vanhalenkurtz
Velociraptor
Joined: May 10, 2012
Posts: 460
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 Posted: Sat Jun 09, 2012 2:18 am Post subject: Asperger's & alcholism |
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Been interesting to consider the threads between the two in my 52 years. Booze certainly produced a more social me, at least at first, but, the usual disaster for every alcoholic.
I could never abide the idea of AA - all those people, no way - so I had to do the sobriety work independently.
I used to think, that's gotta be the hard route but now I begin to see, it's been due to asperger's that I was able to pull it off. The isolation most people couldn't fathom &, of course, there was the special interest to bring me an alternative.
But I did wonder, how do asperger alcoholics approach recovery? Is AA an option for any of "us"?
_________________
ASQ: 45. RAADS-R: 229.
BAP: 132 aloof, 132 rigid, 104 pragmatic.
Aspie score: 173 / 200.
NT score: 33 / 200.
EQ: 6. |
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Raziel
Tomcat
Joined: Oct 26, 2011
Posts: 1809
Location: Europe
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| Posted: Sat Jun 09, 2012 2:26 am Post subject: |
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I know that it can occour that autistics have problems with alcohol or other drucs, but it's not common.
It's no "usual" copingmechanism that autistics tend to use.
I smoked once, but I quit.
I never had problems with other drugs or alcohol.
I don't tolerate much anyway.
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"I'm astounded by people who want to 'know' the universe when it's hard enough to find your way around Chinatown." - Woody Allen |
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vanhalenkurtz
Velociraptor
Joined: May 10, 2012
Posts: 460
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| Posted: Sat Jun 09, 2012 3:01 am Post subject: |
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| Raziel wrote: | I know that it can occour that autistics have problems with alcohol or other drucs, but it's not common.
It's no "usual" copingmechanism that autistics tend to use.. |
Google Asperger's + alcoholism & you may stand enlightened. There's a bit of history out there. Which is what I'm seeking, not negation. But I'm glad you don't have a drinking problem.
_________________
ASQ: 45. RAADS-R: 229.
BAP: 132 aloof, 132 rigid, 104 pragmatic.
Aspie score: 173 / 200.
NT score: 33 / 200.
EQ: 6. |
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Raziel
Tomcat
Joined: Oct 26, 2011
Posts: 1809
Location: Europe
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| Posted: Sat Jun 09, 2012 3:22 am Post subject: |
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I know that it's not totally uncommon, but I doubt that it's much higher than in NTs.
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"I'm astounded by people who want to 'know' the universe when it's hard enough to find your way around Chinatown." - Woody Allen |
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Aspinator
Deinonychus
Joined: Feb 24, 2008
Posts: 327
Location: AspinatorLand
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| Posted: Sat Jun 09, 2012 3:30 am Post subject: Aspergers and Alcoholism |
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| I am a 56yo Aspie and I have been in AA since 2005. That is how I initially began; I used it as a social lubricant. I hadn't developed an physical addiction to alcohol but I did develop a psychological addiction to it. I had reached a point where if I had one beer, I ended up drinking a case. I was certainly getting out of control. I developed the same crutch with drugs as well. The longer I was in AA, the more I started to see the reasons behind my drinking/drugging. I used it as a escape so I wouldn't have to deal with or admit that I was HFA. I personally view being in AA as an enlightening journey. There are some people who attend my AA meetings I don't care for. I constantly need to remind myself that I am there to deal with my addiction to alcohol not to be friends with everybody who attends. |
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heavenlyabyss
Phoenix
Joined: Sep 10, 2011
Posts: 530
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| Posted: Sat Jun 09, 2012 7:31 am Post subject: |
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I consider myself to be an alcoholic. I never used to use that word but it is accurate. I started drinking about 4 years ago.
I don't care for AA either. There are a lot of jerks there and a lot of sociopaths, but if you can cut through the BS you might be able to find some help there.
I don't attend AA anymore because I didn't find it helpful.
My honest opinion is that AA is bad "philosophy" (you certainly can't call it a science, and philosophy is a stretch). On the other hand, I don't have any other advice. I guess sometimes just knowing that you are not alone is comforting in itself.
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I have called myself an atheist in the past. But I am really agnostic. Just to clarify. |
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Senath
Deinonychus
Joined: May 17, 2012
Posts: 357
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| Posted: Sat Jun 09, 2012 11:41 am Post subject: |
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| heavenlyabyss wrote: | I consider myself to be an alcoholic. I never used to use that word but it is accurate. I started drinking about 4 years ago.
I don't care for AA either. There are a lot of jerks there and a lot of sociopaths, but if you can cut through the BS you might be able to find some help there.
I don't attend AA anymore because I didn't find it helpful.
