Yet again, I have to go off Xanax...

[~*LiveLoveLaugh*~]

I wish these f*cking benzo-phobe docs would catch a clue. I'm starting a
new program to help with being dual diagnosed (bipolar and alcoholic). The
dang p-doc in this program thinks Xanax is highly addictive and since it's a
controlled substance, "it does not belong in treatment". I've got about 2
weeks to get off the 3 mgs. of Xanax I was taking a day. Right now I'm down
to about two a day... but already struggling. Then I'll be in this program
for 1 month, 3 months, 6 months?? Don't know. All I do know is that's a
long time w/out help when I have a severe panic attack. This organization
SWEARS they have ways of working around these panic attacks. I hate to be a
skeptic, but after 30 or so years on and off Xanax, I KNOW what works.

So, in a few weeks I will be uncomfortable and bitchy as **** w/o the Xanax.
Granted I am *desperate* to get rid of the dark cloud of alcoholism over my
head, so I'm gonna try this and PRAY I find a way to live my life as a sober
gal.

--

·.·´¨ ¨)) -:¦:-
¸.·´ .·´¨¨))
Laurie
((¸¸.·´ ..·´
-:¦:- ((¸¸ ·.·

*~*LiveLoveLaugh*~*

All that I am or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.
~Abraham Lincoln

[Mary]

"~*LiveLoveLaugh*~" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:i9nip7$dtb$[email protected]..
>I wish these f*cking benzo-phobe docs would catch a clue. I'm starting a
>new program to help with being dual diagnosed (bipolar and alcoholic). The
>dang p-doc in this program thinks Xanax is highly addictive and since it's
>a controlled substance, "it does not belong in treatment". I've got about
>2 weeks to get off the 3 mgs. of Xanax I was taking a day. Right now I'm
>down to about two a day... but already struggling. Then I'll be in this
>program for 1 month, 3 months, 6 months?? Don't know. All I do know is
>that's a long time w/out help when I have a severe panic attack. This
>organization SWEARS they have ways of working around these panic attacks.
>I hate to be a skeptic, but after 30 or so years on and off Xanax, I KNOW
>what works.
>
> So, in a few weeks I will be uncomfortable and bitchy as **** w/o the
> Xanax. Granted I am *desperate* to get rid of the dark cloud of alcoholism
> over my head, so I'm gonna try this and PRAY I find a way to live my life
> as a sober gal.

Hi Laurie, I hope you can find a way to live your life as a sober gal too.
You've done pretty well so far, so keep going. It sounds like the program
would be good for you since its for both bipolar and alcoholic. I don't know
what you can do about not being able to take Xanax though. I don't take
regular anti anxiety meds but for those who do, I'm sure it must be
difficult when you depend on it. Will your GP not help you out on Xanax? A
lot will depend on how long the program is. When does it start? Maybe the
program does have a way of working around your panic attacks.You can always
try the program and see how it goes then decide if its for you.

Mary

[Gigglz]

i'm so sorry, but you GOTTA do it. you simply do not have a choice
any more. i won't go into details in here, since i know who reads
this forum...and it's none of their business. i will say that i know
you can do this. you WILL do this, because you have to. you have to
go at this with a positive/can-do attitude. i know you best!!

xxoo

gigglz




On Wed, 20 Oct 2010 16:17:40 -0400, "~*LiveLoveLaugh*~"
<[email protected]> wrote:

>I wish these f*cking benzo-phobe docs would catch a clue. I'm starting a
>new program to help with being dual diagnosed (bipolar and alcoholic). The
>dang p-doc in this program thinks Xanax is highly addictive and since it's a
>controlled substance, "it does not belong in treatment". I've got about 2
>weeks to get off the 3 mgs. of Xanax I was taking a day. Right now I'm down
>to about two a day... but already struggling. Then I'll be in this program
>for 1 month, 3 months, 6 months?? Don't know. All I do know is that's a
>long time w/out help when I have a severe panic attack. This organization
>SWEARS they have ways of working around these panic attacks. I hate to be a
>skeptic, but after 30 or so years on and off Xanax, I KNOW what works.
>
>So, in a few weeks I will be uncomfortable and bitchy as **** w/o the Xanax.
>Granted I am *desperate* to get rid of the dark cloud of alcoholism over my
>head, so I'm gonna try this and PRAY I find a way to live my life as a sober
>gal.

[Gigglz]

On Thu, 21 Oct 2010 00:32:52 -0400, "Mary" <[email protected]> wrote:

>"~*LiveLoveLaugh*~" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>news:i9nip7$dtb$[email protected]..
>>I wish these f*cking benzo-phobe docs would catch a clue. I'm starting a
>>new program to help with being dual diagnosed (bipolar and alcoholic). The
>>dang p-doc in this program thinks Xanax is highly addictive and since it's
>>a controlled substance, "it does not belong in treatment". I've got about
>>2 weeks to get off the 3 mgs. of Xanax I was taking a day. Right now I'm
>>down to about two a day... but already struggling. Then I'll be in this
>>program for 1 month, 3 months, 6 months?? Don't know. All I do know is
>>that's a long time w/out help when I have a severe panic attack. This
>>organization SWEARS they have ways of working around these panic attacks.
>>I hate to be a skeptic, but after 30 or so years on and off Xanax, I KNOW
>>what works.
>>
>> So, in a few weeks I will be uncomfortable and bitchy as **** w/o the
>> Xanax. Granted I am *desperate* to get rid of the dark cloud of alcoholism
>> over my head, so I'm gonna try this and PRAY I find a way to live my life
>> as a sober gal.
>
>Hi Laurie, I hope you can find a way to live your life as a sober gal too.
>You've done pretty well so far, so keep going. It sounds like the program
>would be good for you since its for both bipolar and alcoholic. I don't know
>what you can do about not being able to take Xanax though. I don't take
>regular anti anxiety meds but for those who do, I'm sure it must be
>difficult when you depend on it. Will your GP not help you out on Xanax? A
>lot will depend on how long the program is. When does it start? Maybe the
>program does have a way of working around your panic attacks.You can always
>try the program and see how it goes then decide if its for you.
>
>Mary
>

she will try it and she will succeed :-) :-) :-)

xxoo

gigglz

[Mary]

"Gigglz" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]..
> On Thu, 21 Oct 2010 00:32:52 -0400, "Mary" <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>>"~*LiveLoveLaugh*~" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>>news:i9nip7$dtb$[email protected]..
>>>I wish these f*cking benzo-phobe docs would catch a clue. I'm starting a
>>>new program to help with being dual diagnosed (bipolar and alcoholic).
>>>The
>>>dang p-doc in this program thinks Xanax is highly addictive and since
>>>it's
>>>a controlled substance, "it does not belong in treatment". I've got
>>>about
>>>2 weeks to get off the 3 mgs. of Xanax I was taking a day. Right now I'm
>>>down to about two a day... but already struggling. Then I'll be in this
>>>program for 1 month, 3 months, 6 months?? Don't know. All I do know is
>>>that's a long time w/out help when I have a severe panic attack. This
>>>organization SWEARS they have ways of working around these panic attacks.
>>>I hate to be a skeptic, but after 30 or so years on and off Xanax, I KNOW
>>>what works.
>>>
>>> So, in a few weeks I will be uncomfortable and bitchy as **** w/o the
>>> Xanax. Granted I am *desperate* to get rid of the dark cloud of
>>> alcoholism
>>> over my head, so I'm gonna try this and PRAY I find a way to live my
>>> life
>>> as a sober gal.
>>
>>Hi Laurie, I hope you can find a way to live your life as a sober gal too.
>>You've done pretty well so far, so keep going. It sounds like the program
>>would be good for you since its for both bipolar and alcoholic. I don't
>>know
>>what you can do about not being able to take Xanax though. I don't take
>>regular anti anxiety meds but for those who do, I'm sure it must be
>>difficult when you depend on it. Will your GP not help you out on Xanax? A
>>lot will depend on how long the program is. When does it start? Maybe the
>>program does have a way of working around your panic attacks.You can
>>always
>>try the program and see how it goes then decide if its for you.
>>
>>Mary
>>
>
> she will try it and she will succeed :-) :-) :-)
>
> xxoo
>
> gigglz

That will be good. Best of luck to her.

Mary

[Figaro]

On Wed, 20 Oct 2010 16:17:40 -0400, ~*LiveLoveLaugh*~ wrote:

> I wish these f*cking benzo-phobe docs would catch a clue. I'm starting a
> new program to help with being dual diagnosed (bipolar and alcoholic). The
> dang p-doc in this program thinks Xanax is highly addictive and since it's a
> controlled substance, "it does not belong in treatment". I've got about 2
> weeks to get off the 3 mgs. of Xanax I was taking a day. Right now I'm down
> to about two a day... but already struggling. Then I'll be in this program
> for 1 month, 3 months, 6 months?? Don't know. All I do know is that's a
> long time w/out help when I have a severe panic attack. This organization
> SWEARS they have ways of working around these panic attacks. I hate to be a
> skeptic, but after 30 or so years on and off Xanax, I KNOW what works.
>
> So, in a few weeks I will be uncomfortable and bitchy as **** w/o the Xanax.
> Granted I am *desperate* to get rid of the dark cloud of alcoholism over my
> head, so I'm gonna try this and PRAY I find a way to live my life as a sober
> gal.

Laurie,

I can't say that I like the general attitude that your p-doc expressed, and
I certainly don't like the short 3 week taper period for someone who's been
on 3 mg for awhile now, however.......

If you are still struggling with alcohol addiction maybe it's a good thing
to try this new program, whatever it may be. But haven't they given you a
clue as to how to "work around" panic attacks? Just knowing what their
methodology is might help alleviate some of your concerns.

Fig

[Gigglz]

On Thu, 21 Oct 2010 01:12:10 -0400, "Mary" <[email protected]> wrote:

>"Gigglz" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>news:[email protected]. .
>> On Thu, 21 Oct 2010 00:32:52 -0400, "Mary" <[email protected]> wrote:
>>
>>>"~*LiveLoveLaugh*~" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>>>news:i9nip7$dtb$[email protected]..
>>>>I wish these f*cking benzo-phobe docs would catch a clue. I'm starting a
>>>>new program to help with being dual diagnosed (bipolar and alcoholic).
>>>>The
>>>>dang p-doc in this program thinks Xanax is highly addictive and since
>>>>it's
>>>>a controlled substance, "it does not belong in treatment". I've got
>>>>about
>>>>2 weeks to get off the 3 mgs. of Xanax I was taking a day. Right now I'm
>>>>down to about two a day... but already struggling. Then I'll be in this
>>>>program for 1 month, 3 months, 6 months?? Don't know. All I do know is
>>>>that's a long time w/out help when I have a severe panic attack. This
>>>>organization SWEARS they have ways of working around these panic attacks.
>>>>I hate to be a skeptic, but after 30 or so years on and off Xanax, I KNOW
>>>>what works.
>>>>
>>>> So, in a few weeks I will be uncomfortable and bitchy as **** w/o the
>>>> Xanax. Granted I am *desperate* to get rid of the dark cloud of
>>>> alcoholism
>>>> over my head, so I'm gonna try this and PRAY I find a way to live my
>>>> life
>>>> as a sober gal.
>>>
>>>Hi Laurie, I hope you can find a way to live your life as a sober gal too.
>>>You've done pretty well so far, so keep going. It sounds like the program
>>>would be good for you since its for both bipolar and alcoholic. I don't
>>>know
>>>what you can do about not being able to take Xanax though. I don't take
>>>regular anti anxiety meds but for those who do, I'm sure it must be
>>>difficult when you depend on it. Will your GP not help you out on Xanax? A
>>>lot will depend on how long the program is. When does it start? Maybe the
>>>program does have a way of working around your panic attacks.You can
>>>always
>>>try the program and see how it goes then decide if its for you.
>>>
>>>Mary
>>>
>>
>> she will try it and she will succeed :-) :-) :-)
>>
>> xxoo
>>
>> gigglz
>
>That will be good. Best of luck to her.
>
>Mary
>


yes, it will be good. i know she can do it! :-)

gigglz

[oldgoat]

Dear Laurie,

I don't know if I am really seeing the problem clearly. Is your benzophobe
doctor just against Xanax or all benzos? I got a doctor who is that way
about Valium. Some elderly lady either checked out or was real close to it
on one of his Rx's, so he's gun-shy about prescribing it. Klonipin is no
problem for him however. I guess K doesn't have as bad a reputation as
comparable meds. It took a couple weeks I guess, but I've found Klonipin to
last one hell of a lot longer and work just as well, if not better, than the
usual suspects.

