Addicted to Baclofen

[Ne/Neva Eva]

Addicted to Baclofen

Ah. I got it, too, d.
In all honesty, I think that period of time was exactly what I needed when I needed it. Suffice it to say that self-confidence was not an unwelcome experience. But I can easily flip all of that around and see it completely differently. I had a group of friends from MWO that supported me throughout the whole experience. That certainly helped. Some who'd already been through it, some going through it with me, and others a few weeks or milligrams behind. It made things much more manageable, much less scary. And of course, I don't think I experienced the high high, and certainly not the depth, that you have.

Which is all to say: I'm here. The semantics really have no bearing on the relationship and wth do I know? It changed my life for the better, in miraculous ways. But titrating up absolutely sucked. It was the hardest thing I've ever done. It was still worth it, for me, and I still try to share it with others, because of the miracles (and because it sucked I try to give what I got). And maybe you'll look back from the vantage of a year or 2 and find that it was worth it. I hope so. But either way, it is what it is and you're on your way out. It will just keep getting better, and eventually, easier. You'll weather this storm--both figuratively and literally (if it's storming where you are!)

I'm off to try for a long night of good sleep. Hope you are too.

[Ne/Neva Eva]

Addicted to Baclofen

That wasn't exactly what I wanted to say either. I braved the cold that exists outside of the down comforter to find my phone so I could type this:

There were days when I wanted to throw up every pill I'd ever taken. Many days when I couldn't believe what I was doing--self prescribing just the start. The stuff made me feel awful almost from day one, which made it hard to take regularly, which made itthat much worse. And just as my eyes were closing I flashed back a bit and imagined it from your perspective.

So! Listen, it really does get better and then easier. You don't have to believe it so much as just trust for the moment that it's true. Reach out when you can and just hang in there.

[RedThread12]

Addicted to Baclofen

I got your. PM, drb. Just no time, yet. Glad you are (finally) doing as pretty much everyone has suggested - stabilizing your dose at consistent times. But even so, it's early days to be freaking out about getting off bac, entirely. Quit reading that shit. It doesn't apply to you, and of course it will I increase you're anxiety!!!

There are non-pharmaceutical options that help with that, too. Here's a website that gives you all the science demonstrating that just 10 minutes a day of meditation does more for you than you can imagine. This is hard science evidence AND simple, well-instructed techniques. Meditation | Mindfulness | Guided Meditation | Stress Management | Andy Puddicombe | Headspace. If you want to read research papers, read these.

Get stable, first. The rest comes later.

[robertscottmorrow]

Addicted to Baclofen

RE: Addicted to Baclofen

Hello. I understand the problem of anxiety and insomnia, because when I took Baclofen regularly, even just 10 or 20 mg, I would have trouble sleeping if I didn't take it. My understanding is that anything we take to reduce emotion or anxiety regularly, or just for sleep like something as seemingly harmless as melatonin, will limit our natural ability to do these things. Baclofen is no different in that respect. I have learned to take it once in a while when I really need a good nights rest. Then I let my body recover. That way I still retain my natural ability to sleep and deal with anxiety if I don't have it.

My suggestion would be to find a physician who specializes in Addition Medicine, and follow up with these questions. Dr Brandon Stark in Chico Ca would be a great place to start if you don't know anyone. 530-899-2126.

[drb120]

Addicted to Baclofen

Thank you for the genuine response. For me, the idea here is to circumvent the traditional alcoholism/mental health treatment protocol. Self administered high dose baclofen usage with a support group of like minded individuals. There are several reasons for doing this, but most importantly for myself, is that the other ways have never worked for me. This does, but it is unfortunately dangerous if done recklessly.

[emc]

Addicted to Baclofen

Hi drb120,
was reading your thread and found it interesting... but, as often happen, the thread changes from the 1st question to the 7th page! ;-)

I think its already a great result when you say that with Baclo u did arrive to stop drinking and start to live better! its a great thing! isn't it?

Then.. Baclofen is addictive? (the thrd title) - a little bit maybe yes, i think... and who minds? (me no)... meaning that any drug that u cannot stop from one day to the other without having big side effects, its an addictive drug... but if the balance between the addiction and the results is good, i think its ok.
Ever thought about what will happen if you stop to eat beans starting from tomorrow! wowww! dangerous! ;-) you know what i mean...
Or, on the opposite side... how a diabetic is addicted to insuline! ;-)

Baclofen CANNOT be stopped from one to the other (i'm sure u know this) and then, after hitting the switch it has to be slowly titrate down and KEEP taking it, maybe even for life. All the studies they still don't know about this but me, personally, i really dont mind if my "maintneance dose"it will be 50/80 mg a day... with the BIG FREEDOM of taking a glass of wine without the need of finishing the bottle and go to buy 2 more!

I have to say much more, but maybe better to dont put all my thought in a single post ;-)

Let us know... at soon

[drb120]

Addicted to Baclofen

I really appreciate the kind response and agree. If I can get down to 50mg, I will be on for life with no complaints. Perhaps my response is not the norm, but to illicit the vitriol I have for sharing my experience on here has been disappointing. Anyway, thank you.