Alcoholism
chrs86
Posts: 151 Member
Every time I reach my weight goals I start drinking again. Quit for one or two months and lose 20-30lbs then start binging again. My problem is instead of normal people with food I turn back to alcohol. Any ideas how I can get past the cravings and stick to a healthy lifestyle when I reach my goal weight again? What does/ doesn't work for you guys?
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Replies
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I have never had an issue with alcohol but I just wanted to tell you good job at losing the weight. Have you thought about looking into getting some type of help? An outpatient program or AA or something? I am sure there are several programs out there that could help you. Good luck with all your doing and going through.0
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Have you thought about going to some A A meetings or some councilling of some sort?0
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Have you thought about going to some A A meetings or some councilling of some sort?
^^This^^
Alcoholism is nothing to scoff at. Especially alcohol binges, as they can lead to full-time heavy alcoholism over time. I hope you take his advice and seek counselling. I've almost lost several people in my life due to alcoholism, and have watched soo many people spiral downward because of it. I've even had my fair share of problems in the past because of it. Good luck, I hope you recover fully from this terrible addiction and continue to meet your goals.0 -
You could try some of the lower calorie drinks. I like rum and diet coke and they aren't too high calorie.0
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I tried to quit over and over again and would always end up going back until I began regularly attending alcoholism support groups. Some people can quit without support, but I've found that without regular attendance at meetings the tendency to go back to old patterns is too strong. It's been working for me for over five years now, with the added benefit of meeting so many wonderful, genuine people who are also on the same path. Living without alcohol has been the most satisfying time of my life.0
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I tried to quit over and over again and would always end up going back until I began regularly attending alcoholism support groups. Some people can quit without support, but I've found that without regular attendance at meetings the tendency to go back to old patterns is too strong. It's been working for me for over five years now, with the added benefit of meeting so many wonderful, genuine people who are also on the same path. Living without alcohol has been the most satisfying time of my life.
I agree. I am currently involved in a 12 step program and am so grateful to have the "tools" to work through a current medical issue that, left untreated, could lead a person (potentially) back to the bottle.
We oftentimes hear of "substituting one bad habit for another". OP, I am glad you posted your honest concerns. Feel free to add me to your friend list, if you want to talk more.
PS...Speaking of being honest... I noticed your post while I was contemplating "making amends/confessing" on my MFP diary about my horrible eating this evening. Thought "maybe I won't write all my cals down tonight. Like that will matter as far as the intake goes. It will only mess me up emotionally, if I don't stay honest about my food intake.
I am glad tomorrow is a new day. Get to restart again.0 -
You could try some of the lower calorie drinks. I like rum and diet coke and they aren't too high calorie.
The question isn't how to keep drinking and avoid calories. Its how to get rid of the cravings and stop going back to it. This comment is avoiding the problem.
All I can say is mind over matter. Be strong and if you need any kind of support DO NOT feel ashamed in asking for it. As stated earlier... some people can do it on their own and others need a little push with AA and other groups. I wish the best of luck to you and the other people that have suffered and are suffering from this kind of thing (myself included)0 -
"Alcoholism is a chronic and often progressive disease that includes problems controlling your drinking, being preoccupied with alcohol, continuing to use alcohol even when it causes problems, having to drink more to get the same effect (physical dependence), or having withdrawal symptoms when you rapidly decrease or stop drinking. If you have alcoholism, you can't consistently predict how much you'll drink, how long you'll drink, or what consequences will occur from your drinking.
It's possible to have a problem with alcohol, even when it has not progressed to the point of alcoholism. Problem drinking means you drink too much at times, causing repeated problems in your life, although you're not completely dependent on alcohol.
Binge drinking — a pattern of drinking where a male consumes five or more drinks in a row, or a female downs at least four drinks in a row — can lead to the same health risks and social problems associated with alcoholism. The more you drink, the greater the risks. Binge drinking, which often occurs with teenagers and young adults, may lead to faster development of alcoholism."
Just because you don't drink everyday and quit for periods of time, does not mean you have any less of a problem. PLease seek help.
