Gateway drugs

[ang_811]

I was wondering what eveyones intake is on gateway drugs? I've never had a problem with alcohol, only pills,but since I've been sober I've always felt that I shouldn't be drinking bc it will lead me back to the pills. Awhile ago when I was on methadone I had a couple of drinks and the first thought that came to mind was " I could do a pill right bout now". I never thought bout a pill for a year up until that point. That y Ill stay away from alcohol and ne other mind altering substances. Nething that I feel could jeperdize my sobriety I plan on staying away from.... How does eveyone else feel?

[ang_811]

Thanks Henry!!! I was thinking about this and was really intersted on hearing everyones own thought about this... I guess it does depend on the individual. For me, once I get that feeling of being numb it triggers something inside me to want a pill.. Back when I was using pills I remember having a drink to make the pill last longer. So for me it's a trigger. Whatever triggers me to want to use I tend to stay away from it. It's to early n my recovery to want to risk my soberity with anything.

[HenryS354]

I totally get what you are saying, but I aslo agree to some extent that its different for the individual.

I have never really enjoyed alcohol consumption in large amounts, it just makes me sick. I do enjoy the occasional glass of wine with a nice dinner, a baileys and coffee after a long flight, or a cocktail with friends...  But these are isolated instances, maybe once a month.  Im always aware of my consumption, and I honestly think its been years since I have had more than one drink on these instances.

But I understand, its not necessarily the cross addiction, but more of a trigger for our original addiction.  When I quit smoking, a drink was a huge trigger for me... so I just stayed away from the alcohol for quite awhile.  Now it doesnt even phase me....

I guess its just "One of those things" But we cant ever let our guards down.  Great post Ang!

Henry

[nomo357]

I think it depends on the person, like you said, alcohol leads you back to pills but it isn't the case for everyone, we're all different. I can drink with no problem and it doesn't effect my addiction what so ever, BUT, I rarely ever drink, maybe once every several months (my boyfriend is a recovering alcoholic so we do not go out much, even though he can drink responsibility, we both worry if he began drinking all the time again it wouldn't be good for him.) and when I do its usually about 4 beers, so I never get plastered or anything. I NEVER liked taking pills and alcohol it just knocked me out and I didn't get to enjoy my buzz, so I never drank during that time.

[ang_811]

It just made me think.. I've read post on here where people r going thru wds and drink alcohol to help them get thru it. I just think it's a bad idea all around !!! We def need to stay away from nething that can lead u back to ur addiction...

[LeaAnn807]

Addicts need to stay away from anything mind altering....period!  What you are saying is exactly what happens.  Drink, pill, line, joint....whatever.  They all lead to the same place!  It is very easy to switch addictions.  I spent about 15 years doing it, and I DO NOT recommend it at all.