My name is Sarath, and many of you already know me. I’m a constant relapser — I’ve never been able to stay sober for more than 3 months in my life after 15 years of drinking. I’m a 30-year-old male, working in the IT business.
My last relapse was another rough one — 3 months of heavy daily drinking. Yesterday, I finally decided to consult a psychiatrist for the first time in my life and opened up about my drinking habits and addiction. He prescribed me some medicines and suggested follow-up visits every two weeks.
Here’s what he prescribed:
Disulfiram
Baclofen
Thiamine + Vitamin D
Pantoprazole (for stomach protection)
Lorazepam (short-term use)
Multivitamins
This time I’m taking things seriously. I plan to stay active in AA meetings and here on this forum as well.
Today is Day 2 without alcohol or any other substances. I’m feeling hopeful and determined.
Has anyone here had experience with these medicines — especially Disulfiram or Baclofen? I know medication alone can’t keep me sober, but I’m ready to put in the hard work along with it.
Thank you all for listening and for the support you’ve always given. Wishing everyone here strength and peace.
When I got sober, I used Disulfiram and counseling for the first thirty days, then I started having unwanted effects from the Disulfiram, and switched that for AA. I’ve never liked back since.
Disulfiram was a great added component for me when combined with counseling. When I was just taking the medicine with no other program (this was my third time on Disulfiram), it helped for a couple of weeks, but I got bored and drank.
Congrats on getting medical help. And welcome back. Not second guessing a psychiatrist (well, actually I am), but did you have your blood tested before starting Disulfiram? Especially your liver stuff? You’re a young guy (right?) so you should be OK but still good to know for sure.
BTW, people over here usually take Disulfiram under supervision, like they go to a doctors office or clinic a couple of times a week to take it there. When you take it at home, unsupervised, it’s too easy not to take it and relapse, as the past has learned.
Sounds like a good start Sarath. Make sure to find you peer support network as well, and work on your issues. Wishing you all success friend.
Great to see you checking in Sarath - sorry to hear about your relapse but oh so grateful to see you taking action and working on your recovery. Grateful that you are attending AA and going to utilize this forum (really has been my saving grace to connect with all the people here and reach out when a craving hits).
Glad you are working with a psychiatrist - I am not familiar with the tow medications you mentioned. Hope they do help. Do keep an eye on how you react to them and seek help if you feel off in any way. As Menno mentioned, these sorts of medications should be taken under supervision.
Welcome back, Sarath! Im so happy that you went to see psychiatrist and you’re attending AA and also hanging around this forum. It seems you’re taking your recovery seriously, I’m so proud of you! Take care of yourself and keep us posted!
Rooting for you. Find supports. Checkin here before you use. You have resources to lean on my friend. Glad you are trying again. Theres hope for a life outside the exhausting circle of addiction.
I’m on baclofen and have been on lorazepam, baclofen works wonders for my back pain and lorazepam - don’t drive when taking it. seriously, me and 3 other people i know personally had issues with driving whilst taking it. 2 accidents, 1 close call.
Hey friends,
I got my liver function test (LFT) done today morning. The results show my SGPT is 159 and SGOT is 99, which means my liver is still under stress. The doctor said it’s likely fatty liver from the recent drinking but nothing dangerous at this stage — it’s reversible if I stay sober.
Bilirubin and other values are normal, so that’s a relief. I’ve completely stopped drinking again and focusing on recovery, clean food, water, and rest. Planning to recheck the LFT in a month.
Just wanted to share this update — it’s a good reminder for me how quickly alcohol affects the liver. Feeling hopeful and determined to heal this time.
For sure! Alcohol quickly effects your whole body and mentality. It slowly kills off the brain and messes with your emotional state…just to name a few of its toxic traits. Glad you are working diligently to stay sober. Keep this reminders posted in sight so you won’t forget what you are fighting for
Day 3 (Night here)
The day was good. I’m a bit tired because of the medicines and withdrawals hitting at the same time. But thank God I didn’t have any urges or cravings for a drink.
I had a nice, happy walk with my Labrador Daizy—it was very enjoyable for me. I’ll have my dinner soon and then attend a virtual AA meeting. See you all. Happy sober night!
Welcome back!!! Its soooo good to see you!!! Glad ur taking the right course of action for urself with meds, meetings, and checking in on this forum Take it one day at a time as always friend
@MrMoustache Thanks for asking. I’m doing well, and my sleep has improved a lot after taking the medicines prescribed by my psychiatrist. My next appointment is in two days. I’m also attending AA meetings.
I’m feeling really happy these days and able to talk to people in a good, cheerful mood. I no longer have hangovers in the morning. I’m taking small jobs to pay off my credit card bill, which is due on November 4th. All these debts were because of drinking. After spending all my bank balance, I used my credit card to swipe at bars.
I know the money I spent is gone and will never come back. Today, I’m grateful for my sobriety and the life I’m rebuilding. Hope you all are doing well.
After a big relapse, today I’m back to double digits in sobriety — and I’m really proud of it. I woke up early at 6:30 in the morning and took my Labrador for a 45-minute walk. It was such a pleasant experience.
Most of the time when I was drinking, I never had the chance to enjoy nature or the simple things around me. But today, I truly understand that sobriety is worth it.
Thanks to God and to everyone who’s supporting me on this journey.
Hope you’re all doing well.
It was a nice Sunday, and I woke up around 6:45 AM. I’ve started a new habit of drinking 100ml of amla juice on an empty stomach for detoxification. After that, I took my dog for a 15-minute walk, had a refreshing bath, and enjoyed a good breakfast. I prayed to God, asking for strength to stay sober today and expressed my gratitude for being sober.
There wasn’t much planned for the day. I had a doctor’s appointment, but since it’s Sunday, the doctor was off, so it’s postponed to tomorrow. I’m planning to go for a short ride outside because sitting at home all the time makes me feel lonely. Hope everyone’s doing well!
Glad you’re back on the sober train and seem to have some good plans this time. Getting out of the house and staying occupied is so important. How are the AA meetings going?
Be careful about taking anything for “detox” since it can interact badly with your medications. I would talk to your doctor first before you get in the habit of the amla juice, just to make sure it’s safe.
Thanks a lot, my friend
Yes, this time I really want to do things differently and stay consistent. I’ve realized staying busy and getting out of the house really helps me not overthink or crave.
About AA — it’s been good so far. I’m attending regularly and trying to open up more during meetings. Listening to others share gives me a lot of hope.
And thank you for the reminder about the detox part. I’ve started taking fresh amla juice every morning, but I didn’t think much about possible interactions. I’ll definitely check with my doctor about it before continuing.
Appreciate your care and support — it really means a lot right now