Asperger's & alcholism

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Been interesting to consider the threads between the two in my 52 years. Booze certainly produced a more social me, at least at first, but, the usual disaster for every alcoholic.

I could never abide the idea of AA - all those people, no way - so I had to do the sobriety work independently.

I used to think, that's gotta be the hard route but now I begin to see, it's been due to asperger's that I was able to pull it off. The isolation most people couldn't fathom &, of course, there was the special interest to bring me an alternative.

But I did wonder, how do asperger alcoholics approach recovery? Is AA an option for any of "us"?

I know that it can occour that autistics have problems with alcohol or other drucs, but it's not common.
It's no "usual" copingmechanism that autistics tend to use.

I smoked once, but I quit.
I never had problems with other drugs or alcohol.
I don't tolerate much anyway.

Google Asperger's + alcoholism & you may stand enlightened. There's a bit of history out there. Which is what I'm seeking, not negation. But I'm glad you don't have a drinking problem.

I know that it's not totally uncommon, but I doubt that it's much higher than in NTs.

I am a 56yo Aspie and I have been in AA since 2005. That is how I initially began; I used it as a social lubricant. I hadn't developed an physical addiction to alcohol but I did develop a psychological addiction to it. I had reached a point where if I had one beer, I ended up drinking a case. I was certainly getting out of control. I developed the same crutch with drugs as well. The longer I was in AA, the more I started to see the reasons behind my drinking/drugging. I used it as a escape so I wouldn't have to deal with or admit that I was HFA. I personally view being in AA as an enlightening journey. There are some people who attend my AA meetings I don't care for. I constantly need to remind myself that I am there to deal with my addiction to alcohol not to be friends with everybody who attends.

I consider myself to be an alcoholic. I never used to use that word but it is accurate. I started drinking about 4 years ago.

I don't care for AA either. There are a lot of jerks there and a lot of sociopaths, but if you can cut through the BS you might be able to find some help there.

I don't attend AA anymore because I didn't find it helpful.

My honest opinion is that AA is bad "philosophy" (you certainly can't call it a science, and philosophy is a stretch). On the other hand, I don't have any other advice. I guess sometimes just knowing that you are not alone is comforting in itself.

You sound like me, down to the signature.

My psychiatrist recommended a Chemical Dependency Recovery Program through my health insurance, which I took. It was very helpful even though it was group therapy I ended up enjoying myself a lot there and we all related to each other because our additions were how we handled some of the stress in our lives. Stress can be induced just by lack of healthy coping mechanisms.

I went to AA because it was part of the program and I went for about a month afterwards but I never had intentions to go completely sober forever, and then I felt like if I went I would be a hypocrite.

I think that was for the best because the whole "philosophy" thing made me uncomfortable. I took comfort in hearing other people's stories and struggles and how they overcame their difficulties, but the 12-step program was a whole bunch of ridiculous. Most of the people there were very kind to each other and loving and caring, but that was a bit awkward for me too because I hate hugs and it takes a lot of energy to be around that many people. I enjoyed it as a daily morning ritual, because I'm all about order and consistency.

Feelings of social rejection or isolation can make you turn to drugs. And if you are isolated there is no one to help you control the habit. Accepting ASD was necessary for me to recover.

It only took me one hangover to never drink again. (whew)

For me it's my anxieties. Especially social ones, but also in regards to the ican'tfunctionwhatdoidothisplaceisamessmylifeisoutofcontrolmakeitstop! feelings I get.

<--- Drinks like a fish.

<--- Doesn't bother with AA because they try to force religion down your throat.

I drink, probably too much.....but I don't really see any point in going to AA or anything since I am not considering quitting drinking. I don't think that would go over so well since I do plan to continue drinking. Basically if someone wants me to not drink or use cannabis they had better have something else that can reduce my symptoms that they are offering in its place.

Be in pain, and just try and be tough while staying away from anything that might relieve my pain...doesn't work for me.

I used to drink alcohol and smoked out to become social. I don't anymore. I never had an addiction per se, but I used them obsessively. The only thing I'm addicted to and struggling with is energy drinks. I drink 2-3 per day just to function.

I drink two nights a week, Friday and Saturday.. If I'm at home, 2-3 small glasses of wine and 1 beer. If I'm putting myself in a social situation then I'll just drink and drink, it's an unfortunate habit that I tend to finish drinks very quickly.

I guess in the USA I'd be considered an Alcoholic, but in the UK it's pretty normal I definitely use alcohol as a coping tool, but it's better than some of the alternatives.

Jason.

I guess one could say I'm an alcoholic, even though I haven't been drinking daily since April.

I've been drinking heavily the last 5-6 years, the last 3 years I've been drinking heavy and daily.

In April I stopped drinking and started smoking pot instead, I have no desire to drink when I've smoked.

I've also lost 15 lbs since I switched to cannabis and feel generally like a new person, I feel a lot better. Too bad it's illegal..

Depends on where you live. My fiance just got his medical marajuana card and it was as easy as going in to a medical marajuana office, paying $40, and saying he needed it because he had joint pain. Now he's covered for a year and can buy from dispensaries.