Girl from Melbourne, Trying to Get Sober

[Forgotten Night]

Hello All,

I found this site years ago so my journey really starts there. I somehow found the MWO site from googling "help with drinking too much" (could never use the word Alcoholic back then) and ordered the book and have read it twice. Took another year and countless alcoholic blackouts to finally order the Topamax. The Topamax seemed to work quite fleetingly and I soon found myself drinking up to the dosage until I got so shitfaced one night, I woke up in the morning having had an accident in the bed (yes the worst type of accident). This scared me so much that I stopped taking the Topamax immediately.

Whilst my drinking decreased for a very short while, it was not long before I was back to my drinking a minimum of a bottle of wine each night and experiencing blackout about 4-5 nights per week. How does it get this bad?

I then bought Dr Ameisen's book (RIP), read it and eventually ordered the Baclofen. I started taking the Bac over a week ago from 15mg a day to 30mg a day yesterday. Last night I drank to excess as I was on my own and unfortunately got onto Facebook and messaged heaps of people. Well I am still writing the apology emails and its mid-afternoon.

Anyway, I have decided that today is the day that I get rid of this demon and have finally exposed myself by "telling my story". I have also made an appointment to see Professor Jon Currie at the National Center for the Neurobiological Treatment of Addiction. My appointment is in two weeks and costs $480 some of which will be covered by our National Health Scheme. I will gladly reveal any information that I receive during this treatment if it's helpful.

Well I have now held myself to account by posting this. I just want to also say thank so much to those that post their wisdom and stories. For the one person that posts, I am sure there are 10 desperate souls reading and praying for hope, which this site gives.

Also, would love to hear from other Melbournites. Would be great to know who is in my own time zone....

[available]

Girl from Melbourne, Trying to Get Sober

Hey forgotten good on you for being on here. It took me awhile also and i got to the blackout stage, passing out stage, the shakes, sore gums, dry wretching, you name it i think i have had it. It does make you accountable here which is wonderful. I am day 20 after drinking for what seems forever, its not easy but i am too the stage of saying "if i can get to day 20 anyone can". I was drinking 1 to 2 bottles per day after work - 5pm to passout to be exact.

I also live in Melbourne and would be lovely to hear from you.

[Forgotten Night]

Girl from Melbourne, Trying to Get Sober

Thanks for responding Available. Congrats on Day 20. I will look through your posts and find out a bit about your story.

[available]

Girl from Melbourne, Trying to Get Sober

The more the merrier in a good way. PM me if you would like a chat. Not sure what my posts are I have been waffling away for nearly a month now, i think i am getting sensibler. More than welcome to hear my story if you would like.

About to leave work and oh thats right "its going to rain in peak hour, driving across the Westgate", yeah for me!

[treetops]

Girl from Melbourne, Trying to Get Sober

Hi Forgotten. How are you doing. I am sort of in the same time zone.

Since you are taking baclofen you should read the baclofen threads on MWO as there is heaps of info and people give lots of advice

I don't take Bac but I have been sober for almost a year after a lifetime of AL abuse.

Keep posting and good luck. The Bac journey can be tough esp with the SEs but it offers a lifesaver for many alkies

[Forgotten Night]

Girl from Melbourne, Trying to Get Sober

Thanks Treetops. Thought you guys might take out the America's Cup this morning. We must wait another day.

Yes I've been reading heaps about Baclofen. I'm also hoping to get a prescription from this Specialist I will be seeing in two weeks. I don't mind buying the drug overseas, but I would prefer to be taking them whilst under the care of a Physician, at the moment anyway.

[Guitarista]

Girl from Melbourne, Trying to Get Sober

Hi Forgotten night.

I'm in Melbourne too. There is a thread here in the general discussion section with Aussies, some NZer's and of course Innashnal guests. Thread is usually known as Underoo's, but this month i think its called 'ring a ding ding spring' or something. Drop in and say g'day if you like.

Best wishes on your journey. You can do it. Great to see you posting and taking action to reclaim your precious life.

G bloke.

[little beagle]

Girl from Melbourne, Trying to Get Sober

Good to see you standing up for yourself. Not letting that built al get over on you.

[neophyte]

Girl from Melbourne, Trying to Get Sober

hi forgotten night

did that appointment do much for you? 480 is expensive, so im wondering what that gets you for your money

Sydney sider here, so im always interested in what aussies get for treatment

[Forgotten Night]

Girl from Melbourne, Trying to Get Sober

Hi Neophyte,

I haven't gone to the appointment yet. I go in 2 days so I will let you know what happens. Am very curious myself to see what his plan is.

[Forgotten Night]

Girl from Melbourne, Trying to Get Sober

Hi Neophyte,

Well the appointment was actually today (not tomorrow) so I did manage to get there. Am currently on 50mg of Baclofen and the side affects (for me) are pretty horrendous. Have become very absent minded and extremely drowsy during the afternoon. Even forgot to bring my Referral to the appointment!

The Professor was truly delightful and I spent nearly 2 hours with him trawling my history of drinking. Of particular concern to him was the amount of blackouts when drinking I was experiencing (which has been of huge concern to me also).

He believes, in my particular case, that I need to completely abstain (which I have been doing anyway) to reset the neural pathways. He has prescibed a combination of Baclofen, Naltraxone, Campral, Topirimate and Valdoxan. He said that research has shown that combining these drugs lessen the side affects of just Baclofen.

So therefore, I am now taking a tacklebox full of pills and have just started tonight. Will let you know how it goes and try to keep updates if you like. He was aware of Dr Ameisen which was good but he said also that he would never prescribe more than 100mg per day of Baclofen anyway so he obviously has his own views about hitting "the switch". If this treatment doesn't work, I will go back onto solo Baclofen but I am concerned about driving. I live on a rural property and have to constantly drive on 100km roads so I don't know how much I would have been able to titrate up to on Baclofen anway.

[free at last]

Girl from Melbourne, Trying to Get Sober

Hi Forgotten Night,
Wanted to welcome you to MWO and to let you know there's a group of us working toward a sober October (over in Starting Out section). Also, you might find the Newbies Nest helpful.

Many people here have more AF time than I have but I have found that regular posting helps reinforce my commitment to living a joyous, sober life.

Look forward to hearing about your progress.

[hadit]

Girl from Melbourne, Trying to Get Sober

Hello Forgotten Night, Just wanted to say hi and wish you luck. I am 100kms west of Melbourne. Look fwd to hearing from you and sharing your journey.