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Posted 10/6/2007 7:49 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Guys,
Usually I am on the Colitis forum, but I have had some drastic changes in my life. I have always had anxiety around my colon issues. I have been taking Zoloft, and Xanax. I have been drinking pretty heavily and I recently came to the conclusion that I am an alcoholic. I stopped drinking and have begun tapering off the Xanax. The last two days I have been more depressed than I have ever been. My therapist thinks I am more depressed than an alcoholic--that I have been medicating my depression with alcohol and xanax. I'm so confused. She wants me to stop drinking and taking the xanax so I can work on my depression. Should I still go to AA? I am so scared, and now I feel so out of control. Has anyone else had experience with this alcohol/depression problem?

Reason for edit:

I have had to take out sections of your post in line with Rule #1 (https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=46&m=106997) We have to be careful as to the content of posts since we have minors using the site (amongst other things) Darren 

Post Edited By Moderator (djdaz_1985) : 10/7/2007 1:55:24 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 10/6/2007 8:27 PM (GMT 0)
Hi,

I heard that deppresion medicines are not supposed to be use with alcholol. most people dont seem to care, even my uncle. do the right thing, stay away from alchohol so it won't interfear with your medicens. I stoped Smoking and ALchohol so that my medicine work propaerly.
Posted 10/6/2007 9:41 PM (GMT 0)

I'm sorry to hear you are having these problems now and feel so depressed.  Did you know that alcohol is a depressant?  When you come off the alcohol it can make you feel worse.  Is your therapist a psychiatrist?  I think you would be wise to find a psychiatrist to get you on the proper meds.  Maybe the Zoloft doesn't work for you anymore. Also, you should never mix alcohol with Xanax.  Xanax is a very powerful med and should only be used for a short time.  Maybe Ativan would be a better anti anxiety med.  It is not so sedating in a low dose.  I don't have any personal experience with AA but I do have friends who do and it has been a godsend and a lifesaver for them.  If you call AA in your area they can set you up with a sponsor and they will probably even pick you up and take you to meetings.  I think it would be a good idea to attend.  You will get help with your drinking and i'll bet you will make some good friends.  It is sure worth a try.  I hope my post has helped you and do keep posting and letting your feelings out.  Everyone here is so great and helpful.  Please know that we all care about you.

Aurora

Posted 10/6/2007 10:13 PM (GMT 0)
I have been in recovery for 16 years now. We even have more in common than that I have Crohn's and that is where I usually post. I can remember when I stopped doing the alcohol and drugs it was very hard, probably the hardest time in my life. Part of the reason we do those things is to keep from feeling the way your feeling now. But if you just don't drink and can get off the xanax you can work through the things that are causing the depression. I went to AA and NA a lot in the beginning, not so much to share but to listen and I can remember learning how others learned to live without the chemicals. Some of the things I heard there really hit home and I could use to help myself and others didn't so I just let those go. Being in therapy will help I promise, I think it helps more once youv'e actually got all the chemicals out of your body because then you can deal with where the root of that depression is coming from and there is something. I had it explained to me once that it is like a long journey becoming drug and alcohol free and dealing with what issues you might have. We get on the road and go as far as we can then sometimes we have to stop get off the road (go back to past behaviors) then we get on the road and go farther. It took me many years and attempts before I was able to get on the road and stay there. But you know what after a year or 2 I started loving my life and could not imagine what would ever make me go back to that lifestyle again. I went to therapy for 5 years, it takes what it takes. I know it sounds simple but if you just have that first drink or pill your going the right direction. At times now I have had to be on Xanax and pain meds for the Crohn's and I just take them carefully with the knowledge I'm an addict and could slip back, I also let my doctors know and that way they monitor what and when they give drugs. So far so good. I love my life today except for the fact that I have just recently been diagnosised with the Crohn's and I have been having some depression with that. I did have to have my antidepressant changed because it wasn't working for me any longer. I have been on antidepressants since I got sober and that is OK also I spent years on buspar as anxiety medication because it is not addictive and it does not alter the way you feel like Xanax and Valium your kinda just not so high strung but it doesn't take you down. Hope this was helpful please stay in touch with us let us know how your doing and if the suicidal thoughts get to where your planning it go to the hospital let them admit you. Nothing is worth loosing you life over.
Posted 10/7/2007 8:05 AM (GMT 0)

Hi Birdie,

As other people have said, AD's and alcohol dont generally mix and they can cause a problem when weaning off either. Can I ask who's idea it was to come off the Xanax? Perhaps it would help going back on it? Also, have you considered calling a crisis helpline for someone to talk to and to get advice? I have included the 2 numbers (one for the US and one for the UK at the bottom of this post). Please know that we will help in anyway we can and we will give you all the support you need.

Darren

Helpline US: 1800-SUICIDE (784.2433)
Helpline UK: 08457 90 90 90

Posted 10/7/2007 1:08 PM (GMT 0)
thank you all for the support. i am feeling much better. i am working with my therapist and going to AA meetings. i don't want a sponser yet, i realized part of what was overwhelming me was this--AA you ARE and alcoholic you have to fix it now, check in with me everyday stuff. right now i just want to focus on not drinking and dealing with my depression before labeling myself anything. as long as i am not drinking, who cares? anyway, thanks so much for the support.
Posted 10/8/2007 12:44 PM (GMT 0)
If you are not drinking, you are right... that is the main thing. Being able to admit that you are alcoholic is also an important part of the treatment though and it shouldnt be overlooked. That is how people relapse.

Posted 10/12/2007 12:39 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry to hear that you have been feeling so low...
From experience, I know Alcohol & Anti Depressants dont mix
the others said it well
Alcohol is a Depressant....
I"d also recomend you going to AA,.. it ccant hurt to get informed,
and in the midst of going you can sort out whether or not... you are an alcoholic
or not
you can also... find great support with teh Right counselor/ phychirist...
Wishing you WELL & Wholeness from head to toe...

God's Blessings
Posted 10/12/2007 1:30 PM (GMT 0)
God Bless you in your journey. I cant give any advice for quitting drinking, but I hope you stay free of alcohol.
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