Posted by Minx on February 28, 2003, at 14:51:41
In reply to psychotropic medication and alcohol, posted by Elysium9 on February 27, 2003, at 14:15:13
I am an alcoholic with Borderline personality disorder. I think the term "self-medication" is wonderful. Alcohol can bring you up (temporarily) when you're down, calm you down (temporarily) when you're up...But it all ends up in a hangover.
I had to quit drinking before I could really get any relief from my mental condition. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant - mixing that with any other CNSD can be very dangerous. It can interact badly with other medications as well. And never mind the hangovers and guilt trips that can go with a bad drunk. It wasn't easy, but I had to quit if I really wanted to get better.
You say that you've been diagnosed alcoholic...Based on what I remember about myself - do you mind if I ask a question?
You say that the medication gives you "urges" to drink. When you are taking your meds, how long do you go without drinking before these urges hit? How long do you go without drinking when you're not taking meds? This may help pin down if it's the meds, or if it's the fact that you're not drinking.
You didn't give much information on frequency...
Beer may not have the same effect as vodka (etc.), because of the proportion of alcohol. I could get pretty ripped on Jim Beam or Absolute, but I never could drink the volume of beer I would have needed for the same effect. There just isn't as much alcohol. That doesn't mean it's safe - there is still alcohol which could interact badly with your meds.
I would STRONGLY suggest that you quit drinking altogether. You were mentioning some potentially nasty meds, and it would be best if they were left "alone" to do their job. If not having a beverage during social occasions bothers you, try some of the non-alcoholic beers that are available. There are also some surprisingly decent dealcoholized wines out there. Ask for your 7up in a drink glass (so it looks and feels the same).
Blackouts are not good. Something shuts down. That can't be healthy...
Best of luck. Sorry to come down hard...
poster:Minx
thread:137624
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20030224/msgs/204735.html