Drinking too much

[Fayne Jane]

Ever since I had Trauma I started drinking more than usual. Now that I am in EMDR therapy I am drinking way to much. How does one deal with this?

 

[Casey_03]

I think that depends if you've become chemically dependent on the alcohol. That's not really something you would be able to determine objectively. When you say "drinking too much" -- what exactly do you mean? That you're unable to go a day without drinking, or that you're drinking, say, three times a week as opposed to your previous habit of rarely drinking?

 

[Fayne Jane]

Was about 2-3 times a week, since starting EMDR almost daily

 

[NoWhereKnowWhere]

I was a BIG drinker I always saw it as a self meditation thing for me. I was drunk for a about a year. Alcoholism runs in my family and I started to get scared and so stopped drinking. I just decided i didn't want to be dependent on it anymore. It was hard, I had to basically stop speaking to everyone I used to drink with.

Every day drinking is not doing anything good for you. <~read that again, literally nothing. In fact it's more likely doing harm. Is it a self meditation thing or something else? Have you spoken to your therapist? Maybe you need some better coping skills or a medication change. It's a slippery af slope. Talk to your therapist and or primary doctor. There's AA if you want to go along and see what's what.

 

[Fayne Jane]

Thanks I am doing it to go to sleep afraid of dreams. Yes I know it isn;t good and other wise I have healthy habits. Have not shared yet with therapist.

 

[Friday]

How does one deal with this?

With using a coping mechanism I don't like in response to a whole lot of stress?
- Recognize it
- Start using alternate coping mechanisms I do like
- Lower my overall stress

Or... With how painful, overwhelming, & stressful trauma / therapy / PTSD is?

Or... With drinking too much?

Or... ?

 

[Fayne Jane]

Thank you

 

[The Albatross]

Definitely worth some sessions with your shrink. You need some better/healthier coping skills.

 

[Deadman]

I tried the whole self medicating with alcohol thing. It worked for a little while but ultimately let me down. Did the same for every other PTSD sufferer I know.

Do you know whats worse than having PTSD? Being drunk and still having PTSD.

 

[Fayne Jane]

Thanks Deadman I like your last statement

 

[ladee]

I can vouch for @Deadman's words.... I had to go the rehab route and went to AA for years... but have been sober a very long time now, and at least my healing work is real now... not postponed or half assed.... it's real.
Prayers for you to find a way out of that circle of hell, because that is what it is... it doesn't help... never has, never will.

 

[Fayne Jane]

Thanks for all the feedback, I have talked with a friend in AA and getting back on track.