dan16

Hi, don't know if anyone can help. I've not drank for just over three and a half years and not had any real difficulty maintaining for a long time.. until recently. About three or four months ago I got very down due to a lot of stress and events and the doctor has prescribed me a very low dose of sertraline to help. The last month I've really felt like drinking and feel like I'm missing out socially, I also believe I would be able to just drink socially. The hardest times are when I go out for a meal or think about a holiday and just feel it's not the same without being able to have a drink like everyone else. Hopefully it will pass but sometimes I really feel like I might be able to moderate

biminiblue

Sertraline is a pretty serious drug, does your doctor know about your past drinking problems? I would definitely talk to the prescribing doctor - there may be another drug that is more suitable.

I can't take SSRIs at all, the side effects are too much for me. If this is a new craving, I'd get in to your doctor as soon as possible.

Really think about that whole "moderation" thing. I know better than to test that, I've seen the results too many times.

Hawkeye13

Abstaining and control are two very different things.

I learned the hard way that just because I can abstain from drinking fairly easily and for long periods of time does not mean I can control drink. Not for long, anyway.

So far out of the thousands of posts I've read on this list, I haven't seen one success story of someone with a serious alcohol problem being able to "backshift" to moderation successfully long-term.

nez

I don't know if this will help or not, but in my experience, I have never woken up in the morning and said "Damn I missed a great opportunity to drink yesterday". I have woken up in the morning and said "Damn I did it again."

decchemist

There are SSRIs with much less severe side effects than Sertraline. For example, citalopram. I agree with Bimini that you should explore alternatives with your GP.

least

I'd speak to your doctor about it. And I wouldn't advise drinking at all. Not to mention that drinking will negate the effects of antidepressants.

decchemist

Oh, and don't waste 3.5 years on an 'experiment'.

AnvilheadII

Hopefully it will pass but sometimes I really feel like I might be able to moderate

normal/regular non-addicts don't sit around thinking ahead to when they can next drink and devising a plan to keep their drinking under control. alcohol does not consume their thoughts. if they are at a meal or social event, they are able to be present and in the moment, rather than focus on how many others have a drink in their hands.

sertaline is nothing to mess with. and alcohol would be a serious BAD idea.

dan16

Thanks for the support, I made it through the weekend t total without totally loosing it!

My doctor knows about my addictions and assured me that sertraline/zolof isn't addictive. She wants me to take 50mg per day but I have stayed on 25mg against her wishes. I was really reluctant to take antidepressants and haven't ever taken them before but I was in a really bad place. I haven't had any major side effects and hope to come off them quite soon. I must admit the AV has been strong recently, don't know if it's because of the sertaline.

doggonecarl

I am glad you remained strong.

I can't count the number of "Day One" posts that start with, "I thought I could drink normally again."

Don't add yourself to that number.

WeThinkNot

Hi Dan,

Before my current sobriety I had relapsed after having about 2 or 3 months sober previously (don't remember exactly but it wasn't too long).

During that time I came down with tonsillitis and was prescribed antibiotics and painkillers. Taking one, or the other, or both of those medications awoke the beast within like I couldn't believe. I don't think I would have been successful with my last sobriety attempt regardless but I relapsed in short order after taking my prescribed medication.

I learned my lesson, now I wouldn't even pop a Tic Tac in my mouth without consulting a doctor first.

Dee74

Hi Dan sorry I missed the original post but glad you made it through the weekend.

I don;t know how long you've been taking them or whether the meds are a factor or not but you have a right and responsibility to go see your Dr about it.

If necessary get a second opinion until you're satisfied.

What kind of things have you been doing to stay sober 3.5 years?

D