Hi AmandaJo,

Transfer of addiction happens a lot easier than many folks think. A lot of times we get there before we realize it. For me, I never dran****il I was 28. It started with sips, then 1/2 a drink, a whole drink to the point it got way out of control in just 4 months or so. What seemed to be casual drinks at the time almost cost me my life. Its incredibly tough to battle addiction. But it can be done. We all falter but you are not alone.

I've been sober going on 18 months & its not been easy by any stretch of the imagination. I encourage you to seek counseling, attend AA if that is something you can commit to, seek help & support from fam & friends and remember that you have to learn to crawl before you can walk. You can read my story & many others by clicking the link in my signature line.

In addition, I've picked up 3 books (with more I'd like to get) that are helping me work through sobriety issues. Personally, I have attended AA meetings but they are NOT my cup of tea. The first 2 books are a book & workbook combination. They are called "A Woman's Way through the Twelve Steps." At first, I felt like isn't this going backwards doing these steps NOW?" But that couldn't be further from the truth. I LOVE these because they are writting in a women's point of view. The 3rd is "The Twelve Steps of Alcoholic's Anonymous" which is the original 12 Step book.

Another one that has truly helped which I am reading AGAIN is called "Boundaries." Its faith based and may not be for everyone but can be applied no matter what your religious background. It helps us draw our lines in the sand and make changes in our daily lives slowly but surely to regain control.

All best!

You know I think  its just a night for sharing does anyone ever have nights like that? I was reading the cover story about Charlie Im sure most of you have read it, and the part about her hubby passing away from lung cancer just Screamed at me! Ive been so negative when it comes to my quitting smoking but I REALLY DO NEED TO QUIT!  Its just as important if not more than losing the weight. I really get discouraged though and think to myself how can anyone do both at the same time. Im not trying to be a whiner please forgive me its just sooo..... hard to imagine myself without a cigg. I can imagine myself without food before I could a cigg. Isent that awful? Sometimes my anxiety kicks in and I think well youve probably got cancer somewhere by now anyway so why worry about it? That comes from being caretaker to both dad and brother with cancer three years ago {the scaredy cat stuff} both diagnosed several months apart, and both passed several months apart. Im just feeling like its kinda a hopeless situation right now. I dont know what to expect with all the upcoming changes its really scary and Ive just now realized how scaired I really am. The ciggs have always been my fallback for everything. get upset, uncomfortable ,anxious. whatever, smoke a cigg. Now all the diet changes on top of it whoa! thats alot. I think its an identity thing thats who i have always been overweight and a smoker who am i going to be now? LOL! I know it sounds crazy but it is true. Any thoughts welcome!

You mean interrupting people?? Cutting them off verbally? I do it too...For me, it's because A) I'll forget to tell them what I'm interrupting them with or B) I'm afraid ppl will blab on incessantly and I'll never get my chance.  It is thought to be rude by most if not all ppl....and it's a hard habit to break...(aren't they all??)  Try it though...as most ppl will appreciate you more!

Marie

Kristi,

Boy I know how you feel especially about how your family feels.  When I got hooked on Tussinex my dad was like how can you get hooked on cough syrup, (JERK).

Anyway, yes, please go to any AA mtg near you.  I go to AA mtgs. here around me they are just as good for narcotics as alcohol.

I'm praying for you girl, please learn from me before you get into trouble and have to be on probation, jail or loose you baby...

Look at that precious daughter and know that God blessed you with her to help you with your addiction....  I'm praying for you and stick with this board.  I like you was so glad I found it.  I wish I would have had it before I got into trouble and on Probation.  Gastric Bypass does change us, but some of us have a chemical imbalance in our brain, we don't ask to become addicted and we don't have any intention for it to happen to us, it just does because of our body chemistry.  It is herditary sp? 

God Bless you, I'm praying for you....  BTW what did you name your wonderful daughter?

 

I understand all that you are saying about the various addictions you discussed.  I can relate to each one of them.  My best suggestion is to get into psychotherapy with a good, licensed psychologist or social worker.  Also, visit Debtors Anonymous for help with the shopping addiction. 

God bless.

Trish