Using alcohol and drugs as coping mechanisms

[Cspray]

I have in the past used drink and drugs and possibly food to numb myself into nothing.

I remember when I first got my flashbacks /body memories... I drank every night... For months....
I just wondered if anyone else here has used the same coping mechanisms..?. And when did you realise it wasn't helping. Thanks

 

[Deleted member 48076]

I have in the past used drink and drugs and possibly food to numb myself into nothing.

I remember when I first got my flashbacks /body memories... I drank every night... For months....
I just wondered if anyone else here has used the same coping mechanisms..?. And when did you realise it wasn't helping. Thanks

Hi Cspray,

I too tend to look to alcohol as a form of release. I always used to love a social drink anyway so it is no surprise that I took to this when things fell apart for me. At first, it was drinking to help me get to sleep. Then it became just everyday drinking. And then I limited this severely when I realised that with each drink, my feelings became more and more intense and I was less able to deal with it. I mean, I'm already struggling to deal with the overwhelming feelings when I am sober! You're right, it doesn't help in the long run!

 

[Cspray]

Hi Cspray,

I too tend to look to alcohol as a form of release. I always used to love a social drink anyway so it is no surprise that I took to this when things fell apart for me. At first, it was drinking to help me get to sleep. Then it became just everyday drinking. And then I limited this severely when I realised that with each drink, my feelings became more and more intense and I was less able to deal with it. I mean, I'm already struggling to deal with the overwhelming feelings when I am sober! You're right, it doesn't help in the long run!

No it doesn't but I guess for awhile it does numb everything... And I think when those memories come back they are too horrific to deal with.hence the reason to numb yourself.. It's all messed up ... But thanks for the honesty

 

[Innordinate]

just wondered if anyone else here has used the same coping mechanisms..?. And when did you realise it wasn't helping

Honestly, not sure I have. I quit drugs awhile ago because I have kids. It took awhile but I finally realized my using harmed them more than helped me. Still use drinking once in awhile- kinda go through spurts really- to numb out and sleep.

So - more about making a conscious decision to not ruin my kids lives and what few good things I have in my own life than realizing it wasn't helping.
Still have to force the decision to use positive coping mechanisms on a regular basis instead, because it's definitely easier to drink.

 

[Mayflower]

I too use alcohol as a coping mechanism. It makes the day shorter (I live on my own) and numbs the pain and helps me get to sleep - even if I do then wake up after 2 hours.
Without the alcohol I can't sleep at all but every morning I say I'm not going to drink. And every day I do.
I'm not an alcoholic because when I am well I can go weeks without a drink and happily only drink in social situations.
I really want to stop now but need some help with it.....how do you all stop yourselves?

 

[Innordinate]

how do you all stop yourselves?

what works best for me is not obsessing about drinking. not promising myself im not going to drink either.
when a craving hit, i acknowledged the craving because yeh, i drink a lot, of course im going to feel like i need to. and i repeat this everytime.

sometimes it doesnt work. sometimes i try to force myself to drink and cant. sometimes i try not to drink and do.

mostly i just try not to judge myself for it. again - its just acknowledging the thought/ craving as normal so i dont obsess about it.

 

[Mayflower]

So like me Innordinate!
What worked the best for me was giving my cards to my best friend for a week. But honestly, can't keep doing that and I need to be an adult about it.

 

[Cspray]

I too use alcohol as a coping mechanism. It makes the day shorter (I live on my own) and numbs the pain and helps me get to sleep - even if I do then wake up after 2 hours.
Without the alcohol I can't sleep at all but every morning I say I'm not going to drink. And every day I do.
I'm not an alcoholic because when I am well I can go weeks without a drink and happily only drink in social situations.
I really want to stop now but need some help with it.....how do you all stop yourselves?

I think I stopped mostly because I was sick of feeling like shit the next day... I had no energy and the problem, was still there..... I think you will stop when you're ready.... Good luck with it.... You will get there..... I exercise and go in nature slot. And volunteer.. All these things helped me

 

[Mayflower]

I hope so.
Trouble is, I don't feel shit next day. And alcohol seems to be the only thing that helps with my restlessness. GP still struggling to find a drug that will sedate me sufficiently....currently trying Olanzapine but has had no effect so far. :(

 

[Cspray]

I hope so.
Trouble is, I don't feel shit next day. And alcohol seems to be the only thing that helps with my restlessness. GP still struggling to find a drug that will sedate me sufficiently....currently trying Olanzapine but has had no effect so far. :(

I think the fact that you know you don't want drink forever.. Is great insight and wise... You will figure it out...

 

[Innordinate]

Olanzapine but has had no effect so far. :(

using this to help fall asleep? ive been on zyprexa before but not for sleep.
its an antipsychotic
i guess it can cause sleepiness?

maybe ask for something like zopiclone?
if you can take them things like benadryl can help you sleep too.

 

[Spacefish]

I used to drink like a fish, then stopped because I had kids ... then started again after they left. I know it isn't good for me, my brain health suffers for days after and it is a trigger because of date/drug rape ... but just for a moment it really does wipe the slate clean, but sadly it is only for a moment.

But I've decided I'm worth more than a moments peace, and avoiding alcohol as part of my commitment to getting my PTSD in check. Alcohol contributes to inflammation, depression, cognitive impairment and decline, and that all adds to the day to day stress load - which is already huge.