Babette Wise, (202) 944-5364, with Georgetown psychiatry is probably the best known counselor in town that specializes in alcohol and drug abuse. She's amazing and she takes BCBS.

I cannot stress how important it is to find someone who specializes in substance abuse. DH had a problem and saw a psychologist who he really liked. Unfortunately, that therapist did not know how to handle DH's drinking problem properly and it continued for years. He saw Babette and immediately started his road to recovery. Good luck!

OP, definitely work with a therapist who specializes in substance abuse. You have specific needs that an expert in substance abuse will understand better. Good luck! So glad you're trying to deal with this problem. Stick with it and your life will get better.

I had a tough time in AA because I am an atheist. I learned a lot about stopping drinking and getting my life back together, but there was definite tension around my atheism. After eleven years in AA, I finally stopped going. I wasn't getting anything new from the program and I wasn't a good "Oldtimer" because I don't believe in God and said so. It was perfectly okay for a person new to AA to be atheist. [Although I heard "Keep coming back!" a lot. ] It was much less okay in my home group and regular meetings for a Deacon or Oldtimer to be an atheist because I was setting a bad example. I miss my AA friends, but I don't miss AA meetings.

If you don't like the approach of AA, but think a group would be helpful, you could try Women for Sobriety or Smart Recovery or SOS.

http://www.smartrecovery.org/meetings/index.htm

http://womenforsobriety.org/beta2/

http://www.cfiwest.org/sos/find.htm

If AA is the only option for you, I found "Zen of Recovery" very helpful for working the 12 steps as an atheist.

OP, please get help. You sound really desperate and pleading on an anonymous board is seeking help! Try AA, or get a therapist, talk to family and friends to get help from the people who love you.

Echoing a PP, have you been to AA? As they say, "It works if you work it." It really does.

You need to find a doctor who can treat both your depression and drinking. You can't treat one without treating the other.

Try one of the substance abuse people in your plan. If he or she isn't the right one, try another.

If you don't like AA, try Rational Recovery. Read "The Little Book."

You might also try a book by Albert Ellis called "When AA Doesn't Work For You."

Start a regular exercise program. Daily walking, at least. It will help with the depression.

Go see your family physician and start an anti-depressant.

Anonymous wrote:Yes, just make a call. If your depression is on the mild-moderate end then i say go with a psychologist. If it is more moderate-severe and you will likely need meds - go with a psychiatrist. be aware many psychiatrists do not do therapy. They ask about symptoms, prescribe meds, make diagnoses, check on med side effects and generally ask how you are doing. Some do actual therapy but many don't. When calling around ask what type of therapy each provides.

+1.

Totally, most psychiatrists just give you medication and send you on your way - not real therapy. Try to find a good therapist in addition to a psychiatrist.

Also, the AA program will work for you if you work it. It's really a wonderful program - just take what you like and leave the rest. I don't know anybody with sobriety that did it without either the AA program or jail.

Yes, just make a call. If your depression is on the mild-moderate end then i say go with a psychologist. If it is more moderate-severe and you will likely need meds - go with a psychiatrist. be aware many psychiatrists do not do therapy. They ask about symptoms, prescribe meds, make diagnoses, check on med side effects and generally ask how you are doing. Some do actual therapy but many don't. When calling around ask what type of therapy each provides.

Talk to your doctor, maybe he can give you a referral.
Have you been to AA? If you haven't, try before you decide is not for you. Good luck!

I'm self-medicating for depression.

My drinking has been out of control lately. Nothing dangerous -- I do it all at home, alone a lot. I hide bottles from spouse, etc. All signs of alcoholism.

AA is not for me. I need a therapist. I need to deal with my depression. But I don't know exactly where or how to begin.

When I look up my insurance (BCBS) I sometimes find psychiatrists/psychologists near me who specialize in substance abuse. Do I just call one of them blindly and make an appointment?

I'm lost.