Alcohol Problems

[CurveControl]

Originally Posted by goohsmom

Gail: Yes, alcohol and sugar cravings are definitely tied together. Your brain gets used to using alcohol as its fuel source, just as it gets used to using glucose as a fuel source, and there is a withdrawal period while you switch from either/both to ketones for fuel. Many alcoholics turn into sugar junkies because of this, but the cravings are definitely easier to control when you cut back on sugar and don't drink.

CurveControl: Make yourself a list of all the reasons you want to quit and all the gains you'll get by quitting and keep that list handy as you approach your new goal date. When your goal-date arrives, read that list every time you feel a craving or start to feel anxious about whether you can make it or not. Remember, cravings only last 15 minutes, so if you can distract yourself for that long at a time, you can beat any craving.

Karenb: Welcome!

Thanks, Goohsmom. I am not so much worried about quitting one over the other, But BOTH!

I really don't even crave Ciggs except when I drink. I am an evening relaxation/calming drinker, so I only smoke in the evening. I don't really get cravings if I don't smoke- I have gone 2 days this week watching TV late and just going to bed, But I just LIKE my 'me' time so much.

But I am having Sinus surgery on the 20th so I expect that will be a good~And well enforced day~ to quit! No Booze with pain pills, and since just breathing will be a pain, smoking wont be an issue either~I HOPE!

[relentless]

Hello all,

First time over to this board, I mostly just read the main board...this is great! I'd love to chat with folks that are also dealing with issues of sobriety as well as being committed to this woe. I am certainly just as addicted to sugar as I am to alcohol so changing my woe and remaining sober are hand in hand partners!

Sobriety has changed my life, in so many ways!

It takes alot of work; willpower, determination, strength, humility, etc but you are worth it and you deserve to feel your life rather than numb it away.

Good luck and remember to reach out to anyone and everyone you can for support. It works!

Take care.

[orangeblossom]

I am so glad to see this thread. I have been battling my weight and my need to drink wine for a long time now..mainly since a divorce and relocation. I'm trying to reach for protein when the urge strikes....usually around dinner time. This is tough but reading this thread helps to drive home how closel related eating carbs and drinking are.
thank you!

[mom2punkin]

I am new here and i did have allot of sucess with LC for two years, however this passed summer i fell of the wagon and thought i could take a break. however late night barbaques and too much beer caused me to gain 1/2 my weight back. now i am desprete for a way out, and ready to start on atkins again. i know that the drinking was a big if not the most part of my weight gain, so there it is out in the open, i am ready again.

[IAMTHEP1]

Hi,

I've never posted to anything before so please forgive me if I'm doing it incorrectly. I took in a deep breath of FRESH air when I came across this "post". Either, I will have some other folks to help me on my journey to being healthy or I will scare them off to another website!!

I've been reading all of the posts at this site because I am trying to eat low carb for a many reasons. I am hoping that by controlling the carbs that I eat, I will be able to control my complusions for food, alcohol & cigarettes. When my mom got sick with cancer (she has passed away now), I gained 20 pounds very quickly and I would like to lose the weight in a healthy way. I have weighed as much as 250 pounds but didn't lose the weight in a very healthy manner ( I currently weigh 160). I have struggled with addiction problems since I was 10. I know in my heart that I am an alcoholic, I smoke & I have binged and purged for the past 25 years. The funny thing is - people tell me all the time that I am beautiful. When I look in the mirror - I don't see beautiful! I see someone who will probably die a very, very early & sad death. I simply don't know how to live any other way. I make a resolution every morning, however, it's as though another person takes over my body at some point during the day.

Do you think that if I eat low-carb and cut out all of the junky carbs that it will help me to control my cravings & compulsions? I followed LC for about 3 days last week and I seemed to feel much better.

I appreciate any replies.

Kim

[IAMTHEP1]

WOW!! I just realized that there hasn't been a post on this site since 10/12 and before that the last post was 10/3. Is there anyone out there who would like to bond with me towards breaking our addiction & working towards being healthy?? I would really like to get to know someone else who understands.

