Has anyone had a problem with drug/alcohol abuse? If so, how did you deal with it? Are you clean now? If so, for how long?
Once a year
Every few months
Monthly
Weekly
On Weekends
Everyday
Just at work


Has anyone had a problem with drug/alcohol abuse? If so, how did you deal with it? Are you clean now? If so, for how long?
I had a terrible problem with alcohol. I went to AA for one year. I also went to psychotherapy for a year and a half. I take zoloft now. Every now and then I will go off of my medication and drink too much. (like today) I know that I will have to fight against my alcohol problem for the rest of my life. The most important thing for me was to accept that I had a problem that was preventing me from living the best life possible. Every time that I sobered up my life improved dramatically. It's different for everyone. Going to group therapy was just the beginning -- an extremely important step though. Seeing a psychiatrist really made a huge difference.
Most people prefer to believe their leaders are just and fair even in the face of evidence to the contrary, because once a citizen acknowledges that the government under which they live is lying and corrupt, the citizen has to choose what he or she will do about it. - M Rivero
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All that any shrinks I've gone to ever wanted was to hear about my sex life....pervs
Antidepressants are one of the worst technological inventions because they force people already on the brink of revolutionary social discourse to restrain ourselves....
I like alcohol more than anything...best access...easiest excuse to lose control.....
Addiction is more than about drugs/alcohol...its about the loss of self, faith, and optimism........
Meow....happier in the morning...Kat
"Have you ever been to American wedding? Where is the vodka, where's marinated herring?" - GB
"And do the cats give a shit? No, they do not. Why? Because they're cats."-from The Onion
Originally Posted by Mia M
Alcohol - rehab/AA - clean - 3 years, 10 mos, 29 days (I am not compulsive, I have a spreadsheet that calculates it LOL)
I went to a LCSW for 9 months and lied to her. Also lied my ass of to the doctor, everyone, myself
Grrr...part of my naive past I'm not proud of.
Coke nearly every day for 7-8 months..been clean a year and a half (nearly two). Lots of X on the weekends...now I do it maybe twice a year, if that.
Did Vics at times, but never really addicted. Pot I like once a month or so.
Smoked for a year and a half....quit for almost 4 months.
I think I was attempting to self-medicate for depression with the above pharmacuticals. Now, as suggested by my therapist, I take an occassional Ativan or Xanax to prevent panic attacks. And ambien every night to sleep. It's kind of nice to be clear-headed. But might go to NA meetings just to keep my behavior in check.
Luckily, I only like alcohol every so often....I don't want to feel bloated at work from drinking to much.![]()





I just wanted to post that " I AM VERY PROUD OF ALL OF YOU" More than I think you guys realize. It takes alot of courage to seek help when you are going through any type of abuse.
Some Douchebag: "[Pimp C] 12:43 am: its true we got to stick together the black people on SW CK you is teh condoleeza of SW"
I could not submit a vote. I never drank (i have a sister who has many problems with alcohol.) and i don't do illegal drugs.
Lucky for me i guess, i have a heart condition that will force me to take care of my body, and that means no alcohol or illegal drugs, on the street or prescribed to another person.
Also my father was a drinker and my sister is now abusing. Seeing this also is a great motivator for me. sad example, but i learned from my father whom drinking killed, and my sister who is also crashing by choice.
Pamela


Wow!!! Good job guys!!!!


Well...I wanted to just say that I am a drug abuser. I have never stopped. I'm not that bad that I freak out if I don't have it. Well, it's not like I never had it- it's always around.
I am a hard pot smoker and I snort cocaine regularly. Recently, I've been doing a lot of coke and I really want to slow it down or maybe quit all together. It's just that it is always around. My family, friends, everyone around me smokes pot and does coke. So when I am offered- I use.
I have never been clean in the past 6 years. I started smoking pot when I was 13 and snorting coke when I was 14. I have tried other drugs but they aren't my thing. I don't drink because I believe I do enough to feel good. I believe I do have a problem with coke use tho. I tell myself that I use marijuana medically due to a back injury (cracked tailbone) that causes pain regularly.
Does anyone, other than me believe I do have a really bad problem with coke?


