Need help ASAP

Maybe you could check out the Drink Free forum on HealthUnlocked? I think it might be helpful.

Will check it out. Thanks

If the Drink Free formu doesn't feel like the right place for you, maybe try some of these links I found on Google:
alcoholrehab.com/alcohol-re...

I hope you can find what you're looking for because it's not uncommon to need help.

keep searching-you'll likely find a community that suits you better.

Take care and let us know how thinsg go!

Thanks for sharing your story here-it really takes courage to open up like that. I totally get those panic attacks; they hit me every day too. They feel awful, like something's going to end badly, but somehow I always pull through-usually after about 20 or 30 miuntes. The key is slowing down the breathing and trying to calm yourseelf down. There's a video that helped me during my worst moments-it might be useful for you as well, though it seems like the link isn't workign right now. It's frustrating when your psychologist can't point you in the direction of some helpful resources or give you contact information for crisis lines-they usually do things like that.

I'm not sure why they wouldn't support you more directly-especially after what you went through. The important thing is finding support, and it's comforting to know you're definitely not alone. I wish I could be more specific about how to find the right group or service, but honestly, a lot of it comes down to reaching out and trying different things until something fits.

How are your appointments coming along? It's crucial to push back on your doctor if they didn't explain why your medication was changed. Maybe you can ask them to put you back on Clonazepam-it's worth discussing all the options again. They should definitely make a referral for professional support, and don't let them dismiss it becuase you deserve thaat help just as much as anyone else.

There's also this YouTube channel about alcoholism; I found it pretty interesting and helpful. It might have some useful information or videos for you, though the link is acting up again. Plus, there are other great channes out there covering mental health issues-The Anxiety Guy, Trey Jones, and Therapy In A Nutshell come to midn. They offer a lot of personal insights which can be really reassuring.

I hope these links end up being useful-I know it's hard right now but try to take care of yourself in the meantime.

Hi there!

Thanks so much for your support-it means a lot. Just wanted to add that I'm British but now retired in Thailand where mental health care is pretty sparse, and AA isn't really helping.

I talked to my local psychiatrist about switching from clonazepam to diazepam because diazepam worked wonders for me before with mood stuff, while clonazepam onlly helps a bit with panic attacks. I have monthly check-ins with him, so I'll bring it up again next month.

He's aware of my alcohol issues but can't offer much help. Actually, he didn't warn me about the dangers of mixing diazepam and booze either-I know from past experience that drinking while on diazepam doesn't seem to be an issue for me, though.

Last time, he tried off-label Topamax and gabapentin for my alcohol probleem but it didn't work. I'm just starting diazepam now, and from what I've read, it might take 2 to 4 weeks to show effects on the drinking front.
Anyway, really appreciate your advice!

Thanks again,

I noticed you mentioned feeling like you might be British, though don't ask me why. For someone dependent on alcohol, taking diazepam could be risky, but your doctor must have had reasons to prescribe it. It's not that I'm advising against it, but this combination seems potentially dangerous.

It sounds as if you lack support over there. Do you still maintain contact with friends or family in the UK? Have you considered returning home? Your isolation and detachment are concerning; everyone needs some form of emotional support and a little love can make a big difference.

Attending Alcoholics Anonymous might be helpful since it allows you to connect with others facing similar challenges, even making new friends. However, I don't know what options are available in Thailand.

It's also crucial to address your mental health issues because they need to be managed properly for you to handle the alcohol dependence effectively. You likely feel low on self-esteem and confidence, which makes seeking help more difficult, but it's essential.

Coming here was a positive step. I understand how tough this must be, but speaking to your doctor again should be a priority. There are ways out of this situation with the right guidnce and support. Please take care of yourself.

Hey there! Thanks so much for reaching out. Honestly, I've tried pretty much everrything under the sun, and I'm really at my wits' end here.

I am actually in tears while writing this-I feeel like I hit rock bottom.

And to top it off, no family around me either. My Dad passed away on 04/04/2022, which was a huge blow for sure.

One month later, I got diagnosed with a heart condition and needed a stent. Since then, everything has just fallen apart. I used to be super active-dinghy sailing every single day-but after all this, I ended up drinking way too muh as a coping mechanism.
So now I'm really emotional most of the time and just want to cry nonstop. Drinking helps me calm down and manage some pretty intense DTs.

I tried Naltrexone for a while, but it made me super sick with vomiting, which was rough because they don't have that in Thailand.

The diazepam was supposed to help, but so far, it hasn't worked out well. I did get an injection from the psychiatrist last week when I saw thm and felt really emotional, and that actually helped right away, but the tablets aren't doing much.

Next month, I'm due for another appointment with the shrink, and we'll see where to go from there. There's also lorazepam as a possible option-it's not as strong or addictive as diazepam, so mayybe worth looking into?

