Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi there,
I really struggle with alcohol addiction I’m a young man with autism in my twenties. Ever since I first got drunk at 14 I have loved the way alcohol makes me feel. The euphoria it gives me is almost indescribable, it makes me feel free to be who I want and I feel more compassion and empathy for others when I’m drunk. I haven’t found anything else like it. I tried weed but I didn’t like the way it made me feel it didn’t make me feel invincible like alcohol instead weed made me feel small and vulnerable. I have been off drink since I was 19 but recently have relapsed after years being off it. I tried it because I forgot what it was like and immediately that euphoria rushed in and once I had a taste for it again I just wanted more and more. People have recommended medication like ‘Acamprosate’ which helps with alcohol cravings I’ve never tried that before but maybe it works. But then I would worry that if I came off the medication at some point I would immediately want alcohol again. It’s difficult. I understand that lots of autistic people I have spoken to have also struggled with alcohol as it helps them loosen up a bit. I wonder if us autistic people have some kind of imbalance in our brains that makes us desire alcohol above most else. Let me know what you guys think
As I understand it, ASD can make us more prone to developing addictions. Although I personally have never had an addiction to alcohol, I know there are members here (past and present) who have, and in some instances, their reasons have been the same/similar to yours.
You would need to ask your GP what is available, but an ex-boyfriend was prescribed something that I think helped to reduce his cravings for alcohol, and also caused him to be sick if he did drink.
Something to consider is that if you take anti-depressant medication, alcohol can make it less effective. In addition, I feel alcohol-induced psychosis is something else that you may wish to consider. If you have a tendency to get drunk when you're feeling angry or depressed, it is likely that this will result in pushing people away.
Apologies if what I have said has caused offence and touched a raw nerve. I am merely speaking as an autistic person who has witnessed how distressing it can be when another autistic person is under the influence.
Yes, I have the same issue with money, food and time. My Bermuda Triangle of Addiction.