Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselling Thread

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This topic is great, there really is an increased risk for some aspie people to develop addiction. I know this from my own example, I just couldn't accept the fact that I was different and that I missed out on some things in life because of AS. So I just started boozing as much as I could because that seemed like the only way for me to forget about the loneliness and depression caused by it.

If you have a problem with depression - whether it is caused by AS and loneliness or any other cause - don't try to self-medicate with alcohol and other substances, it just won't help, it will only push you deeper.

Go to your doctor and ask for professional help because a lot can be done about depression. There are methods which can make you feel perfectly normal and stabile. Don't be afraid to ask for help.

Lots of people with mental illness, or whetever you want to call it, self medicate with alcohol. I have been sober and in AA over 20 years. I recall a gal who was in her early 20s getting a 10 year pin. I asked her how the hell young she was when she sobered up--in a friendly way, and she laughed. So... this is not an adults only issue by any stretch.

If one reads the stories in the AA big book, or just sitting around group, you hear again and again how alcohol made some young people socially relaxed, where they felt like they fit in for the first time. Sound familiar? Of course, eventually it makes odious monsters of us. I consider all asp types at risk for addiction--I mean that in a helpful way, and its just my impression. I also consider my sons at risk since their dad is an alcoholic.

I feel like I have to confess it somewhere.

I've been slipping up again and am starting to feel the horrible affects. I'm paying big time for it. I know I don't deserve anyone.

Feel the need to vent a bit...whether it goes unnoticed or not.

When I have a drink of beer, I want another....and another.
I don't consider myself an alcaholic because I do have self control.

Despite being most succesful on pills, pills are also my addiction...obsession.
It is a double edged sword, the most succesful that I have ever been was on prescribed pills. They have helped me out of depression, made me able to focus but I also tend to over due it and go way over the prescribed amount. That is because the first time i took pills at 12 I was not prescribed to them but trying to fix/remove what ever was wrong with me. Fixing these things meant taking alot more than would be a normal dosage, so that is the pattern when I take pills....to take more than is recomended or prescribed. I always think, hey they might be effective at the recomended dose but they might be REALLY effective if I doubled the dose. Well..this is a drunk rant I suppose...I have begun drinking again despite avoiding it. I will try and not drink tomorrow..but I have been thinking of going back on medication because I know they will help however this addictive side of me makes me not want to seek help because I will most likely end up abusing what ever prescription they give me =/.

Well...heading to bed. Good night.

i'm still an alcoholic but im quitting again, today.

i pored out the remaining of my beer wich totaled, 8. im so sick of looking at it! and plus i dont want to drink it

hopefully this time will FINALLY be the day i quit

Going to AA for the first time in 2 years. Still have high anxiety but some of the people there made me feel very welcome. One of the problems I have in so many of these groups be it AA or whatever is opening up. Still can't get out of my shell. I seem to panick and run once a person wants to know me better.

Hello

Just wondering if anybody can give me a couple of hints/ suggestions that have worked for them.

I have been DX with bipolar and sensory processing disorder. I have worked in disabilities (multiple DX) for 21 years and currently assist children whose primary DX is ASD. When I went to get my DX, I kind of talked in circles and got quite confused, I have issues dealing with people. I realise that my choice of career may seem bizarre to many, but there is only one staff member on shift at a time and the people I support take me as I am!

However, my new job requires me to work along side other staff (all of whom think I have an ASD, not bipolar. Which I am inclined to agree with since I can not take meds for the bipolar because they make me sick and I am able to rationalise myself out of a depression). I take my lunch breaks away from the others, and try to segregate myself as much as possible. I have been working here for 2 years and don't want to leave but it is affecting my health.

Now to the question, you knew I'd get there sooner or later lol I drink to relax and de-stress. But I don't stop at a couple (that just doesn't work any more) I am drinking a bottle of scotch in about 3 days (my father was an alcoholic and drank constantly, I don’t want to end up there) I can go without alcohol, I stopped for 6 weeks recently, but then had one too many staff try to engage me at work and I ran straight back to it. I am also assisting children with ASD to over come their sensory processing issues and as such I am constantly confronting my own (talk about sensory overload lol) what do others do to unwind after coping with people at work all day? And do you think it would be in my best interest to get a new evaluation since I'm 42yo and work in an industry that gives me the ability to help myself with or without a formal DX.

Thanks.

Thanks leejosepho for taking the time to respond. I will try to obtain a copy of the AA book, but since I do not want to become a member and attend meetings (I'd have to have a couple in me just to get me to the door and then to sit in a room full of people!! !) not sure how I could get my hands on one here in OZ.

I'm not sure I would class myself an alcoholic though, alcohol dependant, yes. I enjoy a drink every now and again, but most nights I am forcing a few drinks down my throat just to get the relaxation effect. So I am dependant on alcohol, but I don't think I am addicted, yet. I know some may argue that dependency on alcohol is an addiction, but I believe if I found another avenue that resulted in relaxation of both body and mind, I would not have to drink. At least I hope that to be the case

Maybe I just need to take a teaspoon of cement

Thanks again leejosepho