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    Baclofen, a personal journey.

    Mandiekinz;1599922 wrote: Wheeewwww.....Lady, you had quite the reply. Impressive!

    Yes, 3 going on 4 weeks of sobriety. I trust myself right now that I could go and have a few drinks with my SO and I'll be okay. That's not on my agenda though. I was an -every day- drinker...usually a fifth or more/day of vodka pre bac from the second I opened my eyes. I've had many bouts of sobriety throughout the last 5 months on bac...and each time has brought me up and up. The differences I had with baclofen that started to arise, was when I was capable of going out and enjoying a few drinks and not FREAKING OUT on the way back home, begging and fighting to stop for more booze. Also, not waking up looking for my bottle the next morning. Or, if I was giving myself a "day drinking" session (because I loooove my one woman parties), the SO would sometimes ask me to pour out what I had left and I could easily do it. Pre-bac...I'd be breaking everything he had out of a fit of rage b/c alcohol was my absolute number one. On baclofen, once the alcohol came to an end, I don't rampage back to the store to purchase more. I noticed after a couple of months, my mind would slow down and I could ask myself...do I really want it? I wasn't craving it. I was just bored and was testing myself and the baclofen. Clearly, I'm very stubborn and defiant. I haven't really experienced cravings in awhile. Aside from one frustrating day recently, which alprazolam helped knock that off. Beyond cravings, I don't experience thoughts of alcohol. It's a trial and error adventure we are all embarking on with baclofen. Some people miraculously found immediate indifference, others had to beat themselves up over the course of a year or so...and others are in between. Each of our minds are programmed so different from another. Which makes this pretty exciting..it's our very own tailored remedy to rid us of this wretched thing that has had us locked up in a cage for so long. Instead of the drone way of abstinence, nail biting, lying to yourself and everyone else, and the big book. Even in my 5 months of sobriety following my last stint in the treatment, I didn't care for myself and well being as I do now. I was more so looking for things to keep myself occupied.

    I'm truly sorry about your sister. It had to of been such an awful and dark time for you. I find it amazing you powered through it soberly. To me, it sounds like your sister in law has a very tender heart, she must really love you for her heart to break so badly for your loss. As for the family not bringing up emotional subjects...Perhaps that's their way of protecting themselves and you from facing any ill feelings. Besides, it's the holidays...who wants to talk about sad things? My family does the same thing though, I secretly and silently beg in my head for them to talk to me about past situations. They never do. Until we are all shit faced around the table and suddenly a certain subject is brought up. At which, none of us can really openly communicate about it because
    A.) They're too drunk to listen and are too busy waiting to shout out the next thing that pops up in their head, continuously talking over each other
    B.) They won't absorb a damn thing I say.
    C.) We go through it each and every time...so what is the point? (please revert back to B)
    D.) I'm too drunk to properly express what's going through my head and heart.(please revert back to A,B, and C)

    The reason being behind all this...they're scared to hurt me unless they get some liquid courage pumping through their veins. I've been guilty of it too. They don't understand or know how to communicate and be emotionally supportive. They like to hide behind perfection and jokes. There are never any serious, emotional conversations. They are just really detached. It's not healthy. As you've been through treatment before and have had the opportunity to open yourself up and be true with your pain with other people...You understand the necessity of being open and true and confronting issues. Treatment is quite the blessing as you've been taught different techniques that the majority of the world does not understand or comprehend. You're more...evolved and in tune with what's healthy vs. unhealthy. Mentally, emotionally, spiritually. You understand humility and accountability. It can get rather frustrating when dealing with other people that don't know how to connect other than superficial topics.

    It sounds like your hubby has it pretty good with you. He gets camping cards! I sometimes wish my SO would just go out and get wasted. He needs it sometimes, sheeesh. It's a shame I can't force some alprazolam down his throat as he gets drug tested. hehe shhhh...

    His family must put a lot of pressure on him to strive for absolute perfectionism and have to hide his true self and faults. It must be conflicting for him too, to not be able to be real around his loved ones. Men's egos don't like to show much fault in their lives especially to family that hold such high standards. Mine won't even mention he's struggling with money right now. His family is shit broke too! hah! So strange.

    I hope you're finding -some- good out of your visit, lady! Sounds like quite the testing time.
    You have a beautiful way with words Mandie. Very heart-warming, as I feel you really understand me and my circumstances. :thanks:

    Comment


      Baclofen, a personal journey.

