Hey all,
Posting for the amazing community…
I, like many in the struggle, have thought about doing more than just “powering through” this on my own.
Thirty years of drinking, and trying to muscle through this mentally on my own has amounted to many successes and failures. TOO many. My dad and oldest brother already passed away, largely due to alcoholism (more so than their other ailments).
There are drugs, like
Naltroxone, which I always shunned because I thought I could mentally “power through” sobriety on my own without asking for medical help.
I’ve also worried about talking to my doctor about sobriety drugs (Naltrexone is prescription-only), due to the potential stigma associated with being unable to control my drinking, and communicating that to my primary care physician. THIS, held me up more than almost anything!
I finally took the leap today during a “virtual” appointment that I requested with the doctor who I’ve known and respected for over 15 years.
I mentioned my struggle with stopping once I start drinking (I likened it to opening a bag of salty chips and not being able to stop eating). I told him that I had researched this Naltrexone drug a bit, and that I felt like I needed more than just my own willpower at this point.
I was always so worried about admitting this issue to my doctor… like most of us probably are.
I’m very fortunate. He listened, did not question me at all, and said that he knew of the drug and thought it is known to be a good potential solution for binge-drinking.
He wrote me the prescription immediately and gave me some instructions to follow up based on any side effects.
I will post more once I give this a shot, but most importantly, I wanted to pass on my experience with the physician. I was so worried about the stigma and being judged. In the end, he was more than eager to help his patient.
I’m hopeful in saying this, but I think most primary-care docs WANT to see us admit to issues and WANT to help.
Thanks,
Sash