Triggering (Substance Abuse) - You would have never known...

Steel Maiden · 20-11-2008, 04:28 PM

Yes I used to do substance abuse. I don't think anyone on RYL knows. I did it for six months when I was 14. I am in hospital now and I have this massive urge to go to the local hardware store and buy some chemicals from there that I used to abuse. I also want vodka, the stronger the better. I am craving these things so much its driving me crazy. Does anyone have any ideas how I can calm the cravings down?

shandy · 20-11-2008, 06:12 PM

Sorry dont have any suggestions about how to calm your cravings other than distraction techniques.... hows the meds change going?

rockaroni · 21-11-2008, 02:31 AM

To be honest, I don't blame you for craving it in hospital.

Personally, I find the best way really, is simply distractions. If you're not bored, you're not thinking about how much you want a drink or whatever. Maybe talking about it with someone who can relate... I wish I could help more, but I'm more of an impulsive person, than one with an addictive personality, so I don't get cravings in quite the same way :/ hope things are going ok x

Samzi · 25-11-2008, 03:53 AM

Try to talk to someone, stay distracted, list reasons why you shouldn't do it etc. I'm sorry I'm not much help but I've read and I do care.

[pretty on the inside] · 01-12-2008, 06:17 PM

I find that when I feel I need to abuse substances for reasons other than recreation, it's good to talk to someone who can distract me about trivial things, like music, games or tv.

Also, when I get urges to binge/purge, I do things that are distracting and time consuming, such as painting my nails or tidying up.

I think urges like these are felt most when I'm on my own and not really doing much, although if you're in hospital I don't really know if you have much stuff around to distract you?

Take care xx

Steel Maiden · 04-12-2008, 01:03 PM

Thanks guys for these posts. I have reduced the abuse to once daily. I try to drink a lot of coffee or tea instead of solvent abusing.

Bad thing is is that I want vodka. I had a dream about Absolut Vodka and now I want to go and buy some.

Wellingtons · 04-12-2008, 02:47 PM

I think you should let your care team know about this as drugs/alcohol/stimulants are hardly helpful for Schizophrenia.

If you want the medications to work and to get better, then you have to be open and honest with your team, otherwise there's no point in trying.

Steel Maiden · 04-12-2008, 06:31 PM

Ok fair enough. I'll tell a nurse.

Just so long as my parents don't know that's ok.