I got a feeling what you're going to get when you call them with a panic
attack is a lot of trying to talk you down. There are some of those those
methods like the relaxation response that will work, but you have to give it
a fair chance. If you are saying to yourself, "WTF is OG talking about?", I
agree that it's much more convenient to swallow a pill and and give it 20
minus. Better living through chemistry and all that. But these kind of
"mind games ", for lack of a better term, can be done without having to worry
about taking too much or too little, you don't have to remember to put a
couple in your pocket and you can do it without worrying about drug
interactions.

I know. I know you're thinking I lost my mind, talking about CBT type stuff,
but when it works (with or) without the medication it's hard to argue with
it. You really can turn off the hard wiring of the flight or fight reflex
that anxiety comes from. I wouldn't suggest no medication, it's sure not
going to hurt when your heart feels like it's gonna jump out of your
throat. But as a something to use when you run in to a problem doctor like
this, something like the relaxation response surely is not gonna hurt.

I just did a fast search on Yahoo and found out it's "The Relaxation
Response". I didn't really know if what I was being taught was a specific
technique or just a general way of referring to these exercises. Apparently
It's very specific, and the web site gives good step by step on how to make
it work. If you decide to give it a whirl and you need help gimme a shout.
You can always catch me at home (asc-p) or drop me an email. Been real bad
checking it lately but I will get to it sooner or.....

Later--og
oh yeah -- http://www.relaxationresponse.org/



"~*LiveLoveLaugh*~" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:i9nip7$dtb$[email protected]..
>I wish these f*cking benzo-phobe docs would catch a clue. I'm starting a
>new program to help with being dual diagnosed (bipolar and alcoholic). The
>dang p-doc in this program thinks Xanax is highly addictive and since it's
>a controlled substance, "it does not belong in treatment". I've got about
>2 weeks to get off the 3 mgs. of Xanax I was taking a day. Right now I'm
>down to about two a day... but already struggling. Then I'll be in this
>program for 1 month, 3 months, 6 months?? Don't know. All I do know is
>that's a long time w/out help when I have a severe panic attack. This
>organization SWEARS they have ways of working around these panic attacks.
>I hate to be a skeptic, but after 30 or so years on and off Xanax, I KNOW
>what works.
>
> So, in a few weeks I will be uncomfortable and bitchy as **** w/o the
> Xanax. Granted I am *desperate* to get rid of the dark cloud of alcoholism
> over my head, so I'm gonna try this and PRAY I find a way to live my life
> as a sober gal.
>
> --
>
> ·.·´¨ ¨)) -:¦:-
> ¸.·´ .·´¨¨))
> Laurie
> ((¸¸.·´ ..·´
> -:¦:- ((¸¸ ·.·
>
> *~*LiveLoveLaugh*~*
>
> All that I am or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.
> ~Abraham Lincoln
>
>
>

[~*LiveLoveLaugh*~]

"Mary" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:i9ofpt$60r$[email protected]..
> "~*LiveLoveLaugh*~" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:i9nip7$dtb$[email protected]..
>>I wish these f*cking benzo-phobe docs would catch a clue. I'm starting a
>>new program to help with being dual diagnosed (bipolar and alcoholic).
>>The dang p-doc in this program thinks Xanax is highly addictive and since
>>it's a controlled substance, "it does not belong in treatment". I've got
>>about 2 weeks to get off the 3 mgs. of Xanax I was taking a day. Right
>>now I'm down to about two a day... but already struggling. Then I'll be
>>in this program for 1 month, 3 months, 6 months?? Don't know. All I do
>>know is that's a long time w/out help when I have a severe panic attack.
>>This organization SWEARS they have ways of working around these panic
>>attacks. I hate to be a skeptic, but after 30 or so years on and off
>>Xanax, I KNOW what works.
>>
>> So, in a few weeks I will be uncomfortable and bitchy as **** w/o the
>> Xanax. Granted I am *desperate* to get rid of the dark cloud of
>> alcoholism over my head, so I'm gonna try this and PRAY I find a way to
>> live my life as a sober gal.
>
> Hi Laurie, I hope you can find a way to live your life as a sober gal too.
> You've done pretty well so far, so keep going. It sounds like the program
> would be good for you since its for both bipolar and alcoholic. I don't
> know what you can do about not being able to take Xanax though. I don't
> take regular anti anxiety meds but for those who do, I'm sure it must be
> difficult when you depend on it. Will your GP not help you out on Xanax? A
> lot will depend on how long the program is. When does it start? Maybe the
> program does have a way of working around your panic attacks.You can
> always try the program and see how it goes then decide if its for you.
>
> Mary

It is illegal here to have one doctor taking you off Xanax and then go to
another to get more of it. It's a controlled substance, and the state
follows this to the letter.

Thanks for the support tho', Mary!! I'll get through it... but I'll be
grumbling... THAT'S FOR SURE!!! P

--

·.·´¨ ¨)) -:¦:-
¸.·´ .·´¨¨))
Laurie
((¸¸.·´ ..·´
-:¦:- ((¸¸ ·.·

*~*LiveLoveLaugh*~*

All that I am or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.
~Abraham Lincoln

[Gigglz]

On Fri, 22 Oct 2010 10:54:35 -0400, "~*LiveLoveLaugh*~"
<[email protected]> wrote:

>"Mary" <[email protected]> wrote in message

> always try the program and see how it goes then decide if its for you.
>>
>> Mary
>
>It is illegal here to have one doctor taking you off Xanax and then go to
>another to get more of it. It's a controlled substance, and the state
>follows this to the letter.
>
>Thanks for the support tho', Mary!! I'll get through it... but I'll be
>grumbling... THAT'S FOR SURE!!! P

you will be fine...you've done this before :-) don't let people make
you feel otherwise. you know better!

xxoo

[~*LiveLoveLaugh*~]

"Gigglz" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]..
> On Fri, 22 Oct 2010 10:54:35 -0400, "~*LiveLoveLaugh*~"
> <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>>"Mary" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>
>> always try the program and see how it goes then decide if its for you.
>>>
>>> Mary
>>
>>It is illegal here to have one doctor taking you off Xanax and then go to
>>another to get more of it. It's a controlled substance, and the state
>>follows this to the letter.
>>
>>Thanks for the support tho', Mary!! I'll get through it... but I'll be
>>grumbling... THAT'S FOR SURE!!! P
>
> you will be fine...you've done this before :-) don't let people make
> you feel otherwise. you know better!
>
> xxoo


I know. Thanks, Giggz. Love ya, girlfriend!!

--

·.·´¨ ¨)) -:¦:-
¸.·´ .·´¨¨))
Laurie
((¸¸.·´ ..·´
-:¦:- ((¸¸ ·.·

*~*LiveLoveLaugh*~*

All that I am or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.
~Abraham Lincoln



>

[Mary]

"~*LiveLoveLaugh*~" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:i9s8jd$s2s$[email protected]..
> "Mary" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:i9ofpt$60r$[email protected]..
>> "~*LiveLoveLaugh*~" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>> news:i9nip7$dtb$[email protected]..
>>>I wish these f*cking benzo-phobe docs would catch a clue. I'm starting a
>>>new program to help with being dual diagnosed (bipolar and alcoholic).
>>>The dang p-doc in this program thinks Xanax is highly addictive and since
>>>it's a controlled substance, "it does not belong in treatment". I've got
>>>about 2 weeks to get off the 3 mgs. of Xanax I was taking a day. Right
>>>now I'm down to about two a day... but already struggling. Then I'll be
>>>in this program for 1 month, 3 months, 6 months?? Don't know. All I do
>>>know is that's a long time w/out help when I have a severe panic attack.
>>>This organization SWEARS they have ways of working around these panic
>>>attacks. I hate to be a skeptic, but after 30 or so years on and off
>>>Xanax, I KNOW what works.
>>>
>>> So, in a few weeks I will be uncomfortable and bitchy as **** w/o the
>>> Xanax. Granted I am *desperate* to get rid of the dark cloud of
>>> alcoholism over my head, so I'm gonna try this and PRAY I find a way to
>>> live my life as a sober gal.
>>
>> Hi Laurie, I hope you can find a way to live your life as a sober gal
>> too. You've done pretty well so far, so keep going. It sounds like the
>> program would be good for you since its for both bipolar and alcoholic. I
>> don't know what you can do about not being able to take Xanax though. I
>> don't take regular anti anxiety meds but for those who do, I'm sure it
>> must be difficult when you depend on it. Will your GP not help you out on
>> Xanax? A lot will depend on how long the program is. When does it start?
>> Maybe the program does have a way of working around your panic
>> attacks.You can always try the program and see how it goes then decide if
>> its for you.
>>
>> Mary
>
> It is illegal here to have one doctor taking you off Xanax and then go to
> another to get more of it. It's a controlled substance, and the state
> follows this to the letter.

> Thanks for the support tho', Mary!! I'll get through it... but I'll be
> grumbling... THAT'S FOR SURE!!! P

Laurie, Its OK to grumble - As long as you get through it. Best of luck.

Mary

[~*LiveLoveLaugh*~]

"Figaro" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]..
> On Wed, 20 Oct 2010 16:17:40 -0400, ~*LiveLoveLaugh*~ wrote:
>
>> I wish these f*cking benzo-phobe docs would catch a clue. I'm starting a
>> new program to help with being dual diagnosed (bipolar and alcoholic).
>> The
>> dang p-doc in this program thinks Xanax is highly addictive and since
>> it's a
>> controlled substance, "it does not belong in treatment". I've got about
>> 2
>> weeks to get off the 3 mgs. of Xanax I was taking a day. Right now I'm
>> down
>> to about two a day... but already struggling. Then I'll be in this
>> program
>> for 1 month, 3 months, 6 months?? Don't know. All I do know is that's a
>> long time w/out help when I have a severe panic attack. This
>> organization
>> SWEARS they have ways of working around these panic attacks. I hate to
>> be a
>> skeptic, but after 30 or so years on and off Xanax, I KNOW what works.
>>
>> So, in a few weeks I will be uncomfortable and bitchy as **** w/o the
>> Xanax.
>> Granted I am *desperate* to get rid of the dark cloud of alcoholism over
>> my
>> head, so I'm gonna try this and PRAY I find a way to live my life as a
>> sober
>> gal.
>
> Laurie,
>
> I can't say that I like the general attitude that your p-doc expressed,
> and
> I certainly don't like the short 3 week taper period for someone who's
> been
> on 3 mg for awhile now, however.......
>
> If you are still struggling with alcohol addiction maybe it's a good thing
> to try this new program, whatever it may be. But haven't they given you a
> clue as to how to "work around" panic attacks? Just knowing what their
> methodology is might help alleviate some of your concerns.
>
> Fig


Hey Fig... always nice to read you. I have not started the program yet.
Lots of red tape, paper work, gotta meet my new counselor, blah and blah. I
actually had to wait to hear if they would accept me or not. I could go
into what I think about that, but it's better left unsaid. At least I got
in!! So, no... I haven't had any help on how to work thru' panic, other
than what I know from having been in CBT/DBT for 10 months last year. Me?
I'd just as soon take a magic pill rather than figuring out how to breath
deeply when you feel like you're dying from panic!! I know I'll survive,
but I ain't gonna like it!! P

--

·.·´¨ ¨)) -:¦:-
¸.·´ .·´¨¨))
Laurie
((¸¸.·´ ..·´
-:¦:- ((¸¸ ·.·

*~*LiveLoveLaugh*~*

All that I am or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.
~Abraham Lincoln

[Philip Peters]

Op 20-10-2010 22:17, ~*LiveLoveLaugh*~ schreef:
> I wish these f*cking benzo-phobe docs would catch a clue. I'm starting
> a new program to help with being dual diagnosed (bipolar and alcoholic).
> The dang p-doc in this program thinks Xanax is highly addictive and
> since it's a controlled substance, "it does not belong in treatment".
> I've got about 2 weeks to get off the 3 mgs. of Xanax I was taking a
> day. Right now I'm down to about two a day... but already struggling.
> Then I'll be in this program for 1 month, 3 months, 6 months?? Don't
> know. All I do know is that's a long time w/out help when I have a
> severe panic attack. This organization SWEARS they have ways of working
> around these panic attacks. I hate to be a skeptic, but after 30 or so
> years on and off Xanax, I KNOW what works.
>
> So, in a few weeks I will be uncomfortable and bitchy as **** w/o the
> Xanax. Granted I am *desperate* to get rid of the dark cloud of
> alcoholism over my head, so I'm gonna try this and PRAY I find a way to
> live my life as a sober gal.



