New CPAP and Alcoholic

Hey guys,

New member here! I've completed my Lofta at home sleep test and will be soon ordering my CPAP machine (tomorrow). I have serious issues will depression and alcoholism and was recommended to have a sleep test to bring me back to myself. I wanted to post to see if anyone has started their CPAP journey while struggling with addiction? If so, what can I expect? My results from the test are 18.2 RDI events per hour, 15.1 AHI events per hour, average oxygen saturation was 93 (low of 87 high of 99), pulse was averaged at 65 (low of 48 bpm high of 102), and 341 minutes of back and 91 minutes of right side, 55% of light sleep (20% of deep and 25% of REM). I look forward to hearing from you all, negative comments are welcome...one of the best ways to improve upon yourself...

I'm certainly no expert, but I'd think that apart from the fact that alcohol can make sleep apnea and sleep in general much worse, using CPAP shouldn't be much different than for someone who doesn't struggle with addiction. I have no idea how much you drink, but if you drink yourself sick, my main advice would be not to use a full face mask in case you have to spew! Which I hope isn't the case of course...

Given the fact that alcohol can make sleep apnea worse, I think that if you manage to give up alcohol, you might eventually need lower pressures on your machine, and higher pressures when you drink.. but as I said, I'm clearly no expert and there are people here who will have much more insight than me!

Very limited experience for me so far with CPAP, but after having too much to drink a few weeks ago, I found it was actually very helpful for feeling good the next morning. The positive air pressure made it really easy to take full deep breaths (even upon waking). Waking up hungover generally isn't characterized by good breathing habits, but I found breathing with my mask for another hour after waking up really helped.

Definitely not an intended or recommended use for the machine.

And if you are prone to overindulging, removing the punitive consequence may also not be in your own best interests. But only you can answer that.

And thank you for your candour about your struggles. We're all addicted to something...and alcohol probably causes fewer sleep apnea issues than soluble carbohydrate.

If you go to 'meetings', you might want to ask if others use Cpap and get some idea of how things went/go for them (but do be careful of unhappy ones who didn't get the right help and quit). Also, try to stay in this thread if possible so we can follow your story in one place. Thanks!

Hey. I stumbled upon this old forum post and wanted to reach out to you. I understand where you're coming from with the CPAP and addiction struggles. I haven't personally been in that situation, but I've heard from others who have. It's important to remember that everyone's journey is different, so you may have different experiences. But if you're still looking for support, have you checked out any of the recovery west palm beach programs? They have some great resources and support groups. If this post is still relevant to you and you're looking for help, please let us know.

Facing reality takes help. True of OSA. True of addiction. True of depression.

Speak to those around you in your real life to make sure you get that help immediately, if you haven't already. Your doc. Trusted friend(s). Family. Etc.

Telling an anonymous online forum is fine for rehearsal. Telling the helpers in real life may seem harder, but it is necessary. And worth it.

Taking needed steps to get the needed help is something others will come to respect and admire. Negative comments are not what you need. Positive steps are. Sounds like you may be well on your way.

All respect to you, friend. Do what needs to be done. Rebuilding and healing, starting now. Make the calls, if you haven't already.

Cheering for you.

When your machine arrives, please come back and let us know how we can help as you get going with this important piece of your effort to bring you back to yourself. (What a fine way you put what you're aiming for.)

One quick initial tip: try setting the machine up somewhere outside your bedroom and watching TV or reading while you use it. You don't have to try sleeping with it right away, and it might help you get used to the new sensations if you spend some time with the machine during the day or evening for a few days.

Using cpap while awake is NOT cheating.
It is good practice, and will help you get "in the groove".