Xanax+Alcohol Abuser

[Renee0103]

Over the past three years, I have slipped into two addictions: alcohol abuse and xanax abuse. I have struggled with anxiety for years and began taking a low dosage of xanax approximately nine years ago. I have used it "off and on" until the past three years where it has become a daily staple. I am not sure of the dosage, but I usually take 1 to 1 1/2 "purple" xanax per day. Further, I have always enjoyed drinking, but not until the past two years have I began to severely abuse it. I now find it virtually impossible to wake up in the morning without making a drink - just to feel normal. I continue drinking throughout the day; this has certaily affected every aspect of my life. When I do not take a xanax and do not have a drink, I feel extremely nauseous and generally find myself dry-heaving approximately every 20-30 minutes. I feel completely depressed that I have allowed this to happen to myself and truly have no idea how to stop. From what I've researched, withdrawal will be terribly difficult and possibly life-threatening if handled in an abrupt manner. I would sincerely appreciate any and all advice. Thank you so much!

[ImDONENoMore]

I agree - finally opening up to your loved ones is SO freeing and a great first step.

Let us know how you make out at the Dr.'s - I'm always interested in hearing what they have to say about these drugs.  Good luck to you and stay strong!  :)

[Renee0103]

Thank you so very much for all of your support and comments. My boyfriend was very supportive of our conversation regarding Xanax. We're going to the doctor today. I will definitely update all of you on the "progress". I'm scared but, yes, I'm determined. I will not allow this to change the person who I know I can be (and once not so long ago was). Please stay in touch with me and I will be here for any of you any time as well. It means the world. **I also told my Mom all about this yesterday. That was rough, but the truth DOES make me feel so much better. I will also look into detox centers and see if I can possibly afford it...  
So!, Much love and thank you again and again...
Michelle

[Stevo977]

Yeah, I agree 100% with disasterinprocess above. Benzos are so sneaky that if not tapered properly or in a medical setting could have unintended results. Even though your intake is fairly low, being on it for that long will have the complete opposite reaction if you cold turkey or taper too quickly. I can't stand that anxious feeling and it will take some time for you to learn other coping skills to help calm yourself down. Phenobarbital was used when I detoxed from Benzos and am sure will serve a dual purpose for alcohol as well.

Definitely be careful no matter what you decide to do. Those two are dangerous enough when mixed and I have seen and experienced DT tremors. I drank liquor heavily for 16 years and it was not easy to keep the bottle down at all. You can recover though which is good news. I made a full recovery and have no long term problems and have been sober just over a year. The internet is full of misinformation around every corner so make sure your doctor is informed. He may lector you, but it beats the alternative.

[disasterinprocess]

Hi good luck.  Talk to your doctor.  Be honest with people but in retrospect since there is SO much misinformation -- be selective.  Most have no idea what they are talking about.

Personally I have had the benzo, opiate & alcohol withdrawal; likely more like Steve above.  Like you, I drank socially and I still do but less with an acute awareness.  I can also go weeks without a drink and don't feel addicted to it.

For the benzos, read Heather Ashton's manual.  AKA the Ashton manual.  Perhaps you can switch to valium which seems recommended.  

I found the benzo self detox and process MUCH MORE difficult to navigate & find KNOWLEDGE, INFO and assistance.  Most seem more on the opiate alone side and not also benzo.  Alcohol is also hard to quit CT if you are drinking that much & often.  

You can email me if desired.  (I had the seizures and other complications due to absolute mismanagement.  I believe that a rehab place will have your interests at heart rather than bottom line or other agendas as much as I do in the Easter Bunny, Santa Claus, that the IRS has been outlawed and that gravity is false.  Do your due diligence.)

From my experiences, I still subscribe to the philosophy that if you put your mind to it it is generally possible.  What is not possible is to wake up in surgery and redirect so don't get that far into something you can't get out of.

Good luck.  

[Stevo977]

I lost count of how many times I either nodded off behind the wheel and wrecked, passed out at the computer with my face in a bowl of icecream, or got caught loaded at work making no sense whatsoever. It was all due to abusing alchohol and xanax, with opiates as the staple. It just makes you do things you would not normally do, and can wreak havoc on your entire life. Withdrawal from those 2 are extremely difficult, and any relapses, however brief, have been known to kill.

More power to you if you think you can safely detox at home; I do not know of many who have. There is a detox somewhere for just about any income, and most will have nearly the same level of care, and I'm sure all will use the same extreme cautions when bringing you down. What's more important, a little money out of pocket to get clean, or the cost of any further negative consequences from abusing these two?

I've seen young teen women who went through rehab to get clean from this who were also facing vehicular manslaughter charges after they got out. It is nothing to play with; it kills, and I thank God every day that I did not kill nor hurt anyone while being reckless with that combo.

[ImDONENoMore]

Good luck with your conversation with your BF.  Being honest is very important right now - one of our members here (gnarly) said, very wisely, that our secrets keep us sick.  And that couldn't be more true.  Opening up and letting go of the feelings (shame, etc.) associated with addiction can be very freeing.  And you will finally feel in control of your life and that feeling is AMAZING.  Good luck again - and keep posting - we'll be here and can help you through this!  :)

[Renee0103]

Thank you both for the advice and support. I can't believe the quick response! I'm meeting with my doctor tomorrow. As much as I don't want to admit the extent of the addictions, I will be forthcoming and honest to a fault. I don't have tons of money, so de-toxing will have to be done at home. My boyfriend lives with me although he thinks I quit taking Xanax. About to tell him now.. Again, much appreciation :)

[ImDONENoMore]

Benzos and alcohol withdrawal can be very dangerous if not monitored properly.  But you do WANT to quit right?  So that's a great place to start - and I'm sure your Dr. can help you through this.  Good luck to you!  :)

[vicki595]

One more thing...Xanax and alcohol is a deadly combination...we've lost members here over that little cocktail...be careful!!

[vicki595]

Hi...Here is the best advice I can give you,personally:  See a doctor immediately!!  I'm serious here. This is something I would not attempt on my own. Both alcohol and Xanax share the same receptors in the brain so you're saturated.  You'll need to detox under medical supervision. This could be possible at home but not if you're alone.

This will be a problem if you withdraw abruptly. Seizures being the first concern for both substances...Please call a doctor for assistance with this and stay in touch here.

All the best!!