I was asked recently if LD is linked with alcoholism in any way.
Given the anxiety, pain, depression, blood sugar issues, etc. that LD can cause it seemed like a very good question, but I haven't seen any mention of a link anywhere.
Does anyone know?
Posted by hiker53 (Member # 6046) on :
I have not seen any studies. I am a believer that alcoholism can run in families, but the person is in control of whether they choose to drink or not. Kind of like craving carbs--I have the choice to eat that cake or not to eat that cake and I am not going to blame Lyme Disease for my bad choices. Hiker
Posted by Corgilla (Member # 4066) on :
Hi,
When I was undiagnosed, I constantly thought about alcohol. I would get in the car after work and immediately think about going home and having a drink.
Once I was diagnosed and in treatment, I didn't think about drinking except on a social basis.
I am certain I was self medicating. The first thing the alcohol would do for me is release the intense pressure in my neck at the base of my skull. I remember craving that feeling and looking forward to the relief.
I also had tremendous fear and self loathing when I was undiagnosed and the alcohol helped ease some of those feelings as well.
Now I only have those feelings when I'm herxing and I see them for what they really are. Dis-ease.
I still drink sometimes but nowhere near the daily drinking of days gone by.
There have been other discussions on this forum about this. I don't believe anyone ever did a study on it though. I think it would be too subjective a judgement.
Take care,
Corgilla
Posted by map1131 (Member # 2022) on :
I can see someone starting to drink in order to cover pain and depression over having an illness that the doctors can't seem to find any relief for them.
Early in my illness, I remember not having to feel any pain or sickness if I a few beers. I couldn't wait till Friday and the beer I knew I would have that would take the edge off.
Saturday and Sunday would be horrible recovery days. Finally one day I realized beer drinking was not worth it.
I went about 3 yrs with zero beer. Now that I've improved I can drink one beer and enjoy it without any effects.
I can see lyme leading to alcoholism. Talk about driving you to drink, lyme fits the bill.
Pam
Posted by Jillybean (Member # 8071) on :
Although alcoholism runs in my family, I remember before I quit drinking 14 yrs ago I had such severe panic disorder that it was the only way for me to take the edge off. Unfortunately, the more I'd drink, the better I'd feel, so Id just keep going.
Then I'd wake up with the worst hangover in the world, and start drinking all over again. It became a vicious cycle, I hit my own "rock bottom" and quit. I know that I can never have another drink, and boy I sure miss a cold beer or fine glass of wine every once in a while!
Jill
Posted by mlkeen (Member # 1260) on :
I would think being alcoholic could be a risk factor for lyme. Alcohol can cause mineral and vitamin deficiencies, compromising the immune system and opening the door to infection.
Posted by SForsgren (Member # 7686) on :
It could go the opposite way also - if you know you have Lyme and alcohol makes it worse, you may be much less likely to drink.
Posted by lymeHerx001 (Member # 6215) on :
My story mimics many here.
I would crave the alcohol and cannabis, then the reutrn was less and less untill I couldnt drink at all!
So here I am and I havent had a drink in 2 years. I feel so sick with burning pains and depression if I drink. Not good.
I do look forward to the day that I can drink socially again. However Ill probabbll be in my 30s then.
I know ,, thats an insult for most of you on this board. But I have been sick since I was 13.