subsitution for alcohol...
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| Fri, 04-21-2006 - 4:51pm |
My husband has been sober for a year! It's a great accomplishment and he did it by himself.
However, he sometimes "subsitutes". When his friends are drinking or he is around a social situation that everyone drinks, he feels the need to "fit in" and "relax" just like everyone else. So he pops a pill instead. He has been taking over-the-counter sleeping pills to unwind and relax. We have argued about this many, many times. He tells me it's like having a beer after work. I sometimes have a glass of wine after a hard day and he compares taking the sleeping pill to that. The thing is, he doesn't take it to sleep... he takes it after work to "unwind". (btw: the quotes are his words)
I am so confused. I know sleeping pills are addictive, even the over-the-counter kind. I just don't want to see him on the same path he was on with alcohol.
I am open to any insight on this issue. Thanks.

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You are so right......he is substituting. Medications should not be used except for the express purpose they were created. I doubt he will see it that way. though. Does he have after care, a therapist, group or AA? For that matter, just a physician. Suggest he ask one of those if it okay. Bet he won't, because in his heart HE knows it is not.
Hi there. Yes, it is wonderful that you DH hasn't had a drink in a year, but he is substituting alcohol in pill form. I am a recovering alcoholic and I cannot take any pain killers or sleep aides unless I have a prescription from a doctor and someone else is monitoring my use. The pills have what is known as a synergistic effect and usually lead a problem drinker to use more and varied kinds of medication and in many cases, back to alcohol - all a deadly combination.
I am sorry to be the bearer of dismal news - this is what I have learned in recovery and seen happen to a number of people... Please keep coming back for support and to share - we are here to help you!
Leslie
Hi kittenjones05,
I completely agree with what has already been stated here.
Alcohol, A
I might be mistaken but over the counter sleep aides are usually antihistamines which are not addictive. I could be totally wrong. I won't be offended if corrected.
Lucky
Hi Lucky,
To a degree, you are right.
Alcohol, A
I know addicts who used to take vitamins out of the bottle
and fill it with narcotics.
Call me suspicious....LOL
Keep in touch,....
I understand. The antihistamines by themselves are not addictive. But an addictive person gets addicted to TAKING the antihistamine. I have been addicted to water in the past. Of course water is not addictive, but if I didn't have my bottle with me at all times I would get dry mouth and nausea. Probably more of a obsession than anything.
So what's an alcoholic with these types of addictions to do? Antihistamines and inhalers are sometimes necessary to keep a person alive. I would be curious how they could be helped. Also, if they have anxiety, what do they do if the doc rx anti-anxiety meds? Those, I know, are highly addictive.
Are these cases where behavior modification might be helpful? I would think so.
Sorry for rambling. It just got me thinking about addiction in general.
Lucky
Hey Lucky
I definitely have an addictive personality, so I make sure that I only take medications as prescribed...and don't carry them with me. (Except the ones I need for an allergic reaction). On the occasion that I have had to have in inhalor, it was 3 times a day...no need to carry it...when I had my first c-section I had DH keep the pain meds...and after the first day, I didn't need them, so we only kept them a few more days in the house.
Pediatric Stroke, even kids get them
Do you keep OTC pain relievers in the house?
I have a question for the whole board I want to post about habits vs addictions. I definitely have an alcohol habit as opposed to an addiction. The alcohol doesn't so much call me as much as the time or routine.
Thanks to both of you for your honest answers.
Lucky
Tylenol, Benedryl, Claritin and children's cough medicine. That is it.
Pediatric Stroke, even kids get them
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