Reasons I shouldn't drink to seek relief from PTSD symptoms?

[Victor_c3]

I'm sorry for the heavy topic on this forum, but I wasn't where else to post this topic as it wasn't pertinent to any political discussion on this forum.

I've mentioned my drinking habits in the past to my VA psychiatrist and it didn't seem to raise any red flags for them, but my alcohol consumption has started to become an issue with me and my wife. She is concerned and other than the few times I drink to much, I really never get out of control most of the time. I've been told and raised to believe that alcohol doesn't solve any problems, but I really just feel more at ease after I've had a couple of drinks. I come out of my shell and I start to feel more connected to people and more loving emotions. When I don't drink I just feel miserable and after I've had a few beers, things start to feel more bearable for me. What is the difference between drinking alcohol to seek relief from my PTSD and taking whatever medication the VA wants to prescribe me?

So why should I avoid alcohol other than "just because"? Feeling down and out without anything to drink isn't bearable for me and I feel that it really helps.

[MADem]

1. Booze is a depressant. It seems like an upper but it isn't.

You need to go back to your doctor and have a more in-depth conversation, I think, and if your medications aren't working, keep going back until they get it right.

Good luck.

[steve2470]

6. agree about going back til they get it right

Psychiatry is still very much trial and error. Maybe in the years ahead it will be much more precise but right now, it's trial and error.

Excellent point.

[MADem]

7. It sure seems self-evident, but sometimes for people who are in a bit of a fix, it isn't.

I had an in-law that I needed to do a bit more than cajole to get to the doctor for a bit more help.

It wasn't a nice, neat, quick or easy process either.

It did turn out well in the end, the extra effort was SO worth it--I'm "quite the hero" for not giving up (not really, but that's how I'm regarded--it tickles me no end).

It can seem hopeless, but it doesn't have to be. Ya just gotta hang in there and do the work. No giving up! It helps to have someone who will jolly-push-persuade-nag one along, if one is unmotivated.

[steve2470]

8. doctors can be very prickly and territorial

Not ALL doctors, before I get flamed. Just some. I've had doctors bite my head off for stepping on their territory, and in hindsight I did step on their turf. Lesson learned.

Any doctor with a brain will realize, um, what we're doing isn't working. It's time to try new medications etc etc.

Good on you for being assertive ! That's what's needed many times.

[MADem]

9. It helps if you're in uniform and know how to give an order!

That's not really fair play, but hey, I'll go the extra mile for a relative (even an in-law). For some odd reason, people--even doctors--will pay better attention when the person they are talking to is in a dress uniform. It's the oddest thing!

Of course, I also had someone try to give me their luggage and overcoat in the foyer of a fancy hotel once, too, so the "rispetto" isn't always automatic! I guess I looked like my job was opening doors and directing bellboys, or something!

I still when I think about that!

[BainsBane]

2. A good place to post this would be

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=forum&id=1151

You shouldn't drink for relief from PTSD because alcohol is a depressant and can, and most likely does, make things worse. Your meds might help you cope with the trauma to the point where you can engage in therapy, but alcohol impairs you too much to aid therapy. From what I have read, the only way to effectively deal with PTSD is through exposure therapy. I'm sorry you're going through this. It sucks.

I thank you for your service to our country.

[onehandle]

3. You should never medicate for a mental/emotional situation without professional advice.

That's what you are doing.

I have no military experience. And I have had a drink or two to pick my mood up.

So take my gibberish with a grain of salt.

No professional is ever going to tell you to drink to feel better.

That being said, I have been completely upfront with my alcohol habits and my doctor did not see a red flag either.

Be honest with your healthcare/mentalcare providers. Be honest with your wife.

If a beer or two helps you, it might be ok. If it takes a six-pack, then we have a problem.

[Ilsa]

4. I used to have a mixed drink or two

to help me with my PTSD, to help me relax. The problem was that it interfered with my thought processes and actually made it worse. Plus, the alcohol was a depressant.

I hope you can find the right dr to help you.

Peace and Good Luck.

[steve2470]

5. a very frank and open discussion with your psychiatrist is needed

I'm optimistic the doctor will help you cope without the alcohol. Keep us posted.

[haele]

10. While drinking is self-medicating, it's not controlled.

By taking prescribed medication, you have 1) less of a chance of overdosing, 2) a more accurate measure of your situation, and 3) a regime of both treatment and medication that is easier to properly manage.

I'm sorry to hear about your situation, and I'm not making light of it.

PTSD is a nasty beast on your back. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy (who, if I had one, probably became that way due to PTSD...)

BUT - If you always need to drink to feel good, and it's getting in between you and your wife, that's a real situation even if you don't think you're getting out of control. It's not a matter of avoiding alcohol, it's a matter of setting strict limits to it because you understand why you're using it and what it's doing to you.

The alcohol has a strong voice, and it's difficult to say "No, I've had enough" when there's a full bottle of Maker's Mark in front of you and there's nothing else indicating "3 oz only of this if you're going to drink alcohol and no more for four hours, or it seriously fucks up your ability to make good decisions ".

As a species, we seek Euphoria (or it's exact opposite, Disphoria - that feeling of angry strength and control - the ultimate "fuck you" to life) when we're in pain, to make the pain go away.
Unfortunately, we will seek both to the point of self-destruction if there are no measurements on to the vehicle we use to seek it. I've seen it happen to others (VietNam era vets, mainly), and am currently going through the same situation with a loved one, and I don't see her situation ending happily at all - probably with failed relationships and perhaps suicide if she can't get a handle on her issues and deal with them without spinning closer and closer to letting the alcohol and other substances control her feelings and relationships, and further continue to hide her from facing the issues that cause her fear and pain.

What seems so benign at the beginning can easily get out of control if not understood monitored.

Good luck. I hope you have a good VA doctor that is on top of the studies that they've been doing lately that seem to have found therapies that really help.

Haele