Kim

[CurveControl]

Originally Posted by IAMTHEP1

Hi,

I've never posted to anything before so please forgive me if I'm doing it incorrectly. I took in a deep breath of FRESH air when I came across this "post". Either, I will have some other folks to help me on my journey to being healthy or I will scare them off to another website!!

You need to stick around! It would take a LOT to sacre us!!!

Originally Posted by IAMTHEP1

it's as though another person takes over my body at some point during the day.
Do you think that if I eat low-carb and cut out all of the junky carbs that it will help me to control my cravings & compulsions? I followed LC for about 3 days last week and I seemed to feel much better.

I appreciate any replies.

Kim

I seem to do best if I keep really busy all evening. My only time I drink/smoke is in the evenings, So if I keep busy with good TV, or a movie, I am more likley to stay in, and not go outside to smoke, drink and read.
My kids nag me about smoking all the time, and DH hates the way I smell when I come to bed, so I have LOTS if reasons to work on this, But just can't get myself to straighten up, KWIM?

[orangeblossom]

hi kim,

i thought the same thing wheni saw the dates on replies. i feel the same way you do . i would love to have someone to talk to as we go thru this journey!! what do you say...maybe we can help each other out?

[lisayak]

Hi all,

It's been a while since I've posted here - I've had major computer virus issues which I've only recently resolved. It's great to see so many people disucussing their problems with alcohol. I think the feelings of loneliness and isolation caused by wrestling with this alone are soul destroying.

Hi Kim - I'm so glad you've found this post, and sorry there hasn't been much activity. A lot of my story mirrors yours. I am an alcoholic in recovery (I got sober through AA) and my problems with weight were always linked with my drinking. In fact, for a few years I used drugs instead - calorie free - sad, isn't it? I found that LC worked for me in early sobriety in two ways: first, I felt safe eating when I needed to eat and second, I felt better (more stable) without all the sugar in my system.

As far as controlling the compulsion to drink I can tell you that for me, abstinence is the only freedom from that compulsion I've ever found. The desire to drink was so strong, I was powerless to stop it, even when it drove me to the point of suicide. One drink sets me off - I lose control completely. It was exactly the same for me with cigarettes. I could never have a few - I was always 2 packs a day, until the day I quit.

I'll be checking in regularly, now that I'm back online, and hope to hear more from you all. It's a tough subject to talk about, and I'm glad we have this little space to do so.



Lisa

[Valentine Baby]

Hi everyone. I'm not so sure as to where I belong here. But I know I belong. I like beer. I don't drink wine or liquer. I don't drink everyday. I don't drink in the mornings. But....When I drink....I drink. Nonstop. I can't stop with just one or even two. I drink til I can't drink no more. I'm guessing I'm what people call a binge drinker. As far as I'm concerned that's not only alcohol abuse, it's alcoholism.

So as of last Sunday (Oct. 22nd). I've not had a drop. I've been thinking about this issue for a while now. But last Sunday was the end of the line for me. I drank til I dropped. I felt horrible the next day. Alcohol also makes me feel a lot of anxiety. To the point of panic attacks. I'm tired of it.

So my goal is to not drink anymore. I don't need alchohol to have a good time or to make me feel good about myself.

Thanks to whomever started this thread. I've been wanting to get this off my chest for a long time.

[CurveControl]

Originally Posted by valentine21463

. But....When I drink....I drink. Nonstop. I can't stop with just one or even two. I drink til I can't drink no more. I'm guessing I'm what people call a binge drinker. As far as I'm concerned that's not only alcohol abuse, it's alcoholism.

By Medical definition it is alcoholism. My sister is that type of alcoholic. I am the other kind. I very rarely drink to the point of intoxication, But I drink Daily.
Also not in the Morning, but every.single.evening. I know it is an issue, because I watched my Dad and brother do it like I do until they were drinking earlier and more, until they were trashed every night. I don't want to go there. My Dad was in recovery for years, but now has "1 or 2" each evening, My brother is in total denial.

