Jump to content
  • Welcome to the TransPulse Forums!

    We offer a safe, inclusive community for transgender and gender non-conforming folks, as well as their loved ones, to find support and information.  Join today!

Alternatives to Total Sobriety


Guest apostate79

Recommended Posts

Guest apostate79

I was wondering if you might have some helpful advice or warnings for people such as myself, for whom 100% sobriety is not a present goal? From what I have read, it seems like one might have to stay completely away from all mind-altering substances, in order to undergo HRT safely. Keep in mind that as I have gotten older I have also slowed down considerably in my hard partying rock'n'roll lifestyle. I have been blessed by genetics with a higher than average alcohol tolerance, my grandfathers on both sides of my family had reputations for being heavy drinkers, and that became one of the overtly macho behaviours I would try to emulate when I was younger (my mother and father are both practising Mormons, and do not smoke or drink). Now, I mostly only drink on weekends, and on a Friday night I may enjoy two pitchers of beer, but that is a major improvement when you compare that to when I was 25-26, and it was a 2.6L bottle of rum a night.

In the past year it has become a regular habit for me to smoke a joint after work to help me unwind. I have read some conflicting reports on the effects of regular cannabis use- some of you say that it may interfere with hormones and reduce the effectiveness of hormone treatment, yet I have also read that prolonged usage has been known to drastically lower levels of testosterone. Keep in mind that pot smokers are not notorious for their violent or aggressive behaviour. I have also been involved with the local DJ and rave scene for some years now, where drugs are always present and readily available. I would be grateful for any information or advice regarding the safety of cocaine, ecstasy or MDMA while on HRT.

I have also read some of the dire warnings against smoking while on HRT, and I can certainly see that for cigarettes, but what if I want to smoke the occasional cigar?

Link to comment

One of the danger of heavy drinking (and yes two pictures of beer would be heavy drinking) is the potential damage to the liver. Like many medications, anti androgens and estrogen have the potential of being hard on the liver. Many recreational drugs have the same effect. So if your liver is already stressed the HRT may cause further damage. This is one reason why it is very important to have your blood tested at regular intervals while on HRT.

I don't know about smoking of tobacco or other things. The thing you really need to do is tell your HRT doctor what you are taking and doing and take their advise.

Mia

Link to comment
  • Admin

A particular problem I see is that they will not give you your hormones while you are in jail for sobering up purposes, and that can add to your pain.

Mia is dead right on the liver issue, and the items that you memtion are ALL heavy duty assault to good liver function. Yes, there are ways to take hormones UNDER A DOCTORS CARE that lessen the insult that they can do there. Each of the drugs you mention also carry other heavy effects that can severly shorten your time for enjoying the use of HRT. The positive effects of drug use you have heard about all have so many qualifications and such limited result that its as if they do not exist. They are more wishful thinking observations that are without solid experimental evidence of their validity. An obvious side effect of the beer, is the fact that Great Beer Bellies Are Made Not Born, and hormones make it much harder to lose the weight especially if it is E you are taking. If you are looking toward SRS, most of the surgeons do not want you to be obese. I have another 40 beer pounds to lose before I can get SRS.

Sobriety is totally your decision, if your substance (ab)use is not making your life unmanageable, then its your shot totally. If your life is losing its manageability, think real hard about getting into a recovery program, where total sobriety is the goal. Some people can deal with the stuff responsibly, but they are lucky and not necessarily smart.

Link to comment
Guest apostate79

About the weight issue, I've always had a pretty wiry figure, I don't think I could ever be mistaken for obese any time soon. If anything, my problem is probably that I don't eat enough.

Link to comment

I was wondering if you might have some helpful advice or warnings for people such as myself, for whom 100% sobriety is not a present goal? From what I have read, it seems like one might have to stay completely away from all mind-altering substances, in order to undergo HRT safely.Keep in mind that as I have gotten older I have also slowed down considerably in my hard partying rock'n'roll lifestyle. I have been blessed by genetics with a higher than average alcohol tolerance, my grandfathers on both sides of my family had reputations for being heavy drinkers, and that became one of the overtly macho behaviours I would try to emulate when I was younger (my mother and father are both practising Mormons, and do not smoke or drink). Now, I mostly only drink on weekends, and on a Friday night I may enjoy two pitchers of beer, but that is a major improvement when you compare that to when I was 25-26, and it was a 2.6L bottle of rum a night.

