Medication in recovery, why the reluctance?
Member
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Baton Rouge, La.
Posts: 15,238
I had no idea that my drinking was literally
killing me. I mean, i hadn't had many consequences
to happen to me to think i was that close to
dying over my alcohol consumption.
I was married, middle class, 2 beautiful
children, stay at home mom, 2 cars, little
starter home, church going, etc.
Until......
February 1990, i ran off the road less than
a mile from my little family hitting a concrete
culvert sitting on top the ground sending me
to the hospital for 10 day pretty messed up.
It took very little time to heal almost completely
to where i thought it was safe to return safety
to some control drinking.
August, i was right back where i left off drinking
in Feb. but this time i tried to end what i thought
was a miserable failure of a wife, mother....life
and down a hand full of pills i had from my accident
with my alcohol.
My little ones couldn't wake me but... in what
i recall, i heard a ringing in a far distant when
actually it was my phone next to my bed with
my mother in law calling me wondering where
i was with my kids.
My voice was slurred as i tried to speak
and sent up major alarms to her as she yelled
at me to get out of bed. Emmediatly i did as I
staggered to the bathroom to throw up what
was in my system.
The rest of the day consisted of my struggle
with my husband who had to leave his job
to come home as he tried to forcefully take
me to the hospital to have my stomach pumped.
Of course i fought him with every ounce of
strength i had till he released me and left.
Then it wasn't long until there in my home
where 2 officers ready to escort me to their
car to take me to the hospital.
Of course i was angry, fuming as i pasted
my in law and husband telling them both
i hated them then was seated in the back
of the police car, handless and screen safe
between me and the officers.
I wasn't a criminal and wouldn't hurt
anyone, yet they knew i was sick if i
tried and did harm myself and i needed
help.
It was my family doing for me what i
certainly couldn't do for myself at that
time in my life because my addiction
had me soooo sick affecting my heart,
mind and soul.
The first day at the hospital i passed
all the test to determine my state of
mind and then was told all i had was
a drinking problem and would remain
for 2 weeks for those capable to teach
me about my addiction and be given a
program of recovery i could and would
use in my daily life to remain sober a
day at a time.
2 weeks passed and was told i wasn't
ready to return to my home inviroment
and was to be sent further away from
my home for a longer period of time.
I begged and pleaded with them, asking
if i could remain where i was and would
do whatever was needed to complete
the program and released back to my
family.
So i did complete a 28 day in stay rehab
with a 6 week out patient aftercare program
to finish up my rehab experience.
From August 11, 1990, the first full sober
day to many days afterwards to where I
am today with 27 yrs of continuous sobriety,
i havent found it necessary to pick up a drink
or have my misery refunded to me.
The gift of a recovery program that
was passed on to me many yrs ago
continues to be the foundation i use
to live my life upon one day at a time
incorporating that knowledge and tools
as my guideline to everyday life to
achieve health, happiness and honesty.
Whatever it takes t get out of your
addiction with willingness to take
that first step and ask for help and
go get it because a sober life is waiting
for you.
killing me. I mean, i hadn't had many consequences
to happen to me to think i was that close to
dying over my alcohol consumption.
I was married, middle class, 2 beautiful
children, stay at home mom, 2 cars, little
starter home, church going, etc.
Until......
February 1990, i ran off the road less than
a mile from my little family hitting a concrete
culvert sitting on top the ground sending me
to the hospital for 10 day pretty messed up.
It took very little time to heal almost completely
to where i thought it was safe to return safety
to some control drinking.
August, i was right back where i left off drinking
in Feb. but this time i tried to end what i thought
was a miserable failure of a wife, mother....life
and down a hand full of pills i had from my accident
with my alcohol.
My little ones couldn't wake me but... in what
i recall, i heard a ringing in a far distant when
actually it was my phone next to my bed with
my mother in law calling me wondering where
i was with my kids.
My voice was slurred as i tried to speak
and sent up major alarms to her as she yelled
at me to get out of bed. Emmediatly i did as I
staggered to the bathroom to throw up what
was in my system.
The rest of the day consisted of my struggle
with my husband who had to leave his job
to come home as he tried to forcefully take
me to the hospital to have my stomach pumped.
Of course i fought him with every ounce of
strength i had till he released me and left.
Then it wasn't long until there in my home
where 2 officers ready to escort me to their
car to take me to the hospital.
Of course i was angry, fuming as i pasted
my in law and husband telling them both
i hated them then was seated in the back
of the police car, handless and screen safe
between me and the officers.
I wasn't a criminal and wouldn't hurt
anyone, yet they knew i was sick if i
tried and did harm myself and i needed
help.
It was my family doing for me what i
certainly couldn't do for myself at that
time in my life because my addiction
had me soooo sick affecting my heart,
mind and soul.