Is it really necessary for you to do this program? Former alcohol
addiction is *not* a counter-indication to benzos.
In fact there are programs which actually use benzos to help people kick
their
alcohol habit as countless studies have shown. And two weeks to wean of
3 mgs is much too fast anyway.
I also wonder what way these people found of *working around* panic
attacks because if it were true none of use would have any PA's anymore.
Talk about selling bridges in Brooklyn...
If I were you I'd try to find another program and stick with your 3 mg
of Xanax which last time we talked here wasn't quite enough in the first
place IIRC.
Have you fallen off the wagon lately, Laurie? That would explain your
feeling so *desperate* about the alcohol addiction but the solution
should not be worse than the problem.

Philip

[Vickie]

On Oct 20, 1:17*pm, "~*LiveLoveLaugh*~" <nobodyh...@this.house> wrote:
> I wish these f*cking benzo-phobe docs would catch a clue. *I'm startinga
> new program to help with being dual diagnosed (bipolar and alcoholic). *The
> dang p-doc in this program thinks Xanax is highly addictive and since it's a
> controlled substance, "it does not belong in treatment". *I've got about 2
> weeks to get off the 3 mgs. of Xanax I was taking a day. *Right now I'mdown
> to about two a day... but already struggling. *Then I'll be in this program
> for 1 month, 3 months, 6 months?? *Don't know. *All I do know is that's a
> long time w/out help when I have a severe panic attack. *This organization
> SWEARS they have ways of working around these panic attacks. *I hate tobe a
> skeptic, but after 30 or so years on and off Xanax, I KNOW what works.
>
> So, in a few weeks I will be uncomfortable and bitchy as **** w/o the Xanax.
> Granted I am *desperate* to get rid of the dark cloud of alcoholism over my
> head, so I'm gonna try this and PRAY I find a way to live my life as a sober
> gal.
>
> --
>
> ·.·´¨ ¨)) *-:¦:-
> * * * *¸.·´ *.·´¨¨))
> * * * *Laurie
> * *((¸¸.·´ *..·´
> * * *-:¦:- *((¸¸ ·.·
>
> *~*LiveLoveLaugh*~*
>
> All that I am or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.
> ~Abraham Lincoln

I wish you lots of good luck, Laurie.

Please share if they do have some magic way to stop panic.
It gets tiring dodging the real and/or imaginary bullet of anxiety
everyday.

Best to you,
Vickie

[~*LiveLoveLaugh*~]

"Philip Peters" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:4cc20d52$0$41114$[email protected]..
> Op 20-10-2010 22:17, ~*LiveLoveLaugh*~ schreef:
>> I wish these f*cking benzo-phobe docs would catch a clue. I'm starting
>> a new program to help with being dual diagnosed (bipolar and alcoholic).
>> The dang p-doc in this program thinks Xanax is highly addictive and
>> since it's a controlled substance, "it does not belong in treatment".
>> I've got about 2 weeks to get off the 3 mgs. of Xanax I was taking a
>> day. Right now I'm down to about two a day... but already struggling.
>> Then I'll be in this program for 1 month, 3 months, 6 months?? Don't
>> know. All I do know is that's a long time w/out help when I have a
>> severe panic attack. This organization SWEARS they have ways of working
>> around these panic attacks. I hate to be a skeptic, but after 30 or so
>> years on and off Xanax, I KNOW what works.
>>
>> So, in a few weeks I will be uncomfortable and bitchy as **** w/o the
>> Xanax. Granted I am *desperate* to get rid of the dark cloud of
>> alcoholism over my head, so I'm gonna try this and PRAY I find a way to
>> live my life as a sober gal.
>
>
>
> Is it really necessary for you to do this program? Former alcohol
> addiction is *not* a counter-indication to benzos.
> In fact there are programs which actually use benzos to help people kick
> their
> alcohol habit as countless studies have shown. And two weeks to wean of 3
> mgs is much too fast anyway.

I don't know what studies you may be referring to, but in the states, it is
a known fact that Xanax can cause an alcohol to relapse. It is also an
addictive medication, which is frowned upon when you join a program that is
trying to help you get away from any and all mind altering substances. Dual
diagnosis programs are few and far between. There are 2 here in my city,
and I spent 10 months at one. They did keep me on the Xanax. But look
where I am now. I'm on Xanax, but I'm still drinking. So, it's time to try
something new.

> I also wonder what way these people found of *working around* panic
> attacks because if it were true none of use would have any PA's anymore.
> Talk about selling bridges in Brooklyn...
> If I were you I'd try to find another program and stick with your 3 mg of
> Xanax which last time we talked here wasn't quite enough in the first
> place IIRC.

There are NO MORE doctors here in my city that will prescribe me the Xanax
b/c I drink. Like I said above, the two go hand in hand, and in order for
me to get sober, going off Xanax is part of the deal.

> Have you fallen off the wagon lately, Laurie? That would explain your
> feeling so *desperate* about the alcohol addiction but the solution should
> not be worse than the problem.

I fall off the wagon about every 30 to 60 days. I don't get smashed
(usually), nor do I drink for days on end. But having 2 or 3 glasses of
wine JUST ONE DAY is falling off the wagon, and therefore, I am not in
recovery... I'm simply a dry drunk. I hate that term "dry drunk". I
picture a bag lady downtown pushing a cart w/a can looking for loose change
to buy the next bottle of wine. Could that ever happen to me? Highly
doubtful b/c I have financial resources that keep me in a nice little house
driving a nice little car. But if I did NOT have any financial resources, I
could very well be that little old bag lady. My entire point of going
through this new program is to avoid that very possibility b/c the people in
my real life that do support me (financially/spiritually/etc.) are growing
tired of me not being able to "get it right".

I'm running out of chances and I'm running our of choices.

--

·.·´¨ ¨)) -:¦:-
¸.·´ .·´¨¨))
Laurie
((¸¸.·´ ..·´
-:¦:- ((¸¸ ·.·

*~*LiveLoveLaugh*~*

All that I am or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.
~Abraham Lincoln




>
> Philip
>

[Gigglz]

On Sat, 23 Oct 2010 06:57:30 -0400, "~*LiveLoveLaugh*~"
<[email protected]> wrote:


>> Have you fallen off the wagon lately, Laurie? That would explain your
>> feeling so *desperate* about the alcohol addiction but the solution should
>> not be worse than the problem.
>
>I fall off the wagon about every 30 to 60 days. I don't get smashed
>(usually), nor do I drink for days on end. But having 2 or 3 glasses of
>wine JUST ONE DAY is falling off the wagon, and therefore, I am not in
>recovery... I'm simply a dry drunk. I hate that term "dry drunk". I
>picture a bag lady downtown pushing a cart w/a can looking for loose change
>to buy the next bottle of wine. Could that ever happen to me? Highly
>doubtful b/c I have financial resources that keep me in a nice little house
>driving a nice little car. But if I did NOT have any financial resources, I
>could very well be that little old bag lady. My entire point of going
>through this new program is to avoid that very possibility b/c the people in
>my real life that do support me (financially/spiritually/etc.) are growing
>tired of me not being able to "get it right".
>
>I'm running out of chances and I'm running our of choices.

excellent reply, laurie! xanax is not a miracle pill...especially for
someone who is an alcoholic. the one thing i notice about you when
you are off xanax, is that you are more upbeat, and happier. it has
been proven that xanax can actually CAUSE depression. when you get
depressed, you drink. it's always been that way. these constant
relapses just can't continue...and i'm proud of you for wanting to
'get it right'. people who don't truly know you don't understand what
a battle it is. i truly believe with xanax out of your system, you
have a fighting chance to stay sober.

you know what you need to do! :-)

giggz

[~*LiveLoveLaugh*~]

"Gigglz" wrote in message
news:[email protected]..

On Sat, 23 Oct 2010 06:57:30 -0400, "~*LiveLoveLaugh*~"
<[email protected]> wrote:


>> Have you fallen off the wagon lately, Laurie? That would explain your
>> feeling so *desperate* about the alcohol addiction but the solution
>> should
>> not be worse than the problem.
>
>I fall off the wagon about every 30 to 60 days. I don't get smashed
>(usually), nor do I drink for days on end. But having 2 or 3 glasses of
>wine JUST ONE DAY is falling off the wagon, and therefore, I am not in
>recovery... I'm simply a dry drunk. I hate that term "dry drunk". I
>picture a bag lady downtown pushing a cart w/a can looking for loose change
>to buy the next bottle of wine. Could that ever happen to me? Highly
>doubtful b/c I have financial resources that keep me in a nice little house
>driving a nice little car. But if I did NOT have any financial resources,
>I
>could very well be that little old bag lady. My entire point of going
>through this new program is to avoid that very possibility b/c the people
>in
>my real life that do support me (financially/spiritually/etc.) are growing
>tired of me not being able to "get it right".
>
>I'm running out of chances and I'm running our of choices.

:excellent reply, laurie! xanax is not a miracle pill...especially for
:someone who is an alcoholic. the one thing i notice about you when
:you are off xanax, is that you are more upbeat, and happier. it has
:been proven that xanax can actually CAUSE depression. when you get
:depressed, you drink. it's always been that way. these constant
:relapses just can't continue...and i'm proud of you for wanting to
:'get it right'. people who don't truly know you don't understand what
:a battle it is. i truly believe with xanax out of your system, you
:have a fighting chance to stay sober.

:you know what you need to do! :-)

I do SOOOOO want to get it right. Everyone that means anything in my life
just prays and prays that I can get away from the alcohol so that I can
concentrate completely on being bipolar and nothing else so I can go onto
ENJOYING every day of my life. Alcohol makes it so hard. It messes with my
meds which are SO important to me mentally!! That alone should be the main
reason why I SHOULD NOT drink!! But, I tell ya, when I get it in my head to
go grab a six pack or a glass of wine, it is like a completely different
"being" takes over. Right now, I have NO control of that being. S/he or
"it" just does what it wants to do and I'm in the back seat wondering
"WTF"?? I want to be the one in control ALL of the time... not that
alcoholic person. I hope I'm making sense here!! So, this new program I'm
going to is another way to TRY and get this right, dammit!!


