Use of alcohol and , or drugs to cope.
Posted , 5 users are following.
i an alcoholic. Had years of recovery but now struggling to stay sober. drink maybe 1-3 days out of the month to numb myself from to deal with lonliness and the isolation, grief from loss of friends and family that comes with ME/CFS and FRIBO . But it only makes me feel worse. I used to go a meeting everyday but now i afraid to go because I often forget what I AM Talking about or I sometimes stagger when i walk. Can anyone relate?
0 likes, 4 replies
Emmsee robin52198
Posted
sorry to hear that. If you are a recovering alcoholic, then to be drinking again may well be because of the ME loneliness but you need to get rehab now. Your ME will be even less believed. Please stop and reach out in your pain to so many out there who you could help. Good luck.
KPD robin52198
Posted
I'm so sorry to hear how difficult it is for you! I can certainly relate to feeling isolated and lonely at times. Is there someone you can reach out to for help? Perhaps a family member, close friend, or even a therapist? Dealing with CFS can be so difficult especially when symptoms are really bad. I feel your pain! KPD
Beverley_01 robin52198
Posted
Hi Robin,
Alcohol seems to affect us differently when we have cfs/me. I now feel worse after drinking and have only drank alcohol twice in a year? Before that I was drinking in a binge way and not connecting feeling ill with the alcohol at all as I feel ill all the time! But, now not drinking has shown me that when I do drink it is much worse. last time, December last year, 2 lagers equaled 3 days in bed in pain. I understand I was socializing too but, I even had a meal, not worth it.
If you can get some therapy to help or, are you going to AA meetings? To feel part of something could help you get out of feeling alcohol is the only way.
I think loneliness can be huge with this condition and I live with 3 other people but, when like today I am too ill to go out and/or bed bound, I am alone so can definitely relate to that. I rely on dark chocolate a lot. I feel it helps a little.
Beverley
GraySeal robin52198
Posted
Hi Robin,
I'm sorry that you are having such a hard time with it all. I quit drinking many decades ago, but in some times of extreme stress I still feel the siren's call - the lie that alcohol will make me feel better for a short time. I just remember that it always made me feel so much worse after.
The loneliness is hard. I live alone and can't work right now. I am lucky to have kind family and friends who I see and/or talk to regularly, but my ability to visit, or drive any distance is limited by the disease. I would talk on the phone more but everyone but my mother, works and have their own busy lives.
What has helped me feel less lonely when no one is available: audio books, meditation and Buddhist talks, interacting in forums like this, and being in nature, listening to the birds.
Audio books were a lifesaver for me. There's something so comforting about a person's voice telling you a story or guiding a meditation or explaining their journey.
I don't know if this appeals to you but I hope that you find what helps you feel better, whether it's the meetings or whatever. Keep searching.