I can't stop wanting to drink or take something?

Question

I'm 15, I've been depressed for a long time. I'm on medication but I don't think it's got any better, just worse. I also think I might have SAD but I'm not sure. I take fluoxetine and risperidone but I've been taking more than I should. I am prescribed 1.5mg of fluoxetine every 24 hours but have been taking up to 10.5mg in 24 hours. I don't know why I do it.

I've overdosed on co-codamol, paracetamol and aspirin before and I ended up in hospital. I feel like taking more paracetamol than I should, because for some reason it makes me feel better. I feel like I can't help having more tablets than I should. I've also had a past 'drinking problem' last year. I drank constantly in and out of school because it made me feel better and I developed a bit of a dependence. I've also been in hospital for alcohol poisoning.

I can't behave properly socially. I'm scared of being alone in public and always have to have someone with me. I'm terrified of meeting new people or having an interview/doing a presentation. It stops me from doing things, I feel like I need to drink to make it better. I can't stop wanting to take more tablets than I should. I can't talk to anyone.

How can I stop it?

Answer 1

First area of concern:  Antidepressants and alcohol at the same time is a REALLY bad idea.  They interact quite strongly sometimes (fluoxetine especially), and will only make the situation worse.  I know you don't want to hear it, but you need, to get yourself off the alcohol.

My concern here is that telling you to stop everything right now isn't going to work.  What you're describing is an addiction, and telling people "please stop" just doesn't work...  if your addiction itself doesn't get you, the withdraw will.  You're going to have to slowly back out of this, perhaps over a several-month period.

Also, I realize that this frightens you, but your best bet now is some emotional support.  If there's someone you know and trust, someone who won't judge you for your problem, I suggest that you tell them about this.  Having someone who you can check in with every day and will help you when you lose control (let's be honest, you will sometimes) will be of huge benefit.  I can't stress this part enough.  I know it's scary, but listen to experience: you're not going to get through without this.

Also, whoever's prescribing you the meds should know, as they may be able to help you out.  People who prescribe things are generally pretty good at handling addictions to what they prescribe.

I'm not going to lie, this is going to be a hard journey for you, but let me assure you that a life of alcohol and medication addiction will make what you're about to go through look like a cakewalk.  I wish you the best of luck in fixing things.  :)

Answer 2

I know you have just said you cant talk to anyone but you seriously MUST! You cant hadle this alone and you need expert advice, It's very dangerous to be messing with the dosage of your meds and may be contributing to your state of mind too. Please get help - or try phoning an anonymous line such as Breathing Space.Please listen to me - Ive been there too -  

Answer 3

Head to your nearest NA or AA meeting.  That's what you need right now.