·.·´¨ ¨)) -:¦:-
¸.·´ .·´¨¨))
Laurie
((¸¸.·´ ..·´
-:¦:- ((¸¸ ·.·

*~*LiveLoveLaugh*~*

All that I am or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.
~Abraham Lincoln

giggz

[Gigglz]

On Sat, 23 Oct 2010 11:59:29 -0400, "~*LiveLoveLaugh*~"
<[email protected]> wrote:

>"Gigglz" wrote in message
>news:[email protected]. .
>
>On Sat, 23 Oct 2010 06:57:30 -0400, "~*LiveLoveLaugh*~"
><[email protected]> wrote:
>
>
>>> Have you fallen off the wagon lately, Laurie? That would explain your
>>> feeling so *desperate* about the alcohol addiction but the solution
>>> should
>>> not be worse than the problem.
>>
>>I fall off the wagon about every 30 to 60 days. I don't get smashed
>>(usually), nor do I drink for days on end. But having 2 or 3 glasses of
>>wine JUST ONE DAY is falling off the wagon, and therefore, I am not in
>>recovery... I'm simply a dry drunk. I hate that term "dry drunk". I
>>picture a bag lady downtown pushing a cart w/a can looking for loose change
>>to buy the next bottle of wine. Could that ever happen to me? Highly
>>doubtful b/c I have financial resources that keep me in a nice little house
>>driving a nice little car. But if I did NOT have any financial resources,
>>I
>>could very well be that little old bag lady. My entire point of going
>>through this new program is to avoid that very possibility b/c the people
>>in
>>my real life that do support me (financially/spiritually/etc.) are growing
>>tired of me not being able to "get it right".
>>
>>I'm running out of chances and I'm running our of choices.
>
>:excellent reply, laurie! xanax is not a miracle pill...especially for
>:someone who is an alcoholic. the one thing i notice about you when
>:you are off xanax, is that you are more upbeat, and happier. it has
>:been proven that xanax can actually CAUSE depression. when you get
>:depressed, you drink. it's always been that way. these constant
>:relapses just can't continue...and i'm proud of you for wanting to
>:'get it right'. people who don't truly know you don't understand what
>:a battle it is. i truly believe with xanax out of your system, you
>:have a fighting chance to stay sober.
>
>:you know what you need to do! :-)
>
>I do SOOOOO want to get it right. Everyone that means anything in my life
>just prays and prays that I can get away from the alcohol so that I can
>concentrate completely on being bipolar and nothing else so I can go onto
>ENJOYING every day of my life. Alcohol makes it so hard. It messes with my
>meds which are SO important to me mentally!! That alone should be the main
>reason why I SHOULD NOT drink!! But, I tell ya, when I get it in my head to
>go grab a six pack or a glass of wine, it is like a completely different
>"being" takes over. Right now, I have NO control of that being. S/he or
>"it" just does what it wants to do and I'm in the back seat wondering
>"WTF"?? I want to be the one in control ALL of the time... not that
>alcoholic person. I hope I'm making sense here!! So, this new program I'm
>going to is another way to TRY and get this right, dammit!!
>
>
>·.·´¨ ¨)) -:¦:-
>¸.·´ .·´¨¨))
>Laurie
>((¸¸.·´ ..·´
>-:¦:- ((¸¸ ·.·
>


frustrating as hell, i'm sure. maybe you've been misdiagnosed again.
could you have something else instead of bipolar? maybe you have a
mixed personality or something. some people go many years being
treated for the wrong illness. doncha wish it were easy?

[~*LiveLoveLaugh*~]

"Gigglz" wrote in message
news:[email protected]..

On Sat, 23 Oct 2010 11:59:29 -0400, "~*LiveLoveLaugh*~"
<[email protected]> wrote:

>"Gigglz" wrote in message
>news:[email protected]. .
>
>On Sat, 23 Oct 2010 06:57:30 -0400, "~*LiveLoveLaugh*~"
><[email protected]> wrote:
>
>
>>> Have you fallen off the wagon lately, Laurie? That would explain your
>>> feeling so *desperate* about the alcohol addiction but the solution
>>> should
>>> not be worse than the problem.
>>
>>I fall off the wagon about every 30 to 60 days. I don't get smashed
>>(usually), nor do I drink for days on end. But having 2 or 3 glasses of
>>wine JUST ONE DAY is falling off the wagon, and therefore, I am not in
>>recovery... I'm simply a dry drunk. I hate that term "dry drunk". I
>>picture a bag lady downtown pushing a cart w/a can looking for loose
>>change
>>to buy the next bottle of wine. Could that ever happen to me? Highly
>>doubtful b/c I have financial resources that keep me in a nice little
>>house
>>driving a nice little car. But if I did NOT have any financial resources,
>>I
>>could very well be that little old bag lady. My entire point of going
>>through this new program is to avoid that very possibility b/c the people
>>in
>>my real life that do support me (financially/spiritually/etc.) are growing
>>tired of me not being able to "get it right".
>>
>>I'm running out of chances and I'm running our of choices.
>
>:excellent reply, laurie! xanax is not a miracle pill...especially for
>:someone who is an alcoholic. the one thing i notice about you when
>:you are off xanax, is that you are more upbeat, and happier. it has
>:been proven that xanax can actually CAUSE depression. when you get
>:depressed, you drink. it's always been that way. these constant
>:relapses just can't continue...and i'm proud of you for wanting to
>:'get it right'. people who don't truly know you don't understand what
>:a battle it is. i truly believe with xanax out of your system, you
>:have a fighting chance to stay sober.
>
>:you know what you need to do! :-)
>
>I do SOOOOO want to get it right. Everyone that means anything in my life
>just prays and prays that I can get away from the alcohol so that I can
>concentrate completely on being bipolar and nothing else so I can go onto
>ENJOYING every day of my life. Alcohol makes it so hard. It messes with
>my
>meds which are SO important to me mentally!! That alone should be the main
>reason why I SHOULD NOT drink!! But, I tell ya, when I get it in my head
>to
>go grab a six pack or a glass of wine, it is like a completely different
>"being" takes over. Right now, I have NO control of that being. S/he or
>"it" just does what it wants to do and I'm in the back seat wondering
>"WTF"?? I want to be the one in control ALL of the time... not that
>alcoholic person. I hope I'm making sense here!! So, this new program I'm
>going to is another way to TRY and get this right, dammit!!
>
>


frustrating as hell, i'm sure. maybe you've been misdiagnosed again.
could you have something else instead of bipolar? maybe you have a
mixed personality or something. some people go many years being
treated for the wrong illness. doncha wish it were easy?

_________

LOL... You mean, you think Sybil is living in my head too?? Honestly
tho'... with ALL of the diagnosis I've had over the years (and a few by my
'lovely' exhusband), I'd bet the farm on being bipolar. I also have
borderline personality traits says the last therapist... which I basically
fired last week. If I did have Sybil in there, it would be a good thing
cuz' then I could actually blame "someone" else besides me!! P

And so it goes and goes and goes!!!




·.·´¨ ¨)) -:¦:-
¸.·´ .·´¨¨))
Laurie
((¸¸.·´ ..·´
-:¦:- ((¸¸ ·.·

*~*LiveLoveLaugh*~*

All that I am or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.
~Abraham Lincoln

[~*LiveLoveLaugh*~]

"oldgoat" wrote in message news:i9r4p1$rjs$[email protected]..

Dear Laurie,

I don't know if I am really seeing the problem clearly. Is your benzophobe
doctor just against Xanax or all benzos? I got a doctor who is that way
about Valium. Some elderly lady either checked out or was real close to it
on one of his Rx's, so he's gun-shy about prescribing it. Klonipin is no
problem for him however. I guess K doesn't have as bad a reputation as
comparable meds. It took a couple weeks I guess, but I've found Klonipin to
last one hell of a lot longer and work just as well, if not better, than the
usual suspects.

I got a feeling what you're going to get when you call them with a panic
attack is a lot of trying to talk you down. There are some of those those
methods like the relaxation response that will work, but you have to give it
a fair chance. If you are saying to yourself, "WTF is OG talking about?", I
agree that it's much more convenient to swallow a pill and and give it 20
minus. Better living through chemistry and all that. But these kind of
"mind games ", for lack of a better term, can be done without having to worry
about taking too much or too little, you don't have to remember to put a
couple in your pocket and you can do it without worrying about drug
interactions.

I know. I know you're thinking I lost my mind, talking about CBT type stuff,
but when it works (with or) without the medication it's hard to argue with
it. You really can turn off the hard wiring of the flight or fight reflex
that anxiety comes from. I wouldn't suggest no medication, it's sure not
going to hurt when your heart feels like it's gonna jump out of your
throat. But as a something to use when you run in to a problem doctor like
this, something like the relaxation response surely is not gonna hurt.

I just did a fast search on Yahoo and found out it's "The Relaxation
Response". I didn't really know if what I was being taught was a specific
technique or just a general way of referring to these exercises. Apparently
It's very specific, and the web site gives good step by step on how to make
it work. If you decide to give it a whirl and you need help gimme a shout.
You can always catch me at home (asc-p) or drop me an email. Been real bad
checking it lately but I will get to it sooner or.....

Later--og
oh yeah -- http://www.relaxationresponse.org/

___________

Hi Goat...

Thanks for your reply... 'as always, much appreciated and always a joy to
read you. Actually, Klonopin is in the exact category as Xanax, Ativan,
Valium, Klonopin, etc. They are all a tiny different, but they basically do
the same thing. Problem being, they're all a controlled substance. A/K/A:
A mind altering substance, which by the law of the land I will be a part of
means no can do to any of them. In a way, I feel like "God, I am so
f**ked", but then I know I've had to do it before, so "here I go again".

I will give the website a look-see that you posted, but I swear, after being
in CBT/DBT for 10 months last year, I have read/seen/done it all (or so it
feels). The only good thing I got going for me is I'm willing to try
anything MORE THAN once if there is even a remote possibility that it could
work.

And let me tell ya, if I could, I'd save half of my Xanax and keep them for
emergencies, but this program I'm going into does random drug screens, so I
gotta fess up if I happen to take *anything* that shouldn't be in my pee!!
They're strict for a reason, and that reason is b/c so many people just
really don't give a ****. But I do. And I want help, and I need it now.
So... here I go starting this week. I have *no clue* what this will be
like, but I am certainly gonna give it a whirl. Something tells me my
tolerance is going to be put to the test in a major way, but I don't have
many choices. I's gotz ta do, what I's gotz ta do!! xo!!


·.·´¨ ¨)) -:¦:-
¸.·´ .·´¨¨))
Laurie
((¸¸.·´ ..·´
-:¦:- ((¸¸ ·.·

*~*LiveLoveLaugh*~*

All that I am or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.
~Abraham Lincoln



"~*LiveLoveLaugh*~" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:i9nip7$dtb$[email protected]..
>I wish these f*cking benzo-phobe docs would catch a clue. I'm starting a
>new program to help with being dual diagnosed (bipolar and alcoholic). The
>dang p-doc in this program thinks Xanax is highly addictive and since it's
>a controlled substance, "it does not belong in treatment". I've got about
>2 weeks to get off the 3 mgs. of Xanax I was taking a day. Right now I'm
>down to about two a day... but already struggling. Then I'll be in this
>program for 1 month, 3 months, 6 months?? Don't know. All I do know is
>that's a long time w/out help when I have a severe panic attack. This
>organization SWEARS they have ways of working around these panic attacks. I
>hate to be a skeptic, but after 30 or so years on and off Xanax, I KNOW
>what works.
>
> So, in a few weeks I will be uncomfortable and bitchy as **** w/o the
> Xanax. Granted I am *desperate* to get rid of the dark cloud of alcoholism
> over my head, so I'm gonna try this and PRAY I find a way to live my life
> as a sober gal.
>
> --
>
> ·.·´¨ ¨)) -:¦:-
> ¸.·´ .·´¨¨))
> Laurie
> ((¸¸.·´ ..·´
> -:¦:- ((¸¸ ·.·
>
> *~*LiveLoveLaugh*~*
>
> All that I am or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.
> ~Abraham Lincoln
>
>
>

[~*LiveLoveLaugh*~]

"Vickie" wrote in message
news:[email protected]...

