Alcohol and Drugs: Both or Neither?

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Last week Carter said he doesn't drink. Did this happen when he was dealing with his addiction?

It reminds me of an episode of "NYPD Blue" (please don't curse me for watching it!) where Andy was getting cancer treatment and Sylvia was hesitant to let the doctors give him morphine because he had been a former alcoholic.

If you had a drug addiction can you not drink anymore and if yes, is the reverse true?

-- Dan (d_garrett001@hotmail.com), March 07, 2001

Answers

You need to see my quote in another thread. I'll repeat it here since it is more relevant here.

Since when did Carter stop drinking?? Did the good people in Atlanta convince him that he's a drunk as well??

A lot of treatment centers will not only "treat" the addiction for which the patient has been admitted, but will try to convince the patient that they are/have the possibility to be addicted to everything under the sun-that they have an "addictive personality". While there is some evidence that there is a genetic link to addiction, I'm not sure if this is a wise treatment tactic. Self- fulfilling prophecies, anyone?

Oh, I could go on about the state of addiction treatment in this country, but I'll hold off for now.

I have a question for Mike: How popular are AA/12 step programs in Canada? In this country, they seem to be turning into a national religion.

-- S. Trelles (trelles@ix.netcom.com), March 07, 2001.


I was wondering that too...we've seen Carter drink and even get drunk once or twice...maybe he was just saying it to add emphasis to the situation. Anyways, are we to assume he's stopped drinking too because of his rehab?

-- Elaine (mrsclooney78@hotmail.com), March 07, 2001.

Actually with addicts it is recommended that they abstain from other types of euphoric(Sp) type substances. Nevermind that there is a large group of people who consider alcohol is a drug.

-- James (eorejim@aol.com), March 07, 2001.

It's pretty common for people who have problems with addiction (and I'm NOT jumping on the "addictive personality" bandwagon) to swear off alcohol and narcotics simultaneously. Jim called it "avoiding euphorics". I tend to agree. It's much easier to stay clean on ALL fronts rather than to decide narcotics are evil but "I can stop drinking whenever I want!"

-- Gena (wahine_95060@yahoo.com), March 07, 2001.

A person who is serious about his recovery will pick up a list of items at AA to avoid, including alcohol, specific prescription painkillers and mood-altering drugs (such as Xanax), and over-the- counter drugs such as Nyquil with alcohol. I don't know if they're on the list but items such as mouthwash and perfume are also to be avoided. Both are taken away from a person entering recovery for alcohol recovery and I believe drug recovery as well. Cross addictions are, IMO, real and it is best that Carter not drink. Alcohol will give the same/similar "feeling" as the prescription drugs he became addicted to and while he may not become a drunk, he would have a better chance of returning to his previous drug-use patterns. A real-life counterpart of Carter would probably be told to not drink. If it was me, I wouldn't take the chance. The gamble wouldn't be worth it.

Dr. Bob and Bill W. started AA back in the 30's. Lois W. and Anne B. started Al-Anon around 1950. These groups are not something new, though new forms (OA, NA, NAR-ANON) have formed in recent years. The program is a spiritual program and some members might consider it their "religious" equivalent. Many people have found the courage to not only stop drinking and/or drugging but also the strength to live productive lives and to give back what they've received. The 12- steps have helped me through a difficult relationship, problems with a dysfunctional boss, and other difficulties; they've also made my life more joyful and meaningful. Their popularity is a result of their ability to be successful. As stated at the end of meetings: ...it works if you work it.

-- Diana (dilynne@juno.com), March 07, 2001.



Funny... when I told my therapist, a few years ago, that I was quitting cigarettes, she strongly suggested I not quit alcool at the same time. I don't think I could have pulled it off (and I did) without that daily glass of red wine.

-- ericetpat (ericetpat@hotmail.com), March 08, 2001.

You don't get a similar high with cigarettes and alcohol as you do with drugs and alcohol. If a person had always smoked while drinking or drank while smoking, then there might be a reason to give both up :) otherwise, it's not the same thing.

-- Diana (dilynne@juno.com), March 09, 2001.

The current trend considers alcohol a drug. Took a college class recently titled "Substance Use & Abuse - Alcohol and Other Drugs".

-- dmy (echoes98@hotmail.com), March 13, 2001.

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-- (JEIAM@aol.com), June 22, 2001.

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