Update from Juan (Baclofen)

[john doe]

Update from Juan (Baclofen)

I've always liked the thought of speaking to like minding people about my problems and in that way AA seems like a good idea but its the 12 steps and the things like the Serenity Prayer that just freak me out. It all just sounds like mumbo jumbo to me. I've never been to one so maybe its not at all like that.

I don't see why they'd be threaten by Baclofen use. I hear than some people use Antabuse and go to AA. I think its TSM that's a big no no in AA. Drinking yourself sober would probably get you thrown out

[StuckinLA]

Update from Juan (Baclofen)

I love the Serenity Prayer. And I love listening to the stories. F-you you think I'm going to speak to anyone, though.

As for bac, well, I think you'd have to find a very open-minded group. In many groups (I'm basing this on my research into David Foster Wallace's Infinite Jest and his biography, not my own limited experience with AA) even antidepressants are controversial. Try walking in and telling them you found a pill that will cure alcoholism, and they'll just throw the big book and the steps at you: "At many of these we balked. We thought we could find an easier, softer way. But we could not."

When I was right around the switch I thought about it too. Approaching one of the main people in the group I'd attended, in private, with my story and some medical literature, and maybe even offer to speak. Then I quickly came to my senses. But who knows, I'm thinking about going back to AA more regularly, too...

Anyway, glad your vitals are doing better and your drinking is significantly reduced, J. Great to hear.

[john doe]

Update from Juan (Baclofen)

I memory a poster on SR saying he went to a meeting and mentioned he was using Antabuse. Usual replies like.... "Stop using drugs and just work the steps"

Says all I need to know.

Anyone ever watch Drunks?

Drunks (1995) - IMDb

F**king depressing movie.

[StuckinLA]

Update from Juan (Baclofen)

Jeez, JD, what time zone are you in? Don't tell me you're insomniac, too.

[john doe]

Update from Juan (Baclofen)

Are there any kind of groups for us alcohol abuses without all the rhetoric? I'd be interested in something like that. I believe in talking about your problems. It gets shit off your chest and is a good feeling.

I sometimes feel like a few sessions with a psychiatrist might do me some good. I'm probably freak them out with the shit going around in my head.

[StuckinLA]

Update from Juan (Baclofen)

Rational Recovery might be one such program. I don't have any experience personally, but I hear good things. There's also at least one Moderation Management web forum, similar to this one. Don't know if they do any kind of real-world stuff though.

[john doe]

Update from Juan (Baclofen)

GMT mate. I've seen that you and Bleep also seem to post around the same time as me. You too must be night owls

[StuckinLA]

Update from Juan (Baclofen)

bleep's in Zimbabwe, I believe.

[john doe]

Update from Juan (Baclofen)

StuckinLA;1505868 wrote: Rational Recovery might be one such program. I don't have any experience personally, but I hear good things.

I read that book mate around '08 and I was sober 4 months leading up to xmas. If you can buy into it it makes total sense but its just that... you need to believe it. After a while the cravings take over that's why I don't personally believe in self help books. The guy who wrote it it a bit condescending to put it mildly and he's the type that if it doesn't work for you them your basically just weak. That's what I took from it anyway. Bit like AA if its not working for you... Then.. "your not working the program right"

Gonna be honest. I call it snake oil. He has a nice website where you "pay" for "more access"

[john doe]

Update from Juan (Baclofen)

StuckinLA;1505870 wrote: bleep's in Zimbabwe, I believe.

ops:

Must have small windows of time to post.

[Juan BH]

Update from Juan (Baclofen)

JD-

I am of the same mind on the Rational Recovery thing. I looked into it a few years ago and as it turns out, I live footsteps away from the hotel where this guy holds his weekend seminars. I read on the website that he teaches people how to out-smart alcoholism over the course of a weekend for $ and my bullshit detector started going off. I don't even know if the guy is an alcoholic. He might be or may have been, but I can't remember and I don't care anymore. I do think Dr. Ameisen discovered the way to treat this disease and that of course, is why I am here.

Stuck-

I was not raised in church or anything like that, but I do believe in a higher power and that allows me to participate in AA. I like the stories, too. I get a little put off by the cultish nature of the whole thing though, and that has been another big reason I haven't gotten on board with AA in the past. Well, that and my anxiety. And then of course I would much rather drink everyday than go to meetings and wring my hands and be committed to a bunch of crazy bastards for the rest of my life. They ARE crazy... but for some reason I understand them. Can't figure it out.

More to follow gentlemen. I will go to a meeting soon and report here.

Thanks for visiting!

[Juan BH]

Update from Juan (Baclofen)

Update for today:

No AA meeting yet, but I have a plan to get to one in this weekend. I went salmon fishing with my Dad today and we both got our limit. Awesome day! I am seeing that the relationships I have with people close to me are showing signs of improvement because I am not continually obsessed with alcohol anymore.

I drank four beers last night and threw the fifth out after starting it. An unbelievable act for me. I would have considered that a total waste of money just a couple of months ago. I was so encouraged that I have increased my dose to 210mg today. I almost fell asleep on another dude in the fishing boat this afternoon and had to get a Red Bull in me to drive home safley. Otherwise, so far, so good. It will be an increase of 20mg this week, but that should be tolerable (according to Dr. L's titration schedule) and I have a long weekend ahead of me to stablize. I just need to remind myself to not get overzealous. My side effects have been quite manageable until now and I have to keep it that way.

I hope you are all doing well.

[bleep]

Update from Juan (Baclofen)

I have the same sleep issues that Iful faces, so I am up at all times. I find it quite fun though, although he has made me wonder if it is going to responsible for my early demise. Sort of takes the glow off it, it must be said.

Sounding good Juan. The somnolence is a nightmare, and it's a real concern with driving. If I am going on a journey that will take me more than half an hour, I take a Ritalin. There's no telling when a sudden attack of dropping off might suddenly hit you!

[Lo0p]

Update from Juan (Baclofen)

Juan BH;1506752 wrote: No AA meeting yet, but I have a plan to get to one in this weekend.

Dude I'll go with you. I'll pay for dinner when I get us kicked out too!

[Juan BH]

Update from Juan (Baclofen)

Lo0p;1506775 wrote: Dude I'll go with you. I'll pay for dinner when I get us kicked out too!

I think I'd prefer cow-tipping to this.