In the past year it has become a regular habit for me to smoke a joint after work to help me unwind. I have read some conflicting reports on the effects of regular cannabis use- some of you say that it may interfere with hormones and reduce the effectiveness of hormone treatment, yet I have also read that prolonged usage has been known to drastically lower levels of testosterone. Keep in mind that pot smokers are not notorious for their violent or aggressive behaviour. I have also been involved with the local DJ and rave scene for some years now, where drugs are always present and readily available. I would be grateful for any information or advice regarding the safety of cocaine, ecstasy or MDMA while on HRT.

I have also read some of the dire warnings against smoking while on HRT, and I can certainly see that for cigarettes, but what if I want to smoke the occasional cigar?

A fellow wiser than I told me one time that a normal person plans his recreational substances around his goals in life whereas a person with a problem plans his life goals around his recreational consumption... Not judgin' just may want to check yourself... I've been there... :)

Best wishes

Michelle

Link to comment
Guest apostate79

I know that two pitchers may sound like I a lot, but I would be willing to cut down further. Also, I exaggerated a bit about the 2.6L of rum, I meant to say a 26-ounce bottle. I also do not consider weed as a "real" drug.

Link to comment
  • Admin

Just make sure your M.D. does a lab panel of Hepatic Function tests on you about every 4 months then. But be up front with him on your actual use and consumption so he will do them. Enjoy it while you can.

Link to comment

I know that two pitchers may sound like I a lot, but I would be willing to cut down further. Also, I exaggerated a bit about the 2.6L of rum, I meant to say a 26-ounce bottle. I also do not consider weed as a "real" drug.

Apostate,

Please don't be offended when I say this, but my opinion is that you have a relationship with alcohol that runs deeper than you may want to admit. If I'm wrong, no problem, if I'm right, BIG problem...

You have waved several red flags that indicate an issue deeper than just 'partying'. If you want to make forward progress in you life journey, you may wish to dig deeper right here...

'Weed' can be a medicine under the right circumstances, but not in every case, and should be used with caution and circumspection, preferably with a prescription, if available..

But alcohol, especially in a family with alcohol-addiction histories, has sidetracked many a fine trans-person from reaching their real selves.

Look closely, please...you might just be an alcoholic in denial. I hope not, but better to know it now than find out in 20 years..

Love and every kindness, Svenna

Link to comment
  • Forum Moderator

I don't know about smoking of tobacco or other things. The thing you really need to do is tell your HRT doctor what you are taking and doing and take their advise.

Mia

Smoking while on hrt increases the risk of DVT. I'm not sure what percentage off of the top of my head but it is a significant increase.

Link to comment

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
  • Who's Online   7 Members, 0 Anonymous, 99 Guests (See full list)

    • KathyLauren
    • Quillian
    • Abigail Genevieve
    • Lorelei
    • Petra Jane
    • violet r
    • April Marie
  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.
  • Forum Statistics

    • Total Topics
      80.6k
    • Total Posts
      767.9k
  • Member Statistics

    • Total Members
      12,013
    • Most Online
      8,356

    Quillian
    Newest Member
    Quillian
    Joined
  • Today's Birthdays

    1. 777fleetleader777
      777fleetleader777
      (21 years old)
    2. ArinHallm3
      ArinHallm3
      (18 years old)
    3. ITakMyTime
      ITakMyTime
      (70 years old)
    4. Jess31
      Jess31
      (40 years old)
    5. Natalie71645
      Natalie71645
      (39 years old)
  • Posts

