Melly

Tapering isnt working well for me and I don't have insurance to see a doctor nor do I want my alcoholism documented in my med records so benzos aren't an option either. I had severe symptoms 2 days into my last cold turkey attempt so that's a no go too... Any safer alternative options you guys know of? Feeling a bit trapped.

least

I'm sorry that I don't know of any methods other than tapering or using benzos to calm the w/d symptoms. If you're going to go cold turkey, can you have someone with you the first few days? In case you need medical help.

Dee74

Hi Melly I understand limited finances and a disinclination to see a Dr but we can't give you medical advice here.

D

Anna

Can you consider going to an ER and explaining your situation?

Notsodrunk

About 8 years ago I went to the doctor telling them my story and I wanted to quit drinking but needed an evaluation and some help. Possibly wanting the pills that made you sick if you drank. Guy took my blood pressure and suggested drinking one less each night as if I hadnt been trying that for the longest.

Bubovski

I required a taper and found the withdrawal very disconcerting.
Once its over, as in my case, we can really start living again.
Be strong and good luck!

MindfulMan

There is such a thing as doctor/client privilege.

If you cannot stop drinking/drugging without serious withdrawals you should at least consult a doctor, and voice your concerns about "being in the system."

As I see it, that's the least of your worries, and could be seen as way to avoid actually doing the work to stop drinking.

If you have this much concern, I would strongly suggest that however you stop, consult a doctor, preferably one with psychiatric and substance abuse experience.

Tapering is very difficult, and tapering with benzos is far more effective in an inpatient setting, or at least one that is controlled. It's too easy to drink on top of the benzos, even "just a little bit," and then you end up even deeper than you were.

I know people who went through inpatient rehab on government insurance, that basically had no money. And this was not a bottom of the basement facility, although it was no Malibu beach resort.

It is difficult, but not impossible, to get medical treatment without insurance, especially for substance abuse issues.

I'm a firm believer in medical detox if at all possible. Just get 'er done.

Edit to add: I also see that you have bipolar disorder and alcoholism in your family history and have have substance abuse issues yourself. Both are strong markers for bipolar disorder.

Another reason to see a doctor, at least eventually. Comorbidity between bipolar and substance use disorders are very common, and usually both require treatment.

Go to a doctor.

Melly

I appreciate the advice. In fact it's the same way I'd advise someone in my situation.. However in my situation, my back really is against the wall. I'm a single mother with zero help.
I'm alone in a new city. I have no insurance. I can't afford to see a doctor and even if I could I work in a very small town and I'm in the medical field so it would make future job seeking difficult. I can't afford to take any days off of work.
I also clearly have a hard time with addiction so all I need is a benzos addiction anyway. I wasn't asking for medical advice... I was asking for some practical advice from someone whose been in my shoes.
I want and need to quit and I did it cold turkey last time with a lot of help from God but it seems cold turkey isn't an option this time around. Just need help. Natural remedies, books, hypnosis. Anything? I've tried it all but was hoping someone had a new thing I hadn't tried.

Dee74

I understand its difficult - you work in the field you have no money to spend and you have children to look after - but that doesn't change the fact detox can be dangerous.

Just so you know this is our medical advice rule:

Free/Low-Cost/Sliding Scale Clinics | NeedyMeds
The clinics in this database are free, low cost, low cost with a sliding scale based on income, or offer some type of financial assistance.

maybe its worth going out of town for if you're concerned about confidentiality.

If tapering not working for you, and you have any of the following happening it's imperative you see someone - present yourself an ER perhaps.

We're really not being mean - we're trying to ensure your safety Melly.


D

dcg

I was drinking enough that there's no way I wouldn't have had seizures or delirium. I drank for at least an extra year just because I didn't want to see a doc and I couldn't buckle down and do a taper and was stuck in a circle of ****. I ultimately did a taper.

Not trying to be mean, but your choices are:

Roll the dice and go cold turkey
Buckle down and do a taper properly
Go see a doctor

No ****** stuff is going to get it done for you.

(Edit: why is voo doo censored, lol)

You can afford a doc visit without insurance. It's like $125 + $15 for a script, $140. All easily paid for with the money you use to buy alcohol.

You can't tell us you obviously have addiction problems so doing a week of benzos will lead to a benzo addiction. It has worked for many people in the same and worse conditions than you are in, so just take the meds as prescribed and take a chance. You may find yourself free of booze and no access to recreational benzos.

As for your medical record being used while applying for a job in the medical field, I don't see how that's legal. Unless you got arrested related to your addiction, I don't see how a prospective employer can use your medical records during the vetting process (correct me if I'm wrong and explain why that is legal).

Melly

It's not that it would be used in my record regarding job searches... I'm saying its such a small town I may need to either work there some day or I would run into somebody I know ect. Thanks for the help

dcg

Well, you're going to have to do whatever it takes to clean up safely. If that means driving 25-100 miles out of town to see a doc, then it means doing that. There's no perfect way where you will not have to make a concession somewhere in your life.

I know that stuff is not helpful, but it's the reality of the situation. You can do it now or put it off until later, but you will have to do it. We keep drinking and thinking, "when things get better I'll do this, or when things get better I'll do that," but they never do get better because drinking and thinking does nothing. Taking action does, and drinking hinders one's ability to take action.

Forward12

This is AV talk to give you an excuse to keep drinking. Medical records are kept under lock and key. Not to mention if this is such a small town, the local liquor store workers will be the ones with no obligation not to gossip about all the booze you keep buying from them.

Carlotta

You could try meditation and self hypnosis (lots of good things on youtube) but I read your last thread and you are prime candidate for the DTs meaning that it's not just about your AV but it's also a physical issue.
Self hypnosis and mindfulness won't stop you from getting seizures

Right now, you are trapped and the way it sounds, it
will be only a matter of time before your addiction catches up with you at work whether you start shaking, are badly hangover or reek of booze through your pores.

I like the idea of going to a bigger town, seeing a doctor anonymously so you can get some medication. Shoot, for all I detest those payday places, if you have to take a payday loan to do it, it's worth it and you can just use the money you will have saved not drinking to pay the loan back asap so you don't have crazy interests on it.

trachemys

Salvation Army?

Find an AA meeting and ask for help?

newlyaddicted

I tried GABA supplements and they helped take the edge off withdrawals. Might not work for you, but maybe worth a shot if you don't have another option. I took high dose GABA though. 500mg, 4 times a day when it was really bad. Then gradually cut down as withdrawals improved. Good luck!

newlyaddicted

Also, most have vitamin B6 added to it, which you need to absorb it apparently, so something to look out for when choosing one

Dee74

Guys

I've posted the medical advice rule a little higher up in the thread.

Everyone should be aware and mindful of where sharing experience stops and giving medical advice begins.

Everyone really needs to see their Dr before thinking about taking any kind of supplements, especially if they have existing medical conditions or are on other medications.

Dee
Moderator
SR

newlyaddicted

Sorry Dee. I'll keep this in mind in future!

Melly

Thank you all, very good advice