ETA: IT IS NOT MIND OVER MATTER. It is an addiction. If it were as simple as that, there would be no need for AA. Sorry, ut this mode of thinking really burns my biscuits. Every client who has ever stepped into my office and said "please god help me stop" has WANTED to stop. Delirium tremens (DTs) can kill a person. Is that mind over matter?0 -
^ +1
Find a local AA group, walk in and introduce yourself.0 -
In my opinion , If ever you hit your goal again... don't stop tracking your food intake .. You can drink but in a moderate way :drinker:
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"Alcoholism is a chronic and often progressive disease that includes problems controlling your drinking, being preoccupied with alcohol, continuing to use alcohol even when it causes problems, having to drink more to get the same effect (physical dependence), or having withdrawal symptoms when you rapidly decrease or stop drinking. If you have alcoholism, you can't consistently predict how much you'll drink, how long you'll drink, or what consequences will occur from your drinking.
Please take care of your self and seek help! AA does wonders, I know many in AA and it has been life changing. Breaking the pattern is the hardest..but with help and support you can do it!
Praying for you!0 -
Im the wife of an alcoholic, ive lost two dear friends to liver disease caused by drinking .Please get help, your not fun to be around.0
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In my opinion , If ever you hit your goal again... don't stop tracking your food intake .. You can drink but in a moderate way :drinker:
I disagree. Based on the little information presented, this person needs to not drink at all. There is no such thing as moderation for an addict. One is too many and never enough. Please do not encourage this.0 -
"Alcoholism is a chronic and often progressive disease that includes problems controlling your drinking, being preoccupied with alcohol, continuing to use alcohol even when it causes problems, having to drink more to get the same effect (physical dependence), or having withdrawal symptoms when you rapidly decrease or stop drinking. If you have alcoholism, you can't consistently predict how much you'll drink, how long you'll drink, or what consequences will occur from your drinking.
It's possible to have a problem with alcohol, even when it has not progressed to the point of alcoholism. Problem drinking means you drink too much at times, causing repeated problems in your life, although you're not completely dependent on alcohol.
Binge drinking — a pattern of drinking where a male consumes five or more drinks in a row, or a female downs at least four drinks in a row — can lead to the same health risks and social problems associated with alcoholism. The more you drink, the greater the risks. Binge drinking, which often occurs with teenagers and young adults, may lead to faster development of alcoholism."
Just because you don't drink everyday and quit for periods of time, does not mean you have any less of a problem. PLease seek help.
ETA: IT IS NOT MIND OVER MATTER. It is an addiction. If it were as simple as that, there would be no need for AA. Sorry, ut this mode of thinking really burns my biscuits. Every client who has ever stepped into my office and said "please god help me stop" has WANTED to stop. Delirium tremens (DTs) can kill a person. Is that mind over matter?
I completely agree. You obviously read over the part where I mentioned I am dealing with the same situation. The OP said they are able to stop drinking to lose the weight and then once the weight is gone they go back to drinking so to answer your question yes in that case it is mind over matter. OP obviously isn't having DTs. All I am saying is having the determination to do so as well as a strong support system goes a long way. if there is no will power to stop then it obviously wont. you twisted what I said and meant all due to you reading a Phrase that "burns your biscuits' .0 -
"Alcoholism is a chronic and often progressive disease that includes problems controlling your drinking, being preoccupied with alcohol, continuing to use alcohol even when it causes problems, having to drink more to get the same effect (physical dependence), or having withdrawal symptoms when you rapidly decrease or stop drinking. If you have alcoholism, you can't consistently predict how much you'll drink, how long you'll drink, or what consequences will occur from your drinking.
It's possible to have a problem with alcohol, even when it has not progressed to the point of alcoholism. Problem drinking means you drink too much at times, causing repeated problems in your life, although you're not completely dependent on alcohol.
Binge drinking — a pattern of drinking where a male consumes five or more drinks in a row, or a female downs at least four drinks in a row — can lead to the same health risks and social problems associated with alcoholism. The more you drink, the greater the risks. Binge drinking, which often occurs with teenagers and young adults, may lead to faster development of alcoholism."
Just because you don't drink everyday and quit for periods of time, does not mean you have any less of a problem. PLease seek help.
ETA: IT IS NOT MIND OVER MATTER. It is an addiction. If it were as simple as that, there would be no need for AA. Sorry, but this mode of thinking really burns my biscuits. Every client who has ever stepped into my office and said "please god help me stop" has WANTED to stop. Delirium tremens (DTs) can kill a person. Is that mind over matter?
I completely agree. You obviously read over the part where I mentioned I am dealing with the same situation. The OP said they are able to stop drinking to lose the weight and then once the weight is gone they go back to drinking so to answer your question yes in that case it is mind over matter. OP obviously isn't having DTs. All I am saying is having the determination to do so as well as a strong support system goes a long way. if there is no will power to stop then it obviously wont. you twisted what I said and meant all due to you reading a Phrase that "burns your biscuits' .
