WHY do people transfer addictions?

It seems the common theory is that people are addicted to food and when they can't eat like that, then they switch to alcohol or some other addiction to satisfy that craving. I'm wondering though if there is a physical need, as you eat less of the "bad carbs" does your body just crave them so strongly that you succumb to alcohol and then form a new addiction?  What is the tie between food and alcohol?  The reason I'm wondering this is because I did the Atkins diet for almost a year and lost about 100 lbs. years ago...I also developed a huge taste for hard alcohol during that time.  At the time I'd never heard of "transfer addicitons" so this is new to me. Once I "fell off" the Atkins wagon and started gaining weight again my taste for alcohol diminished.  I guess it could just be substituting back to my original addiction...I don't know.  I just wonder if there is some-sort of chemical imbalance that happens when we restrict our diets so greatly. I'm still researching WLS at this point...but if someone said I was going to go back to drinking the way I did when I was on Atkins I think I'd rather stay fat!  At least the daily guilt doesn't kill me the way it does when I was drinking heavily.  I want to be sure and safeguard myself as best as possible from going back to drinking or picking up another addicition. Heather

There is a theory that says an addict is an addict, regardless of the substance.  It could be food, alcohol, drugs, sex, gambling, shopping, or whatever.  So, if a person gives up one substance, and they are a true addict, they are going to pick up something new if they are not adequately prepared for the negative emotions that come with giving up an addictive behavior or chemical.   That is why so many people turn to 12 step recovery programs for eating disorders and alcoholism.  These program, in the use of the 12 steps, help people learn to deal with life on life's terms and stop doing any and all addictive behaviors.  This change does not happen overnight, but when done carefully, and thoroughly, with the social support of people in the program, there is usually successful abstinence from the addictions.   I am cross addicted, and have been working on my eating disorder simultaneously with my alcoholism.  I have been to Overeaters Anonymous and currently am very active in Alcoholics Anonymous.  I am also in long term psychotherapy, which has helped me tremendously. A really good book on this subject is called "The Anatomy of a Food Addiction."  I can't remember the author's full name, but it is Katherine something or other, and her credential is M.A.  Most people can find it used on Amazon, as it is currently out of print. The best course of action is to deal with why you overeat, and drank when you were not overeating.  A good psychotherapist can help you learn what is going on inside of you that drives your addictive behavior.  I would also suggest you check out Overeaters Anonymous or Alcoholics Anonymous.  There is no fee, and they are more than willing to help people like us. Good luck. Hugs, Trish

I have a theory.  Of course I'm not a scientist, but I'm an educated woman and I've done a ton of research on this. For myself personally, I have been diagnosed with a mild case of OCD.  I exhibit compulsive behavior patterns.  In addition to this behavior pattern, I have a genetic predisposition to alcoholism. (alcoholic parents).  There is both a psychological and psyiological component to this.  Stuides of addicts (all varieties) have shown some differences in the dopamine centers of the brain.  Addictive behavior becomes a chicken/egg thing with the dopamine centers.  These centers are stimulated by any number of behaviors - eating, sex, drinking, drugs, gambling, shopping etc. I began with food early on as a child.  Then marijuana as a teen/adult.  I never had issues with alcohol to note, however I never DID drink moderately.  I either didn't drink at all or I got drunk.  I just didn't care for alcohol through the years and stuck to my pot.   After wls, I of course had NO tolerance for alcohol, and every time I did drink, it was above my tolerance level.  Studies have also shown that drinking over the tolerance level for a period of time trips that "invisible line" where alcohol becomes an addiction. Once I entered AA, I realized I was a 30+ year old woman with absolutely no coping skills.  A bit high strung already, it's been a challenge to live live with NO marijuana (a 20 year habit),  no comfort foods (trying to keep my cute body) and no alcohol.  I do participate in "retail therapy" too from time to time, but I'm fairly innocuous with that financially.  I do however have stuff in my closet with tags on them that I've never worn. I am learning through the 12 steps and lots of work on ME, that all those behaviors are a response to anxiety.  OCD is an anxiety disorder.  The continuance of the behaviors lead to addiction.  So it's both conditioned and physical.  Managing the anxiety on a spiritual level and with other tools really helps.  Exercise!  :) I applaud you for being cautious and considering this in your decision to have WLS.  It is a very real possibility that you could go back to drinking.  I had absolutely NO IDEA how wls would effect me emotionally.  There was the high of looking great and wanting to go out and socialize, combined with fear, loss of "self", depression because I no longer enjoyed food the way I used to, and well it's just a HUGE change, and change is hard. Be vigilent.  Research.  It wouldn't even hurt to see a therapist/counselor for a bit while preparing for surgery.  YOU are worth it! love and light, Michelle

