One day I'll make better decisions?

[Lifeainteasy123]

Hi all,

I'm sure theres plenty of us here that wish it were better. Myself included and particularly when I'm feeling as low as I am today. I found this forum through a quick Google search and I'm hoping it will be one of the tools that can help me get and stay better. And for anyone reading this and going through something similar, I hope I can help you too.

I am a 26 year old male with depression of varying severity ever since my teens. I have been on and off antidepressants for years, have gone to psychologists and tried BCT. There have been a number of reasons why I have been severely depressed over the years but the things that stand out the most are my addictions. Gambling, binge drinking and recreational drug use. The flow on effects of these on relationships with friends, lovers and family has been quite significant. I have always told myself that I can just stop these addictions whenever I'd like but as I've gotten older I'm starting to doubt that I can more and more. It's quite scary. Ill be visiting the psychologist again in the coming months and hope that I can work on my decision making when faced with gambling, drinking or drugs. Theres a glimmer of hope that 2018 is the year where I can still enjoy my life without having to resort to these.

I'd love to hear of other stories like mine where people have overcome these addictions, what they did with their time instead, how they feel now.

[Bethie]

Hi

Welcome to BB. I understand what your going through. I'm currently 17 years sober but have what is called the trilogy as well. Alcohol gambling and drugs. Even playing the pokies is a danger because I basically just want the free spins to win big..

Something I've learnt in recovery is that there are healthy addictions and non healthy addictions. For example I need my morning coffee and get testy if I don't have it. That is a healthy addiction . Binge drinking is a unhealthy addiction.

Depression is sadly a common problem for any addict but the good news is the anxiety and depression can be treated by a GP and with counselling.

I hope this gives you a bit of hope.

Please keep posting. You are not alone in any of this

[geoff]

hello Lifeainteasy, any type of depression may cause an addiction, that's what it did to me because I needed to self medicate with alcohol but what it caused was a broken marriage, sold our home and now living by myself, but only drink socially now, whereas some addicts one drink leads onto another and another so they aren't able to drink socially.

When one of your addictions starts, it then leads onto another and in the end, leaves you broke, intoxicated and using any available drug that is offered.

You know it can happen and with your drinking, the doctor can prescribe a medication which will stop any urges to want to drink or take any drugs, it removes the desire or want, but then you have to replace these with what you want to and your psychologist would be able to help you with this.

It doesn't matter whether you are a chocoholic, drink too much coffee or do any other addiction it takes a strong mind to stop and would be happy to keep talking with you. Geoff.

[Gotigers87]

Hi lifeainteasy. Sounds like I’m dealing with the same issues as yourself. I’d like to keep an eye on this thread. I need to seek counseling myself. Every thing I’ve tried up until now hasn’t worked or I haven’t had the will power to make it work. Those three things are a shocking combination and excentuate each other

[Feeling_Lonely]

Hi lifeainteasy,

Whilst I cant offer any advice on addiction as I’ve not experienced it, I just wanted to commend you on your self awareness and positive attitude. It is very admirable.

I hope that you manage to find away to get the addictions under control - I grew up with a father who has issues with alcohol and gambling and saw the detrimental effect it had on my family.

You will definitely find a supportive non-judgmental environment here.

Stay strong 🙂