Newbie needing help

[highfunction]

Any advice about finding a doctor to talk to about the program and the meds? I'm way too ashamed of this behavior to take it to our family doctor. Plus I'm guessing he's never heard of MWO. In fact I just had a checkup and told a huge whopper about 'alcohol consumption'. I said 'maybe a glass of wine or two in the evening.' Hah. A bottle every night would be more like it.

I bought the book and I'm really excited about putting this program together. I believe it is be absolutely right for me. BUT I need a medic and don't know where to go.

Have others run into this? How did you handle it? I know I've got to confess to somebody, but this is just a huge issue for me. I've never told a single soul. And I don't know how to start.
So I'm highfunctioning but stuck.

[Cinders]

Newbie needing help

HighFunctioning,

:welcome: You took a huge first step in deciding to take some action.

I wish I could give you some great advice on the doctor issue but I can't. It is kind of a try and see thing. I was lucky that my doctor listened to me and read the literature and was willing to give it a try. I ended up being allergic to Topamax so that didn't work out too well.

I was recently extremely lucky to find a psychiatrist to try a different drug with me that has helped me tremendously. Baclofen. Thank heavens I am not allergic to that.

However you find a doctor, just keep plugging at it until you do.

On the other hand, nothing says you have to start the meds to start working on the drinking. The supplements do help tremendously the support here is amazing and you might even find you don't need any meds.

Who knows?

Make a good plan, set out on the plan and tailor it to work for you.

I am glad you found us and I hope you can find Your Way Out.

Cindi

[highfunction]

Newbie needing help

Hey, thank you so much for responding. This monster has been in my life for a long time and this is the first time I've ever taken a step to do anything about it - really - except to feel bad about myself and make promises I couldn't keep. Over and over and over again.

Truly, thank you.

[Guest]

Newbie needing help

Cinders gave you a great response.

I also can't solve the doc issue. I hated, and hate, to say anything to anybody. I'm a shy person when it comes to revealing blemishes. (ask me about my kids, and I'll tell the doc about bidding on a mop on craiglist ....)

I think if you nose around, and remind yourself of your goal as you go, you'll either eventually tell your doc (my guess is you'll be relieved that this is something he or she routinely handles and can be very re-assuring about ... but that's just a very educated guess) or find a path to someone who'll be more than willing, and understanding.

Believe it or not, we aren't as damn unique, or pathetic, as we often think we are.

[highfunction]

Newbie needing help

Thank you MisterS. Your last line was a great reminder. So much ego involved here. I struggle all the time to remember that nobody - truly nobody - is as riveted by my failings- or my triumphs for that matter - as I am.

Thank you for the warm welcome to the community.

[Elpis]

Newbie needing help

Hi HF,

Congrats on a BIG first step! Many have said that admitting you have a problem is the hardest part but that wasn’t the case for me. I’ve known I have a problem for a long time. The hardest part was admitting to a stranger that I have a problem and then getting the help I needed. I did tell my family doc but he was no help at all – actually, his lame advice set me back at least two years (no excuses though, I could have went elsewhere). I think most family docs are simply not knowledgeable enough about addiction. I finally went to a psychiatrist since those are the folks that deal with addiction (that took a lot since “shrinks” are for crazy people, right?) and seeing the psychiatrist was the best move I could have made. He was not judgmental. I didn’t tell him anything he hasn’t heard many times before. He sincerely wanted to help. The psychiatrist worked with me and prescribed a detox and maintenance regimen that actually works (and is working) for me.

Well that’s what I did. I pray that you will find your way out too.

E-

[GunRunner]

Newbie needing help

Hey HF! Cinders and MisterS offer some great replies there. I read recently that about 1 in 13 adults in the U.S. are addicted to alcohol. That is A LOT of people!. While your personal situation is unique, your disease is not. Your family Doc may be treating dozens of others with the same problems we share. I would recommend a shrink though. Mine certainly helped me. They are the experts on addiction. You are right when you say it's your ego getting in the way. This is a life-and-death issue. I think getting help is more important than a little embarrassment.

My shrink tells me that Psychiatrists don't see crazy people anyway. I guess thats shrink humor.

You would not beleive the relief you will feel when you tell another person that your an alcoholic. It is very liberating.

Keep on trucking!! You will get there.