The way alcoholism is treated ...

[MrsBeDreadingTrickOrTreat]

couldn't think of a better title, but just taken a friend to see GP because she's temporarily lost her battle with alcohol. Not surprised with all that she's got on her plate but that's another story. I just had to vent about the way 'they' seem to be treating people with alcohol problems... to me it seemed as soon as they see anything alcohol related the paw them off to AA or gateway because it's alcohol related.

Wouldn't it make more sense to ask 'why', i.e. maybe because they suffer from depression, and give general non-alcohol related counselling???

I sort of suggested it to the nurse mentioning that I had suffered from depression and thought I'd recognise some of my friend's triggers and whether it might be a good idea to maybe go for general counselling. The nurse went 'I guess she could'!!! Wouldn't it be logical?

sorry for ranting as I probably am not making much sense. I'm just so desperate for my friend to get the help she needs because she WANTS help

I am aware that she probably hasn't told me the whole truth re her drinking as she's usually a very private person when it comes to personal issues, however I know that she's doing right by her son, he's the most adorable little boy and very fixated on his mum, so dont' think 2 weeks away would be good for him, not matter how good it would be for her. I wouldn't be able to look after him simply because of school runs. dd and him go to different schools so it wouldn't be practical. I would try to work around it though should it be necessary, but hoping it won't go that far.

What threw me was that when I had marital crisis and depression she was there for me and was the one holding it all together seeming so strong and with it.

Somebody mentioned that the mental health issue can't be addressed until the addiction is cured. Fair enough, but what about getting the medication on the spot, especially when the addictee WANTS to stop NOW. I mean e.g. smoking is an addiction as well and one can get patches over the counter. And before somebody rips my head off, I know slightly different scenario but it's so frustrating.

Also I'm quite certain that the depression came first as she had a good life before waste of space hubby and baby.

Better be off to bed now. Thank you all for all your input. It's so hard. At least I know not to say 'just pull yourself together' because it's not all that easy.

Hi MrsBe...etc. I have personal experience of this situation. Your friend has to be totally honest with the doctors about her drinking in order for them to prescribe any medication. I have done several rehabs, both as an inpatient and by myself, and on both occasions I was prescribed librium. This drug lessens the side effects of withdrawal. But as it is also addictive, they will only prescribe if they are sure you are serious about stopping.

Her situation with her son looks like it dictates that she wouldn't be able to do inpatient rehab/ supervised withdrawal therefore in this instance AA is fantastic for providing support and a structure to your day at the beginning of your sobriety.

Unfortunately she will probably have to make that decision for herself before they will look into amy underlying mental health issues. As a performaing alcoholic her actual problems are very much masked. Sorry, I've just rushed this post, I couldn't skip over it without answering.

There's loads more involved in what I went through over about 5 years of trying to stop drinking, and for the most part I'm fine now. If I can help with anything or answer any questions, please let me know.

Much love kx

thanks kokeshi, oh believe me she's willing and ready to stop TODAY. that's why she got so upset when the nurse recommended referal to the gateway because she obviously didn't want to keep drinking, which was basically what the nurse told her to do, i.e. keep drinking at reduced rate. WTF??? My friend is ok most of the time, as I said before I wasn't even aware she had a problem till she called me today! Might cat you tomorrow with some questions thanks

No Problem MrsBe, I'd be happy to help if I can. In the meantime, she's so lucky to have a good friend like you...