      Good morning, MissIndygo. Yes, the sleepiness because of anti-histamine is a good dodge!! And you could mention that you are sensitive to it so they won't say "just take an 'anti-drowsy' one" - the pests are liable to come up with that...being 'sensitive' to drugs is a great excuse for lots of things!!!

      As for my bac delivery, thanks for asking. I live in Canada and River will not ship here because of the hassles with Customs, but as I'm very near the US border I just have stuff shipped to the US (a mail drop off) and drive across to pick it up. It's odd because I don't even declare it coming back over because I've purchased it in Canada so I'm not actually bringing in something I purchased elsewhere. Just more bureaucratic bulls..t but no choice. So it will take awhile with this Christmas rush, mail wise then have to pick a day when the lines at the border aren't too horribly long. I'm hoping before the end of December!!

      Sorry for babbling on but I'm feeling lonely and it's nice to talk to someone!
      My first "indifference experience" Saturday January 11, 2014. Thank God for Baclofen!

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        Baclofen, a personal journey.

        Reggie...Reginald? Where have you gone my friend?

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          Baclofen, a personal journey.

          All good JMum. It's nighttime here, so I will have to respond some other time. Hoping that's ok with you?

          Cheerio and have yourself a lovely day all you people out there in cyber space

          Comment


            Baclofen, a personal journey.

            Has anybody heard of rhodiola rosea root?

            I am going to try to get me some before next week. It sounds very promising, as in giving you a possible mental and physical lift. Just what I need, me reckons.

            I went up by 5 mg yesterday, just for the simple reason that I have 10 mg and 25 mg tablets available and I felt it would be too difficult to keep a check on the half ones when I am away. So I am now taking 185 mg a day.

            I have been taking regular doses during the day. Like every couple of hours and am feeling the effect of going up quite severely. However, I will have another week to get adjusted to it, so I think I will be ok.

            I am still aiming to stay on this dose for probably about 3 to 4 weeks.

            I will update more once these se's subside a bit.

            All good

            I hope everybody is well?

            Take care out there!

            Comment


              Baclofen, a personal journey.

              Yes, yes, very well...thank you.

              What is your schedule at now? What kind of SE's are feeling now?

              Also, how are things going with the family?
              ?If you get the inside right, the outside will fall into place. Primary reality is within; secondary reality without.? - Eckhart Tolle

              To contact me, please msg me here:
              mandiekinz@baclofenforalcoholism.com
              Baclofen for Alcoholism

              Comment


                Baclofen, a personal journey.

                MissIndygo;1600708 wrote: Has anybody heard of rhodiola rosea root?

                Take care out there!
                Interesting, Id not heard of this. Is the lift like a physical burst of energy, or conteracting depression, or?

                Comment


                  Baclofen, a personal journey.

                  skullbabyland;1600854 wrote: Interesting, Id not heard of this. Is the lift like a physical burst of energy, or conteracting depression, or?
                  What I understand it's not so much a burst, but a definite lift. I read that people also use it for anxiety and some forms of depression.
                  I might venture out today and check some health food shops. If I feel like braving the heat, as it is another scorcher today 41c degrees/105.8c Fahrenheit.
                  :rays:

                  PS: The smiley at the top came about from using my iPad.

                  Comment


                    Baclofen, a personal journey.

                    Hi everyone,
                    I'm new and have been following a lot of y 'alls threads. I'm waiting on my first shipment of baclofen due to arrive on Saturday. I can't wait to jump in the journey with all of you. Just wanted to say hi!

                    Comment


                      Baclofen, a personal journey.

                      Hi friend,

                      Good to see you on board. Let us know how you go on the bac ok.

                      Comment


                        Baclofen, a personal journey.

                        Mandiekinz;1600745 wrote:
                        What is your schedule at now? What kind of SE's are feeling now?
                        Also, how are things going with the family?
                        Hello again baccer’s,

                        I am at 185 mg a day. I space my dosing out to about every 2 to 3 hour over the day. Depending what time I wake up, which is lately around 5:30- 6-ish am.

                        So first dose 25 mg at waking. Then I hop back into bed and snooze contently for a few more hours.

                        Then 50mg at about 9 am
                        Another 25 mg at about 11 am
                        Another 50 mg at about 2 pm
                        Someone who posted on this thread and then deleted (@Reggie), suggested that I have my higher doses earlier in the day to find out if that may help to combat the extreme tiredness I get at night time. Worth a try I thought.

