Anyone used medication to cut down on booze?

[AnonDrinker]

Name changer of course. I drink a bit too much, have done most of my adult life, but this last couple of years I'm drinking more, about 3/4 bottle of wine a day every day. And whilst I'm not into 'drinking during the day' territory, I am somehow finding it totally impossible to cut down evenings. I feel slightly panicky at the thought. I know I only need to have 2 or 3 booze free days a week and maybe a little less when I do drink...but I simply can't do it. I just can't not have a size-able drink. And that's what's worrying me. Most days I am spending all day fretting about the fact I should be having a day off...and then I can't/don't manage it and feel such a failure.

So, I have done some research and there are meds out there that can make you sick if you do drink, or indeed reduce withdrawal symptoms (hoping that I'm not that bad) and such like ...so, has anyone used them and found them helpful? Side effects etc? I'm not planning on involving my GP since don't want this on my record...so research and info is key. TIA for any insights etc.

would you not need a gp to prescribe the meds you need? My brother had antabuse prescribed

No, can just go online

Did it help?

I think - and I could be wrong, that these drugs are for alcohol dependants - that is people who need huge quantities of alcohol (think 10 pints plus) a day or they would be very ill/die.

Could you not try cutting down the most tiny bit at a time. For example, tomorrow, have whatever wine you normally have, but each glass you have make sure you measure it in a measuring jug so you know EXACTLY how many ml you have - say 540. The next night, go to 500ml, the next night down a bit again. At some point, this will translate down a glass - when this happens, if it's the number of glasses you want, you'll need to just have 3 smaller glasses - or you might find it easier to have just 2 etc. You could then try a booze free night - could you plan it in to your calendar so it's a few days away for you to psych yourself up to it - maybe get a nice meal in/ paint your nails/go to bed early with laptop - distract yourself in whatever way you can. Once you've done it once, it might get easier.

Sorry if this is rubbish advice - it was just what sprung to mind.

it worked while he took the antabuse but relapsed when he stopped taking it! He still drinks too much but not much we can do about it

p.s. you dont have to drink hundreds or drink every day to be an alcoholic

I really don't think you should buy antabuse online. My understanding it should be taken only under supervision (see information from patient.co.uk).

May I say that I wonder if your desire for it not to be on your medical record is more related to not having to admit it to your GP? Buying it online is an anonymous solution to the problem and means you don't have to say the words. Unfortunately saying the words, and owning up to the problem out in the world is really quite key to beginning to recover. It is very scary.

It would be far better to seek private medical care or request/require your GP not to share any clinical information related to your condition, than it would be to try and self-medicate in such an extreme way.

I found this book extremely helpful - can I suggest you give that (or something similar) a read first? It will talk you through a lot of treatment options.

I absolutely don't want to admit it to my GP. I have mental health issues recorded already and just don't want to add this to the list of things I don't cope well with.

Tribpot, thanks for link to book, sounds interesting.

I wasn't necessarily thinking antabuse, theres other stuff out there. thanks for all comments thoQ