self medicating

[thecatsouttathabag]

i have a condition known as social anxiety disorder. it makes talking to new people, in sum, terrifying. i can have anxiety attacks, hell i can faint. but once i knew someone its easy, and i can talk no problem.

i started using drugs heavily; mdma, charlie, crack, mcat. anything that could loosen me up. i think its getting to the point where i cant even talk to my loved ones without rushing. im already going to a doctor, who beleives i may need detox and rehabilitation, sadly i agree.

anyone else just made it worse when they thought it was getting better? i just feel a bit alone.

and to anyone in a similar position. just live with it, its so much better than where i am now.

 

[n3ophy7e]

Hey mate, thanks for sharing a bit of your story. I know for a fact that there are a lot of people in here with social anxiety disorder, it's more common than you might think so you're definitely not alone

And also, being the nature of this forum, self-medicating with recreational drugs is also really common amongst people on here. It's nothing to be ashamed about, you were doing the best that you could at the time. I'm sorry to hear that things didn't work out the way you planned but it's really good that you've recognised that you have a problem and that you have a doctor who is supportive and helpful.

Have you definitely decided on rehab?

 

[thecatsouttathabag]

im in two minds, there is lots to weigh up. i know people who have gone and come out, rolling harder than ever. but i honestly dont see myself getting any better, it might be my last kinda shot.

'second opinion', haha, brightened this all up for me a tad.

 

[n3ophy7e]

Yeah, it's always up to the individual though, regarding how well the therapy is going to work. If you are ready and willing to make the changes necessary, then it might be something for you to consider doing. Have you tried something like outpatient therapy before, or just regular counselling? Or is this the first time your doctor has suggested any kind of rehabilitation program to you?

 

[sid3]

Your right. In some instances people do come out of rehab and end up using even harder. It also works great for some people. If it were me, I'd consider the suggestion about outpatient or even an addiction Dr. There are some really effective meds for social anxiety that combined with some therapy that can help you overcome the anxiety. It will require some effort on your part, but you'll be glad you did it.

 

[Sweet P]

One of the reasons I got into meth was "self medication" for my depression and my borderline personality disorder. It worked well to begin with, but once the addiction kicked in it only made things worse. I'm glad you've seen a doctor about this. Detox/rehab could be useful if you feel you need it. Have you ever been on proper prescription meds for your social anxiety? They would definitely be a much safer option than illicit drugs.