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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Mr.Scott on August 26, 2002, at 0:37:40
Using cocaine and alcohol that is....
I honestly believe I could be happy on the right combination of meds and life rearrangement if only I could summon the courage to lose the people in my life that keep dragging me down, and seek out the people who I know would help me up.
What should I do to get off of this crap? It's ruining my life and keeping me in a holding pattern while the clock is still ticking.
It makes me very depressed the whole thing does.
Scott
Posted by wendy b. on August 26, 2002, at 1:03:48
In reply to I'd really like to stop..., posted by Mr.Scott on August 26, 2002, at 0:37:40
> Using cocaine and alcohol that is....
>
> I honestly believe I could be happy on the right combination of meds and life rearrangement if only I could summon the courage to lose the people in my life that keep dragging me down, and seek out the people who I know would help me up.
>
> What should I do to get off of this crap? It's ruining my life and keeping me in a holding pattern while the clock is still ticking.
>
> It makes me very depressed the whole thing does.
>
> Scott
Dear Mr Scott:It might help to know what you have done already (that seems to not be working for you) and maybe what meds you're on? How depressed do you get? Any suicidal ideation, plans, attempts? How long have you been a user of drugs/alcohol? Anybody else in the family, of course, there usually is. Ever do a detox program?
I saw your post on Admin about another board for recovery. I don't know about splitting the board even further, I think others may object on that point. But recovery, or just general drug and alcohol issues, seems like a 'natural' for a site like PBabble... Much more natural than (IMHO) Faith.
Buck up, sir! And sorry you're having a hard time of it...
Wendy
Posted by Mr.Scott on August 26, 2002, at 23:52:54
In reply to Re: I'd really like to stop... » Mr.Scott, posted by wendy b. on August 26, 2002, at 1:03:48
Hi Wendy,
I went through detox and 90 inpatient followed by qnother 90 day outpatient 6 years ago. I had a great deal of twelve step exposure, but never "worked a program." Instead I ditched my druggie friends and fell in love. We broke up after 5 years and I started going out a lot and partying again. Kind of weird... I really don't abuse alcohol as a primary drug...Instead I have a few and get cravings for cocaine. If I don't drink I don't crave cocaine that bad and can abstain. Drinking I guess is the gateway then? But I'm by no means a sloppy drunk or a big even a huge drinker anymore. I just go out...feel socially inept...have some drinks and then feel a compulsion to use cocaine. And once I start a 4 day binge can ensue if nothing else has to be done. Always followed by guilt and the notion that I'll never do it again. I have a mild bipolar, ADHD, GAD thing going on that no one can accurately or correctly diagnose and treat. I take low dose benzos anticonvulsants (Neurontin) a touch of Effexor (37.5 mg) and a touch of Lithium 225mg every other day or so. Plus fish oil. I am probably on the bipolar spectrum, but I feel that my loneliness and sense of lost direction in life are at least as important as any biochemical stuff. No alcoholics in family, lots of suicides and a few gamblers. Also a lot of "shitty temperaments". I want to ditch my asshole friends, but then I get lonely. But the cocaine is horrible stuff. It makes me so paranoid and anxious i want to jump out of my window. I hate it and really desire to stop it.
I just want to be socially comfortable and talkative. I had this effect on the coke & alcohol at one time, but the positive wore off, the compulsion set in, and now all I do is blow tons of cash on a waste.Scott
Posted by ~~tabitha~~ on August 27, 2002, at 3:21:12
In reply to Re: I'd really like to stop... » wendy b., posted by Mr.Scott on August 26, 2002, at 23:52:54
Hi Mr scott,
Wow, I know social anxiety is a big trigger for me too. It's tough getting thru that one. Sounds like alcohol lowers your resistance to using cocaine, right?I totally quit drinking for a time, the key was getting some friends who didn't drink, so it was just natural to be with them and not drink. I've still not gotten comfortable being a non-drinker at a drinking event. I have done it, it's just kind of a torture test. Sometimes after time at a party or event, without drinking, I get more comfortable, same as if I were drinking. Makes me realize alcohol doesn't make as much difference as I thought.
The other thing that helped some was a therapist making me realize that someone might actually appreciate a shy personality. I was feeling like being quiet was a blight on the landscape or something. That's not really the case.
Posted by judy1 on August 27, 2002, at 11:52:10
In reply to I'd really like to stop..., posted by Mr.Scott on August 26, 2002, at 0:37:40
I guess the first step is to call a therapist. Do you have insurance? If so, they will help you find one who has experience with substance abuse. I think until you get a handle on that, you aren't even going to get a reasonable diagnosis (which you are already aware of). It's difficult to lose a relationship and easy to turn to drugs (I did coke off and on for almost a decade- when i think of all the money i spent, i feel ill). Once i made the decision (and hit my bottom), it was easy after- like you i really didn't have an alcohol problem. I did move and actually returned to college where i met my husband- so yes getting away from your drug 'friends' does help. I wish you all the best- judy
Posted by Robin David John on September 8, 2002, at 0:07:29
In reply to Re: I'd really like to stop... » Mr.Scott, posted by judy1 on August 27, 2002, at 11:52:10
How are you doing???
Posted by judy1 on September 8, 2002, at 21:10:50
In reply to Re:Judy are you still up, posted by Robin David John on September 8, 2002, at 0:07:29
I just saw this. I'm fine, are you unable to sleep? Take care, judy
Posted by sebastian on September 8, 2002, at 23:58:48
In reply to Re: I'd really like to stop... » Mr.Scott, posted by judy1 on August 27, 2002, at 11:52:10
Smoke cigarettes instead. It has the affect of a quick buzz with out the high and gets you away from drugs which clog your thinking. Just immagin how it feels to be high when your not and you might see how you looked and decide it was not coke that was making you happy but realy the atmospher. Tell your friends you quit but don't oppose. If you still can't hang out just try to find something else that is fun. Anything else will work, just don't mess up your head. And don't drink more than one beer a week, you'll see a difference. Try watching cops or doing daily chours.
This is the end of the thread.
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