Addiction to Alcohol/Worried...

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Expert: - 3/12/2007


Question
Hi Todd,

I'm very worried about somebody I know.  She's been a heavy drinker/smoker/substance user for almost 25 years, and her recent behavior/well-being is starting to upset me.

I'll spare the goriest of details--suffice to say she sometimes is inclined, around 3 in the morning, to take these substances with alcohol and do things like, for example, stumble around on all fours woofing like a dog, or trip over end tables and fall into the wall, or wander around the backyard in February muttering things to dead relatives (her grandmother and grandfather, usually).

What concerns me most is this: as of about three weeks ago, she's been dribbling black matter from her mouth (around 3-4 in the morning, after drinking all night).  It may sound strange, but it looks like she's been eating lots of black licorice, because her saliva is all brownish-black.  During her episodes this black gunk drools out of her mouth, and I'm concerned that this is a sign of serious medical trouble.  She won't go to the doctor and has made threats against anyone who says they're going to take her to the hospital.  

Can you identify this medical condition?  I've looked on WebMD but couldn't find anything.  If it's something terminal or potentially fatal I feel it very important to give her medical attention immediately.

Thank you.


Sincerely,

Rob

Answer
Hi Rob,

I am NOT a doctor in any way shape or form, so you will need to seem medical attention.... What you are discussing sounds like either bile from the liver or blood. Blood is usually very dark until it mixes with Oxygen.

In either case it sounds as though your friend needs immediate medical attention.

Sorry I cannot be more helpful.

Todd

Addiction to Alcohol

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Todd

Expertise

I sense it's important to let you know (upfront) that I don't have a 12-step orientation. I also want to let you know that this system won't allow us to make paragraphs, so I am using ** to separate my thoughts into paragraphs I can answer questions related to getting/staying sober, queries related to support for loved ones, questions on support groups, relapse prevention, communication skills, alcohol and drug pharmacology, spirituality, and finding ways to increase joy within sobriety. I see sobriety as a skill, understand that recovery looks different for everybody, and encourage people to find a sobriety mentor. **It has been my experience that in 12-step groups many people are seen to fail under the guise of a lack of willingness. When I used to attend meetings I'd see many people who were shamed and bullied over various medications they needed to take...telling people they can't take various medications is akin to playing God. I have yet to understand how taking MH meds is any different than taking any other medication which you need to thrive and support your health. **As there is so much shame, stigma, myths, and misinformation in this culture around CD (many of my clients will tell you that it is easier to be mentally ill than it is to have any sort of chemical dependency issue - in some way people are seen to be able to control their alcohol/drug using behaviors..not so with mental illness) folks first need to come to a place where they move beyond the stigma they internalize. **There is a term in social psychology called 'introjection'.....that is, when this culture views something in a certain way, we take on the facets of that stereotype...think about CD or folks who are gay/lesbian...this culture views these things in a negative way...we internalize this and feel poorly as a result.....as a mentor said, our culture fails gravely at being humane

Experience

I've been working in the field of addictions for nearly 27 years, within the inpatient and outpatient setting, as well as working in the Department of Corrections, the Director of Counseling for a large chemical dependency hospital, to where I'm currently employed doing in-home mental health and chemical dependency engagement with (mostly) seniors. I also have a contract gig running the entire CD program for a long-term transitional program to support people to overcome homelessness. As I've been doing this work for many years I am currently teaching a college class: intro to chemical dependency. It's been neat to see my students 'get it' and understand that they can have a huge impact on people and how they navigate their recovery. I've been sober for over 29 years and have a sense of what is required to maintain long-term sobriety and abstinence, and engage lasting change. **I am a huge fan of various anti-craving medications. In some recovery circles this is taboo, however, it's been my experience that there is no reward for suffering. **I also understand that as recovery looks different for everybody, perhaps someone's program could be riding a bike, spending time with family, doing yoga, swimming, writing in a journal, spending time with friends, therapy, playing with a pet, reading spiritual literature, etc....it seems to me that many paths have merit.

Organizations
National/state organizations relative to chemical dependency and addictive disorders.

Publications
http://www.askanaddictioncounselor.com

Education/Credentials
Degree/certification as a chemical dependency counselor, and state certification as an addiction professional.I'm working towards further graduate studies in clinical psychopharmacology.

Awards and Honors
Last year I was invited to do a five-hour presentation on various facets of addictive disorders as a very large behavioral health hospital. I was somewhat resistant as I was a bit nervous to speak in front of 2000 people. I had no idea my approach would be so welcome. I sense that it's hard to remember how much we know.

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