The first day at the hospital i passed
all the test to determine my state of
mind and then was told all i had was
a drinking problem and would remain
for 2 weeks for those capable to teach
me about my addiction and be given a
program of recovery i could and would
use in my daily life to remain sober a
day at a time.
2 weeks passed and was told i wasn't
ready to return to my home inviroment
and was to be sent further away from
my home for a longer period of time.
I begged and pleaded with them, asking
if i could remain where i was and would
do whatever was needed to complete
the program and released back to my
family.
So i did complete a 28 day in stay rehab
with a 6 week out patient aftercare program
to finish up my rehab experience.
From August 11, 1990, the first full sober
day to many days afterwards to where I
am today with 27 yrs of continuous sobriety,
i havent found it necessary to pick up a drink
or have my misery refunded to me.
The gift of a recovery program that
was passed on to me many yrs ago
continues to be the foundation i use
to live my life upon one day at a time
incorporating that knowledge and tools
as my guideline to everyday life to
achieve health, happiness and honesty.
Whatever it takes t get out of your
addiction with willingness to take
that first step and ask for help and
go get it because a sober life is waiting
for you.
Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: northern michigan. not the U.P.
Posts: 15,281
Originally Posted by Lonewolf22 
I think I'm going to look in to alternative ways of reducing cravings, maybe if I add things into my diet, it will help me, if even just a little.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 449
Thanks everyone for the supportive replies. I am struggling to grapple with how to perceive my recovery or lack of, I sometimes think is this really my fault, if I just push a bit harder and motivate myself, will it happen. Or, is it that at the moment I just don't have that drive and strength to push through due to a chemical imbalance or whatever. Maybe they meet somewhere in between. One thing I know is that I do want to break this spell of alcohol, so much. Maybe not physiologically but I myself am desperate to get out of this rut.
Again thank you for the comments, I have appointment tomorrow with recovery worker, unfortunately she didn't ring me back today when I was told she would but nevermind, I will raise some questions tomorrow and attempt to discern what is best preventatives and action to take for me.
Again thank you for the comments, I have appointment tomorrow with recovery worker, unfortunately she didn't ring me back today when I was told she would but nevermind, I will raise some questions tomorrow and attempt to discern what is best preventatives and action to take for me.
Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 25,373
Good for you, Lonewolf.
It is difficult, but each day will get a little easier. You're doing great. You have it in you to figure this out and you will.
Just remember that any emotion you are having will pass - they always do. We've been there, you're not doing this alone!
It is difficult, but each day will get a little easier. You're doing great. You have it in you to figure this out and you will.
Just remember that any emotion you are having will pass - they always do. We've been there, you're not doing this alone!
Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: PA
Posts: 12,000
Glad to hear it Lonewolf.
The most important thing is that you recognize a change needs to be made. And also, that you know your limitations (only you can know) and need help and are seeking it. Whichever path you choose and however you decide to lick this problem, all are here and ready to support you whenever you need an "ear" to listen - know matter what.
Best to you as you go forward.
The most important thing is that you recognize a change needs to be made. And also, that you know your limitations (only you can know) and need help and are seeking it. Whichever path you choose and however you decide to lick this problem, all are here and ready to support you whenever you need an "ear" to listen - know matter what.
Best to you as you go forward.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 449
Visit to recovery centre
Well I attended my appointment at recovery centre (almost didn't) and feeling a lot more hopeful.
I mentioned taking antabuse as a preventative to me reacting on impulse to pick up a drink. To my surprise this time she said we could look into it. I'm over the moon with this as I now feel I will be able to cope going out more and feel more confident about going places. I know it won't be easy and urges will still be there but just knowing this blocks me from drinking is such a positive for me until I have a sound state of mind.
Also attending a SMART meeting tomorrow and going to a PSI meeting on Monday.
I actually managed to get back from town without having a drink, so I'm over the moon with that too.
I more pleased because I felt incredibly anxious today as well but still managed to keep out pub even though I had to walk out of a few shops because the noise was unbearable to the senses.
Incredible relief getting back in the house though I must admit.
It amazing how a simple good bit of news and action can put you in a complete different state of mind and give you a confidence boost in tackling the alcohol problem.
And it is lovely to be able to come back on here and share it to people who understand. I feel all smiley inside for a change lol
I mentioned taking antabuse as a preventative to me reacting on impulse to pick up a drink. To my surprise this time she said we could look into it. I'm over the moon with this as I now feel I will be able to cope going out more and feel more confident about going places. I know it won't be easy and urges will still be there but just knowing this blocks me from drinking is such a positive for me until I have a sound state of mind.
Also attending a SMART meeting tomorrow and going to a PSI meeting on Monday.
I actually managed to get back from town without having a drink, so I'm over the moon with that too.