                        My SE’s at present are:
                        My ears feel very pressured again and are blocking up and I am unable to unblock them for longer than a minute.
                        I feel disconnected from everything.
                        I don’t have any motivation to do anything.
                        To explain, on waking I plan in my mind what I am going to do that day, but not much of that ever happens. It feels like I am living my life in my head. I hope that makes sense?

                        As I have previously mentioned though, thank goodness I don’t have any responsibilities at the moment (especially since my daughter has gone to her dad and my man hasn't been home either) so this is all ok and I can deal with it. I am still hoping for this side effect of fastidiousness to kick in though, as some other baccer’s have reported on this forum (@Ne). I’ll have me some of that, thank you very much! I have plenty that I could be doing, but nothing too important either and nothing that can’t wait till some time later.

                        Other more physical se’s are just feeling tired. Tired in spirit, but even more so I am feeling the tiredness in my body. I am having my ‘wobbly knee syndrome’ again and all my limps feel like lead and are just so heavy to carry around. Funny enough though, I really don’t worry about any of this, as I am in a happy mellow place at the moment. My mind is relaxed, albeit sonked out, but I am feeling peaceful nevertheless.
                        I suppose that is the effect bac has on anxiety. It is nice sure while I am dealing with my addiction in my private time, but I am concerned that I will feel disconnected from others next week as well. Then again that could just be my saviour of how I will get through those 10 days eh.

                        Uhm not much else to report. I have set myself up for a big last drinking hooray tonight, as my man is coming home tomorrow night and I feel ready for some moderation while he is here and while we are over in the West. I am now looking forward to it actually and I think the break from my monotonous drinking (although really not that much in comparison to drinking before bac) will do me a world of good. I am now looking forward to those 10 days with some excitement. Not because of hanging out with the in-laws (god nooooooo), but to get some perspective on my drinking again.

                        Ok I will let you all in on a little secret. My drinking is still the same at the moment, about 1.5 to 2 litres of cheap cheap (not my preferable bourbon & coke) wine every afternoon/night (I have been able to start later at around 4-5 in the afternoon), but last night at about 7 pm I felt I had had enough. I started craving a cup of freshly brewed coffee! Alcohol wasn't giving me the desired effect and since being on bac fast drinking is not really my thing anymore. Off-course I didn't have a coffee at that time of night (god what were you thinking?) and poured myself another wine, which I found this morning on the kitchen bench!

                        After another beautiful night sleep on bac (my extreme night sweating has just about almost gone. Thank god for that!!), I was left to ponder if something may be happening I am getting a little excited.

                        Anyway, this afternoon I did get some bourbons. To have my last one-woman party (loved that one Mandie ). Then I will see what comes my way. I am a little excited though and I really feel that good things are about to happen for me also. Yeah!!

                        Cheerio to all you great people,
                        Indygo

                        Comment


                          Baclofen, a personal journey.

                          Mandiekinz;1597063 wrote:
                          I then went back down to 250 and sat there for a little while due to massive SE's and certain unexplained events. I'm at 270 now, the tinnitus is still there, however that's the least of my worries right now. The tinnitus will amplify greatly after a day of boozing.
                          Just reading some of the posts on my thread back (again a big thank you to all who contributed) and a few questions are popping up along the way.

                          What were the massive SE's you were experiencing at this time Mandie?
                          I agree, I think the pressure on my ears gets worse too when I have had a big drinking day. Not that I have had too many of them lately

                          Comment


                            Baclofen, a personal journey.

                            Yay!! You're getting there, lady! I remember being AMAZED on nights that I didn't finish my bottle. Or that I wasn't fighting to get to the liquor store before they closed to get more booze. Having control is a wonderful thing. Now to just get rid of habits.

                            The tiredness should fade as you adjust to your dosages. I remember being down for the count for a good three days after bumping up. Then suddenly I was on top of the world! I also noticed that I don't sweat from baclofen.You don't realize how much anxiety we had built up in ourselves until you notice the anti-anxiety properties of baclofen! I never realized my sweating was from anxiety. I just thought it was another thing to add to the list of poor genes my mother passed onto me :P Just kidding..

