Posted by Lee05 on January 21, 2005, at 0:59:17
In reply to Re: Opinions on AA?, posted by just so sad on January 20, 2005, at 10:36:30
> Well, this is my first post to this board. I just signed up yesterday, and posted on the social board. I started effexor 37.5 mg for depression about 10 days ago, and was wondering if there were any others like me, who were self-medicating with alcohol. It was recommended I visit this board, and boy, what relief to find you! I admire those of you who have quit for days at a time. I go one or two, max, then all my resolve is gone. I have started with an addictions counsellor/group awareness series, but part of me still can't believe I have a problem and that with a little more willpower and less depression I wouldn't need my daily fix (or bottle) of wine. I have cut down tremendously as now I'm on the effexor it's a bad mix, but haven't gone 3 days sober yet. Thanks for sharing everyone - you give me hope. PS my immediate family is aware that I am committed to controlling my drinking, and that I may have to quit altogether (aakk!)
*****
I started taking effexor two years ago, and am now on a dose of 225 mg. Unfortunately, even though I knew combining alcohol with my meds was really bad, I just couldn't stay sober for more than a short time and couldn't bring myself to ask for help. So basically, for the past couple of years, I've taken my anti-depressants with a mega-chaser of pure depressant (makes perfect sense, don't you think?).
Today is day 17 sober for me as I try to tackle quitting again--this time asking for (and thankfully getting) as much help as I can. FYI, because of how much and how long I was drinking, when I suddenly quit, I really threw my med dosage out of whack and got a pretty nasty jolt side effects--something to be aware of if you decide to quit altogether. Anyway, glad you found this site--there's alot of support here.
By the way everyone, I found my nerve and went to my first AA meeting tonight. Scared as hell at first, but quickly became comfortable just being with a group of people I didn't have to pretend with--I'll be going back.
Thx all,
Lee
poster:Lee05
thread:437655
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/subs/20041128/msgs/445064.html