Help on stopping

[Alcoholandxanax22]

I will say upfront I'm not ready for rehab, but would really like advice on other options...

I joined this forum after years of reading posts because I'm looking to get help. I have been heavily using downers---alcohol, Xanax, painkillers as my preference--- on a daily basis for 10 years now. I am a female and 29 years old and thinking about starting a family and don't want to continue this lifestyle but I can't seem to be able to stop. I've seen general psychiatrists and nothing has been able to help. My husband, friends and family also cant help because I hide my problem from them.... nobody does drugs or drink alcohol at the extent I do. Every time I try to do one week "cleanses" from drugs and alcohol I always fail after the first day. any advice on how to stop would be appreciated, thank you.

 

[justwannabefree]

I'm in a similar situation. Same age been abusing herion/xanax/alcohol since high school. Told myself I would never go from painkillers to herion and one day it happened and never turned back, so get help while u can. If you are addicted to that mix of drugs and alcohol it can be difficult to just stop or go cold turkey. Xanax and painkillers are a nasty combo. I went to an out-patient clinic and they prescribed me suboxone. I weaned down on subs, stopping completely about a month later, and been 10 days clean now, I could of never done it without them. They also gave me anti-seizure medicine as quiting that mix is prone to seizures they told me. HAvent missed a single day of work while on treatment and the symptoms were highly annoying and still lingering but it's spread out and more tolerable theb cold turkey IMO.

Some people have success with the Thomas Method but that didn't work at all for me and neither did cleanses. I can't do long term stay.

Also I suggest giving NA and/or AA meetings a shot. Will give you support system and you will meet other people who are in your shoes or been in them.

 

[justwannabefree]

Also, I needed to quit all 3... just cutting out one or two of the trio made me relapse as I was still getting part of the high. You will be anxious, but the xanax made things worse. A little alcohol turns into a lot.

Seen methadone mess up too many people's lives I don't suggest that at all... long term maintenance is just substatution of one addiction for another.

Remember to stay hydrated and take vitamins when quiting. Gatorade changed things for me - thank you wherever I read about that. And no Alcohol not even a little! Dump it all!