                            I also remember in the beginning of starting baclofen, I had no sense of balance. I was rehabbing my bathroom during that time (baclofen was giving me ambition in the beginning) I fell right off the bathroom counter and into the bathtub! I'm an athletic girl with impressive balance...pretty sure I fractured a knee cap. The next day, I fell off a chair and into the bathtub AGAIN! I had quite a few injuries that month of adjustment. I ended up in bed with fractured ribs, busted knee cap, and bruises all over. hehe. So, that annoying SE shall fade away too...All we can do is just laugh it off. Especially as we're not bouncing off things like rubber when we're drunk...bigger injuries will occur.

                            I'm not so sure my SE's were precisely from the baclofen. As, I believe it to be more of a very severe PTSD thing. As the past couple of months have kept throwing me very low and hard balls. It's been about 2 months now, and I'm still getting the effects of it just not as extreme and I'm back down to 240mg. I had some very scary and bizarre thing happen to me, self induced...Lo0p said to bump it up to 300mg...I did. A week later, I was drinking again trying to numb what happened. The next day after a good amount of vodka, I kept trying to take a nap as I was soooo unbelievably tired. Every time I started to fall asleep, I'd wake up in this hypnic jerk, panicking, thinking I was dying(flashbacks). It happened about every 2 minutes through out that day and night. The next day I went back down to 250mg. It was still happening every night. Then it became these very hard vibrations in my head right as I was about to fall asleep and I'd wake up pretty much every few minutes through out the night. It was just crazy, and scary. But then I started to embrace it and I was having fun. Definitely out of delusions due to no sleep for a few weeks at this point. I'm still having sleep issues. But it's constantly changing into something different. Now, I can sleep for about an hour and a half at a time, then I'm up for an hour and I wake up to soaking night sweats and itching all over and completely numb/vibration/disconnected sensation in my legs. My SO tells me I still jerk a lot before falling asleep and I'll occasionally get the head vibrations during very stressful times. I think I've just gotten used to it. After amping up on vitamins and supplements, the side effects I was having dimmed down a lot. The magnesium definitely helps a lot too most nights. I also lost quite a bit of weight over the past couple of months without trying, so I've been figuring it was PTSD on top of mal nutrition. I also thought there was something more severe going on as my lymph nodes have been swollen all over. So I've had an MRI done last week and a checked my thyroid...all is okay. The mind is a very powerful thing and can play harsh tricks on you, if you let it. In any case, all of this has pushed me to start taking very extra good care of myself and to treasure my head and body. I even brush, floss, and swish my teeth 3 times day...I've never done that before! haha I was a once or twice a day brusher and never a flosser...yuk.

                            I wasn't sharing that to scare you, by any means. I honestly don't think it was the baclofen. The side effects I have gotten from the baclofen were the occasional hypnic jerks...as it relaxes you so much in your sleep you're probably snoring sooo hard and numb arms. I always did sleep really good on baclofen like you. Such a calming effect. Definitely the tinnitus. I couldn't stand being in the car, hearing the hum of the tires was awful. Definitely take it slow titrating up at this point, as you'll want to be adjusted completely before moving on up. The tinnitus can get very discouraging. Mine has calmed down a bit from moving back down and not bouncing around with my dosing.

                            Cheers, love...So glad you've got some 'pep' in your postings now. Don't get discouraged with the lack of motivation. Trust me, I sat in front of my computer for much of my titration up with great ideas...just never executed them. Once you give yourself a chance to stable out...you'll start to integrate some physical momentum behind your mental ambition.

                            You can ask all the questions in the world...keep in mind...everyone's experience is quite different. It's our OWN journey, luckily surrounded by people that completely understand and are supportive.
                            ?If you get the inside right, the outside will fall into place. Primary reality is within; secondary reality without.? - Eckhart Tolle

                            To contact me, please msg me here:
                            mandiekinz@baclofenforalcoholism.com
                            Baclofen for Alcoholism

                            Comment


                              Baclofen, a personal journey.

                              My first month on bac was so wonderful. Prebac I was always busy and juggling this and that. When I started bac I chilled. I got lost in time watching hawks and butterflies. It was like I was seeing the world for the first time.

                              In my second month this gave way to being motivated and cleaning and taking care. Then the lack of motivation came in in the third month or so. At first I didn't mind. I actually enjoyed knowing and respecting how I felt. In another month or so I was sick of not motivating. I'd make plans to do something alone and get up the next day and blow it off.

                              Somewhere along the way I did get motivated again. It'll come back.

                              Comment


                                Baclofen, a personal journey.

                                Hi everyone!
                                My Bac should arrive tomorrow. What dose did everyone start on the first week? I was suggested 10 mg liquid-but that seems low???

                                Comment

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