Nope, read the whole thing. Still mean exactly what I wrote. Too many times I have heard people use that d@mn phrase..."if XX wanted it bad enough they would just quit, after all it's just mind over matter"...which results in the addict feeling helpless/hopeless/worthless, pulling away from the people who do support them, refusing or being afraid to ask for help. I do not and never will condone that line of thinking. I have seen the destructive power of the thinking that comes with that phrase.0 -
Once again.....All I am saying is having the determination to do so as well as a strong support system goes a long way. if there is no will power to stop then it obviously wont. Pretty sure I am agreeing with not doing it alone. Best of luck OP0
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I've dealt with addictions most of my life. I've never been to NA or AA, I know a lot of people it has helped though. I have a problem with insomnia, so I used to drink until I passed out. When I eventually blimped up to over 400 lbs, I hired a personal trainer who had me do a food/drink diary for a week and I realized 80 percent of my cals for that week came from alcohol and chasers. I quit cold turkey. But then I started having sleeping problems again. Soooo I started smoking because I found it helped me sleep. I really just replaced one addiction with another. That didn't work because eventually I'd either stay awake and have munchies and binge eat 5000 cals in one sitting, or I'd fall asleep and wake up again at some point and eat or wouldn't be able to fall back asleep without smoking. Both drinking and smoking were also expensive habits. It's been over a year now since I've binge drank, and a little over a month since I've smoked. My insomnia is worse than it's been in awhile. I wish I had something to tell you to help you. All I can say is the alcohol is really bad for you in large amounts like that, if you need a support system then maybe you should try out something like AA. I nearly lost a friend due to cirrhosis, he was on the waiting list for a donor for so long we really thought he wasn't going to make it =/ The only thing that keeps me from drinking and smoking personally is I know I won't get healthy and lost weight or keep weight off if I keep drinking/smoking. I'll take the insomnia over being this obese and miserable.0
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Every time I reach my weight goals I start drinking again. Quit for one or two months and lose 20-30lbs then start binging again. My problem is instead of normal people with food I turn back to alcohol. Any ideas how I can get past the cravings and stick to a healthy lifestyle when I reach my goal weight again? What does/ doesn't work for you guys?
I would be interested to learn how people get past the cravings as well. My problem is I love my red wine!!0 -
In my opinion , If ever you hit your goal again... don't stop tracking your food intake .. You can drink but in a moderate way :drinker:
I disagree. Based on the little information presented, this person needs to not drink at all. There is no such thing as moderation for an addict. One is too many and never enough. Please do not encourage this.
Not always. Many people (including myself) can change from alcoholism to "normal" drinking.0 -
Every time I reach my weight goals I start drinking again. Quit for one or two months and lose 20-30lbs then start binging again. My problem is instead of normal people with food I turn back to alcohol. Any ideas how I can get past the cravings and stick to a healthy lifestyle when I reach my goal weight again? What does/ doesn't work for you guys?
I would be interested to learn how people get past the cravings as well. My problem is I love my red wine!!
I stopped drinking for six months altogether. The cravings soon pass - it helps to find some other, more productive things to do in your spare time. In my case it was exercise.
That was nine years ago. Since then I have probably drank about once a month, although in the last few years it is more like three times a year! The hangovers are just not worth it.0 -
Every time I reach my weight goals I start drinking again. Quit for one or two months and lose 20-30lbs then start binging again. My problem is instead of normal people with food I turn back to alcohol. Any ideas how I can get past the cravings and stick to a healthy lifestyle when I reach my goal weight again? What does/ doesn't work for you guys?
Prelog your drinks. If it doesn't fit in your calorie goal then you can't have it. It's that plain and simple. It's also a good idea to have a morning workout routine that would be hell if you drank too much the night before. You might not have that second beer or glass of wine if you know you have to get up early and go to the gym. Essentially have something else to focus on other than drinking as a top priority. That should never be your main concern.0 -
Every time I reach my weight goals I start drinking again. Quit for one or two months and lose 20-30lbs then start binging again. My problem is instead of normal people with food I turn back to alcohol. Any ideas how I can get past the cravings and stick to a healthy lifestyle when I reach my goal weight again? What does/ doesn't work for you guys?
