Question?

[Flowergirl90]

Hello there, I am a 20 yr old female and I have chronic Lyme disease. I was diagnosed a year ago but I am pretty sure I have had it for a few years now. I am in chronic pain and am constantly tired I am also on antibiotics. I know I shouldnt be drinking on antibiotics but I find that alcohol is the only way I have energy and am not in pain. I don't drink every day but I do almost every weekend. I drink to the point I throw up.. I just never want it to stop because I don't want to feel the pain again. It's been getting worse. I broke my nose on sat and instead of going home I just drank more. When I got back to my friends house I couldn't find anymore alcohol and I'm sad to say... I drank mouthwash just trying to keep my buzz. I am scared and I feel very alone. All my friends drink heavily too but they are not sick. I just don't know what to do anymore and I think I have a problem. My mother, grandfather and uncle have all struggled with alcoholism. I just would like to know if anyone else has abused substances because of living with the complications of Lyme disease?

[Dont_tick_me_off]

Substance abuse can be linked with any disease. When a person is diagnosed or being treated for a disease it can be very stressful, depressing and difficult to except, overcome and deal with.

I too started to drink when my treatment didn’t seem to be working (7 months of antibiotics) I never drank. I hated alcohol. My mother was a binge drinker and despised her for that. But I decided that this wouldn’t help matters.

I looked at the big picture and said IM DEPRESSED from this. I went to the doctor and seeked help with the depression (I was medicated for depression with Venaflaxine) and made some life changing events.

These events haven’t  cured my Lyme, but my quality of life is much better. I exercise, eat healthy and took on two new activities (skiing and golf). LIFE IS GOOD. LIFE IS BETTER. Yes I still have vertigo, sinus problems, fatigue, headaches, muscle twitching, pins and needle sensations, confusion. But I do my VERY VERY BEST to have a normal life and I believe I have succeeded!! This disease is terrible and can drag anyone down, but I’m lucky that I am still able to get up and pick myself up every morning.

The mind is the most powerful thing in the world. It can work with you or against you.. and the best part is.. you chose how powerful that mind is!

Wish you luck in your journey. It will be a bumpy ride… but in the end there will be a light. Chin up.

[JackieCalifornia]

Welcome to MedHelp.  I am sorry to hear what you are going through.  I admire your honesty in analyzing your situation, and that's a good beginning to do something about it.  Have you tried AA?  I'm sure there's a group near you.  It's hard not to drink when all your friends are, but trust me, there are people out there who don't drink and who aren't total geeks.  Have you confided in your Lyme doc about your situation?  The doc might have something to suggest so the alcohol and meds don't cause a problem together.

Your phrase "Living with the complications of Lyme" says it exactly right.  We do all live with it every single day, and the complications are more than 'just' being sick.  It messes with every aspect of life.  You are dealing with two huge struggles, and your message indicates you are working to deal with both.

I'd say:  Find a group, talk with your doc, and be strong -- as hard as that can be.  Let us know how you're doing, okay?

Best wishes to you --