On Oct 20, 1:17 pm, "~*LiveLoveLaugh*~" <nobodyh...@this.house> wrote:
> I wish these f*cking benzo-phobe docs would catch a clue. I'm starting a
> new program to help with being dual diagnosed (bipolar and alcoholic).
> The
> dang p-doc in this program thinks Xanax is highly addictive and since it's
> a
> controlled substance, "it does not belong in treatment". I've got about 2
> weeks to get off the 3 mgs. of Xanax I was taking a day. Right now I'm
> down
> to about two a day... but already struggling. Then I'll be in this
> program
> for 1 month, 3 months, 6 months?? Don't know. All I do know is that's a
> long time w/out help when I have a severe panic attack. This organization
> SWEARS they have ways of working around these panic attacks. I hate to be
> a
> skeptic, but after 30 or so years on and off Xanax, I KNOW what works.
>
> So, in a few weeks I will be uncomfortable and bitchy as **** w/o the
> Xanax.
> Granted I am *desperate* to get rid of the dark cloud of alcoholism over
> my
> head, so I'm gonna try this and PRAY I find a way to live my life as a
> sober
> gal.
>
> --
>
> ·.·´¨ ¨)) -:¦:-
> ¸.·´ .·´¨¨))
> Laurie
> ((¸¸.·´ ..·´
> -:¦:- ((¸¸ ·.·
>
> *~*LiveLoveLaugh*~*
>
> All that I am or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.
> ~Abraham Lincoln

I wish you lots of good luck, Laurie.

Please share if they do have some magic way to stop panic.
It gets tiring dodging the real and/or imaginary bullet of anxiety
everyday.

Best to you,
Vickie

__________________

Thanks Vic! Believe me, if I find out the magic cure, I'll write the book
immediately and give everyone in ASAP a free copy!!!


·.·´¨ ¨)) -:¦:-
¸.·´ .·´¨¨))
Laurie
((¸¸.·´ ..·´
-:¦:- ((¸¸ ·.·

*~*LiveLoveLaugh*~*

All that I am or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.
~Abraham Lincoln

[Gigglz]

hi, lovey. how are you and misses goat doing?

xxoo

giggz



On Fri, 22 Oct 2010 00:43:10 -0400, "oldgoat" <[email protected]>
wrote:

>Dear Laurie,
>
>I don't know if I am really seeing the problem clearly. Is your benzophobe
>doctor just against Xanax or all benzos? I got a doctor who is that way
>about Valium. Some elderly lady either checked out or was real close to it
>on one of his Rx's, so he's gun-shy about prescribing it. Klonipin is no
>problem for him however. I guess K doesn't have as bad a reputation as
>comparable meds. It took a couple weeks I guess, but I've found Klonipin to
>last one hell of a lot longer and work just as well, if not better, than the
>usual suspects.
>
>I got a feeling what you're going to get when you call them with a panic
>attack is a lot of trying to talk you down. There are some of those those
>methods like the relaxation response that will work, but you have to give it
>a fair chance. If you are saying to yourself, "WTF is OG talking about?", I
>agree that it's much more convenient to swallow a pill and and give it 20
>minus. Better living through chemistry and all that. But these kind of
>"mind games ", for lack of a better term, can be done without having to worry
>about taking too much or too little, you don't have to remember to put a
>couple in your pocket and you can do it without worrying about drug
>interactions.
>
>I know. I know you're thinking I lost my mind, talking about CBT type stuff,
>but when it works (with or) without the medication it's hard to argue with
>it. You really can turn off the hard wiring of the flight or fight reflex
>that anxiety comes from. I wouldn't suggest no medication, it's sure not
>going to hurt when your heart feels like it's gonna jump out of your
>throat. But as a something to use when you run in to a problem doctor like
>this, something like the relaxation response surely is not gonna hurt.
>
>I just did a fast search on Yahoo and found out it's "The Relaxation
>Response". I didn't really know if what I was being taught was a specific
>technique or just a general way of referring to these exercises. Apparently
>It's very specific, and the web site gives good step by step on how to make
>it work. If you decide to give it a whirl and you need help gimme a shout.
>You can always catch me at home (asc-p) or drop me an email. Been real bad
>checking it lately but I will get to it sooner or.....
>
>Later--og
>oh yeah -- http://www.relaxationresponse.org/
>
>
>
>"~*LiveLoveLaugh*~" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>news:i9nip7$dtb$[email protected]..
>>I wish these f*cking benzo-phobe docs would catch a clue. I'm starting a
>>new program to help with being dual diagnosed (bipolar and alcoholic). The
>>dang p-doc in this program thinks Xanax is highly addictive and since it's
>>a controlled substance, "it does not belong in treatment". I've got about
>>2 weeks to get off the 3 mgs. of Xanax I was taking a day. Right now I'm
>>down to about two a day... but already struggling. Then I'll be in this
>>program for 1 month, 3 months, 6 months?? Don't know. All I do know is
>>that's a long time w/out help when I have a severe panic attack. This
>>organization SWEARS they have ways of working around these panic attacks.
>>I hate to be a skeptic, but after 30 or so years on and off Xanax, I KNOW
>>what works.
>>
>> So, in a few weeks I will be uncomfortable and bitchy as **** w/o the
>> Xanax. Granted I am *desperate* to get rid of the dark cloud of alcoholism
>> over my head, so I'm gonna try this and PRAY I find a way to live my life
>> as a sober gal.
>>
>> --
>>
>> ·.·´¨ ¨)) -:¦:-
>> ¸.·´ .·´¨¨))
>> Laurie
>> ((¸¸.·´ ..·´
>> -:¦:- ((¸¸ ·.·
>>
>> *~*LiveLoveLaugh*~*
>>
>> All that I am or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.
>> ~Abraham Lincoln
>>
>>
>>

[Gigglz]

On Sat, 23 Oct 2010 12:38:47 -0400, "~*LiveLoveLaugh*~"
<[email protected]> wrote:

>"Gigglz" wrote in message
>news:[email protected]. .
>
>On Sat, 23 Oct 2010 11:59:29 -0400, "~*LiveLoveLaugh*~"
><[email protected]> wrote:
>
>>"Gigglz" wrote in message
>>news:[email protected] ..
>>
>>On Sat, 23 Oct 2010 06:57:30 -0400, "~*LiveLoveLaugh*~"
>><[email protected]> wrote:
>>
>>
>>>> Have you fallen off the wagon lately, Laurie? That would explain your
>>>> feeling so *desperate* about the alcohol addiction but the solution
>>>> should
>>>> not be worse than the problem.
>>>
>>>I fall off the wagon about every 30 to 60 days. I don't get smashed
>>>(usually), nor do I drink for days on end. But having 2 or 3 glasses of
>>>wine JUST ONE DAY is falling off the wagon, and therefore, I am not in
>>>recovery... I'm simply a dry drunk. I hate that term "dry drunk". I
>>>picture a bag lady downtown pushing a cart w/a can looking for loose
>>>change
>>>to buy the next bottle of wine. Could that ever happen to me? Highly
>>>doubtful b/c I have financial resources that keep me in a nice little
>>>house
>>>driving a nice little car. But if I did NOT have any financial resources,
>>>I
>>>could very well be that little old bag lady. My entire point of going
>>>through this new program is to avoid that very possibility b/c the people
>>>in
>>>my real life that do support me (financially/spiritually/etc.) are growing
>>>tired of me not being able to "get it right".
>>>
>>>I'm running out of chances and I'm running our of choices.
>>
>>:excellent reply, laurie! xanax is not a miracle pill...especially for
>>:someone who is an alcoholic. the one thing i notice about you when
>>:you are off xanax, is that you are more upbeat, and happier. it has
>>:been proven that xanax can actually CAUSE depression. when you get
>>:depressed, you drink. it's always been that way. these constant
>>:relapses just can't continue...and i'm proud of you for wanting to
>>:'get it right'. people who don't truly know you don't understand what
>>:a battle it is. i truly believe with xanax out of your system, you
>>:have a fighting chance to stay sober.
>>
>>:you know what you need to do! :-)
>>
>>I do SOOOOO want to get it right. Everyone that means anything in my life
>>just prays and prays that I can get away from the alcohol so that I can
>>concentrate completely on being bipolar and nothing else so I can go onto
>>ENJOYING every day of my life. Alcohol makes it so hard. It messes with
>>my
>>meds which are SO important to me mentally!! That alone should be the main
>>reason why I SHOULD NOT drink!! But, I tell ya, when I get it in my head
>>to
>>go grab a six pack or a glass of wine, it is like a completely different
>>"being" takes over. Right now, I have NO control of that being. S/he or
>>"it" just does what it wants to do and I'm in the back seat wondering
>>"WTF"?? I want to be the one in control ALL of the time... not that
>>alcoholic person. I hope I'm making sense here!! So, this new program I'm
>>going to is another way to TRY and get this right, dammit!!
>>
>>
>
>
>frustrating as hell, i'm sure. maybe you've been misdiagnosed again.
>could you have something else instead of bipolar? maybe you have a
>mixed personality or something. some people go many years being
>treated for the wrong illness. doncha wish it were easy?
>
>_________
>
>LOL... You mean, you think Sybil is living in my head too?? Honestly
>tho'... with ALL of the diagnosis I've had over the years (and a few by my
>'lovely' exhusband), I'd bet the farm on being bipolar. I also have
>borderline personality traits says the last therapist... which I basically
>fired last week. If I did have Sybil in there, it would be a good thing
>cuz' then I could actually blame "someone" else besides me!! P
>
>And so it goes and goes and goes!!!
>
>
>

well it would be nice to have someone else to blame it on :-)

[oldgoat]

Dear Giggz and Laurie,

Me and the Mrs. are doing ok except she's got a lot of underlying resentment
and anger about her upcoming (hopefully it wont come to pass) layoff, after
20+ years with the same employer. It's a case of a bigger company swallowing
a smaller company, so longevity with the old company doesn't mean squat as
far as severance goes.

In fact it's bugging her so much that she's taken to doing the Relaxation
Response too. It's not a cure all but between that and venting to me I'm
thinking she might just maintain her sanity when and if it comes to pass.
The worst of it is waiting for the other shoe to drop.

I know what you meant about all those meds being CDS, but they clonazapam
seems to slip under the drug radar sometimes and (to me anyhow) it a better
drug than the rest. You can really get away with 3 mgs b.i.d. as long as you
don't need your short term memory for a few days. I've taken to writing
everything down now just to be sure I didn't give away the house.

Some doctors must really think their patients are uneducated morons.
Everything is a CDS and the only reason most people see them for Rx
medications is their DEA number and no equivalent available over the
counter. Anytime one of them tells you they don't have the juice to
prescribe a particular medication it's a crock. Ok, I'll cut them a little
slack and say it's a personal choice, but a DEA number is a DEA number.
Unless they have been a bad boy or girl in the past, they can write whatever
they want. I can. I know where you are coming from on this though. My PCP
did the same thing with my methadone Rx. My pain doc had an family emergency
and covered everyone but me so I had to talk to my PCP to take up the slack.
Crazy that he had no issue with lots of oxy-codone/Contin but he froze up on
the methadone.It's easier to find somebody that doesn't have hang-ups than
to argue with somebody about theirs.