I get nervous if there is no booze in the house. BIG red flag!

[lisayak]

Originally Posted by CurveControl

By Medical definition it is alcoholism. My sister is that type of alcoholic. I am the other kind. I very rarely drink to the point of intoxication, But I drink Daily.
Also not in the Morning, but every.single.evening. I know it is an issue, because I watched my Dad and brother do it like I do until they were drinking earlier and more, until they were trashed every night. I don't want to go there. My Dad was in recovery for years, but now has "1 or 2" each evening, My brother is in total denial.

I get nervous if there is no booze in the house. BIG red flag!

Hi CurveControl!

I believe that it's not really about how much you drink, but how that drink affects you. No one can tell you what it's like for you, or what you need to do about it - you'll have to decide for yourself. I entered recovery pretty early on in my drinking career - the mental pain was tremendous. But by other people's standards, I didn't drink that much. I was never a 24 hour drinker, never physically dependent on alcohol. But I always drank to serious intoxication, and it was every night, and I ALWAYS ensured I had enough alcohol in the house because I too got nervous if there wasn't enough.

The nice thing about sobriety is that it is only for one day: today. That's all I have to think about. The other gift of sobriety is that after those sober days began to mount up, the craving for alcohol left me and I no longer have that voice in my head reminding me it's time for a drink every evening. That freedom is priceless.

Hi Valentine,

Welcome! It's fantastic you're not in denial about what is going on in your life: alcoholism comes in many forms, from binge drinkers to 24 hour drinkers to spree drinkers. We may drink differently, but we're all alcoholics. Keep posting, and let us know how you're getting on. Best of luck to you!

Lisa

[Valentine Baby]

Originally Posted by lisayak

Hi CurveControl!

I believe that it's not really about how much you drink, but how that drink affects you. No one can tell you what it's like for you, or what you need to do about it - you'll have to decide for yourself. I entered recovery pretty early on in my drinking career - the mental pain was tremendous. But by other people's standards, I didn't drink that much. I was never a 24 hour drinker, never physically dependent on alcohol. But I always drank to serious intoxication, and it was every night, and I ALWAYS ensured I had enough alcohol in the house because I too got nervous if there wasn't enough.

The nice thing about sobriety is that it is only for one day: today. That's all I have to think about. The other gift of sobriety is that after those sober days began to mount up, the craving for alcohol left me and I no longer have that voice in my head reminding me it's time for a drink every evening. That freedom is priceless.

Hi Valentine,

Welcome! It's fantastic you're not in denial about what is going on in your life: alcoholism comes in many forms, from binge drinkers to 24 hour drinkers to spree drinkers. We may drink differently, but we're all alcoholics. Keep posting, and let us know how you're getting on. Best of luck to you!

Lisa

Thanks for the welcome Lisa.

I agree with what you say that it's not how much you drink but how it affects you.

Hi everyone. I'm not so sure as to where I belong here. But I know I belong. I like beer. I don't drink wine or liquer. I don't drink everyday. I don't drink in the mornings. But....When I drink....I drink. Nonstop. I can't stop with just one or even two. I drink til I can't drink no more. I'm guessing I'm what people call a binge drinker. As far as I'm concerned that's not only alcohol abuse, it's alcoholism.

So as of last Sunday (Oct. 22nd). I've not had a drop. I've been thinking about this issue for a while now. But last Sunday was the end of the line for me. I drank til I dropped. I felt horrible the next day. Alcohol also makes me feel a lot of anxiety. To the point of panic attacks. I'm tired of it.

So my goal is to not drink anymore. I don't need alchohol to have a good time or to make me feel good about myself.

Thanks to whomever started this thread. I've been wanting to get this off my chest for a long time.

I forgot to mention in my original post that I drink 1 to 3 nights a week. My post looked like I only drank every blue moon.

