Met with an Addicition Counselor. . .

So I met with my new addicition counselor this evening for the first time and WOW did it feel great to just unload all the pain I've been feeling over this for so long. That in itself just makes me want my life back even more. She spent extra time with me going through my very complex and detailed history and I felt very comfortable with her. I felt that she is someone I could defintely let my guard down with and be completely honest with.

We did talk about meetings and she told me that it was CRITICAL that I find one and attend immediately in my stage of recovery. She said that most would be going daily if they were in my shoes. I explained my fears about the meetings in general and she said I may have to go to a few before I find one that is a fit for me- so tomorrow is the big day. After my session with her, I feel more at ease and am actually looking forward to it.

Continued thank you's to all you wonderful souls out there who have helped me get to the place I'm at right now- you all know who you are:)

Much Love~ Steph

[missmetal]

Hi Steph - good girl - you should be extremely proud of yourself for taking this step - I can't tell you how many times I've made the phone call and the appointment and not followed through - or how many times I've contacted NA and found the location and driven there, just to drive home - I'm very proud of you!

As always, keep up the GREAT work - and keep posting - even if I don't reply every time, rest assured, I'm reading, reading, reading - I log in every day, at least to read and see how you are!

I am SO proud of you, my friend!

Karen  :-)

[dominosarah]

I am so happy for you Steph!!  There will be some painful moments along the way but that is okay as we need to face them, deal with them and put them to rest.  I am also happy you are going to check out some meetings in your area.  You will find some really wonderful people there.  Remember what i told you a couple days ago.  You dont have to spill your guts, get comfortable and just listen for awhile.  I was told to take the cotton out of my ears and put it in my mouth!!!!  Let us know how it goes okay??     sara

[Silleestarfish]

Thank you Karen and Sara- I will defintely keep everyone posted not only on my progress with the new counselor, but also how the meetings go.

One thing that the counselor did say that concerend me was that she felt I was in sort of a manic state and because my brian chemistry is so out of whack (not to mention sleep deprivation) I may be very vulnerable for a very bad depression to set in soon. She suggested I get evaluated for an anti depressant asap . Not sure how I feel about that- any pill at this point scares me. Any thoughts? Do people generally get on an antidepressant for this reason? Ive been on them many times over the years without much improvement.

[freenikita]

hello and welcome, i just read this post so i am not sure what you are referring to as far as meetings and you not being comfortable. if you are talking about AA/NA, did ur counselor suggest a women only meeting (i am not an anonymous fan myself but for a while i went to a women only meeting every week and actually thought it was pretty cool, felt very at ease and got to open my mouth... something that i never did before in AA or NA) i dont do too well in large groups or groups in general but the women meetings are usually pretty small and more laid back... in a way. Also if u r looking for non AA or NA, there is a directory and i tried to google it but could not find. u might have more luck...  it is a women for recovery directory that lists all women' support groups available in ur area (both12-step and not 12-step formats).
best to you,

nikita

[freenikita]

in regards to anti-depressants, our neuro-science has made such progress lately.... we know the brain like we never did before also,
 medication that affects chemicals within the brain including anti-depressants are nowadays much safer, much more precise in their roles and actions... I think that it is def worth the shot. my experience: i looked for the psy that i felt comfortable with. he works with my therapist. so while i was taking anti-depressants both could get updates which are obviously quite helpful to everyone... they did the job and one day, we both agreed i no longer needed them. i think that they def can help. so u know: it might take a few psychiatrists. some i did not care much for (my thing was i did not want to take pills all my life and needed a psy that thinks along that line) it is rare to find what fits us the very first time... having to change doctors and medication is a normal process and for obvious reasons. first, you need to know if a relationship with this psy is working for you or not. do not hesistate to stop and look for someone else. just like your therapist, u need to feel comfortable. today's meds are so many and effective, you can and will find the one for you without the side effects that used to accompany earlier psychotropic drugs. long story short... i would give it a try if I were you (if your therapist is indeed correct and that you might start getting depressed - sure formula for a relapse i know that much :)
ask her if she can refer you. always good if both know each other

hoping u will sleep tonight sounded like you have spme trouble too... hold on tight girl!!!

:)

[dominosarah]

We have many people on the forum who have used AD meds.  Some only use them for a short time.  Depression is a concern during recovery so i would talk with your doctor about this.  They have come along way in that field and the meds nowadays are much safer than they were years ago.          sara

[sudie58]

steph, im so glad it went well with your counsellor, its a big help.   good luck at your meeting, you will be fine, just sending, hugs and good wishes ,  god bless   sudie