Alcoholism, Depression and Self-Medication

 

I spent the majority of my 30's as a severe alcoholic. I was deep in the midst of alcoholism for over 10 years. I grew up in the 1970's and early 80's, when Alcoholics Anonymous was gaining popularity and treatment centers were beginning to use AA's 12 step program as model.

 Prior to that, alcoholics had to quit on their own or go to sanitarium to "dry out". Some were even subjected to electrical shock therapy. It is no small wonder that most alcoholics back then chose to try to quit on their own without medical help and only about 10% were able to achieve sobriety.

Fortunately, things have greatly advanced since then and there are inpatient and outpatient programs for alcoholics that can provide the medical supervision needed during withdrawal along with the therapy and coping skills that alcoholics need to succeed after detox. In most cases, alcoholism is simply a coverup for a deeper problem and that deeper problem needs to be identified and dealt with truly help the alcoholic learn to live a life without self medication their issues with alcohol.

But because I had grown up in a time when medical treatment and for alcoholism was so drastic, I chose to try to quit "the right way", without drugs or inpatient treatment. I gave it my best tried and ultimately failed. I was trapped in a 10 year downward spiral and it caused major issues in my family, caused me to lose multiple jobs and lose out on so much in life.

I finally turned to a counselor named Beth who was experienced in alcoholism. She was a recovering alcoholic who won her battle with alcohol in the 1960's, had gone on to college and earned her master's degree for psychology and counseling. I met with her a few times and she decided that referring me to a psychiatrist to get medication for depression would help. She felt untreated depression was a major factor in life and that I turned to alcohol to self-medicate to avoid the pain of chronic depression.

I was reluctant to take medication but Beth pointed that I had already tried to self medicate with alcohol for 10 years with no success. It was obvious that I needed to at least give it a try. I was given Prozac and was pleasantly surprised that I was feel stronger and better with each week that passed. Then came the day, when I went to see Beth. I was feeling good and it must have been shining through. She said something that I will never forget. She told me "Welcome back to real life".

Alcohol Addiction Can Be Conquered!

Mens Only Alcohol Addiction Treatment in Laguna Beach, CA:

Laguna Beach Recovery
1755 Park Avenue
Laguna Beach , Ca 92651
(888) 632-7135