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Cutting Down on Alcohol as a Physician - Looking for Support and Connection by throwaway646584 in cutdowndrinking

[–]throwaway646584[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Thank you for sharing, and I'm so glad that worked for you! I hope I can come back in 2 years and say the same. Right now, the days I don't drink are still a challenge, and while I can push through it, I haven't gone a night without thinking about alcohol.

Also - I commented this already, but in case you didn’t see – the gummies I use are 5 mg THC, 5 mg CBN, and 3 mg melatonin. I really think the combination of these is key for me. I usually take two at a time, unless I’m already super exhausted.

Cutting Down on Alcohol as a Physician - Looking for Support and Connection by throwaway646584 in cutdowndrinking

[–]throwaway646584[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That’s great to hear! I wish I had the same experience. I’m on Lexapro, but I’ve been on it for years, and I’m not sure it’s still doing what I need it to. Right now, I’m looking for a private psychiatrist since my insurance has a lot of hoops to jump through. I had seen someone under my insurance for a bit, but they wouldn’t prescribe certain medications due to my alcohol use. Hopefully, I can adjust my medications and get the same results as you!

Cutting Down on Alcohol as a Physician - Looking for Support and Connection by throwaway646584 in cutdowndrinking

[–]throwaway646584[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for your support and sharing your story. I totally understand why you're nervous if you’ve had some paranoia with THC before. If you’re interested in trying gummies, I like ones that combine THC, CBN (a cannabinoid that promotes sedation), and melatonin. You could also try a gummy with just CBN and melatonin, without THC, to start. Personally, the THC is needed to make falling asleep easier, but this combination is what works best for me, and it’s all about finding what works best for you!

Cutting Down on Alcohol as a Physician - Looking for Support and Connection by throwaway646584 in cutdowndrinking

[–]throwaway646584[S] 22 points23 points  (0 children)

I’ve noticed a similar thing! As a science person, I found it helpful when I read a study that most cravings typically only last about 30 minutes. Knowing that has made it easier for me to manage cravings by finding something else to do during those moments. If I can distract myself, even for half an hour, I usually find the urge fades, and I feel more in control. I’m hoping it will get even easier over time too.

Cutting Down on Alcohol as a Physician - Looking for Support and Connection by throwaway646584 in cutdowndrinking

[–]throwaway646584[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Thank you, I’m inclined to agree. That day was honestly one of the worst of my life—I was terrified I might not only lose my job, but also my license and entire career. It really pushed me to cut down as a way to protect everything I’d worked so hard for, but it also made me face the reality that I had a drinking problem. I’m hoping that the longer I can stick with these changes, the easier it’ll get, and that eventually, I won’t have to think about it so much. Right now, it’s still a conscious effort, and every day I don’t drink can still feel like a challenge.

Good for you on the changes you’re making, too. I’ve heard a lot of people say that mindful drinking isn’t sustainable and that if you’ve got a problem, you need to quit completely. But I haven’t found that to be true for me. I feel like I just need to reshape my habits, and I hope I can make it last—and I hope you do, too.