3 days and counting

[DoubleInTrouble]

I'm 3 days clean from norco and alcohol, been struggling with alcohol since my teens, got sober for 5 years then got a hold of these devils candy (norco) 2 yrs ago , 8 months after starting that I started drinking slowly bcuz I thought I was ready to be able to control it(yea right ) now it's just really bad. I have tried quitting a few times but my anxiety and depression gets so bad I go back to drinking and then here I go getting some pills! I have always dealt with anxiety and panic attacks even while I was sober but no where like I do now, funny thing is if I take a half a norco which is the increments I took them throughout the day which added  up to 2-3 a day.
Anyways I was think I should go to a dr so I can do the Vivitrol injectable that's helps with cravings and lasts a month(non narcotic, no WD's ) and also a non narcotic anxiety or depression meds until I get myself use to living w/o alcohol or opiates (narcotics) any suggestions about it ?

[CML2014]

Hi DT,

Just checking in for an update on your situation, if you care to share?

Hope things are beginning to be sorted out.

Sincerely,
CML

[ibizan]

a LOT of your anxiety comes from when the drinking/drugs wear off!and another pill to numb this won't help for eventually u'll become dependent on that and have too get off it too!can you afford to self pay for this doctor and whole package?having an addiction counselor along w/it is good!do you work?w/the Affordable Care Act in place many ppl qualify for Medicaid in their state which will cover RX costs but not doctor visits.In Ohio if an individual has a yearly income under $15,658 they qualify for Medicaid.

[DoubleInTrouble]

I totally understand , when I called to find out what the Dr provides, he told me that with the monthly visit fee , i have an addiction counselor, therapist and Dr. I see monthly, but if I don't have a regular Dr I see bcuz I don't have insurance where am I suppose to go to get the right diagnoses for my anxiety/depression? Do I go to a county clinic where I don't have to have insurance ? Most of those clinics only specialize in STD's or general health issues , they don't specialize in addiction. Bcuz I do know I'm having trouble with anxiety , I'm so confused on what to do, today I'm having high anxiety and am having bad cravings but will not give in , right now Iam taking it min by min. I need help and don't know where to go , I have done AA before and got a sponsor but to be honest with u I really didn't feel the expressing all my problem to a group of ppl is how I can do it, my anxiety really starts actn up in front of a big group and I don't say anything I just freeze

[ibizan]

It has been my experience that most Pain docs DO NOT specialize in chemical dependency...they make money off desperate opiate addicts w/ the CASH ONLY deal!very few are affordable PLUS if their any kind of doctor at all they will mandate you be in a counseling program and a release signed so the program can inform of your involvement.I know i've said this to you b4.....a shot..or monthly shot will NOT guarantee you stay sober/clean!You have a LOT of hard work to do and that involves a lifestyle change w/people places and things.It is a must to surround yourself w/ppl who don't use and to have family who also supports you!

[DoubleInTrouble]

Thanks for your input. Vivitrol is also non addictive , but as I am walking up to talk my dog to the RR, I really am not having to much physical WD's left ,(for now) but it's very much the mental, I'm just having a very scared , paranoid , worthless, ashamed and just a fear in my head about relapse, and everything else I shouldn't be worrying about, I just want this fear for the future to just go away and want my confident back, I want to feel like how I did when I was sober the for 5 yrs.
I don't have insurance so I will be going to a Pain Dr. Who helps with alcohol and drug dependency w/o opiates or narcotics , u have to be off of opiates for so much time and also it have to pay cash for the visit and meds so that's u I haven't had a chance to go yet due to all 3 requirements

[CML2014]

Hi DT,

I do not know anything about Vivitrol . It would seem to me you do not want to take more Drugs to help you detox from Drugs/ Alcohol. Then again when I got sober they never had Vivitrol so ????

Here is a suggestion: You say you are sober now for 3 days, Congratulations! You will go through withdrawal symptoms that is for sure, but you should be doing this with the oversight of your doctor. He will know what is normal withdrawal and what might put you at risk.  I too have generalized anxiety and depression--in fact that was probably one of the reasons I needed alcohol so much--I was self medicating  this neuro imbalance.

Anyway  ask your doctor if it might be prudent for you to begin taking an antidepressant for depression/anxiety, like Prozac. Antidepressants have to build up in your blood for them to be effective , so it may take a month for them to take full effect. They will help you with your anxiety and depression and will not be adding another addictive drug.

I emphasize--make sure you are working with your doctor on this. He will know the dosage level of antidepressants and can guide you thru the detox process . This may help your anxiety and allow you to stay the course without relapse
.
Many alcoholics begin drinking because they are trying to right the chemical imbalance that is causing their anxiety and depression. They are just unaware of the fact they actually need antidepressants. I sure hope I am making sense.

I have been on antidepressants the entire 27 years of sobriety, and I will say this--if I had known then what I know now I probably would never have begun drinking. Some people just have messed up balances in the brain and thank God we now have antidepressants to ease the pain of a faulty perception of reality.

Good luck to you and an gain congratulations on 3 days--this is a wonderful start.

Keep us posted,
CML