Wow, Michelle, I relate to finding out in my 30s that I had no coping skills.  My journey in AA, OA and therapy has been to learn them, and use them, instead of the food, sex, alcohol, shopping and whatever I have done in the past to deal with my negative emotions.   I also thank God for my AA program, which gave me a set of coping skills, as well as the 12 steps to learn how to change the way I view my relationship with God and other people.  I have changed in so many ways, not just not drinking.  Serenity, that elusive quality I knew nothing about, occassionally visits me on good days.  Prior to recovery, it was a foreign concept. Good to see you posting again.  I missed you. Hugs, trish

Good Morning, Heather  I have a different theory on this subject. I've been doing a lot of research on the very same thing. I also found myself turning to alcohol after reaching goal. I was craving it even! Drinking beer every day after work, at least 3 or 4, if not a whole six pack! And that was every day for months.... I never had a problem with alcohol before, food was always my "thing".  So I started to look into this. (needless to say I put on 15 pounds!) After reading everything I could about nutrition and addiction transfer ( I also work in a vitamin store) I came to the conclusion that the cravings might stem from the constant state of malnutrition we are in. I never did consume more than 1500 to 1800 calories from food a day from food (the extra calories to make me gain were from the beer) and I realized that I wasn't drinking my protein drinks as much, (I used to drink 3 a day when I was losing before reaching goal) and guess what? After I quit doing my protein drinks as much, I wasn't consuming enough amino acids. (that is what is in ALL protein supplements).Amino acids are what the body uses for many, many different functions.  Amino's are in the protein we eat. And if we're not getting enough protein, whether it's from shakes, bars or food, we aren't consuming enough amino acids. It's not really our fault, there's only so much room down there, ya know?  So, I started supplementing with amino acids. After only 2 days, I could feel the difference! I can think more clearly, my depression is better, I am NOT craving any alcohol or sweets and I generally feel like my old self again!  I tried the pill form, 5 tablets a day. 2 in the morning, on an empty stomach and 3 in the afternoon, on an empty stomach, between meals. I think I'm absorbing them just fine, cause I feel better.  I'm going to include a link for you, that I found. She's on here as well, and she explains this sooooo much better than I can. Try it! It worked for me!    http://www.geocities.com/lisanelson_2/  Take care,          Lyn

Thanks everyone for your input...I really appreciate it. You gave me a lot of good stuff to think about! I am planning to find someone to talk to about WHY I overeat/drink etc...I guess it's developing the coping skills you've referred to. If I have them, I don't know what they are since I'm not familiar with that term. I guess prayer is a coping skill right? I guess I at least have that one down. If anyone has suggestions on how to find a good professional that does this I'd appreciate it...I don't even know what I'm looking for...is it behavior modification? someone who deals with eating disorders? someone who deals with addicitions? all of the above? maybe I should just join AA...that seems to be what has helped many people!! Is this a psycologist? Lyn, you hit on where my question was really coming from...mal-nutrition being the cause rather than just an emotional desire to soothe an unknown need. Thanks for the info on amino acids...I'll check out the link you posted. Heather

The coping skills I learned in therapy include prayer, meditation, exercise, talking to supportive friends, journaling, arts and crafts,   A good therapist would be someone who uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.  They combine cognitive therapy with behavior changes.  My therapist is a Cognitive Behavior Therapist.  I am seeking training in that for my own professional use.  Most experienced therapists have worked with a variety of patients, including eating disorders.  You can ask at the initial meeting about their area of expertise and their experience with eating disorders.  The therapist could be a psychologist or a licensed social worker.  I see a psychologist, but I am a licensed social worker.   Good luck.  Hang in there.   Hugs, Trish

Hi Heather, That is a very good question and a very real problem that we ALL experience in one way or another.   I am almost 21 months post op from Lap RNY Gastric bypass.   I have been extremely successful with this.    I at first transfered my food addiction to exercise....then to researching plastic surgery......now that I have had my plastic surgery to shopping for new clothes.   LOL....I can't say that I hate this one though.   LOL   We are NOT suspose to drink alcohol after WLS.   After a GB our pouch is so small that we could get drunk on just a couple of sips of a drink.   We were told that it would be best if we never drank after our surgery...now there are lots that do and don't have a problem with it....I like shopping though.   LOL I personally think that we should have counciling for this before our surgeries take place.   Good luck to you on whatever decision that you decide to make. Hugs and blessings ~~~ Vivian

Vivian, I was very fortunate that I was already in therapy for binge eating disorder when I decided to pursue my surgery.  I was also already in recovery for alcoholism too.  I guess I was ahead of the game, so to speak. Take care, Trish

Hosted By DLyourLIFE.compat your right. being a recovered alkie for 14 yrs. the food issue always been their and the ciggy. we are not perfect. if anyone think they are going to be perfect with this weight loss. . be prepared. everyone level of addiction is different.