What Is It With All The Drinking And Drugging And Ptsd?

[Udi]

Surely people need to get themselves off to Alcoholics Anonmyous and Narcotics Anonymous with all the drinking and drugging going on here?

Surely people can't think with all the drinking and the drugging on that they can really heal whilst they aren't dealing with their addiction issues?

 

[Sohat]

I don't drink much, only one or two drinks in a year and I don't abuse drugs, I never have. Most people that are on this forum do not drink excessively or take recreational drugs. There are some that do, as in any society but I don't judge them. Those that do are taking a step towards healing by reaching out here. This is a place of support and understanding but not enabling. It is a place to find answers that people may not find otherwise. It is a place where people can find other avenues of coping and new ways of thinking.

You are correct that it is hard to heal while dealing with addiction issues but don't you think that being on this forum may be a first step?

 

[Udi]

Fair point Sohat!

 

[Kivuv]

I think that it is a sign of people not having enough coping skills or not having enough practice using them. It is a symptom of peoples pain and not easy to stop. If only it was so easy.

However, regardless of how much I understand it I also think its really important that they are treated (the addictions) as they absolutely do interfere with treatment and slow down progress. I also think that despite people feeling they need their addiction to cope that it does not truly help them.

 

[Kukof]

You are correct that it is hard to heal while dealing with addiction issues but don't you think that being on this forum may be a first step?

This has been me. Not a first step, but an extra step as well as therapy for it. I was still drinking and drugging at first while in therapy and on here, but not any longer.

I understand it because I've been there. What I don't sympathise with is when people think it's a good coping skill. Or when they say a drug or alcohol helps them with working through PTSD. IMO that is a case of avoidance and Wishful Thinking Syndrome.

 

[Azig]

Some of us ascribe to a different model: Harm Reduction

I drink once in a while. I can count how many drinks I have in a month on one hand with fingers to spare. No, I don't think I should get me to AA. I vaporize cannabis for anxiety on the advice of therapists and a doctor. So do I really belong in NA?

I have written a book (and published it), remodeled my house, painted extensive murals all over my house, put in dozens of food plants and all of this over the past four years that I have been a stay at home parent and a pot head.

So... why should I go to NA again?

Why yes, I do feel defensive. :) Why is it so bad that I should have times when I don't feel terrible and in pain because my body does not know how to stop feeling afraid? I've never been able to figure that out. Why would it be better for me to be in more pain? It is a pervasive idea though.

 

[Oca]

What you describe doesn't sound like drinking and drugging. A few drinks is nothing and I don't understand why you're calling yourself a pot head if you use cannabis on the advice of therapists and a doctor - if that's the situation and the drug is legal it's medication.

 

[Azet]

why should I go to NA again?

I think you sound perfectly normal. Certainly not drinking and drugging!

when people think it's a good coping skill. Or when they say a drug or alcohol helps them with working through PTSD.

I agree with this.

 

[Igeji]

I have decided to go ahead with drug and alcohol rehab. I didn't realize I was an alcoholic and such a danger to myself and others until I hit a definite bottom. I am still waiting to get in but it will be soon. Since I have stopped drinking and smoking pot I can say that I am feeling much better and find myself reaching for those alprazolam pills much less often. My constant self medication was not helping me at all, I was getting high like I wanted to. I am more motivated and goal oriented now than I have ever been. I wish I could say that this process isn't scaring the hell out of me at times but I am seeing it as growth and moving forward. I hope that other addicts out there will have some faith in themselves that they can grow beyond this and realize that there is more to life than the secrets and lies we tell ourselves and our loved ones.

 

[Azet]

I can say that I am feeling much better

Well done! You describe what sobriety and beating addictions does very well.

 

[Mehit]

I don't really judge people who turn to self-medicating, as I think everyone has pain and that is very hard to cope with at times. I never know what someone else is going through, but I choose for myself not to deal with it by taking drugs or drinking (even though I do occasionally smoke weed and will rarely have a drink...I don't like alcohol that much) and feel the pain, as hard as it is.

I just don't think ending up with an addiction is really going to help me in the end, it just adds to my problems. I would love to see more people not go down this path of course, but it really isn't my business if they do, and it doesn't affect my reality one way or the other.

I wasn't always so understanding though, and would be quite judgemental and get frustrated with people I saw self-medicating. I no longer waste my energy feeling this way though...they will do it anyway. The fact that people are here on this forum means they are reaching out to get help, and that's a first step. I don't demand that they stop their habits for me, but in time I hope they will stop them, for THEIR sake!

 

[Orofa]

I've been drinking wine ever since my mom died a year and a half ago. I think it helps some with my anxiety over things, but, then again it doesn't seem to give me a buzz...no matter how much I drink. Goodness knows I tried. I found out one of my meds can counter that effect. I know that I'll eventually quit but it is a crutch right now, despite it's lack of doing anything for me.

My husband doesn't think I have an issue but I do. I went from hardly ever drinking, and certainly nothing in my house, to having a steady bottle of wine in the house. (I drink a couple glasses or less a night).

Depends on where you are reading on this site, but it doesn't seem to me that the majority are doing it.