Be strong Laurie. I know you can go through the rest of life without tossing
the cork away. There are no answers in the bottom of a bottle, be it Jack
Daniels or an Rx bottle. I'm not giving myself a pass on the pain meds, but
they do improve my quality of life. If they had some better answer for me,
I'd be the first in line. Living life 30 days at a time shackled to a vial
of pills is not living free. Not a fair trade at all.

keep in touch--og


"Gigglz" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]..
> hi, lovey. how are you and misses goat doing?
>
> xxoo
>
> giggz
>
>
>
> On Fri, 22 Oct 2010 00:43:10 -0400, "oldgoat" <[email protected]>
> wrote:
>
>>Dear Laurie,
>>
>>I don't know if I am really seeing the problem clearly. Is your benzophobe
>>doctor just against Xanax or all benzos? I got a doctor who is that way
>>about Valium. Some elderly lady either checked out or was real close to it
>>on one of his Rx's, so he's gun-shy about prescribing it. Klonipin is no
>>problem for him however. I guess K doesn't have as bad a reputation as
>>comparable meds. It took a couple weeks I guess, but I've found Klonipin
>>to
>>last one hell of a lot longer and work just as well, if not better, than
>>the
>>usual suspects.
>>
>>I got a feeling what you're going to get when you call them with a panic
>>attack is a lot of trying to talk you down. There are some of those those
>>methods like the relaxation response that will work, but you have to give
>>it
>>a fair chance. If you are saying to yourself, "WTF is OG talking about?",
>>I
>>agree that it's much more convenient to swallow a pill and and give it 20
>>minus. Better living through chemistry and all that. But these kind of
>>"mind games ", for lack of a better term, can be done without having to
>>worry
>>about taking too much or too little, you don't have to remember to put a
>>couple in your pocket and you can do it without worrying about drug
>>interactions.
>>
>>I know. I know you're thinking I lost my mind, talking about CBT type
>>stuff,
>>but when it works (with or) without the medication it's hard to argue
>>with
>>it. You really can turn off the hard wiring of the flight or fight reflex
>>that anxiety comes from. I wouldn't suggest no medication, it's sure not
>>going to hurt when your heart feels like it's gonna jump out of your
>>throat. But as a something to use when you run in to a problem doctor like
>>this, something like the relaxation response surely is not gonna hurt.
>>
>>I just did a fast search on Yahoo and found out it's "The Relaxation
>>Response". I didn't really know if what I was being taught was a specific
>>technique or just a general way of referring to these exercises.
>>Apparently
>>It's very specific, and the web site gives good step by step on how to
>>make
>>it work. If you decide to give it a whirl and you need help gimme a shout.
>>You can always catch me at home (asc-p) or drop me an email. Been real bad
>>checking it lately but I will get to it sooner or.....
>>
>>Later--og
>>oh yeah -- http://www.relaxationresponse.org/
>>
>>
>>
>>"~*LiveLoveLaugh*~" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>>news:i9nip7$dtb$[email protected]..
>>>I wish these f*cking benzo-phobe docs would catch a clue. I'm starting a
>>>new program to help with being dual diagnosed (bipolar and alcoholic).
>>>The
>>>dang p-doc in this program thinks Xanax is highly addictive and since
>>>it's
>>>a controlled substance, "it does not belong in treatment". I've got
>>>about
>>>2 weeks to get off the 3 mgs. of Xanax I was taking a day. Right now I'm
>>>down to about two a day... but already struggling. Then I'll be in this
>>>program for 1 month, 3 months, 6 months?? Don't know. All I do know is
>>>that's a long time w/out help when I have a severe panic attack. This
>>>organization SWEARS they have ways of working around these panic attacks.
>>>I hate to be a skeptic, but after 30 or so years on and off Xanax, I KNOW
>>>what works.
>>>
>>> So, in a few weeks I will be uncomfortable and bitchy as **** w/o the
>>> Xanax. Granted I am *desperate* to get rid of the dark cloud of
>>> alcoholism
>>> over my head, so I'm gonna try this and PRAY I find a way to live my
>>> life
>>> as a sober gal.
>>>
>>> --
>>>
>>> ·.·´¨ ¨)) -:¦:-
>>> ¸.·´ .·´¨¨))
>>> Laurie
>>> ((¸¸.·´ ..·´
>>> -:¦:- ((¸¸ ·.·
>>>
>>> *~*LiveLoveLaugh*~*
>>>
>>> All that I am or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.
>>> ~Abraham Lincoln
>>>
>>>
>>>
>

[~*LiveLoveLaugh*~]

"Gigglz" wrote in message
news:[email protected]..

On Sat, 23 Oct 2010 12:38:47 -0400, "~*LiveLoveLaugh*~"
<[email protected]> wrote:

>"Gigglz" wrote in message
>news:[email protected]. .
>
>On Sat, 23 Oct 2010 11:59:29 -0400, "~*LiveLoveLaugh*~"
><[email protected]> wrote:
>
>>"Gigglz" wrote in message
>>news:[email protected] ..
>>
>>On Sat, 23 Oct 2010 06:57:30 -0400, "~*LiveLoveLaugh*~"
>><[email protected]> wrote:
>>
>>
>>>> Have you fallen off the wagon lately, Laurie? That would explain your
>>>> feeling so *desperate* about the alcohol addiction but the solution
>>>> should
>>>> not be worse than the problem.
>>>
>>>I fall off the wagon about every 30 to 60 days. I don't get smashed
>>>(usually), nor do I drink for days on end. But having 2 or 3 glasses of
>>>wine JUST ONE DAY is falling off the wagon, and therefore, I am not in
>>>recovery... I'm simply a dry drunk. I hate that term "dry drunk". I
>>>picture a bag lady downtown pushing a cart w/a can looking for loose
>>>change
>>>to buy the next bottle of wine. Could that ever happen to me? Highly
>>>doubtful b/c I have financial resources that keep me in a nice little
>>>house
>>>driving a nice little car. But if I did NOT have any financial
>>>resources,
>>>I
>>>could very well be that little old bag lady. My entire point of going
>>>through this new program is to avoid that very possibility b/c the people
>>>in
>>>my real life that do support me (financially/spiritually/etc.) are
>>>growing
>>>tired of me not being able to "get it right".
>>>
>>>I'm running out of chances and I'm running our of choices.
>>
>>:excellent reply, laurie! xanax is not a miracle pill...especially for
>>:someone who is an alcoholic. the one thing i notice about you when
>>:you are off xanax, is that you are more upbeat, and happier. it has
>>:been proven that xanax can actually CAUSE depression. when you get
>>:depressed, you drink. it's always been that way. these constant
>>:relapses just can't continue...and i'm proud of you for wanting to
>>:'get it right'. people who don't truly know you don't understand what
>>:a battle it is. i truly believe with xanax out of your system, you
>>:have a fighting chance to stay sober.
>>
>>:you know what you need to do! :-)
>>
>>I do SOOOOO want to get it right. Everyone that means anything in my life
>>just prays and prays that I can get away from the alcohol so that I can
>>concentrate completely on being bipolar and nothing else so I can go onto
>>ENJOYING every day of my life. Alcohol makes it so hard. It messes with
>>my
>>meds which are SO important to me mentally!! That alone should be the
>>main
>>reason why I SHOULD NOT drink!! But, I tell ya, when I get it in my head
>>to
>>go grab a six pack or a glass of wine, it is like a completely different
>>"being" takes over. Right now, I have NO control of that being. S/he or
>>"it" just does what it wants to do and I'm in the back seat wondering
>>"WTF"?? I want to be the one in control ALL of the time... not that
>>alcoholic person. I hope I'm making sense here!! So, this new program
>>I'm
>>going to is another way to TRY and get this right, dammit!!
>>
>>
>
>
>frustrating as hell, i'm sure. maybe you've been misdiagnosed again.
>could you have something else instead of bipolar? maybe you have a
>mixed personality or something. some people go many years being
>treated for the wrong illness. doncha wish it were easy?
>
>_________
>
>LOL... You mean, you think Sybil is living in my head too?? Honestly
>tho'... with ALL of the diagnosis I've had over the years (and a few by my
>'lovely' exhusband), I'd bet the farm on being bipolar. I also have
>borderline personality traits says the last therapist... which I basically
>fired last week. If I did have Sybil in there, it would be a good thing
>cuz' then I could actually blame "someone" else besides me!! P
>
>And so it goes and goes and goes!!!
>
>
>

well it would be nice to have someone else to blame it on :-)

________

Then we'll blame it on Sybil. (That bitch)!!


·.·´¨ ¨)) -:¦:-
¸.·´ .·´¨¨))
Laurie
((¸¸.·´ ..·´
-:¦:- ((¸¸ ·.·

*~*LiveLoveLaugh*~*

All that I am or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.
~Abraham Lincoln

[Gigglz]

On Sun, 24 Oct 2010 07:02:51 -0400, "~*LiveLoveLaugh*~"
<[email protected]> wrote:

>"Gigglz" wrote in message
>news:[email protected]. .
>
>On Sat, 23 Oct 2010 12:38:47 -0400, "~*LiveLoveLaugh*~"
><[email protected]> wrote:
>
>>"Gigglz" wrote in message
>>news:[email protected] ..
>>
>>On Sat, 23 Oct 2010 11:59:29 -0400, "~*LiveLoveLaugh*~"
>><[email protected]> wrote:
>>
>>>"Gigglz" wrote in message
>>>news:[email protected] ...
>>>
>>>On Sat, 23 Oct 2010 06:57:30 -0400, "~*LiveLoveLaugh*~"
>>><[email protected]> wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>>>> Have you fallen off the wagon lately, Laurie? That would explain your
>>>>> feeling so *desperate* about the alcohol addiction but the solution
>>>>> should
>>>>> not be worse than the problem.
>>>>
>>>>I fall off the wagon about every 30 to 60 days. I don't get smashed
>>>>(usually), nor do I drink for days on end. But having 2 or 3 glasses of
>>>>wine JUST ONE DAY is falling off the wagon, and therefore, I am not in
>>>>recovery... I'm simply a dry drunk. I hate that term "dry drunk". I
>>>>picture a bag lady downtown pushing a cart w/a can looking for loose
>>>>change
>>>>to buy the next bottle of wine. Could that ever happen to me? Highly
>>>>doubtful b/c I have financial resources that keep me in a nice little
>>>>house
>>>>driving a nice little car. But if I did NOT have any financial
>>>>resources,
>>>>I
>>>>could very well be that little old bag lady. My entire point of going
>>>>through this new program is to avoid that very possibility b/c the people
>>>>in
>>>>my real life that do support me (financially/spiritually/etc.) are
>>>>growing
>>>>tired of me not being able to "get it right".
>>>>
>>>>I'm running out of chances and I'm running our of choices.
>>>
>>>:excellent reply, laurie! xanax is not a miracle pill...especially for
>>>:someone who is an alcoholic. the one thing i notice about you when
>>>:you are off xanax, is that you are more upbeat, and happier. it has
>>>:been proven that xanax can actually CAUSE depression. when you get
>>>:depressed, you drink. it's always been that way. these constant
>>>:relapses just can't continue...and i'm proud of you for wanting to
>>>:'get it right'. people who don't truly know you don't understand what
>>>:a battle it is. i truly believe with xanax out of your system, you
>>>:have a fighting chance to stay sober.
>>>
>>>:you know what you need to do! :-)
>>>
>>>I do SOOOOO want to get it right. Everyone that means anything in my life
>>>just prays and prays that I can get away from the alcohol so that I can
>>>concentrate completely on being bipolar and nothing else so I can go onto
>>>ENJOYING every day of my life. Alcohol makes it so hard. It messes with
>>>my
>>>meds which are SO important to me mentally!! That alone should be the
>>>main
>>>reason why I SHOULD NOT drink!! But, I tell ya, when I get it in my head
>>>to
>>>go grab a six pack or a glass of wine, it is like a completely different
>>>"being" takes over. Right now, I have NO control of that being. S/he or
>>>"it" just does what it wants to do and I'm in the back seat wondering
>>>"WTF"?? I want to be the one in control ALL of the time... not that
>>>alcoholic person. I hope I'm making sense here!! So, this new program
>>>I'm
>>>going to is another way to TRY and get this right, dammit!!
>>>
>>>
>>
>>
>>frustrating as hell, i'm sure. maybe you've been misdiagnosed again.
>>could you have something else instead of bipolar? maybe you have a
>>mixed personality or something. some people go many years being
>>treated for the wrong illness. doncha wish it were easy?
>>
>>_________
>>
>>LOL... You mean, you think Sybil is living in my head too?? Honestly
>>tho'... with ALL of the diagnosis I've had over the years (and a few by my
>>'lovely' exhusband), I'd bet the farm on being bipolar. I also have
>>borderline personality traits says the last therapist... which I basically
>>fired last week. If I did have Sybil in there, it would be a good thing
>>cuz' then I could actually blame "someone" else besides me!! P
>>
>>And so it goes and goes and goes!!!
>>
>>
>>
>
>well it would be nice to have someone else to blame it on :-)
>
>________
>
>Then we'll blame it on Sybil. (That bitch)!!
>
>
>·.·´¨ ¨)) -:¦:-
>¸.·´ .·´¨¨))
>Laurie
>((¸¸.·´ ..·´
>-:¦:- ((¸¸ ·.·

yah, she really is. shame on her for doing that! ~<8^{}

[Rocinante]