[hazelgreen]

Originally Posted by CurveControl

. I very rarely drink to the point of intoxication, But I drink Daily.
Also not in the Morning, but every.single.evening. I know it is an issue....I get nervous if there is no booze in the house. BIG red flag!

same here as what you said, and I am glad we are talking about it. every night I have what amounts to about 1-1/2 cocktails, not much but I really feel like I need it. what's funny, is that when I am on vacation and get away from life stresses, I don't crave it at all. but it does seem to be a coping mechanism, because after workdays, I cannot turn my brain off without a drink. Otherwise I worry so much about inconsequential minutae. for a long time I think I used food (mainly carbs) to deal with this.

I sometimes feel that I gained back what I lost partly because of alcohol, because I used to exercise a lot after work, which is definitely healthier, and probably accomplishes the same effect, endorphins and all that. But I went through a very stressful period where I admit I did use alcohol as a crutch, and should've used exercise, and now problems have compounded into weight gain, and alcohol usage that seems moderate, but is probably something I should consider forgoing.

One feeling I do remember from my initial induction into lowcarb, is that I felt so great from ketosis, and weight loss, I knew I could quit any addictive behavior if I really set my mind to it (I smoke cigarettes too) but just didn't have enough faith in myself to go whole hog and quit all the bad stuff.

ever thinking on it though....thanks for listening to me ramble on....

[CurveControl]

I saw the sign at the hospital today about the GREAT Smoke Out! I am putting that as my date.

Plus it is dang cold in my garage this time of year!!!(Further incentive!)

[Valentine Baby]

Originally Posted by CurveControl

I saw the sign at the hospital today about the GREAT Smoke Out! I am putting that as my date.

Plus it is dang cold in my garage this time of year!!!(Further incentive!)

Good for you! I quit last year December and it was 2 weeks after I started Atkins. I lost 20 lbs. then! Who says you gotta gain weight if you quit smoking!

[relentless]

I have 6 months sober and the cravings have pretty much left me, thankfully. but the hardest part now is dealing with the changes to my social systems. i realize how much my alcoholism/consumption really lessened my anxiety in social situations, you know when you have a few drinks you relax, loosen up etc.

now that i don't drink, 1. i don't go out really anymore (i'm not at the point i can go to a bar, nor do i think i will or should be), and 2. it seems like even with people i knew when drinking and now sober, i feel like conversations and hanging out are different. i find myself uncomfortable alot, not unbearable uncomfortable but like i can't relax and feel slightly on edge.

anyone else feel this way? i went to a handful of AA meetings and definitely use the day at a time mentality to maintain my sobriety, but i haven't thrown myself into AA so i'm kind of on my own with my sobriety most of the time. maybe i'm answering my own question here...i need to network with more sober people that are in the same boat as me. it just sucks sometimes.

and lately i've really been missing the 'buzz' feeling, in reality i know that never really worked for me, i'd pretty much skip right into drunk from the first drop, but i do remember the buzz feeling and i miss it, i need something to make me feel that relaxed, and i haven't found it yet.

just ranting.........


everyone keep up the good work, and JUST DON'T DRINK!!!

[Valentine Baby]

Originally Posted by relentless

. but the hardest part now is dealing with the changes to my social systems. i realize how much my alcoholism/consumption really lessened my anxiety in social situations, you know when you have a few drinks you relax, loosen up etc.

I've been having this very same experience. I noticed it one night when me and DH went out and we were meeting another couple that he knew but I didn't. Normally with a few drinks conversation would flow pretty nicely. Now...I feel like I'm under a spot light and everyone is waiting for me to perform. I was so nervous and figity and didn't know what to say and worried that I'd say the wrong thing.

As far as my social life. It's taken a nose dive. I didn't really much of one to begin with but now it's obsolite. I'm not having such a hard time not drinking. I'm having a hard time with not socializing and laughing and being with friends with the same interests...drinking.

I was acually thinking of the buzzed feeling you miss just yesterday. I was missing it. I was even trying to tell myself that I could save drinking for a special occasion but I very well know that eventually everything would be a special occasion.

