Well I'm going to go have an evaluation at a clinic that specialises in addiction...

[Locut0s]

Drug and alcohol addiction. I posted some time back about my life falling apart. Been a shut in for years, living with my parents. Been in and out of university countless times. Depression and social anxiety are my two biggest ghosts. Been haunting me for a decade at least..

[Locut0s]

1. Having a hard time believing I'm at this point.

[kickysnana]

2. Hope you get your life back. Change is always scary but it is the only way to move forward.

[Hekate]

3. Best of luck getting the help that you need

Hekate

[juajen]

4. One day at a time, it is said. I believe it takes a minute at a time.

Good luck to you.

[Maru Kitteh]

5. Please know that there are people here and around you who care about you.

Best of luck to you. May you have health soon.

[evenso]

6. Don't give up on yourself.....I have been there too

My guess is that you're struggling with something that can be treated. If you're like me you use drugs and alcohol to medicate your problem, as many with anxiety and depression often do.

I have struggled with mood disorders and addiction for much of my adult life. I've missed many opportunities: relationships, careers, graduate schools, travel, friends, a wife and children.....meaningful happiness and joy. It's really hard to live life with a broken compass. Something in you is keeping you from living your life to the fullest, but the good news is....that thing can be fixed. Please know that life can be better. You probably have a chemical / hormonal imbalance in your brain. Science is beginning to understand just how complex the brain is. There are now medications that can help restore balance, they're now very effective. Meet with a psychiatrist, get a full mental evaluation. If this problem has been haunting you for so many years, it's most likely a chemical problem that can be corrected with medication. Then get into a good addiction treatment program. You can go with a 12-step plan or Rational recovery, or something else.

As you start to feel better, if the medication is right, you'll feel like you have a new lease on life. Then, when you're ready, start setting goals. Exercise. Look for employment or volunteer. Do things with people, get out of the house. Get out into the world. Start eating well. Take care of yourself. Learn to be positive.

Then you'll be ready to take college seriously. You'll feel like a new person.

But first, KNOW THAT YOU CAN HAVE A BETTER LIFE.

[Name removed]

7. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Chemisse]

8. Huh?

[Le Taz Hot]

14. +1

[Chemisse]

9. Best of luck to you

It's a really great thing that you are taking the first steps toward repairing your life.

[H2O Man]

10. That's a good move

on your part. Take time to step outside the frame, and to consider these issues in terms of brain chemistry. Depression and anxiety can be hell to deal with, and far too many people attempt to self-medicate. It not only doesn't work, it makes the problems worse.

There are a lot of people on DU who have a range of backgrounds/experiences in dealing with these same issues. Take advantage of this resource.

Good luck, and keep in touch.

Your friend,
H2O Man

[malaise]

11. All the best you've made the most important decision

since the longest journey begins with a single step. :gruophug:

[rubberducky]

12. This is a GIANT step in the right direction. Just hang in there,now.

Know in your heart that you CAN do this and you will prevail over your own personal demons. If you are still living at home mom and dad will probably be your best cheerleaders. Please let us know how things turn out. I`m wishing you the best of everything this life has to offer.

[DainBramaged]

13. DU is here fr you, in spite of our bickering and egos, DU is here for you

Never hesitate to ask when you need someone to talk to.

[Locut0s]

26. Thank you!!!!

[Locut0s]

15. Thanks for all the support guys. Not quite shure what I'm going to end up doing. I'm not.....

drinking as much as I was at the worst point but I still am too much. Will have to see if I end up needing to attend the program full time or not.

[nadinbrzezinski]

17. You have taken the first and most critical step

we are here, and we will be behind you.

Oh and remember take it day by day, at times second by by second.

[WildEyedLiberal]

22. Best of luck to you! You sound like a smart guy, and you have a lot of promise

I'll be pulling for you to get your life sorted out

[Swamp Rat]

16. .

[donco6]

18. Glad you're moving on this problem.

If you want it, you can get there. I've had friends and relatives who have made it through. Life is better on the other side, they've told me, and I see them often so I believe what they say.

Best of luck. If you need help, there are some here who can give encouragement.

[renate]

19. good for you--this is a huge first step and a VERY positive one

I'm glad you didn't just give up on the hope of things being different. A decade is a long time and it took a lot of courage to decide to change your ways--but this is so much better than the alternative of things staying the same.

When or if it gets tough, remember that there a lot of us here cheering you on!

[asdjrocky]

20. An old biker once told me-

"Everybody's gotta kick it sometime." Truer words had never been spoken to me at the time.

Hang in there.

[EFerrari]

21. That sounds like a good plan. Good luck to you, LocutOs.

[Locut0s]

23. Thank you all I will fight this demon the best I can!!!

[Stuart G]

24. Try this link, it is part of the DU family. good luck.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.ph...

[Locut0s]

25. Thanks for the link !!!

[Locut0s]

27. Thanks to all the kind replies!!! .....

Thank you very much! First I'm going to have the evaluation, in about two weeks plus, then I'll take a look at the program the clinic offers. This is an non spiritual based approach, mental health approach, which I prefer over organizations such as AA because I'm a strong atheist. Different strokes for different folks. I am not putting down AA in any way.

I realize I need to do something about this I just hope I don't need to sink any lower before I'm in the right head space.

[DaveinJapan]

28. If you are very much uninterested in AA, may I suggest

that you speak with the medical professionals regarding "rational recovery".

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rational_Recovery

I'm certainly not suggesting that you take my advice over the advice of medical professionals, but just thought I'd suggest that method in case it's something you might be interested in and something they might not be aware of. Personally, I found it to be very effective in combating my own demons.

Either way, best of luck to you and I hope this turns out better than you ever could've hoped! Appreciate your courage in speaking out here, too!

Take care.

[Taitertots]

29. Asking for help when you need it is a strength

The most powerful thing you can do is go and get treatment.

[democracy1st]

30. good luck Locut0s