" set in.
And regarding class of March 2017 - I strongly believe that every class that keeps you sober is a good one. This one must be too
Yesterday I went for a long walk (even though intoxicated) and it felt good. Dressed for -20 degrees Celsius to protect my teeth and face
although it was really warm outside.When I got sober in 2014 I took up running and got really obsessed with it. Now I have not gone for a run since October (because of my teeth hurting), and that's when the notion "a drink will take your pain away" set in.
And regarding class of March 2017 - I strongly believe that every class that keeps you sober is a good one. This one must be too
Member
Join Date: Mar 2017
Posts: 27
I'm just trying to hold on, dude. Walking is great.
Originally Posted by Ugnius
It really takes what it takes
Yesterday I went for a long walk (even though intoxicated) and it felt good. Dressed for -20 degrees Celsius to protect my teeth and face although it was really warm outside.
When I got sober in 2014 I took up running and got really obsessed with it. Now I have not gone for a run since October (because of my teeth hurting), and that's when the notion "a drink will take your pain away" set in.
And regarding class of March 2017 - I strongly believe that every class that keeps you sober is a good one. This one must be too
Yesterday I went for a long walk (even though intoxicated) and it felt good. Dressed for -20 degrees Celsius to protect my teeth and face
although it was really warm outside.When I got sober in 2014 I took up running and got really obsessed with it. Now I have not gone for a run since October (because of my teeth hurting), and that's when the notion "a drink will take your pain away" set in.
And regarding class of March 2017 - I strongly believe that every class that keeps you sober is a good one. This one must be too
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2015
Posts: 39
Walking is great but running is better (for me), the sense of accomplishment (hope I spelled it correctly, English is my third language)
I have this feeling that by letting alcohol back into my system I have ruined myself. The cravings are stronger than ever, and I don't see a way out
I have this feeling that by letting alcohol back into my system I have ruined myself. The cravings are stronger than ever, and I don't see a way out
All is Change
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Australia
Posts: 1,282
It's good that you are feeling strong cravings at this point. There is nothing wrong at all. You need to shift your relationship with them away from bemoaning their existence to accepting they are there and getting on with a sober life where you observe tha cravings but don't take them so seriously. In this way you facilitate their passing. Keep on with the exercise. eat nourishing food, do stuff instead of agonising. Don't ignore the cravings. Use them as an opportunity to develop equanimity.
Member
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 8,637
Pain sucks.
Meditation, exercise, walks in nature, distraction from the pain itself.... can be great pain relievers.
Drugs and alcohol can exacerbate pain by wacking out our nervous system.
But to your core concern in this thread "getting back on the wagon", I'll offer this;
Stop looking at it that way. "The Wagon" is such a heavy, loaded, negative perspective in my experience. "oh man... GOTTA get back on THE WAGON". "the wagon" is where people HAVE to be. It's where those who aren't "good enough" not to be on the wagon have to go. "The Wagon" is a drag. It's some kind of a punishment. It's a miserable place where nobody has any fun and they're all sitting around moping and waiting precariously for the next person to fall off.
"The Wagon" has never bee much use to me. What's been helpful for me is to instead seek to EMBRACE LIFE. Yes, you're in pain.... but even in pain there is much goodness in life. As much, in fact, as there is challenge. All you really have to do is make a decision to see it, to seek it, to cherish it. A CHOICE to make your life as abundant as possible even with the challenges.
Instead of trying to get back on "the wagon" - focus on all of the blessed, wonderful, joyous, awesome, beautiful, amazing, incredible goodness there is to relish in life and make yourself an endless pursuit of gobbling it up..... in sobriety.
Meditation, exercise, walks in nature, distraction from the pain itself.... can be great pain relievers.
Drugs and alcohol can exacerbate pain by wacking out our nervous system.
But to your core concern in this thread "getting back on the wagon", I'll offer this;
Stop looking at it that way. "The Wagon" is such a heavy, loaded, negative perspective in my experience. "oh man... GOTTA get back on THE WAGON". "the wagon" is where people HAVE to be. It's where those who aren't "good enough" not to be on the wagon have to go. "The Wagon" is a drag. It's some kind of a punishment. It's a miserable place where nobody has any fun and they're all sitting around moping and waiting precariously for the next person to fall off.
"The Wagon" has never bee much use to me. What's been helpful for me is to instead seek to EMBRACE LIFE. Yes, you're in pain.... but even in pain there is much goodness in life. As much, in fact, as there is challenge. All you really have to do is make a decision to see it, to seek it, to cherish it. A CHOICE to make your life as abundant as possible even with the challenges.
Instead of trying to get back on "the wagon" - focus on all of the blessed, wonderful, joyous, awesome, beautiful, amazing, incredible goodness there is to relish in life and make yourself an endless pursuit of gobbling it up..... in sobriety.
Administrator
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Dancing in the Light
Posts: 61,476
Yes, you can do this! Don't let yourself be overwhelmed at this point.
I take amitriptyline too, and it took at least 4 weeks and a couple of adjustments to work well for me. So, hang in there and hope for the best.
I take amitriptyline too, and it took at least 4 weeks and a couple of adjustments to work well for me. So, hang in there and hope for the best.
Now what?
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Oregon Coast
Posts: 100
Originally Posted by Ugnius
After more than 2 years sober and a couple of slips in the end of 2016 I have relapsed big time due to dental pain.
Now I managed 3 days sober, decided to drink all day on day 4. Day 5 - woke up really hung over and thought that a couple of shots before 8 AM is a good idea.
Before 2 years sober was easy because I was not in pain, now it's different, and I find it a perfect excuse to drink
Now I managed 3 days sober, decided to drink all day on day 4. Day 5 - woke up really hung over and thought that a couple of shots before 8 AM is a good idea.
Before 2 years sober was easy because I was not in pain, now it's different, and I find it a perfect excuse to drink
"I visited my addiction specialist 5 days ago, he prescribed Antabuse (which I was too ashamed and over-confident to buy)."
But you're not too ashamed and over-confident to offer pain as an excuse to drink?
(Ahem)
"Can't get back on the wagon, help!"
You know exactly what to do.
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