DU addicts, ex-addicts, and families of addicts - I need some advice.

[peruban]

I'm an addict. I've smoked marijuana for 16 years, drank alcohol for almost that long, and dabbled (but never got "hooked") in cocaine, meth, and heroine. What can I say? I live in South Florida, the stuff is everywhere around here.

Nowadays all I do is drink a few days a week and smoke pot whenever I can afford it. The friends I had who encouraged my addictions have all either died from overdose, parted ways, or just been omitted from my life. I've always had sleeping problems so I've abused night time cold medications and antihistamine sleeping pills as well. I've also abused prescribed benzodiazepines (ativan, klonopan, xanax), mixing them with alcohol, of course.

My question is this, what do you do when you consciously know that you're having negative effects on yourself and your family but your body just doesn't want to listen? I crave an altered perception. Being straight is like a nightmare for me because I suffer from nervous disorders and am diagnosed as bipolar and being high lets me relax and feel "normal". I've been through two inpatient detox programs but always seem to gravitate back to drinking and smoking pot because my prescribed medication just doesn't do it for me.

I know I'm hurting my family and my finances aren't exactly benefiting either. So to those of you in my position, have been in my position, or have/had family in that position what can be done? I've sought professional help but I'm literally at war with my body and nothing seems to change that.

Does anybody have any thoughts that could get me to see these things differently or better understand what I have to do get my life under control?

[peruban]

1. Anyone? Anyone?

Is thing on?

[rug]

2. Post here. You'll get better advice.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=336

[peruban]

3. Ahh, thank you. n/t

[graywarrior]

4. You need to talk to people with similar issues

NA and AA. Worked for me. You need support and a group of no bullshit friends to help you.

[Tindalos]

5. Have you checked out the DU Addictions/Recovery group?

I think you need a star to post over there, but you might get more responses. http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=336

Sorry I can't be of more help. Good luck.

[Dora]

6. "I crave an altered perception."

Many people can relate to that.


Have you considered meditation? It's tough, but it is one way to create an altered state without relying on drugs/alcohol.

Exercise is another way. I've just begun exploring yoga, myself. I'm currently in a kundalini yoga class, and the instructor has said again and again that it's very effective at relieving addictions. Kundalini is not about difficult postures - it entails breathing, chanting, and physical exertion. It's very beginner friendly. I always feel a little goofy in the class, but I also always feel much better coming out than I did going in.

Good luck. :)

[malta blue]

7. check your pm.

[Lincolngirl]

8. Hey. Saw there is no one on at the other thread.

What is your prescribed medication? How does it not do it for you? Are your meds for Bipolar making you feel tired? Is it Seraquil? Or are you just having a hard time coping with a sober/straight life?

You say you've been to detox, have you been to treatment? Have you been to AA/NA meetings? Have you talked to someone with dual diagnosis? Your doctor you see for your Bipolar? If they cannot help you, perhaps find another doctor.

When I got sober it messed badly with my meds. I had more anxiety, and a drink would have taken care of that quickly, but I would have been back to square one soon enough. I have Severe Chronic Depression and when I quit drinking my body went wacky. My moods were more severe. I had to adjust my meds, and watch it very closely. Almost ended up in an outpatient program, but had no insurance, so my Dr worked with me.

Perhaps a call to AA or NA. Let them know you are using and bipolar. They may be able to guide you to a dual diagnosis meeting.
I'm not saying you need to go to AA. That it is the only way. It's just what worked for me. And I have met many Bipolar people in recovery there. It is hard, but I have very close friends who have done it.

Good luck to you. If you have any further questions, I'll try to help.

[sasquatch]

9. Start taking meds for Bi-Polar and keep with it

If they don't work tell your doctor.