Sorry. I missed a part.
Does anyone know a way I can kinda slow down or quit all together?
Programs are not my thing.
Rican: I'm very sorry about your problem with coke, and understand it. I was addicted...and finally stopped after having to go to the hospital for heart palpitations about 6 times in the 7-8 months of use. So I'm terrified of it now. Looking back, I was a wreck. Humiliating to be in the ER looking like a dope fiend. During one visit I was convinced that all the doctors and nurses had been in the club as undercovers. Spending half my dancing money on blow just to work...doing lines in the dressing room with other girls, trying to dance but being to crumped to move.
Each person is different in why they use drugs and the compulsion that drives it...but it's been said that a common factor when people abuse drugs is to escape. Also, the allure of the forbidden sometimes seems glamourous. Edgy, fun. I think it would help for you to talk to someone. Someone might be able to help you sort out the reasons and triggers that cause you to use coke. If not a therapist, call a drug hotline, crisis hotline, or attend NA meetings. No one will judge you, and you can talk to someone whenever you need to.
Your situation is hard because the drugs are so readily available, and it's going to be really tough. Perhaps let your family know your desire to quit or cut down, and that you'd prefer they not do it in front of you. I guess think of all the money you'd save...coke is friggin expensive. Also, read up on people that die from overdoses, etc, in addition to the health problems cocaine causes...it might scare you in a good way.
As for pot, it's my personal opinion that since it's not physically addictive, and that people don't overdose from it, that it's relatively benign. Hell, I think it should be legal. And it might help your pain.
Like Cinammonkisses said, it takes alot to admit you have a problem. Don't be ashamed, but realize that you're a special person, deserve the best in life, and can overcome anything you set your mind to. Hope that didn't sound retarded and cliched :o
Talk to a professional or anyone who can help. Understanding the reasons for drug abuse is important...else it might manifest in other behaviors. Best of luck to you, and if you ever need someone to talk to, PM me.
Hugz
R_A_M,
This is kind of messy because drugs and alcohol mess up the ability of the brain to deal with chemicals needed for certain basic things like sleep. You may not need aa/na to keep clean once you stop, but I would definitely talk to a medical doctor. A detox may be the physical least painful way to stop and break the usage. A long term, chronic, serious addiction to alcohol can have withdrawal symptoms which can kill you. I do not believe coke is like that but it can be physically very unpleasant in some cases. If nothing else talk to a professional.
PS. I said almost the identical words about "not being my style" too 5 years ago. I quit drinking for 30 days, and then got worse, much worse. You are you, not me, but that was me.
Oops...I just read your part about programs not being your thing...and that's understandable. There are some non-formal ways to talk to someone. I have resources somewhere...I'll look for 'em.
While BDD is looking for stuff, remember you can talk to your Doctor and talk to the people who run the addiction treatment program at any number of hospitals and other places. Unless you are physically incapacitated or a danger to your own life (i.e. suicidal) every interaction with any such person is entirely voluntary on your part. They can not make you stay, or call the cops or any such stuff against your will.Originally Posted by bloodydewdrop link=board=5;threadid=5538;start=msg59961#msg59961 date=1072923575
I am not sure this link will work but here is some info on places in Chicago area. http://go.vicinity.com/samhsa/geoprx...nois&ZIP=&AD2=





Well I just wanted to add real quick Rican, that I am happy that you are aware that you have a problem. Now what you need to look into is seeking treatment. It's a new year baby, so that means a new you. No one is going to expect you to be an immediate success...it's a work in progress. I'm glad your taking this first step!Originally Posted by Rican_Asian_Ma link=board=5;threadid=5538;start=msg59952#msg59952 date=1072920799
Oh and I forgot to add my comment relating to your age earlier in my last post. How long have the people you've been doing this behavior with been in this sort of lifestyle. As hard and painful as this may be, you need to break away from them. Misery loves company, as does the Devil.
Doing drugs will do nothing but tear you down. You are just rotting away from the inside out. What doesn't show up on now will be soon enough. I dont want to see you go out like that love. Know that I am here, and that I love you!! PM me sometime so we can talk. Remember, us sisters gotta stick together!![]()
Some Douchebag: "[Pimp C] 12:43 am: its true we got to stick together the black people on SW CK you is teh condoleeza of SW"


