Self medicating?

I'm curious if anyone here self medicates with drugs or alcohol? I came to realize the other day, that I'm turning into a wino. I need to stop while I'm ahead. At first it was a couple glasses of wine here and there, but lately its been more and more. I don't drink everyday. It doesn't affect my mood or change me. But I know I have to end it now before it gets out of hand. I've struggled with addiction in the past. Its very important that I get back on track and find positive ways to help myself. Nothing good will come out of a drinking problem, that's for sure.

[TheInjuredBiker]

I love strong spirits and beer. When I got diagnosed with everything I stopped.. at least until I can get control of everything because I am just the sort of person who will become dependant on it. My advice, stop while you're ahead. Don't quit completely if you don't want to, but drink in moderation you know

[Hidden in reply to TheInjuredBiker]

Thanks for the advice ☺ I definitely need to get myself back in control. This way I can drink like I used to, which was in moderation 👍

[TheInjuredBiker in reply to Hidden]

No hassle! Control depression, don't let it control you.. We gotta enjoy the things we like!

[Betha]

I love wine but I needed to stop because of stomach issues a GI doctor suggested it

[Hidden in reply to Betha]

Oh yeah wine is the worst on stomachs. I'm glad you stopped drinking ☺

[Betha]

Well I have one once in awhile!!' 😀

[blackcat64013]

Hi Elliott,

Thanks for sharing on the forum.

When I was trying to reduce alcohol intake, I used an ACT therapy tip.

A = accept your thought "I need a drink"

C= choose to do something else e.g.a 5 minute walk instead of reaching for a glass.

T = take action in C above

If you enjoy a wine, don't make yourself too miserable by stopping altogether, perhaps limit yourself to a glass with a meal, unless you have to for medical reasons.

[CrAzYcRiPpLe]

Hate to admit it but I do....sumtimes I take an extra dose of meds to stop me thinking or doing sumthin that would be the end of evrythin, sounds silly I kno but I'm scared that if I can't stop thouts that go on constantly then I mite not see the next day or my grand kids growin up.....

Evry single day thouts like this go thru my mind due to pain or things that hav happend. Daft I know but it's jus the way I can cope and deal with things..

Hope u all hava great day x

[Blu80]

I'm exactly the same. The worrying thing is as every day passes I smoke more & more 😕

Got extreme chronic health issues as it is but it's my coping mechanism addiction.

Not drank alcohol for a good few years due to being so unwell physically & being on such a high quantity of medications for both physical & mental health. However, since weekend I've been struggling sooooo much mentally I've started drinking.

I feel like I've reached the end of the road & im in self destruct mode! What a mess I am 😢

[Betha in reply to Blu80]

So what chronic health issues do you have?

[Betha]

Oh no don't smoke! It is the worst thing you can do! It affects every part of you! I have never touched the stuff! Not saying anything as I am still anxious but I truly believe it is one of the worst habits! I love wine I mean love it!!!!

[Hidden]

If you have had an Drink Problem in the past that became addictive, you need to stop now and never go back on the drink. If you are able to cope with a drink set a low limit and stick to it.

I have several drinks a week, four 0.4 Cyder, 2x 0.5 beers and two double malt whiskies. Nothing more. I stick by that as I take many medications that can be effected by drink. I drink with my GP s knowledge.

Does that help

BOB

[Hidden]

I had an eye opener when I smoked I think I once mentioned I was a sixty a day man. That was 1976 and never smoked since as my GP said I was suffering severe problems with My Lungs and was heading for an early grave. Putting my life at risk.. Stopping was good for general health and now I am still here at 67.

Mind we all need a prop, the only thing is do everything in moderation and know when to quit.

BOB

[Betha]

That is great border! My mom quit 25 years ago and has not gone back. My aunt quit over 30 years ago but still passed from lung cancer!

My mom is in AA as well 41 years sober! AMAZING!

[Hidden]

You can get help from the AA. Or ask your doctor for help