My honest opinion is that AA is bad "philosophy" (you certainly can't call it a science, and philosophy is a stretch). On the other hand, I don't have any other advice. I guess sometimes just knowing that you are not alone is comforting in itself. |
You sound like me, down to the signature.
My psychiatrist recommended a Chemical Dependency Recovery Program through my health insurance, which I took. It was very helpful even though it was group therapy I ended up enjoying myself a lot there and we all related to each other because our additions were how we handled some of the stress in our lives. Stress can be induced just by lack of healthy coping mechanisms.
I went to AA because it was part of the program and I went for about a month afterwards but I never had intentions to go completely sober forever, and then I felt like if I went I would be a hypocrite.
I think that was for the best because the whole "philosophy" thing made me uncomfortable. I took comfort in hearing other people's stories and struggles and how they overcame their difficulties, but the 12-step program was a whole bunch of ridiculous. Most of the people there were very kind to each other and loving and caring, but that was a bit awkward for me too because I hate hugs and it takes a lot of energy to be around that many people. I enjoyed it as a daily morning ritual, because I'm all about order and consistency. |
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Gnonymouse
Snowy Owl
Joined: Aug 27, 2011
Age: 27
Posts: 145
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| Posted: Sat Jun 09, 2012 4:50 pm Post subject: |
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| Feelings of social rejection or isolation can make you turn to drugs. And if you are isolated there is no one to help you control the habit. Accepting ASD was necessary for me to recover. |
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Amarikah
Snowy Owl
Joined: Aug 01, 2007
Posts: 148
Location: UT
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| Posted: Sat Jun 09, 2012 5:08 pm Post subject: |
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| It only took me one hangover to never drink again. (whew) |
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Senath
Deinonychus
Joined: May 17, 2012
Posts: 357
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| Posted: Sat Jun 09, 2012 7:57 pm Post subject: |
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| For me it's my anxieties. Especially social ones, but also in regards to the ican'tfunctionwhatdoidothisplaceisamessmylifeisoutofcontrolmakeitstop! feelings I get. |
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redrobin62
Phoenix
Joined: Apr 03, 2012
Age: 50
Posts: 3844
Location: Seattle, WA
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| Posted: Sat Jun 09, 2012 8:48 pm Post subject: |
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<--- Drinks like a fish.
<--- Doesn't bother with AA because they try to force religion down your throat.
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If you think he's eloquent now just wait till he's sober!
His blog: http://seattlewordsmith.wordpress.com/ |
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Sweetleaf
Metalhead
Joined: Jan 07, 2011
Age: 23
Posts: 14828
Location: Somewhere in Colorado
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| Posted: Mon Jun 11, 2012 3:48 pm Post subject: |
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I drink, probably too much.....but I don't really see any point in going to AA or anything since I am not considering quitting drinking. I don't think that would go over so well since I do plan to continue drinking. Basically if someone wants me to not drink or use cannabis they had better have something else that can reduce my symptoms that they are offering in its place.
Be in pain, and just try and be tough while staying away from anything that might relieve my pain...doesn't work for me.
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It's like alice in wonderland except, my names not alice and this is the real world not a dream. |
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bizboy1
Phoenix
Joined: Mar 24, 2012
Posts: 945
Location: California, USA
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| Posted: Mon Jun 11, 2012 3:53 pm Post subject: |
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| I used to drink alcohol and smoked out to become social. I don't anymore. I never had an addiction per se, but I used them obsessively. The only thing I'm addicted to and struggling with is energy drinks. I drink 2-3 per day just to function. |
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Jtuk
Phoenix
Joined: Jan 22, 2012
Posts: 732
Location: Wales, UK
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| Posted: Mon Jun 11, 2012 3:55 pm Post subject: |
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I drink two nights a week, Friday and Saturday.. If I'm at home, 2-3 small glasses of wine and 1 beer. If I'm putting myself in a social situation then I'll just drink and drink, it's an unfortunate habit that I tend to finish drinks very quickly.
I guess in the USA I'd be considered an Alcoholic, but in the UK it's pretty normal  I definitely use alcohol as a coping tool, but it's better than some of the alternatives.
Jason. |
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Fluke83
Snowy Owl
Joined: Jul 23, 2010
Age: 30
Posts: 147
Location: Norway
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| Posted: Tue Jun 12, 2012 11:31 am Post subject: |
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I guess one could say I'm an alcoholic, even though I haven't been drinking daily since April.
I've been drinking heavily the last 5-6 years, the last 3 years I've been drinking heavy and daily.
In April I stopped drinking and started smoking pot instead, I have no desire to drink when I've smoked.
I've also lost 15 lbs since I switched to cannabis and feel generally like a new person, I feel a lot better. Too bad it's illegal..  |
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