As a writer, I get emails from people around the world - usually from spouses or parents of alcoholics - wondering how they can help - or asking questions which at times, is quite a challenge. Tonight, I emailed this person and said I would try to get some "expert" advice for them.
This persons child is trying to quit drinking. S/He saw a doctor and he prescribe "antabuse." The child is going to AA, but has yet acquire a sponsor and s/he doesn't understand why more alcoholics don't take this drug. S/he is scared to death to get drunk for fear it will kill her/him.
I told the parent that, in MY OPINION, long term sobriety can not be built on antabuse. Someday, the doctor won't refill the prescription and then it will be his (or her) choice whether they will drink again. BUT, if he/she takes antabuse and goes to meetings - I believe he/she might get the message and decide for themselves - that antabuse isn't the answer.
For today, live "A Day At A Time" and be thankful he isn't drinking and pray that she/he will someday get the message and leave the antabuse behind.
Anybody ever been on "Antabuse?" Anybody achieve long-term sobriety with its use?
Personally, when I made the decision to quit, I wanted to get on it, but no doctor would prescribe it for me - everyone told me to go to AA. They were right. It was the best prescription (and the cheapest) I've ever had. Thanks for any thoughts or suggestions...
Dave Harm
Creating Dreams
ellen said
Aug 13, 2005
sounds to me like all anyone can do is suggest aa.
it is hard to see things that we don't agree with and to step back and see it happen.
i dont agree with that drug either because if you do drink on it you can die-depending on the person...and yes i love the program and wish everyone can find it and work it and be happy too.
seems like a powerless issue
hard to outrank a dr. when parents are trying to help a child....drs are the end all be all for most.
-- Edited by ellen at 22:12, 2005-08-13
Phil said
Aug 13, 2005
Yup- I agree-powerless.
Took antibuse-drank on it twice-almost died. Didnt accomplish anything by talking it. Not even knowing the consequenses could stop me from picking up that drink.
OldPro said
Aug 13, 2005
I can't speak personally, but I HAD a very close family member who took Antabuse and it didn't deter him one bit. As a matter of fact he died in a motorcyle accident while on it and Drunk. This drug sort of reminds of that one they give to heroin addicts (can't recall the name), it's sort of like an exchange of one "drug" for another. My opinion, you're not doing yourself any favors by taking anything that "will make you sick" if you drink, seems to me that would make the insanity even worse............
"op"
Nic said
Aug 14, 2005
Hi Dave,
Can't say I've heard any good reports on this side of the world either. Recently had a friend on Campral (One of the more recent version of Antabuse). He had a family history of depression that was overlooked, as he was referred for prescription by a rehab counsellor (who are not qualified to consider contraindications) and the Campral was withdrawn after about 3 weeks, after he attempted suicide.
Maybe that may help the young fella understand why everyones not on it.
All the best,
Nic
Bobby Dean said
Aug 14, 2005
I took the Nasty Stuff, All it did for me was pissed me off! Like phil, I drank on it also, didn't kill me but I sure thought I was gonna die. I got a reaction from putting on cologne to, another for gargling with listerine, and another for eating homemade ice cream made with vanilla extract.
Drinking Alcohol is an excepted practice all over the world, I couldn't run, and I couldn't hide from it. so I had to modify my program, I had to learn to live in a drinking Society.
sounds to me like all anyone can do is suggest aa.
it is hard to see things that we don't agree with and to step back and see it happen.
i dont agree with that drug either because if you do drink on it you can die-depending on the person...and yes i love the program and wish everyone can find it and work it and be happy too.
seems like a powerless issue
hard to outrank a dr. when parents are trying to help a child....drs are the end all be all for most.
-- Edited by ellen at 22:12, 2005-08-13
Yup- I agree-powerless.
Took antibuse-drank on it twice-almost died. Didnt accomplish anything by talking it. Not even knowing the consequenses could stop me from picking up that drink.
I can't speak personally, but I HAD a very close family member who took Antabuse and it didn't deter him one bit. As a matter of fact he died in a motorcyle accident while on it and Drunk. This drug sort of reminds of that one they give to heroin addicts (can't recall the name), it's sort of like an exchange of one "drug" for another. My opinion, you're not doing yourself any favors by taking anything that "will make you sick" if you drink, seems to me that would make the insanity even worse............
"op"
Hi Dave,
Can't say I've heard any good reports on this side of the world either. Recently had a friend on Campral (One of the more recent version of Antabuse). He had a family history of depression that was overlooked, as he was referred for prescription by a rehab counsellor (who are not qualified to consider contraindications) and the Campral was withdrawn after about 3 weeks, after he attempted suicide.
Maybe that may help the young fella understand why everyones not on it.
All the best,
Nic
I took the Nasty Stuff, All it did for me was pissed me off! Like phil, I drank on it also, didn't kill me but I sure thought I was gonna die. I got a reaction from putting on cologne to, another for gargling with listerine, and another for eating homemade ice cream made with vanilla extract.
Drinking Alcohol is an excepted practice all over the world, I couldn't run, and I couldn't hide from it. so I had to modify my program, I had to learn to live in a drinking Society.