About 2 years ago, my home was partially destroyed by a fire.(ex and arson). I was uninsured, and had to rebuild on my own. I made some really great friends, but also became an alcoholic in the process. We worked on the house, and since the time and materials were donated, I bought lunch and beer for the crew. It was July, and HORRIBLY hot, so of course the beer tasted great.Well, one thing led to another, and I was not getting a tripping over myself buzz after 2 beers, it was taking like a 12pack, then more and more. Last fall, I could put away a case on my own then would drule in a trash can till I fell asleep.(I know, how attractive right) Well that was when I decided that I really had a problem. So I stopped drinking everyday, and really cut back. In Nov. I found out that I am allergic to MANY pain killers, especially ibuprophen, so alcohol would take away some of the pain so I could sleep. But, I still kept it down.Now, I can only handle about 4 beers and I am off to bed. And I can go with out it, especially if I stay busy. Not always sleeping because of my aches and pains, but not needing the alcohol so much.So my question is this, I still drink about 4 nights a week, am I getting better, and will someday beat this? AND isn't it better that my tolerance is going down? I mean, now it just means that in 3 or 4 beers, my family has a drunk on their hands?
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Had a problem..Still have one?
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You clearly have a substance problem. It may be possible to use the substance in moderation in the future, but you're playing a dangerous game.For a woman, more than one drink per day is not good for health. It increases cancer risk, and has other adverse effects. Four a day, frequently, will likely cause you problems. It borders on binge drinking, if they're consumed close together.It would benefit you to give it up alltogether for a while. Try it, and see what happens.(By the way, I'm very sorry to hear about the fire. It must have been terribly traumatic.)
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I agree with the health risks. And no, I don't consume them really fast, like maybe 1 per hour when I do.
Any knowledge about ibuprophen, I used to take as much as 2400 to 3200 mg per day, under dr supervision. Can't that be as unhealthy though as the drinking? I will talk to my doc next time I go in, but that is in about 2 months.
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There are risks in the chronic use of ibuprophen, especially in higher doses (stomach bleeding, mainly). You must remain under a doctor's supervision while doing that. You need to discuss the risks with your doctor, and decide together if the (relatively small) risk is worth it. It may very well be if the alternative is chronic pain, and no other solution works well.Have you and your doctor considered naproxen sodium (Aleve)? There's a time-released version available.But if you are drinking alcohol while taking ibuprophen, you are taking a huge risk! Don't do it!
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No, I don't mix them. I am alergic to Ibuprophen, aleve, bextra, codeine (and celebrex didn't do much for me.)
Ok, now it is excuses.LOL...but for chronic pain, which I suffer in the winter. Isn't the alcohol better, or just the same as some of the harder medications, like I am not alergic to acetemetaphine, but it alone isn't enough so Vicoden works wonders, but is like speed to my system.
Spring IS setting in and the pain is leaving and will be gone for most of the summer...(I would swear its artheritis or something similar, but doc says no.) Still trying to figure out what it is for sure. Anyway with the releif of pain...I will be giving up the alcohol and see how it goes.
Still wondering though, cutting back as far as I have, isn't that better? than just drinking like I did? Im fishing in a grey area I know, but the real reason for this question is that my boyfriend doesn't see it as an improvement, just that there is still a problem....PERIOD. Not that I don't agree that there is still a prob..just that I am getting better, and I was wondering if it really is as black and white as he sees it...
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Aleve is a good pain killer, but very rough on the stomache. Good job on cutting back on drinking! I do have to say 4 beers a night is still a bit much though. If your concerned about your health, but still feel the need to drink, I would suggest drinking a glass of red wine. (Just so you know, they say moderate drinking is 3-9 drinks per week.) There is a really good site called UpToDate.com where you can type in almost anything medically related, including red wine, and it gives all kinds of info.I think there may be other reasons why you drink (from this and your other posts). So if you need to chat, I'm here. Good luck!
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OH YES your right, there are other reasons of course... I can just leave it alone better when I am not in pain is all.
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This is an example of self-medication gone bad. If alcohol's so effective, then why don't doctors recommend it as a pain reliever? Because it's destructive to the body, in a way that opiates (and other pain killers) are not.I don't know if such a thing is available in your locale, but you need to see a doctor that specializes in pain control. Most major teaching hospitals have a pain clinic. These guys know more about the subject than anyone else.There are also non-pharmacological ways to deal with pain (meditation, etc.).
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First off Jen, I do think that you have fought to get some control back, and your BF is wrong, you have made progress in dealing with your problem........but, you are still drinking too much, if the pain is receeding cos of the weather, what about trying to cut down even more for the next few months, 3 a night, then 2 a night, then 1, then 3 nights instead of 4 etc etc..............take your time, little steps and I bet you do it.........tho, I have to say that you need to sort out the painkiller situation before you think the pain will start to get worse again, or the fear of the pain, will stop you from being able to cut down as much, if you know what I mean. Once again i feel sooo lucky to live in the UK where all our health treatment is free, and seeing my doctor can be a 'same day' thing if i need to see her. You have admitted you have a problem, and you ARE doing something about it, you might have a way to go yet hon, but you will get there big hugs
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Self medicating gone bad, definatly... I do have more control. I think I had talked to angel just a few weeks ago, and was still denying that there was any prob..I should also let you guys know that I WILL be stopping, of course I see that I am weaning off it..that is a good thing, and pretty soon I will have a post that says, its been a week and still counting. I know that I will get through it. Docs and all that TAKE FOREVER HERE! But before next winter, I should have something that will work..providing that they don't just wait until pain is back next winter then start working with me...ughhh!Thanks guys, it's been helpful!!!