On Wed, 20 Oct 2010 16:17:40 -0400, ~*LiveLoveLaugh*~ wrote:

> I wish these f*cking benzo-phobe docs would catch a clue. I'm starting a
> new program to help with being dual diagnosed (bipolar and alcoholic). The
> dang p-doc in this program thinks Xanax is highly addictive and since it's a
> controlled substance, "it does not belong in treatment". I've got about 2
> weeks to get off the 3 mgs. of Xanax I was taking a day. Right now I'm down
> to about two a day... but already struggling. Then I'll be in this program
> for 1 month, 3 months, 6 months?? Don't know. All I do know is that's a
> long time w/out help when I have a severe panic attack. This organization
> SWEARS they have ways of working around these panic attacks. I hate to be a
> skeptic, but after 30 or so years on and off Xanax, I KNOW what works.
>
> So, in a few weeks I will be uncomfortable and bitchy as **** w/o the Xanax.
> Granted I am *desperate* to get rid of the dark cloud of alcoholism over my
> head, so I'm gonna try this and PRAY I find a way to live my life as a sober
> gal.

Jeez, it took me 2 weeks just to ween myself off of .5 mg of xanax, and I
still get a little agitated from the withdrawals. Good luck.


--
"It's a very funny thought, that if bears were bees,
they'd build their nests at the bottom of trees.
But if it weren't so, and the bees were bears,
We wouldn't have to climb up all these stairs."
-- Winnie the Pooh

[email protected]
10/24/2010 3:03:40 PM

[Philip Peters]

Op 23-10-2010 12:57, ~*LiveLoveLaugh*~ schreef:
> "Philip Peters" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:4cc20d52$0$41114$[email protected]..
>> Op 20-10-2010 22:17, ~*LiveLoveLaugh*~ schreef:
>>> I wish these f*cking benzo-phobe docs would catch a clue. I'm starting
>>> a new program to help with being dual diagnosed (bipolar and alcoholic).
>>> The dang p-doc in this program thinks Xanax is highly addictive and
>>> since it's a controlled substance, "it does not belong in treatment".
>>> I've got about 2 weeks to get off the 3 mgs. of Xanax I was taking a
>>> day. Right now I'm down to about two a day... but already struggling.
>>> Then I'll be in this program for 1 month, 3 months, 6 months?? Don't
>>> know. All I do know is that's a long time w/out help when I have a
>>> severe panic attack. This organization SWEARS they have ways of working
>>> around these panic attacks. I hate to be a skeptic, but after 30 or so
>>> years on and off Xanax, I KNOW what works.
>>>
>>> So, in a few weeks I will be uncomfortable and bitchy as **** w/o the
>>> Xanax. Granted I am *desperate* to get rid of the dark cloud of
>>> alcoholism over my head, so I'm gonna try this and PRAY I find a way to
>>> live my life as a sober gal.
>>
>>
>>
>> Is it really necessary for you to do this program? Former alcohol
>> addiction is *not* a counter-indication to benzos.
>> In fact there are programs which actually use benzos to help people
>> kick their
>> alcohol habit as countless studies have shown. And two weeks to wean
>> of 3 mgs is much too fast anyway.
>
> I don't know what studies you may be referring to, but in the states, it
> is a known fact that Xanax can cause an alcohol to relapse. It is also
> an addictive medication, which is frowned upon when you join a program
> that is trying to help you get away from any and all mind altering
> substances. Dual diagnosis programs are few and far between. There are 2
> here in my city, and I spent 10 months at one. They did keep me on the
> Xanax. But look where I am now. I'm on Xanax, but I'm still drinking.
> So, it's time to try something new.
>
>> I also wonder what way these people found of *working around* panic
>> attacks because if it were true none of use would have any PA's
>> anymore. Talk about selling bridges in Brooklyn...
>> If I were you I'd try to find another program and stick with your 3 mg
>> of Xanax which last time we talked here wasn't quite enough in the
>> first place IIRC.
>
> There are NO MORE doctors here in my city that will prescribe me the
> Xanax b/c I drink. Like I said above, the two go hand in hand, and in
> order for me to get sober, going off Xanax is part of the deal.
>
>> Have you fallen off the wagon lately, Laurie? That would explain your
>> feeling so *desperate* about the alcohol addiction but the solution
>> should not be worse than the problem.
>
> I fall off the wagon about every 30 to 60 days. I don't get smashed
> (usually), nor do I drink for days on end. But having 2 or 3 glasses of
> wine JUST ONE DAY is falling off the wagon, and therefore, I am not in
> recovery... I'm simply a dry drunk. I hate that term "dry drunk". I
> picture a bag lady downtown pushing a cart w/a can looking for loose
> change to buy the next bottle of wine. Could that ever happen to me?
> Highly doubtful b/c I have financial resources that keep me in a nice
> little house driving a nice little car. But if I did NOT have any
> financial resources, I could very well be that little old bag lady. My
> entire point of going through this new program is to avoid that very
> possibility b/c the people in my real life that do support me
> (financially/spiritually/etc.) are growing tired of me not being able to
> "get it right".
>
> I'm running out of chances and I'm running our of choices.



I understand what you're saying and you are to be admired for your
honesty to yourself (realizing that you're not a recovered alcoholic
when you take the occasional drink takes guts and the ability to take a
hard look at yourself) which will keep you from getting further in trouble.
There are different approaches towards benzos and alcohol. My ex-wife
Patty is a psychiatric nurse (if that's what it's called in English) in
a facility for alcohol addicts and they do use benzos in the treatment
of addiction, I don't know the exact figures but it's about as
successful as non-benzo treatment, it seems. However, if you have no
choice you have no choice.

But you're a tough girl and I agree with others here that you *will* be
able to follow this program which is the only one available now anyway
as you say, so go for it!

I recognize the bag lady fear. Although I wouldn't be a bag lady but
rather a bag man < g > I sometimes fear that Xanax will not be avilable
to me anymore and I will lose everything I have and end up on the street
- in reality I know quite well this is *not* going to happen and the
funny thing is that when I was young and knew a lot about all kinds of
drugs ( because I took 'em all (though not Xanax which hadn't been
invented yet ;-) I lived on the streets for some time but at that age
it's part of *adventure*, at least it was for me. Not now...

Please keep us posted, I admire your attitude about it.

Philip

[Philip Peters]

Op 23-10-2010 15:50, Gigglz schreef:
> On Sat, 23 Oct 2010 06:57:30 -0400, "~*LiveLoveLaugh*~"
> <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>
>>> Have you fallen off the wagon lately, Laurie? That would explain your
>>> feeling so *desperate* about the alcohol addiction but the solution should
>>> not be worse than the problem.
>>
>> I fall off the wagon about every 30 to 60 days. I don't get smashed
>> (usually), nor do I drink for days on end. But having 2 or 3 glasses of
>> wine JUST ONE DAY is falling off the wagon, and therefore, I am not in
>> recovery... I'm simply a dry drunk. I hate that term "dry drunk". I
>> picture a bag lady downtown pushing a cart w/a can looking for loose change
>> to buy the next bottle of wine. Could that ever happen to me? Highly
>> doubtful b/c I have financial resources that keep me in a nice little house
>> driving a nice little car. But if I did NOT have any financial resources, I
>> could very well be that little old bag lady. My entire point of going
>> through this new program is to avoid that very possibility b/c the people in
>> my real life that do support me (financially/spiritually/etc.) are growing
>> tired of me not being able to "get it right".
>>
>> I'm running out of chances and I'm running our of choices.
>
> excellent reply, laurie! xanax is not a miracle pill...especially for
> someone who is an alcoholic. the one thing i notice about you when
> you are off xanax, is that you are more upbeat, and happier. it has
> been proven that xanax can actually CAUSE depression. when you get
> depressed, you drink. it's always been that way. these constant
> relapses just can't continue...and i'm proud of you for wanting to
> 'get it right'. people who don't truly know you don't understand what
> a battle it is. i truly believe with xanax out of your system, you
> have a fighting chance to stay sober.
>
> you know what you need to do! :-)
>
> giggz



Having read more about Laurie's situation I now know more a bit more
about it than when I first replied and although it's largely a matter of
YMMV I believe you're right, Deb. Going with this program will surely be
the best thing to do for Laurie.

Philip

[Gigglz]

On Mon, 25 Oct 2010 19:32:54 +0200, Philip Peters
<[email protected]> wrote:

>Op 23-10-2010 15:50, Gigglz schreef:
>> On Sat, 23 Oct 2010 06:57:30 -0400, "~*LiveLoveLaugh*~"
>> <[email protected]> wrote:
>>
>>
>>>> Have you fallen off the wagon lately, Laurie? That would explain your
>>>> feeling so *desperate* about the alcohol addiction but the solution should
>>>> not be worse than the problem.
>>>
>>> I fall off the wagon about every 30 to 60 days. I don't get smashed
>>> (usually), nor do I drink for days on end. But having 2 or 3 glasses of
>>> wine JUST ONE DAY is falling off the wagon, and therefore, I am not in
>>> recovery... I'm simply a dry drunk. I hate that term "dry drunk". I
>>> picture a bag lady downtown pushing a cart w/a can looking for loose change
>>> to buy the next bottle of wine. Could that ever happen to me? Highly
>>> doubtful b/c I have financial resources that keep me in a nice little house
>>> driving a nice little car. But if I did NOT have any financial resources, I
>>> could very well be that little old bag lady. My entire point of going
>>> through this new program is to avoid that very possibility b/c the people in
>>> my real life that do support me (financially/spiritually/etc.) are growing
>>> tired of me not being able to "get it right".
>>>
>>> I'm running out of chances and I'm running our of choices.
>>
>> excellent reply, laurie! xanax is not a miracle pill...especially for
>> someone who is an alcoholic. the one thing i notice about you when
>> you are off xanax, is that you are more upbeat, and happier. it has
>> been proven that xanax can actually CAUSE depression. when you get
>> depressed, you drink. it's always been that way. these constant
>> relapses just can't continue...and i'm proud of you for wanting to
>> 'get it right'. people who don't truly know you don't understand what
>> a battle it is. i truly believe with xanax out of your system, you
>> have a fighting chance to stay sober.
>>
>> you know what you need to do! :-)
>>
>> giggz
>
>
>
>Having read more about Laurie's situation I now know more a bit more
>about it than when I first replied and although it's largely a matter of
>YMMV I believe you're right, Deb. Going with this program will surely be
>the best thing to do for Laurie.
>
>Philip
>

well if you don't talk to her often, it's hard to know. she simply
cannot seem to stay away from the alcohol. she is someone who needs
to be in a program forever. constant reinforcement and support is the
only thing that will work for her, and then she still struggles. i've
just been the one 'there' when she goes down. i can see it happening
when it happens, but can't do anything about it. :-( when she
starts doing well is when she thinks, "OK, i'm good now", and then she
stops her program...but she isn't well, and she has to stick with it.
the very one thing i notice about her, is once she is OFF xanax...she
is less depressed. i wish there was a miracle cure for her.

