greatly concerned!

I saw my psychiatrist yesterday. I think he has it on paper that I have a drinking problem. I confessed to drinking more than my once a month allotment. It totalled 4 glasses of wine in December and 6 glasses of wine in January. All on different days... about 2 glasses per time. He said I have to not drink at all now. And.. I can't compare myself to the drinking habits of others because of my emotional problems and prescription of lexapro. He said if I drink at all before I see him next time that he will put me in a treatment program. Gawd! Is it THAT bad? I only started drinking at all 2 years ago. I just like red wine some evenings. I feel like I've been blacklisted. If I have to go into a treatment program... I am concerned that it will look like the problem is much more serious than it is. Am I in denial? Is he being over strict? Am I not being serious enough? The temptation is not to be upfront with him if I drink. The reality is that it won't kill me not to drink at all. It would be about like not eating chocolate ever again. Painful, but doable. I feel really bad about this. I feel marked. *sigh* I suspect he put it on paper that I am abusing alcohol. I don't feel like I abused alcohol.

Any feedback is welcome... even if it's hard truth kind.

{{{{{{{{{{Willow}}}}}}}}}}}

Maybe I am wrong but I thought that a glass of wine every now and again is ok....good for the heart I thought too?

Personally I don't see a red flag about it.....and if it is bothering you that much...as well as adding to your anxiety and stress level....do you have an option of changing docs? Maybe he has a personal issue about it? I would question him further. It is sad that you feel blacklisted and I am so sorry ...you are seeing him to help you and that doesn't sound like it is helping very much.


Heather

Willow I hear what you're saying, but have to agree with the doctor for the time being. If you only found drink 2 years ago, you can go without it for now.

Don't think about it being "forever" just being "for now"... if it really isn't a problem, then the desire will soon pass. The thought that it upsets you enough to tell us, and that the doctor has written it down makes me think it is a bigger problem than you realize.

Please research anything I suggest before believing...

Hi Willow,

I can certainly understand how this would make you feel uncomfortable, and a little angry. And I can understand why you would come here and discuss it, that's what we do here, talk about things that bother us. And you are obviously bothered by this.

I really don't see where six glasses of wine constitutes a drinking problem. But there is a problem if that six, becomes eight, then ten, then twelve. You know I'm a recovering alcoholic, and drinking can turn an already difficult life into a total nightmare. But I'm your friend (who loves you very much), not your Dad. Just be careful.

I think your Psych is bluffing you. He's overstepping his bounds if he really thinks he can have to signed into a treatment program over 6 glasses of wine a week. Unless you commit a crime or injure another person while under the influence, treatment centers are voluntary.

It does sound like you need some explanation. Some doctors can treat their patients like children, and give them no input or voice the treatment process. I hope you can sit down with this guy and tell him honestly how you feel. And if you can't come to an agreement that is mutally acceptable to both of you, you may want to consider looking around for someone else. I think it's real important that you and your doctor are on the same page with your treatment.

Much love Willow,
bp

"When you get the choice to sit it out or dance, I hope you dance."

HUGS BP
What I decided to do is just quit drinking. It's just not worth playing with fire. when I started drinking, I just wanted to do adult stuff... my church had controlled all that part of my life to where I felt like a child. One of the things I did to break free of the guilt control was to go buy alcohol. Now that I've done that... maybe I don't need it anymore. It sure does help me relax, but that's the deception of alcohol I guess... it takes more and more to get to the same place of relaxation. I never drink more than 2 glasses... but I think I probably could be an addict. It's not about quantity, is it? It's more like why a person is drinking. I can't imagine why anyone would drink for no effect at all.. but maybe the thing is "why" you want to relax. Am I drowning my sorrows? Or am I just socializing? Too complicated to figure out... I'm not able to handle it I guess so better just stay away from the stuff. I think I can do that if I find something else I enjoy just as much. Maybe some hot herbal tea at night instead. Thanks BP

((((((((((Heather))))))))))))
Thanks for the support Sis... I really didn't think I was that bad either. However, I've decided to follow his directions and not drink at all. It's gotta be better for me not to drink than it is to drink anyway.

Heya Skybdark. Thanks for the straightshooting. I'm just gonna not drink. It can't be that bad once I get used to doing something different instead. I have to replace it with something else I enjoy... not sure what that is just yet, but there's gotta be something.

{{{{{{{{{{Willow}}}}}}}}}}}}}

You do what you feel is right for you hun...I am so proud of you. If it helps any I am addicted to tea....just the plain ol Red Rose kind.


Heather