All I really want is to get back to sailing again, because it was always my escape, but now this whole alcohol thing has taken away all my energy and strength.

Yeah, recovery feels like a long joureny ahead! Figuring out the right medication might be key for me though? Thanks again for your support, honestly means so much right now.

I understand much of what you are experiencing. Two years ago, I became bedridden after being very active,working, traveling, and enjoying holidays. I have Postural Tachycardia Syndrome (PoTS), which causes an abnormally fast heart rate when standing up. Simple tasks like going to the bathroom require careful planning for me.

Alcohol has been a coping mechanism for you over the past year or so, during which you also faced personal loss. You've endured a lot and still have much to offer.

Was your operation successful? How do you feel about it now?

While you have a long journey ahead, support is crucial. I hope your doctor can direct you to proper resources and help you get the necessary assistance.

If Diazepam isn't effectively helping, consider seeking alternative support services that build self-esteem and provide encouragement. This will allow you to focus on reducing alcohol use.

You've had some difficult times recently, but I believe you can regain control of your life and return to doing things you once enjoyed. Your goal to sail again is a positive starting point for recovery

Got a scare last night when ex showed up unannounced. Told her no, called cops again. She's on drugs now.

Heart op went well but meds are pricey. Insurance denied claim over minor mistake. Had to go to ER for severe potassium deficiency-diuretics for hypertension.

Local shrink switched me to lorazepam; seems to help a bit already. Sailing is impossible right now. Can't even feed myself, let allone think about it.

Got leftover pills but don't want to end it. Hoping this new med works out.

hey

omg that's so intense. i can't even imagine the stress of seeing her like this.

did she say why she came over? her stuff is really messing with ya rite now. sucks things ddin't work out diff for u 2. u coulda helped each other through it.

glad ur meds changed tho. give dem a chance, see how u feel in a couple weeks. hope the lorazeapm helps. pls toss old pills though cuz they'll just tempt u.

sry to hear insurance isn't covering ur meds.

bedridden is rough. i'm lucky my partner's around evenings and weekends but solo during the day. can grab stuff from kitchen, make tea quick but that's it. soup or noodles in microwave r easier for meals.

for potassium low, try more bananas and tomatoes like last yr when doc said that to me.

u got a long road ahead but def need support rn. don't know what's available in thailand so online hep might b ur best bet.

found some stuff 4 u though:

msf.org - offers counselling & support

samaritans of thailand - 02 113 6789 (press 2)

ncsbkk.com - mental health services in bangkok for expats

psiadmin.com - therapy and assessment services

nami.org - online helpline, text "helpline" to sms:62640

hope these help!

Oh my, I could really relate when I saw your post. Believe me, I've been there too, and teh last thing I watn is for anyone to feel more pain than they already are going through. So, have you considered reaching out to them again? Maybe ask if you can be put back on clonazepam-it helped a lot before, and being taken off it wasn't fair.

You know what, Alcoholics Anonymous really helps regardless of your beliefs or lack thereof. Over the years, I've met all sorts of people there-Christians, atheists, everyone under the sun-and they're all trying to figure out how to stay sober. If your local meeting isn't your cup of tea, maybe give a bigger one a shot? Sometimes you just need to keep searching until you find that place where it clicks.
Listen, drinking is really just a symptom of something deeper, like poor mental health. And it can spiral pretty quickly, amirite? Self-harm too-hitting your head or punching walls to try and numb everything inside-it's about trying to silence the noise in your mind. I know those days when you feel so much hate for yourself that nothing matters anymore.

I shouldn't say this, but from personal experience, mixing diazepam with alcohol is really dangerous stuff. Please take care of yourself in that way too.

Just remember, you are someone special who brings value to the world. You matter so, so much more than your mind might be telling you right now. The journey out of this cycle is tough but possible. I would love to hear how things go for you-it's a hard path, but there really is light at the end.

And hey, just thinking aloud here-are you still in touch wiht family? Maybe that could provide some support?

Sorry this ended up longer than I planned, but your post hit home so much. Take care of yourself, seriously!

Hey there! Thanks so much for reaching out and being supportive. No family or friends around here, just trying to figure things out on my own. Sometimes the sef-harming feels lie a qiuck fix when everything else gets too overwhelming.

I asked the local Thai psychiatrist to prescribe some diazepam because I really hope it'll help with these mood swings. Bacck during this one super tough divorce, it was actually a huge relief - helped me calm down a lot back then.

Fingers crossed that once I get those moods under control, it might make it easier for me to tackle my alcohol problem too. Really appreciate your supprt, thanks!

Thanks.

Hope the meds work and help with mood swings. Reach out if you need anything. Stay in touch. Take care