    • April Marie
      What an amazing life you've shared with your wife. I can understand the trepidation you had at telling her at that point in your relationship but it certainly saved all of the guilt, the questioning and the secrecy that would have filled your lives had you not.   I'm on the other end of the spectrum having denied and buried my truth for decades and fast approaching 50 years of marriage when the dysphoria and depression finally came to critical mass and I unloaded it all on a New Year's Day morning. As you might imagine, it led to a lot of questions, of questioning everything, of anger and hurt on my wife's part. Guilt, embarrassment, fear...and anything else you can imagine on my part.   Thankfully, our love for each other has always been the foundation of our relationship and, ultimately, we both agreed that staying together was what we both wanted. It was a tough year but, now into the 2d since my coming out, we've hit our stride and are exploring this new norm in our life.   I do so love your blog.
    • Adrianna Danielle
      Will be at my place
    • Vidanjali
      Congratulations on your new family member!
    • Abigail Genevieve
      I thought I would try my version of this. Changes in bold.   I am Transgender.  Sometimes it is remote, sometimes close. Sometimes I am euphoric, sometimes depressed. It is something I cannot get away from and cannot welcome enough. I see some things both ways that neither men as men see or women as women see.  I can be gentle and compassionate and hard as nails. I was born with male genitals but a female heart   I have my heart.  Whatever it is. When I look at a female, I wish I looked like her  Depends on the woman.  When I look at a male, I wish I did not look like him   Ditto. I envy female movements, softness, behaviors, appearances, fashion...EVERYTHING Female Depends. Sometimes I get angry at them because women spend time and energy in ways men don't.  It is not necessarily bad.  I could do without the gossip. Not all women gossip.  Excessive focus on fashion is something I find annoying. And expensive. I tolerate all things male out of social obligation...not because I feel like a man or because it makes me happy....but because that's what I was forced to believe was my only choice....beginning in early childhood. Sometimes it is helpful to put on the Iron Man suit and act accordingly.  But I have seen some tough women. When I look at myself in the mirror in only bra and panties...I can see my nude female body...and it makes me smile and feel amazing and warm inside....yet sad because that is not my reality. I could go either way, mostly. Really.  In tests in the last two years technicians have gone really quiet when they see how little body and leg hair I have.  I looked at myself this morning.  Remove a few clues and a girl is standing there. When I look at myself in the mirror in only boxers...I can see my nude male body and it saddens me deeply and makes me feel sick and depressed...and at times...even ashamed....Because this IS my reality. At this point I am not going to do that. In the mood I am in I might break the mirror. My true gender does not influence my sexual interests or preferences...or change who I am....in any form or fashion. Gender identity is in no way connected to anything sexually related on any level.  Not sure I want to make that statement so categorically. Life as a male leaves me with a feeling that something is off...that something is missing...that something is not as it should have been.   Well put. The idea of having to continue living as a male...as someone I am not...for the rest of my life...even if its only part time...causes great sadness and anxiety within myself. I've got priorities beyond this that this must fit into. The idea of living as the girl I am and always have been on a full time basis...regardless of where I am, what I am doing or who I am around...brings me great joy, happiness and a sense of peace within myself.  Would be neat. Looking like and living as a girl makes me smile.   Would be neat.  There are downsides.  Looking like and living as a guy makes me sad.   I have had lots of practice accepting this. I am Transgender....I am a girl
    • Ashley0616
    • Ashley0616
      Good listener, respect them, and show sympathy/empathy, even just being there
    • Ashley0616
      Getting dog today he's potty trained
    • Sally Stone
      Think positively, Ashley.  I have no doubt you'll find your king or queen at some point.   Hugs,   Sally
    • Abigail Genevieve
