Moderation drinking Is it possible on this program

I previously sent out a message, but I couldn't retrieve the replies made to my post. I get a notice through my email that I have replies, but when I click on the httpeading nothing comes up. It is soo frustrating. I am new to this website and would like to have more control over my drinking. I dont drink during the day and I don't have to drink every night. I am taking Effexor XR and I was wondering if antidepressants make the alcohol harder to control the amount of drinks you have. I believe my drinking got out of control when I was going through a divorce, taking antidepressants and here I am 5 years later wondering why I feel that alcohol controls me. I use to be able say I will stop at 2-3 glasses of wine (depending on the event, etc.), now I seem to not be able to stop until I have at least 4 glasses. How pathetic.

I understand. My drinking went haywire when I went through my divorce. I have been through alot in my life, but some how this was a major trigger for me. You are NOT pathetic, you are just coming to terms with where you are with your drinking. Recognizing the triggers is important. Don't give up - even when you try and fail - try AGAIN and AGAIN - you are WORTH IT!
wellseasoned

Hi Igrose,

You are not pathetic. Everyone here consumed at different levels - a problem with alcohol is a problem with alcohol, regardless of the quantity. The fact you are recognising the problem and in the process of actively doing something about it is a positive thing. Not pathetic in any way!

Do lots of reading - there is a 'Moderation Event' thread which could be of interest to you - and rest assured you will find lots of support here.

Cheers

Kate

Your story sounds so much like mine. I too went through a terrible divorce. I started drinking about 6 years ago heavily and it just got control of me. I also have 4 kids and my 3rd child has bi polar/severe depressive disorder/oppositional diffient disorder. She was only diagnosed 2 years ago and completely medicated and treated last summer. It has truely been a nightmare. My way of dealing with her was the bottle.

I've been divorced for less than a year and just started this program last week. I'm taking effexor and wellbutrin. I'm dosing up to 50 mg of topa tomorrow. I'm doing so well on this program. It's like a miracle. I honestly can't believe it. Everything is better now and moderation is possible.

At least for me...this is day 6 and only on 25 mg of topa. I did not do the 30 abs but ordered a glass of wine with dinner last night and couldn't even finish half of it. I left a more than half full glass of wine on the table when we left. SHOKING!!!! A week ago I would have guzzled every last drop!

I have NO craving for any type of alcohol and was hoping to be able to drink moderately but I don't think I even want to anymore. I told my fiance that I hoped I wasn't becoming "dull" as my personality is a little flat right now.

Keep up your posts and your faith...you will come through it...
Hope

Thanks so much for the words of encouragement. The msgs. I received have already inspired me. I would love to hear more about the effexor and topa. I believe I would definitely benefit from the topa. I trust it is safe. Where do I begin to start the program. Do you do cds, hypnosis, etc.? I must that the feelings I have about not having drinking in control have made my depression so much worse. I guess that goes with the addiction. I just want to feel like me again.

Rose,

Download the book. Order the supps, order the cds, make a doctor's appointment to discuss your drinking and perhaps a chance at a script. Read, post, read, post, chat, read, post.

Don't limp in like I did. Do the program 100% and you will get results.

-Nina

Hi there
I can tell you with absolute certainty that when I was on effexor (I was up to 150 mg at one point), I was out of control. I remember each day, around 4-5 pm, I would feel that trigger (I can only describe it as a manic episode) and I couldnt wait to drink. I can tell you, when I was on effexor, I was 100% worst when it came to alcohol. I know several friends who were the same way. Effexor is a very strong prescribed narcotic (apparantly one of the strongest ones prescribed) and gives you a hyper/manic seritonin burst that makes urges such as to drink - at least in my experience and in the experience of others I have spoken to- all the more intense. Looking back, I was absolutely crazy. Now I am on celexa which is much milder.
I am not saynig blame the effexor, but take it from someone who has been there, it certainly boosted my urges to drink!
Best of luck, hope to hear back.
J

I am shocked to hear what effexor does as far as your desire to drink. I am definitely going to talk to my dr. and see if she knows anything about this. I do know that Effexor is one of the hardest anti depressants to ween yourself off of. I have talked to my dr. about switching as I might benefit better from Wellbutrin. My dosage is 150mg. And, I must say I do have some struggles with depression. However, I was told that I am headed for early menopause and I keep thinking my hormones are just off. Anyway, I appreciate the info you have given me and I can relate to some of the feelings you had while you were on Effexor.

Just a note of caution...wellbutrin has had mixed results as regards drinking....some people have had decreased urges to drink while taking wellbutrin, and others have had increased urges. I was one of those who had the increased urges!!! Not to warn you off, but please be aware when you begin and note what kind of impact that it is having upon you!!!

Best of luck!
Kathy

I don't know about effexor, but I strongly believe in my case, the anti-anxiety meds I was taking also affected my attitude to drinking etc. I just wasn't as worried about it as I should have been. So I am now off those (with doctor's consent/agreement) and I have noticed I am in a different place with respect to looking after my health.