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I had the day off (wow!) and AH asked if I wanted to go to his doctor's appt with him. I said I didn't want to go if he wasn't going to tell the doc what was really going on. He said he needed help and wanted to talk to the doctor so I said OK. He was honest, and told the doc about drinking everyday. Wasn't honest about everything, like how down he's been, but the doc IDed depression right away. Told him he absolutely had to stop drinking (and had liver lab results to back it up). AH said he can stop whenever, but always starts up again. He left with a perscription of antidepressants. Doesn't think he needs them, doesn't know if he's going to take them, but thinks if he doesn't drink he wont be depressed. Anyone have a situation like this?
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I'm like a pinch of tea...put me in hot water and see how strong I can be.
Many A's also battle depression, as well as anxiety. When alcohol is mixed with that - it forms the trifecta of trouble. The question is always out there - which came first the alcohol or the emotional issues? Don't know - and don't care - but I do know that getting the meds right is crucial. My A was diagnosed with depression (primary) and anxiety YEARS ago. He decided alcohol would make him feel better - which of course it didn't (duh....alcohol is a depressant) - so around and around he's been. He's battled this for years. It's been brutal for him. I hope your A finds the right doc, and that he takes the meds as prescribed. Also hope the doc does appropriate follow-up with him and adjusts meds as necessary.
It's called DENIAL. Anything that threatens the A with having to give up the drink goes in at one ear and out the other.
(((((Rainy))))) well done for going with him, at least you know the doctor is not oblivious to what is going on, and he has the liver lab tests to back it up. Unfortunately, my AH was in denial every time his drinking problem was squarely place before him, and the doctor has as much control of the situation as we have, that is to say NONE, 'cos it's all up to the A.
I'll keep praying for you both, that he will get to the place where he is sick of being sick and seek help out of utter despair and that you will have the courage to face the reality of his denial.
With love,
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"The highest form of wisdom is kindness." The Talmund
AH said he can stop whenever, but always starts up again.
I love that one. It's like cigarette smokers. "I quit all the time!"
It's like me telling everyone at work "I quit!" when I go home in the evenings and then showing back up for work the next day.
I'm glad your AH was open enough to allow you to attend WITH the doctor to make sure everything was said that needed to be said so he can get the right treatment.
Like my AH, though, it sounds like even the threat of bad lab results (my AH got them, too), and even after having the doctor tell him "YOU NEED TO STOP DRINKING", it's not gonna happen for real unless it's on his own terms. Your AH might not have hit his rock bottom yet.
I'll pray for you, and you keep asking your HP to take over for you.
My ex-fiancee was on Paxil; however, he decided to continue drinking and taking percocets with his prescribed medication. It was a toxic mix and he died while at work. My A father was given a prescription for antidepressants, but would never use them. He didn't want to admit that he was depressed. There is still a stigma attached to depression that people don't want to accept or admit to it. It's really a shame.
I'm sorry Kisssers, I had the same thing happen to a young family member, part of my concern.
In my heart I know that he is not going to be able to stop drinking without help, and that his attitude about help is pretty bad "I don't want to start over with the steps...I don't want to write out the 4th step again" And I know how important it to NOT drink w/antidepressants, and if he has to choose...
-- Edited by RainyJamie at 01:22, 2008-03-07
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I'm like a pinch of tea...put me in hot water and see how strong I can be.
