I'm a 17 year old female as well and I, personally, hate taking medication and drive my parents, therapist, and psychiatrist crazy because of that. I've been taking medication for 6 years and I've been on over 15 different combinations. Some medications have worked for me in the past, but its hard to find the right ones, and sometimes side effects do suck, but is it worth it? Yes, I think it is. Although I can't find meds that work for me in my situation, and the ones that do become ineffective quickly, maybe you could be different, find some great meds, stay in therapy, and get off of them in little time. I've known people who were in very very dark places and meds worked very well for them. There is no magic pill though, and I hate that expression. It'll take more than meds, but meds can help along with therapy and support. And meds don't make you some kind of zombie and steal your thoughts, they help you concentrate and think more clearly. About the alcohol, I would ask a psychiatrist about that. I'm a nerd and don't drink.

Don't knock it until you try it. It doesn't take meds that long to get in your system and start taking effect-if they will. It'll take around a month or less. If you're thinking about it, I would talk to your parents, your t, and maybe even get a psychiatrist appointment just to talk about it, because meds CAN help.

Just my advice, I hope you find what you're looking for.

Nomad