Posted by Elizabeth on February 22, 2002, at 22:43:08
In reply to Re: benzos for alcoholics? » verne, posted by jazzdog on February 22, 2002, at 21:13:03
> Sorry to cast a dissenting vote
Jane,
No apologies needed. :-) I think we should all recognize that there are people who have different experiences than our own -- even, sometimes, opposite to our own -- and that their experiences are just as valid.
I've met former alcoholics who were fine taking benzos, but it is true that some people, like yourself, get triggered by them. On the other hand, for others, benzos are an effective substitute for alcohol -- when they take benzos, they don't feel a need for alcohol because their anxiety is treated effectively.
I do think that it's important to keep one's mind open to the option of trying benzos for anxiety (even in alcoholics), especially if other things have failed to help. It's important to exercise caution, especially in the beginning, but I really do think it's worth a try.
> They work on the same receptors - that's why a benzo can kill a hangover.
They don't exactly have the same effects, but it is true that they're both GABAergic drugs. And that's also why they have the same beneficial effects, which makes benzos a viable substitute for alcohol in the treatment of anxiety. (Benzos are also much safer than alcohol and lack unpleasant side effects such as nausea.)
> Normal people can handle them, but alcoholics, including me, don't seem to be able to.
As you've pointed out, it's an individual thing. Some alcoholics have problems -- but not all. It'd be interesting to find out if there are any statistics regarding this.
-elizabeth
poster:Elizabeth
thread:94946
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020222/msgs/95168.html