Hey there guys and gals: I gotta add my two cents to the mix (with it being Christmas and all, I'll have to dig deep,lol.) I was actively self-medicating in the early 90's with alcohol because I was going through a divorce and child custody battle, and all that fun stuff while working two jobs and trying to care for children with O contribution from the Father. Where it got me, was Detox. So then I did the AA thing for six years, and if anyone out there has an alcohol problem, don't knock it, it works. Just an aside to you ladies, if you're single, especially, watch out for vultures. That's primarily why I let go of that particular life boat because male attendees from the meeting began dropping by, unannounced, "to visit". There sometimes are splinter groups that are hosted by ladies, for ladies, and they also can be helpful, although I can't speak to their continuity. (They come and go). What I got out of the whole thing was a toolbox of ways to manage my reactions, emotions and life in general. So, I'm not obsessive about drinking or not drinking, it's a very individual choice.
Having said that this hugh red stop sign jumps into my field of vision, it is, most of the medications we take to manage our pain and other symptoms can interact with the alcohol in a very unpleasant way. As a matter of fact, just looking at my own meds, I can find three that absolutely should not be taken if one is also consuming alcohol. Any ideas about that problem?Take Care and Merry Christmas to all.