My mom, a "codependant" alcoholic?

[deadmoap]

My mom wants to stop drinking, but is physically addicted, and she says
she's "codependant", meaning that it doesn't matter what it is, she
just needs something to get high off of, and right now it's alcohol.
I'm not sure if she's using "codependant" in the right way, I don't
really know what it is and google didn't really help.



But anyway... she's thinking about going back to pot. Back when she
smoked pot (when I was about 3-5 years old), she didn't drink nearly as
much, was much happier with life, and that's also the period of my life
that she spent the most time with me. She only quit because she got
tired of all the "paraphernalia"... like cleaning pipes and bongs and
stuff. But anyway... I'd much rather have her smoke pot than drink.
When she drinks, she gets completely... dumb. There's been a couple
times that she's been really drunk and she was flipping through the
phonebook, looking for the number to alcoholics anonymous. I don't want
her to go through any rehab thing, and neither does she.



Anyway, lately since my plants are two and a half weeks into flowering
and she's been looking at them... she's been talking more and more
about going back to pot. I don't have a problem with that. Pot isn't
going to cause liver and brain damage like alcohol will. Money wont be
a problem, since in a few months here I plan on having a good SoG going
and I'll give her weed for free... if it will make her more happy with
herself and stop drinking.



Anyway, what do you think of this? Has anyone here heard of
"codependancy"? And do you think it's a good idea to get her back on
pot to quit alcohol? I remember her when she smoked pot. She was always
happy and calm. When she drinks, she gets sad and angry.



As far as alcohol withdrawls go, I've been thinking about giving her
some Xanax. She says the most noticable withdrawl she gets is "the
shakes", which I know Xanax would work for. Alcohol withdrawls can be
dangerous, and in some cases fatal (from what I've heard).



Any help would be appreciated. Especially someone who's quit alcohol
before... or a link to a site that talks about alcohol withdrawls,
codependency, etc.

[dillydude]

Not quite sure, but the term codependant might mean more then one drug or alcolhol at a time.


I,ve been an alcolholic for about ten or more years, I would'nt reccommend my method of stopping drinking, it was hard IV. drugs, it takes your desire to drink away. I was on them for four years.


Now I don't do anything at all, kinda boring and I do get desires but I cannot maintain any controlable imparement.


Also withdrawing from alcolhol can be lifethreatning, usualy organs shutting down can result from this , depending on the severity on the dependency.

[uqlfy]

The term "codependent" used properly refers not to being dependent on a
substance but rather dependence on a person or relationship. Now as far
as switching on addiction for another I personally think it not the way
to go. However I wholeheartedly agree smokin some herb is way safer
than full blown alchoholism. With regard to withdrawal shakes etc.
sometimes it can cause seizures as well as shutdown of organs.
Inpatient rehab is really shitty I know from experience. But if there
is a chance of death from cold turkey Id rather do my thirty days and
live.

You can find alot of info just by calling AA. The # is availble on their site listed by state.

www.Alchoholics-Anonymous.org

[42itis]

I hear what you are saying and Im sorry it is like it is. Realizing there is a problem is the first step to solving it. There are degrees of alcoholism and many types of alcoholics, a good many drink with little to no obvious problems all their lives, others just fizzle away, piece by piece, until nothing is left except the next drink. Giving advice is not something that I could give you. I will tell you this: The alcoholic or addict has to help themself you cant do it for them. The only thing that works for an alcoholic or addict is TOTAL SOBRIETY for an extended period of time. Yes xanax can help for withdrawals and detox from drugs can lead to physical illness sometimes severe. There is a group called "Children of Alcoholics" COA is some towns. Maybe go to an AA meeting with her and you can find out what codependant is, if there is such a thing, (its a theory) I hope that helps dude, Peace!

[dmax]

My understanding of the word "codependent" puts it not in context with
your situation: a relationship where each person needs the other person
to be dependent on them.



Alcoholics Anonymous (and other Anonymous's) bother me. They have
a strong Christian agenda. Sure, I know I sound like a jackass,
because I'm mad at an organization that tries to help people, but it's
particular brand of help bugs me. I read a few of their
pamphlets, and they seemed to want me to accept that only jesus could
cure me of my addiction, and that I was powerless to stop it.
Shitty.



I think pot's probably somewhat easier on the body and soul than
alcohol, although it's not nothing. Causes lung cancer, makes ya
slow. But still, better than alcohol.

[RoboCop]

Although codependency is not the right word for it. This is exactly how I am. I am not addicted to any one drug rather addicted to getting high/intoxicated. It does not matter what the drug is. I can quit using any drug at any time and not go back to it, but I will just find a new drug. Drinking alcohol often and keeping your life managable(sp?) is a lot harder than with smoking marijuana. (in my opinion.)
That or she could go to the doctor with her problem and most likely get something prescribed. Swim went to the doctor for being 'chemically embalanced' needing drugs to feel good/normal and was prescribed a nice relaxing 'anti anxiety drug' (nothing illegal and he wasn't trying to con the doctor to get drugs or anything.)
If you/she wants to quit using drugs all together than rehab is probablly the best bet.Edited by: RoboCop

[uqlfy]

DMAX

Alcoholics Anonymous (and other Anonymous's) bother me. They have
a strong Christian agenda. Sure, I know I sound like a jackass,
because I'm mad at an organization that tries to help people, but it's
particular brand of help bugs me. I read a few of their
pamphlets, and they seemed to want me to accept that only jesus could
cure me of my addiction, and that I was powerless to stop it.
Shitty.DMAX


I agree about the christian agenda of some members. What I think
you are missing is that some of the people who go to these meetings
have tried just about everything to stop and are powerless to stop. The
only way to be cured for them is for a "higher power" to "save" them.
Whether it is actually GOD or just some type of placebo effect it works</span> for them.

Yeah the christian "deity" is used alot by AA. This is because the
majority of members are christian. The Wiccan God/Goddess or Islam or
any other "higher power" is also just as acceptable. I know an atheist
who would "pray" to his subconcious mind.

Edited by: uqlfy