thanks, philip.

hugs,
deb

[Gigglz]

On Mon, 25 Oct 2010 19:29:11 +0200, Philip Peters
<[email protected]> wrote:

>Op 23-10-2010 12:57, ~*LiveLoveLaugh*~ schreef:
>> "Philip Peters" <[email protected]> wrote in message
>> news:4cc20d52$0$41114$[email protected]..
>>> Op 20-10-2010 22:17, ~*LiveLoveLaugh*~ schreef:
>>>> I wish these f*cking benzo-phobe docs would catch a clue. I'm starting
>>>> a new program to help with being dual diagnosed (bipolar and alcoholic).
>>>> The dang p-doc in this program thinks Xanax is highly addictive and
>>>> since it's a controlled substance, "it does not belong in treatment".
>>>> I've got about 2 weeks to get off the 3 mgs. of Xanax I was taking a
>>>> day. Right now I'm down to about two a day... but already struggling.
>>>> Then I'll be in this program for 1 month, 3 months, 6 months?? Don't
>>>> know. All I do know is that's a long time w/out help when I have a
>>>> severe panic attack. This organization SWEARS they have ways of working
>>>> around these panic attacks. I hate to be a skeptic, but after 30 or so
>>>> years on and off Xanax, I KNOW what works.
>>>>
>>>> So, in a few weeks I will be uncomfortable and bitchy as **** w/o the
>>>> Xanax. Granted I am *desperate* to get rid of the dark cloud of
>>>> alcoholism over my head, so I'm gonna try this and PRAY I find a way to
>>>> live my life as a sober gal.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Is it really necessary for you to do this program? Former alcohol
>>> addiction is *not* a counter-indication to benzos.
>>> In fact there are programs which actually use benzos to help people
>>> kick their
>>> alcohol habit as countless studies have shown. And two weeks to wean
>>> of 3 mgs is much too fast anyway.
>>
>> I don't know what studies you may be referring to, but in the states, it
>> is a known fact that Xanax can cause an alcohol to relapse. It is also
>> an addictive medication, which is frowned upon when you join a program
>> that is trying to help you get away from any and all mind altering
>> substances. Dual diagnosis programs are few and far between. There are 2
>> here in my city, and I spent 10 months at one. They did keep me on the
>> Xanax. But look where I am now. I'm on Xanax, but I'm still drinking.
>> So, it's time to try something new.
>>
>>> I also wonder what way these people found of *working around* panic
>>> attacks because if it were true none of use would have any PA's
>>> anymore. Talk about selling bridges in Brooklyn...
>>> If I were you I'd try to find another program and stick with your 3 mg
>>> of Xanax which last time we talked here wasn't quite enough in the
>>> first place IIRC.
>>
>> There are NO MORE doctors here in my city that will prescribe me the
>> Xanax b/c I drink. Like I said above, the two go hand in hand, and in
>> order for me to get sober, going off Xanax is part of the deal.
>>
>>> Have you fallen off the wagon lately, Laurie? That would explain your
>>> feeling so *desperate* about the alcohol addiction but the solution
>>> should not be worse than the problem.
>>
>> I fall off the wagon about every 30 to 60 days. I don't get smashed
>> (usually), nor do I drink for days on end. But having 2 or 3 glasses of
>> wine JUST ONE DAY is falling off the wagon, and therefore, I am not in
>> recovery... I'm simply a dry drunk. I hate that term "dry drunk". I
>> picture a bag lady downtown pushing a cart w/a can looking for loose
>> change to buy the next bottle of wine. Could that ever happen to me?
>> Highly doubtful b/c I have financial resources that keep me in a nice
>> little house driving a nice little car. But if I did NOT have any
>> financial resources, I could very well be that little old bag lady. My
>> entire point of going through this new program is to avoid that very
>> possibility b/c the people in my real life that do support me
>> (financially/spiritually/etc.) are growing tired of me not being able to
>> "get it right".
>>
>> I'm running out of chances and I'm running our of choices.
>
>
>
>I understand what you're saying and you are to be admired for your
>honesty to yourself (realizing that you're not a recovered alcoholic
>when you take the occasional drink takes guts and the ability to take a
>hard look at yourself) which will keep you from getting further in trouble.
>There are different approaches towards benzos and alcohol. My ex-wife
>Patty is a psychiatric nurse (if that's what it's called in English) in
>a facility for alcohol addicts and they do use benzos in the treatment
>of addiction, I don't know the exact figures but it's about as
>successful as non-benzo treatment, it seems. However, if you have no
>choice you have no choice.
>
>But you're a tough girl and I agree with others here that you *will* be
>able to follow this program which is the only one available now anyway
>as you say, so go for it!
>
>I recognize the bag lady fear. Although I wouldn't be a bag lady but
>rather a bag man < g > I sometimes fear that Xanax will not be avilable
>to me anymore and I will lose everything I have and end up on the street
>- in reality I know quite well this is *not* going to happen and the
>funny thing is that when I was young and knew a lot about all kinds of
>drugs ( because I took 'em all (though not Xanax which hadn't been
>invented yet ;-) I lived on the streets for some time but at that age
>it's part of *adventure*, at least it was for me. Not now...
>
>Please keep us posted, I admire your attitude about it.
>
>Philip
>
>
nice post, philip. can't imagine you as a "bag man". LOL :-)

giggz

[~*LiveLoveLaugh*~]

"Gigglz" wrote in message
news:[email protected]..

On Mon, 25 Oct 2010 19:32:54 +0200, Philip Peters
<[email protected]> wrote:

>Op 23-10-2010 15:50, Gigglz schreef:
>> On Sat, 23 Oct 2010 06:57:30 -0400, "~*LiveLoveLaugh*~"
>> <[email protected]> wrote:
>>
>>
>>>> Have you fallen off the wagon lately, Laurie? That would explain your
>>>> feeling so *desperate* about the alcohol addiction but the solution
>>>> should
>>>> not be worse than the problem.
>>>
>>> I fall off the wagon about every 30 to 60 days. I don't get smashed
>>> (usually), nor do I drink for days on end. But having 2 or 3 glasses of
>>> wine JUST ONE DAY is falling off the wagon, and therefore, I am not in
>>> recovery... I'm simply a dry drunk. I hate that term "dry drunk". I
>>> picture a bag lady downtown pushing a cart w/a can looking for loose
>>> change
>>> to buy the next bottle of wine. Could that ever happen to me? Highly
>>> doubtful b/c I have financial resources that keep me in a nice little
>>> house
>>> driving a nice little car. But if I did NOT have any financial
>>> resources, I
>>> could very well be that little old bag lady. My entire point of going
>>> through this new program is to avoid that very possibility b/c the
>>> people in
>>> my real life that do support me (financially/spiritually/etc.) are
>>> growing
>>> tired of me not being able to "get it right".
>>>
>>> I'm running out of chances and I'm running our of choices.
>>
>> excellent reply, laurie! xanax is not a miracle pill...especially for
>> someone who is an alcoholic. the one thing i notice about you when
>> you are off xanax, is that you are more upbeat, and happier. it has
>> been proven that xanax can actually CAUSE depression. when you get
>> depressed, you drink. it's always been that way. these constant
>> relapses just can't continue...and i'm proud of you for wanting to
>> 'get it right'. people who don't truly know you don't understand what
>> a battle it is. i truly believe with xanax out of your system, you
>> have a fighting chance to stay sober.
>>
>> you know what you need to do! :-)
>>
>> giggz
>
>
>
>Having read more about Laurie's situation I now know more a bit more
>about it than when I first replied and although it's largely a matter of
>YMMV I believe you're right, Deb. Going with this program will surely be
>the best thing to do for Laurie.
>
>Philip
>

well if you don't talk to her often, it's hard to know. she simply
cannot seem to stay away from the alcohol. she is someone who needs
to be in a program forever. constant reinforcement and support is the
only thing that will work for her, and then she still struggles. i've
just been the one 'there' when she goes down. i can see it happening
when it happens, but can't do anything about it. :-( when she
starts doing well is when she thinks, "OK, i'm good now", and then she
stops her program...but she isn't well, and she has to stick with it.
the very one thing i notice about her, is once she is OFF xanax...she
is less depressed. i wish there was a miracle cure for her.

thanks, philip.

hugs,
deb

______

And thanks, Deb!! Without your support, I'd be in an endless pit. Going to
meet my new counselor today and then I start group therapy for dual
diagnosis (bipolar/alcoholism) sometime this week. I would love nothing
more then to be able to grasp the concept of not drinking. But, that ain't
gonna happen without a lot of help and support which I will get when I am in
a group of my peers that go through the same things I do. This means I will
have to drive downtown several days a week. I don't look forward to it, but
it's a must-must for me. Love ya, Giggz!!


·.·´¨ ¨)) -:¦:-
¸.·´ .·´¨¨))
Laurie
((¸¸.·´ ..·´
-:¦:- ((¸¸ ·.·

*~*LiveLoveLaugh*~*

All that I am or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.
~Abraham Lincoln

[Gigglz]

On Tue, 26 Oct 2010 07:31:13 -0400, "~*LiveLoveLaugh*~"
<[email protected]> wrote:


>>
>>
>>Having read more about Laurie's situation I now know more a bit more
>>about it than when I first replied and although it's largely a matter of
>>YMMV I believe you're right, Deb. Going with this program will surely be
>>the best thing to do for Laurie.
>>
>>Philip
>>
>
>well if you don't talk to her often, it's hard to know. she simply
>cannot seem to stay away from the alcohol. she is someone who needs
>to be in a program forever. constant reinforcement and support is the
>only thing that will work for her, and then she still struggles. i've
>just been the one 'there' when she goes down. i can see it happening
>when it happens, but can't do anything about it. :-( when she
>starts doing well is when she thinks, "OK, i'm good now", and then she
>stops her program...but she isn't well, and she has to stick with it.
>the very one thing i notice about her, is once she is OFF xanax...she
>is less depressed. i wish there was a miracle cure for her.
>
>thanks, philip.
>
>hugs,
>deb
>
>______
>
>And thanks, Deb!! Without your support, I'd be in an endless pit. Going to
>meet my new counselor today and then I start group therapy for dual
>diagnosis (bipolar/alcoholism) sometime this week. I would love nothing
>more then to be able to grasp the concept of not drinking. But, that ain't
>gonna happen without a lot of help and support which I will get when I am in
>a group of my peers that go through the same things I do. This means I will
>have to drive downtown several days a week. I don't look forward to it, but
>it's a must-must for me. Love ya, Giggz!!
>
>
>·.·´¨ ¨)) -:¦:-
>¸.·´ .·´¨¨))
>Laurie
>((¸¸.·´ ..·´


it IS a "must-must" for you. it is your only hope.
i wish you lots of luck!