Posted by kid47 on April 30, 2002, at 13:10:55
In reply to Re: Questions about *Alcoholism* » JonW, posted by Krazy Kat on April 28, 2002, at 12:01:16
Hi. For a sizeable portion of my adult life, I was considered, by what I think is a pretty broad definition, an alcoholic. Upon release after spending some time in the hospital for depression, I noticed I was less inclined to drink heavily. Now at 49 yrs old I can have a beer or occasional glass of wine even a Martini without negative effects. For the past three years I have been able to "social" drink & even cop an occasional buzz. One of the only good things to come out of my depression is an awareness that daily drinking of lotsa booze makes me feel like sh*t. But the moderate consumption of alcohol can actually be beneficial. I know there are people who don't have the option of an occasional drink, but for some of us with past alcohol problems this is possible. IMHO
> good question. i am tired of the term "alcoholism" myself. it's degrading and vague.
>
> i wish i knew what it's like to be a "normal" person and drink. i am bipolar, and i know my reactions to it are not "normal".
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> it is better not to drink, of course, if on meds. i tell myself this everyday. do i still drink? sometimes, but it's Much better, and i actually do take pride in that.
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> what if it takes me several years to stop, or what if i never do, but i lower it considerably? an alcohol counselor is probably going to say i'm kidding myself, or that that is not enough. but that's just discouraging the patient imo, and i don't buy into that anymore. one does the best one can.
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> i don't know, jon. i think we "mentally ill" do often have drinking problems. and i don't think it's something to feel odd or stigmatized about. my guess is it is somehow connected to our faulty brain wiring.
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> if you do start drinking again, keep track of how it affects your relationships, also your health. if you're honest with yourself, you'll know when it's not worth it to imbibe anymore. then, if it's difficult to stop that time around, seek support (does Not have to be AA!).
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> and the right med helps - my stabilizer has helped me curb the self-medicating part of it a lot.
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> good luck.
>
> - kk
poster:kid47
thread:104162
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020425/msgs/104518.html