Insomnia and alcohol

[Devon]

Yes, this is cross-posted because it involves both groups.



I've had insomnia problems for years. I tried to tell myself that it wasn't
much of an issue and wasn't serious.it's an emotional issue.it's where I'm
sleeping.it's that I'm not tired enough to sleep. I used alcohol sometimes
to help me sleep (before you start to tell me about REM sleep, I'll cut-in
and tell you about the difference between some sleep and no sleep at all).
I used Ambien for years (not with alcohol on the same night) and that worked
great. Then I let a doctor convince me to get off the Ambien. I used more
alcohol, lost my job, and spent the next 2 years avoiding alcohol, looking
for a job, and trying to convince myself that insomnia was not a serious
issue. Once back to work, I started using alcohol again so I could get
enough sleep to hold-down my job. Alcohol became a problem.



I finally faced the real problem and visited a doctor again for the
insomnia.



Today I visited AA for the first time. After the meeting was over, I
introduced myself to the person who guided the meeting. I told him that it
was my first time--that this was a part of my plan to take my life back.
1st I'd get the insomnia under control and 2nd I'd work on the alcohol
problem. He seemed confused during our conversation because I hadn't had a
drink in a week but was more concerned about the insomnia. Again, it was
another person among, friends, doctors, associates, and my supervisors who
didn't understand that insomnia is a real problem. And I'm beginning to
realize that insomnia is more a problem of misunderstanding and shame. I
don't think it's good to bring it up with friends anymore--they'll view it
as personal weakness.



I finally came to terms with it.



My name is Devon and I am an insomniac.