      Bob had the night off from teaching kara-tay and they planned to spend a lot of it at Cabaret.   Once in, Taylor waited for her man to park and looked around.  There was a sign "Mary, Paul and Peter LIVE tonight" and, sure enough, three microphones were standing in the open area.  A new hostess came up to her. "Are you alone?" "Oh, no.  He's coming." Taylor was led to a table. Bob was there in a minute and managed to get in there and seat her.  She smiled. "The act will be along in a few minutes. And Congratulations! I am SO EXCITED!!" Taylor responded to his look. "I got promoted." "To what?" "Head of Marketing." "You're kidding." "Nope.  It seems the Board finally woke up to the fact that the China cash cow may come to an end and they need to do something. Did you know that the VPs on up all get over a million dollars in compensation without really doing anything?" "No." "I am supposed to figure out how to re-energize over thirty acres of factory that have laid idle for forty years or more." "Why don't they do it?" She whispered,"the head of production is the son of the previous head of production. He has never produced anything."  She explained that everything was made in China and exported back to the US and sold under different brand names. "How am I going to find someone?" He smiled. "Congratulations. Sounds like a problem.  Hey, today we were talking about problems at our Philly plant.  One, it was built before World War 2. Second the city and state are tightening regulations and the tax structure is adverse.  Third, we get protestors every day, some of whom break into the factory.  People are talking about relocating." "We are forty miles from an interstate." "That is a plus.  Makes it harder for protestors to find us if we moved here." "You are really thinking that?" "I am, right now. I can't speak for the company.  I know there is a rail line." "Spur, actually, with several sidings.  The buildings are in good shape." "Do you have about five acres we could look at? How about if I take some pictures and send them off?" "Great.  And protestors would not be tolerated in Millville.  The factory area once upon a time was the main employer and people are very protective." Two weeks later she was in Philadelphia with Gibson and a few others.  The deal was signed and by end of summer ten acres, with an option on another ten, were being upgraded and equipment was coming in by rail. Not five, but ten.  She got a $20,000 bonus out of the blue.  The company was flush with Chinese cash that they didn't know what to do with. She was developing plans. But back to dinner.  "Did I tell you what they are paying me?" "No." She told him. "That is more than I am making." "You don't sound happy." "It takes some getting used to.  You are Management and Croesus combined." "Yeah. Is this a problem?" "No.  As I said, it takes some getting used to."  The musicians arrived and were introduced: three local teenagers in Peter Paul and Mary clothing and wigs like it was the 60s.  They began singing. "They are good," she said. "They are lip-synching." "They are good at lip-synching." They listened for a while. "Work is going to be intense for a while." "I'll bet." "I won't be able to talk to you about some of it." "I bet." They had a good evening.   The high point for Bob was that she let him put his hand on hers.  The high point for her was Bob did not seem threatened by her now being Management and making more than he did with a Masters. She didn't tell him she was likely to be in on the distribution of money the Chinese sent every year to keep them fat and happy.  But she had to finish up that report, so the evening ended early.  He drove her home, checked her apartment for people and again walked away hearing her lock the door three times.  She didn't say it, but he knew she was going to have a long talk with her therapist as well.   Her therapist was a night owl.  
    • Ashley0616
      envy: painful or resentful awareness of an advantage enjoyed by another joined with a desire to possess the same advantage obsolete : MALICE : an object of envious notice or feeling
    • MaeBe
      I sit back and think, am I this person? I definitely argue, but with the willingness to alter my opinion if I find that my information is lacking. So, no? I also don't go pointing fingers in faces like a crazed person, usually I am the one to argue with that kind of person; typically because they can't see past emotion and have little concern for actual facts. Sometimes it's sport that I do this (ENTP, baby!), but usually it comes from a place of trying to inform and shift opinion--or at least get them to actually obtain facts or get their facts from objective sources.
    • Ashley0616
    • Ashley0616
    • Ashley0616
    • MaeBe
      How exciting! Have a glorious evening!
  • Upcoming Events

Contact TransPulse

TransPulse can be contacted in the following ways:

Email: Click Here.

To report an error on this page.

Legal

Your use of this site is subject to the following rules and policies, whether you have read them or not.

Terms of Use
Privacy Policy
DMCA Policy
Community Rules

Hosting

Upstream hosting for TransPulse provided by QnEZ.

Sponsorship

Special consideration for TransPulse is kindly provided by The Breast Form Store.
×
×
  • Create New...