I more pleased because I felt incredibly anxious today as well but still managed to keep out pub even though I had to walk out of a few shops because the noise was unbearable to the senses.
Incredible relief getting back in the house though I must admit.
It amazing how a simple good bit of news and action can put you in a complete different state of mind and give you a confidence boost in tackling the alcohol problem.
And it is lovely to be able to come back on here and share it to people who understand. I feel all smiley inside for a change lol
Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 1,869
One of the most important things I learned here is that thoughts are just thoughts and they have no real power over us. Just because we crave or have thoughts doesn’t mean we act out on them.
Have you heard of HALT, urge surfing or a plan? Oh, and AVRT... these concepts have really helped.
You are making progress! Keep us posted!
Ps: also post before drinking. That has really saved me.
Have you heard of HALT, urge surfing or a plan? Oh, and AVRT... these concepts have really helped.
You are making progress! Keep us posted!
Ps: also post before drinking. That has really saved me.
ours de petit cerveau
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: London, UK
Posts: 1,630
well done smileywolf 
SMART has some excellent tools for recovery. I would really recommend getting their handbook if you find the meeting useful:
they are also available online:
SMART Recovery® - Tool Chest and Homework
you've proved to yourself that you can resist having a drink, so there's no reason you can't keep on doing it now!
SMART has some excellent tools for recovery. I would really recommend getting their handbook if you find the meeting useful:
they are also available online:
SMART Recovery® - Tool Chest and Homework
you've proved to yourself that you can resist having a drink, so there's no reason you can't keep on doing it now!
Last edited by Dee74; 01-04-2018 at 08:00 PM. Reason: no commercial links please
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 449
Originally Posted by andyh
well done smileywolf
SMART has some excellent tools for recovery. I would really recommend getting their handbook if you find the meeting useful:
they are also available online:
SMART Recovery® - Tool Chest and Homework
you've proved to yourself that you can resist having a drink, so there's no reason you can't keep on doing it now!
SMART has some excellent tools for recovery. I would really recommend getting their handbook if you find the meeting useful:
they are also available online:
SMART Recovery® - Tool Chest and Homework
you've proved to yourself that you can resist having a drink, so there's no reason you can't keep on doing it now!
Cheers.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 449
After looking up information on the Internet and discussing Antabuse with various people on here, and at recovery centre, it seems that the commonly held belief is that it is either ineffective or that it is highly dangerous. Yet almost every site or information page I read tells a complete different story.
For one there are countless posts in the comment sections from people that mention how they couldn't have stopped without taking it. Another point is that figures have shown that it is very effective for alcoholics that are serious about getting sober.
Now this is the problem I have, if you ask for antabuse and the reaction is disbelief or being told that you need to be serious about getting sober before taking antabuse, well I think that is hindering an opportunity for progress.
My argument is that:
1. Why would you ask for antabuse if you weren't serious about getting sober?
2. If you did decide to stop taking them and decided to pick up a drink then you are no worse off than if you weren't taking them
3. There seems very little reason for the scaremongering that surrounds this drug. I have attempted to find sources for research in death related to antabuse use and can't seem to find any except one. This one I did find seemed to correlate with the use of other medication too. I just hope there has been thorough research achieved on antabuse as to its effects with other drugs.
4. As it shows on drugs.com it got a rating of 8.8/10 and I have seen many comments more on how people say it saved them and if it wasn't for using it they wouldn't have been able to recover.
I think in the recovery community as a whole there seems to be too much supposed 'certainty' on what is best for others, I think this is unfortunate. There should be more dialogue rather than preaching; an accommodating and assisting approach rather than a 'you must do this or else' approach. Just my opinion though.
For one there are countless posts in the comment sections from people that mention how they couldn't have stopped without taking it. Another point is that figures have shown that it is very effective for alcoholics that are serious about getting sober.
Now this is the problem I have, if you ask for antabuse and the reaction is disbelief or being told that you need to be serious about getting sober before taking antabuse, well I think that is hindering an opportunity for progress.
My argument is that:
1. Why would you ask for antabuse if you weren't serious about getting sober?
2. If you did decide to stop taking them and decided to pick up a drink then you are no worse off than if you weren't taking them
3. There seems very little reason for the scaremongering that surrounds this drug. I have attempted to find sources for research in death related to antabuse use and can't seem to find any except one. This one I did find seemed to correlate with the use of other medication too. I just hope there has been thorough research achieved on antabuse as to its effects with other drugs.
4. As it shows on drugs.com it got a rating of 8.8/10 and I have seen many comments more on how people say it saved them and if it wasn't for using it they wouldn't have been able to recover.
I think in the recovery community as a whole there seems to be too much supposed 'certainty' on what is best for others, I think this is unfortunate. There should be more dialogue rather than preaching; an accommodating and assisting approach rather than a 'you must do this or else' approach. Just my opinion though.
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