Cptsd, eating disorder and now substance use

[Yamoro]

I see suffered childhood trauma. But used to deal with it quite well. Until March, when my mother physically attacked me. I’m 34-and a single parent, my ex is addicted to substances and has PTSD. I guess hurt people are attracted to each other, regardless of how toxic it it. 
I had always dealt with it without substances. But I have just been diagnosed with PTSD after the incident in March between my mother and myself. On top of that I have re-developed my childhood burden of binge eating disorder. And have been unable to control myself from over drinking in the evenings. I’m totally alone and scared. I loathe the person I can see myself becoming. 
how can I cope anymore? What reasonable measures have others put in place to drink? Please help me with your suggestions 

[Summer Rose]

Hi Yamoro

Welcome to the bb forum. Reaching out for support here is a brave step, and I’m so glad that you’ve taken it.

I’m sorry that you have experienced childhood trauma and that you’ve had a recent altercation with your mother, which has led to the diagnosis of PTSD and a return to binge eating. You sure do have a lot on your plate. Hugs to you.

I’m wondering if you’re being treated for your mental health conditions? Whoever is responsible for your care might have some good ideas on how to manage your need to drink alcohol in the evenings in the context of your mental health issues. It would be worth a chat.

If you’re not currently being treated, I would encourage you to give this some serious consideration.

I’m no expert but I would suggest that some sort of distraction in the evening might help. My thoughts would be to meditate, keep busy working on a project, call a friend, take a bath—anything that you would enjoy once your child/the children are in bed.

I would also try alternative drinks—sparkling water, juice or non-alcoholic beer, wine or spirits.
If you’re not ready to give up the alcohol entirely yet, try having one and then switching to a non-alcoholic drink. Alternate your drinks throughout the evening, if necessary. 
Maybe you could also try to make one day alcohol free? See how it feels and where it might lead.

Hang in there.

Kind thoughts to you

[Petal22]

Hi Yamoro,

Im sorry you are feeling this way.

I understand that when we are trying to cope with certain things sometimes people turn to substance abuse which in turn can add flames to the fire.

Have you thought about having a chat to your gp about what you are currently experiencing?

You really can learn to intervene with your addiction and then learn how to manage it.

If you really want to beat this you CAN but please think about seeking professional help.

[Yamoro]

Thank you so much. I have started getting help from the gp. Which has been a  blessing. But I am waiting for the formal counselling sessions to start. But your ideas are absolutely wonderful ones. I will try this tomorrow!
This morning after even just writing this post I have felt more determined. I have set my self a 15 day sober challenge. I have 15 post it’s on my wall. Ready to rip one off tomorrow for my first night! i am looking forward to getting some additional alcohol weight off and then maybe my confidence will return and the binge cycle will improve. 
thank you so much for kindness. Love and hugs! 

[Yamoro]

Thank you so much! You are totally right. I can beat this! I will beat this! I am happy to report I have not had a drink all night. And I am going to challenge my self to 15 days. Thank you for the support! I have to keep reminding myself, I have been through a lot and I have beaten that. I can beat this too! Thank you 

[ecomama]

OH THAT'S WONDERFUL Yamoro! One night alcohol free! What a champion you are. Hugs! 

You've so got this. 

I read your initial post and wanted to share something a Psychologist friend said to me many years ago when I was drinking very heavily after a series of extremely "unfortunate events" (I'll put it that way for now).... 
she said c "drinking alcohol turns the volume UP on feelings we have inside, so if we're feeling sad, we get sadder... " 

You get it. 

Removing alcohol may remove our way of escaping, our attempts to dull our emotions - which doesn't work at all, it increases them. 
We may feel the emotions but it doesn't mean we can't handle them. 
We can cry. 
We can talk with a friend or MH professional, a Helpline even. 

We can feel what we as humans ought to feel when we've suffered abuse.
The feelings will not harm us. 

I think you and I share so much more than you know atm. Just reading your first post I saw it. 

We are more than survivors. We can heal ourselves with the right support. 
Through our healing journeys we move from surviving to THRIVING. 

Pop in and let us know how you're going. 
We have a self-care thread and a thread to post what we're thankful for today too. 
Hope you can pop in and meet some other members. 

Love EM

[Petal22]

I love hearing your positive intention 😊 there is power in that.

Yes right now in this present moment you will beat this.

The storm whispered to the warrior “ you can’t with stand the storm “

The warrior whispered back “ I am the storm.“

Hold onto that warrior spirit Yamoro 💪

[geoff]

Hello Yamoro, thanks tohose above me for their comments.

There seems to be several issues you are trying to deal with, all of which are very difficult to cope with, but one reaction is that you have decided to drink, to try and numb this pain, but next morning you are back to square one, where it all starts again.

You can only stop this drinking when you decide that's what you want to do, not anybody nagging you or trying to convince you to stop will be enough to give you the strength to stop, although you may, but just for a short time.

There are problems that you need to address with the help from someone who is experienced enough to help you, it's too hard to overcome this by yourself and the alcohol will only place you in another state that's not real,it fogs your mind or gives you unbelievable thoughts that don't come to reason the next day, that's why it only delays the help you need.

Your doctor can prescribe medication to stop you from drinking, but this will only work when you are addressing these other problems, so it's catch-22, you can't do one without doing the others.

Geoff.

Liufe Member.

[Summer Rose]

Hi Yamoro

Bravo!
You’re mindset and determination are really clear, so proud of you.

To help set yourself up for success, it might help to remove all existing alcohol from your home. If you’re then thinking of going to the shop, delay. 
One day at a time and be gentle in yourself.

Kind thoughts to you