Hey Justin I can relate,totally. Today I joined Wrong Planet also. I'm 33 and wasn't diagnosed until about 7 months ago and I can tell you that our lives have been very similar. I statred drinking at age 13, smoking pot at age 16, full-blown whiskey alcoholic at age 22, oxycontin addict at age 25,and herion addict at age 27. Never really got into speed,I really liked the feeling opiates gave me. I gave up alcohol for opiates because of the effectiveness in medicating and less possibility of DUI's. I have been to jail 5 or 6 times and don't intend on going back. When I discovered Asperger Syndrome,on my own, 7 months ago,it was life-changing. I now had an explanation for my thought processes,which, until then,I just couldn't find the words to explain to others, how I felt,thought, etc... You have an advantage, at least you know that you have Aspergers, which is important knowledge. I too,have problems with relationships and have been unable to find companionship, due to my hyper-anxiety when I'm around other people. Before diagnosed, I had many women approach me and I usually made some sort of excuse,to avoid them, until they lost interest in me. I had no good explanation to give to them, as to why, I couldn't have a relationship. Very frustrating! My advice to you is that, knowledge is power, don't fight Aspergers use it to your advantage. If you keep trying to appear and act normal, your life will be hell. I don't know if you have the severe panic attacks and anxiety that I do. If you do, meds will help, but I haven't found a cure yet. I will probably, always be searching for the answer. Good luck and godspeed, Jason.
26 Jan 2008, 11:19 pm