[relentless]

yeah, and another thing that i think plays into the anxiety/akwardness is that i'm kinda constantly thinking that the other people are thinking (judging) me cuz i'm NOT drinking. it's fine if they are, i'm honest about it and have no issue talking about it, it just feels like the elephant in the room kinda thing.

i struggled with thinking that one day i will be able to drink socially but it's just not gonna happen, and i've accepted that. it sucks but that has to be my reality so i deal. i don't want my life to be screwed up anymore by alcohol; it's just not worth it.

i hate the feeling of having to surrender to myself and admit that i'm not strong enough to 'handle it' and be 'normal' around drinking, but i know that deep down this is just a control issue; it scares the hell out of me to know that i am really not in control when it comes to drinking. but on the other hand i also have to think rationally about it and remember that my family is a family of major drunks and the only way to not fall into that any harder than i alreay have is to just give up and let go of the control issue and admit that i can't handle the drinking anymore. i've done that and am doing well, but my wheels are always turning the same 'you should be stronger' thing around in my head alot of the time. arrgh!

anyway, more random rants...

just don't drink.

[lisayak]

Originally Posted by relentless

I have 6 months sober and the cravings have pretty much left me, thankfully. but the hardest part now is dealing with the changes to my social systems. i realize how much my alcoholism/consumption really lessened my anxiety in social situations, you know when you have a few drinks you relax, loosen up etc.

anyone else feel this way? i went to a handful of AA meetings and definitely use the day at a time mentality to maintain my sobriety, but i haven't thrown myself into AA so i'm kind of on my own with my sobriety most of the time. maybe i'm answering my own question here...i need to network with more sober people that are in the same boat as me. it just sucks sometimes.

I've got 18 months now, and I don't have a day to day alcohol problem anymore as long as I don't pick up the first drink...but I still have a life problem, and I need help learning the social skills/life lessons I missed out on. I go to AA to develop these.

I have had to make myself risk developing friendships in AA, but it has been one of the most important and valuable thing I have done in sobriety.

As far as socialising with old friends, I don't really have much in common with most of them. The ones who were acquaintances I (gently) left behind me; the true friends (only 2) have remained part of my life. I'm not the same person sober as I was drinking, and I've learned that what I value in others has changed. This is a natural part of sobriety - difficult, but necessary. You're waking up.

You've done tremendously well, but you don't have to do it alone. I find AA to be a lifeline, but it's not the only support group for alcoholics out there. Anywhere you can find support from like minded people would be valuable.

And as we say in AA here in Cardiff, "should is S***"! Just be you.

[peanutte]

It's a little scary to post here. I used to post with a Challenge group, but we seem to have dwindled out.

I was reassurred to hear some of you specifically admit you drink/drank 1-2 bottles of wine a night. Not that it makes me feel like that's any less inappropriate--just that I'm not the most horrifying, shocking drinker in the world. That's about what I drink. I know it's too much. Way too much.

If I only have one bottle ("only one bottle"--yeah, I know) I can keep it to a light buzz and go to bed practically sober and feel great the next day. It's when I tap into that second bottle that I ask myself why I am doing something so pointless and unhealthy.

I'm in a great relationship, but sometimes I feel lonely. I miss my girlfriends back home. I moved across the country to live with my boyfriend and I don't have a car or a driver's lisence. The relationship itself is good, and I drank before we met and he knew I drank all through our courtship. He's good about not being judgemental, but he is honest about the fact that it negatively affects our relationship sometimes. I might start a fight or say things I don't mean and can't take back. I only drink in the evenings, except for a small handful of times I have started drinking in the afternoon, out of stress, or sheer boredom. That only happens every few months and I don't like the way it feels. It's not a struggle to wait until evening.

Right now I am trying to be honest with myself about WHY. I don't agree with AA, I should make that clear from the outset, but I will do my best to be supportive and respectful to those of you who do find AA to be the answer for you. I think boredom and a short attention span are the main reasons I drink, as well as sometimes just wanted to get out of my own head. It's such a habit now. Habits are hard to break. I am concerned, though, and want to cut way back. There aren't any MM meetings in my town.

[heywoodwalker]

What is MM?