This week was a struggle....and I guess I lost!

My alcohol addiction transferred to food 21 years ago. I'm still pre-op but am trying to i.d. my triggers and what I've transferred the booze into. This week it was shopping. I bought a clothes steamer...(I don't even iron but I couldn't live without a STEAMER?? Guess I should take it out of the box huh??) I got jewelry, clothes, plants for spring...ARGH...and now I've a cake in the oven!!  When I get stressed I bake but lately I've shopped. I hate the mall, and with the internet I'm shopping till I pass out! NOT GOOD~!!  To me, the shopping I've done in hte past six weeks would be the equivalent to a 6 week blacked out, can't remember a thing-binge.  The shopping snuck up on me and after 21 yrs of sobriety I cant' believe I didn't see this one coming. One or two things a week, smaller payments over a longer period (nice hook huh??) ... The next thing I knew, I racked up over a grand on my credit card!  I am so stressed now!!  I have to stop while I still have a decent credit score! :(  Guess it's time to revisit a meeting!  Anyone got any advice? I'm guessing I should treat the shopping like booze? Marie

I did shopping therapy for five years after my husband left me, and I gained 60 pounds, but I was sober.  Now, I have $50,000 in debt, and this is after a year of debt consolidation.  My credit rating is in the toilet.  Now that I am 6 months post-op, I have no addictions to turn to.  I have to feel the f%$#@ing feelings.  Somedays are good.  Some suck royally. I make meetings, not often enough, as I work three jobs, to pay off my debt and keep my lips above the water line. Cut up your credit cards, or lock them in a box for emergencies only.  Emergency would be having to fly out of town and stay in a hotel to visit your sick relative.  That sort of thing. Be happy you caught it early.  I didn't. Hugs, Trish

Thank you SO much for your post, Trish.  I was all set to hit qvc.com again and instead went to OH and read this post!  This weeks stress is not over...in fact, it's rolling into NEXT week!  I've fought with my husband since late last night, and feel like I cant' see the light at the end of the tunnel.  Tomorrow we shell out a few grand towards our daughters wedding in May...and this past weekend I've spent a small fortune on wedding related crap. I'm afraid to chop all of my cards...though I DID cut up one yesterday! I actually think I'm using them as a crutch...just filling the role booze used to play in my life.  Credit card companies and banks make using them so blasted easy.  I can feel that I'm just about at rock bottom in this...thanks again for the reality check!! Hugs, Marie