Alcoholism Support Group

Hey snoop- I remember some posts awhile back that you were feeling really down. Are you grappling with taking psychotropic meds for depression? Well, if your doc thinks you are clinically depressed-and it seems you agree, there are some medications out there than can perhaps help. You can take these in cordination with your AA program. Give it a try. I took prozac for a while and it helped a lot. I have stopped it after 2 years with good results overall. Biological depression cam be treatable. It is hit and miss, so if you try meds be patient, it may take trying a few-or you may get it right with the first. Just stay with the non-addictive meds of course. good luck xo

Sorry, I don't think you need my advice. I believe you know exactly what you need to do at this time. I also believe most of your issues at this time are due to your age and in that process you will become more aware of yourself and your life as you wish it to be. Stop asking for other's input when you, as a very smart and intuitive young man, already know what you have to do to make this life the one you truly desire...alice

I think you should seek the medical attention you need. In the big book it talks about that AA is not meant to give advice on medical, financial, etc matters. It scares me sometimes in AA when people who have no medical or mental health background try to give advice to others like that they should just get off all their depression meds. Go with how your feeling, you really need to seek treatment. Good luck!

I think you better go see your doc man. I suffer from depression, runs in my family too and left untreated has disastrous results.

when you get your meds, try to pin the doc down regarding the term you will need them before you can expect to be able to do life without them. if he tells you that you may need them for your entire lifetime, then have a conversation with him about the negatives of longterm use.

ask him too if he's aware of any pattern of emotional turmoil when an alcoholic stops using alcohol, and why these pills are so very helpful in those cases.

if he knows, it's worthwhile for you to also understand why they work so well.

don't let anyone dissuade you from getting the facts directly from your medical professional. doing some additional checking on your own will round out your understanding.

I am a 10 years sober member of AA and I also suffer from Bipolar Disorder and Panic and Anxiety Disorders, and I see a psychiatrist and also do psychotheraly in addition to my continued AA work. My psychiatric illnesses are definitely life-threatening - for me, more life threatening than my alcoholism.

You definitely sound like you are suffering from Major Depression and not only does this cause horrible daily suffering in the person experiencing it, it can definitely lead to suicide. I doubt the people in AA who poo poo psychiatry and medication would like a suicide on their conscience? But I doubt they would see they had contributed if such an awful thing happened (and I am certain it happens around the world everyday).

Clearly, if you do seek the help of a psychiatrist, you must be a compliant patient and take your meds as prescribed. You need to do that to stay sober, but also so you don't have any of the possible side-effects of over-use.

Some people in AA are scared of psych meds because they themselves have abused psych meds or street drugs. And they incorrectly extrapolate that to the use of any psychotrpic drug. I didn't get to a psychiatrist until I was three years sober because of these attitudes and I regret it now.

But please, as someone else said, don't think that you will necessarily get instant relief, or even a correct diagnosis immediately with a psychiatrist. The human brain is the most complex thing in the known Univverse and we are really only at the start of the evolution of the psychiatric sciences. But it is the best we've got right now. Also, take time to decide whether your psychiatrist is right for you - you may need to be discerning and decide over time which psychiatrist will work best for you.

Yeah, talk to your doctor. I'm on meds for depression and I don't think I could do this without them, even with the help of AA.

I agree with all the comments, its a good idea to see your doctor. Depression can be either spiritual or clinical. Often in early recovery it is spiritual and the steps will resolve it but it is also possible for it to be clinical and this is especially likely if you are working the steps and growing spiritually but not feeling any lifting of the depression.

About 2 years into sobriety I was diagnosed as having severe major depression. I had done the steps, was living a spiritual life to the best of my ability, helping others and in terms of recovery things seemed good but I was suicidal.

I had a lot of people telling me that I wasnt doing the program properly, wasnt trusting my HP etc etc but luckily my sponsor knew that wasnt the case and told me that the right thing to do was to see a doctor. It isnt weak to do that, it is sensible.

I saw the doctor and a pyschiatrist and things have moved on since then. It took a while to get the medication right but within a couple of months I was feeling much better. The depression isnt completely cured but the medication makes it manageable. I also have another mental illness and have therapy which helps that and the depression.

I dont see all of this as separate from recovery and the steps but part of it as it is all part of me trying to grow and to be of maximum usefulness - I cant do that if i am depressed and feeling terrible.

We need to look after ourselves and our health and sounds like you are going to do that. Let us know how you get on with the doctor.

I conquer with the people posting. Go see your doctor. There is no shame to being on meds for depression. I too am on them and I know for a fact this would MUCH harder without them. And it is true, you may have to try several before you get the right combination and results. It will take time. AA is way to stop drinking, but is not for medical advice! Good luck, time will heal with the right help from a good doctor.

Hey T, I know you've been miserable for a long time now. I think you should listen to a licensed medical professional over what anyone else in AA says. But only if it's a doc that you trust. If you're skeptical, go see another doc for a 2nd opinion and even a 3rd if you feel it's necessary. You do need some relief I"m sure....talk to your doctor dear. Feel better & hang in there. I'm rootin for ya! ;)