CinammonKisses....mostly everyone in my family started drug use around that age or younger. People in my family have been in horrible situations (ie. stealing, going to jail, etc.). And I know it is from drugs. I am not like them but I do like the drugs. I do not steal etc. for my drugs. But, I am scared I will turn out like them
Alcohol. Been sober for.. well, it's more than ten years.
The problem with coke is that it causes such an instant addiction and withdrawal. So you can be addicted even if you don't do it often, but if you do consume, you snort until its gone.
I think I may have a little tiny coke problem too, but its not from stripping, its from other people I know. So, to control the urges I feel to do more, I take an ambien after I feel thorougly buzzed, have a cocktail, and go to sleep...otherwise its a nasty situation. This is not a recommendation, just something that might help in the meantime...quitting is best, coke is the nastiest, ugliest drug on earth....
"Have you ever been to American wedding? Where is the vodka, where's marinated herring?" - GB
"And do the cats give a shit? No, they do not. Why? Because they're cats."-from The Onion
Originally Posted by Mia M
Katrine, I do not want to sound preachy but mixing things is not such a good idea.
Coke + alcohol is a bad combo
ambien + alcohol is a bad combo
see this site associated with WebMD near the bottom http://content.health.msn.com/conten...1274?bn=Ambien
Odds are high the three together is not to great idea either.
You're right, right, RIGHT papi.........
"Have you ever been to American wedding? Where is the vodka, where's marinated herring?" - GB
"And do the cats give a shit? No, they do not. Why? Because they're cats."-from The Onion
Originally Posted by Mia M



Rican, I think if you want to cut down you should just stop. I don't think there is such a thing as slowing down with coke, especially if it's constantly around you. I used to have a problem with it, now I have a mindset where the thought of coke disgusts me. When I think of how I acted on coke it disgusts me. That mindset helped me quit. I think if you look at it like that it will help you. I don't allow any in my house, I don't have friends that do it, and I don't go anywhere where it might be. I realize this may be harder for you, but I think it would be in your best interest to find new friends and only hang around your family when they are not doing it. Ask your family not to do it around you, if they don't want to listen, meet your family only in public places like a restaurant. Of coarse this won't work if you live with them. If you do, spend more time away from the house. Find a hobby outside of the home, especially one where you have to be active and sober, like roller blading, swimming, etc.
I don't think pot is bad if smoked in moderation, not 24/7.
Katrine, please be careful with your cocktails. Combinations of uppers and downers are really bad.
I was a pretty bad kid back in the days, any drug you can think of I've probably done it. I've been sober from tweak for almost 3 years (February 2) and sober from coke for about a year and alcohol only 5 months. I started really really young and my parents tried everything, in-patient rehab several times, out-patient rehab, counselors, everything. The only reason I stopped doing tweak was my "hook-up" went to jail and I went to rehab for six months. But everytime I tried to quit doing coke I would just do it again whenever I saw it. The only reason I stopped doing that was because I got to a point where I was so disgusted with myself and everything in my life sucked, I didn't want to do it anymore. I got help and haven't done it since. I believe the only way you can quit is if you don't want to do it anymore and with the proper help, you won't "need" to do it anymore.
I don't party with people anymore who do that shit, I won't associate with anyone who does it. That's how strongly I feel now that I am sober. I would never touch that stuff again, I remember how bad I got and I'm embarressed to talk to people who knew me back then. I put my family and myself through hell and back and I'm surprised I made it through. You should seek some help or just try to stay away from people who do it. You'll never quit if everyone in your life is doing drugs.
Shayden![]()
When all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail!
I am very happy for you all! My ex husband is going through rehab as well...Main reason why things ended.
--Georg Christoph Litchenberg


Well, I'm soo proud of all of you who are strong enough to quit. As for me, it is a new year so I decided I am gonna quit everything all together. I don't drink. I smoke weed and cigarrettes. I snort coke. But something about this new year and becoming a better person this new year is telling me to quit. Although yesterday I did get high I decided it was my last day and I plan to quit. I will keep everyone updated.
I need a lot of motivation and support from you guys since I really don't get it anywhere else.
Thanks guys....your the best!
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