See a Dr. and get Antabuse. You WILL NOT drink on it, trust me. It did the trick for me.0 -
I have the opposite problem. Every time I start dieting, I turn into a lush. I waste like 20% of my calories on wine. Sorry I am of no help.0
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I have a bit of a drinking problem too. Im glad theres a thread on this, i thought i might be alone in it. I made my calorie goal yesterday (i am just starting) and today should be alright... But for goodness sake i logged my drinks for yesterday and it was like 700 calories or something! Im trying to limit then eliminate. And to at least choose drinks with less calories. I work full time and go to night school, which at some point led to drinking and eating bad foods. Thats how i gained like 60 lbs over the past 3 years. Whew. Oh the calories i would save if i didnt drink...0
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i think since you binge drink, same as with binge eating you just need to teach yourself moderation, learn how to how one or two drinks and then saying enough whether you crave more or not..it just comes down to self discipline.0
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My husband hate that I use the term alcoholism in relation to him BUT no matter what it is called he has issues with alcohol.
He does not ever pass out, he seems to get more energized when he drinks, so when he tries to treat his insomnia with beer he ends up awake until 4AM. Then I end up awake until 4AM as he insists on talking to me and waking me up so I can be supportive.
He has the no ability to have one or two beers, but I am not sure, outside of maybe 10 times in our 18 year relationship, that he has ever stopped when he said he was going to or noticed his drunkness...he could be slurring and legless and yet still not feel drunk.
He is only fun when drinking for the first hour or two, then he becomes a problem that someone has to deal with. It sucks.
He has also quit drinking for 3 or 4 times in our 18 years together. Each time, he was sober for 3 or 4 years. Then he would start.
He has the ability to quit cold turkey. He hates that he does not handle alcohol like others around him, it makes him feel a lesser man. He becomes a bit reclusive of social situations when he is not drinking. He has always picked up alcohol in the past when he thought he had managed the demons. He would drink "successfully" ie not be a problem to others...once or twice and then the cycle begins again for a long stretch of time. IT SUCKS.
POINT: if you can stop cold turkey...good for you. If you notice a problem occurs each time you start again..like my husband...then please, please, please do not start again.0 -
There is no such thing as moderation for an addict. One is too many and never enough. Please do not encourage this.
There are different types of addictions, and people respond to them in different ways.
I'm a functional alcoholic. I have no interest in quitting. I don't let it affect my life or my goals.
Some people are not so fortunate.
It accomplishes nothing to paint all addicts/addictions with one brush. Some people handle the cravings and are able to moderate, and some can't. It isn't a character judgment; it's a fact based on decades of addiction medicine research.0 -
There is no such thing as moderation for an addict. One is too many and never enough. Please do not encourage this.
There are different types of addictions, and people respond to them in different ways.
I'm a functional alcoholic. I have no interest in quitting. I don't let it affect my life or my goals.
Some people are not so fortunate.
It accomplishes nothing to paint all addicts/addictions with one brush. Some people handle the cravings and are able to moderate, and some can't. It isn't a character judgment; it's a fact based on decades of addiction medicine research.
if you identify yourself as an alcoholic and don't see a problem with it, please talk to someone about it.
it's not about 'handling cravings' or moderating; addiction is a disease. if you identify yourself as an alcoholic or an addict, you are identifying yourself as someone with a disease. it's like walking around identifying yourself as someone with cancer, someone with diabetes, or someone with lupus. ALCOHOLISM IS A DISEASE. if you are concerned about your drinking, check out this anonymous quiz: http://www.aa.org/pages/en_US/is-aa-for-you-twelve-questions-only-you-can-answer
there are very specific criteria for a diagnosis of alcoholism or addiction. this is not up for debate, it is a scientific and medical fact. alcoholism is a disease, addiction is a disease.
to the OP, writing something like that may not have been easy at all - i'm happy that you shared it. google your county and/or state and 'alcoholics anonymous' to find a local meeting. if you can't get to one because you don't drive, there is a hotline number you can call and someone will pick you up. alcoholism is a disease and it is treatable - please ask for help. and anyone reading this can message me if you have questions or concerns.0 -
If you consider your drinking to be a problem and have troubles stopping or moderating on your own… it sounds like an addiction. If this is true (and only you can determine that)… and you want to change that, there are a few options. AA is one of them. A lot of people have good luck with them. However, AA is not for everybody and if you decide AA isn't for you… it is not a death sentence! You may also consider Rational Recovery. (If you want my personal opinion….I would choose Rational Recovery no matter what the addiction.)0
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12 step program dude. I'm totally serious. Nothing to be ashamed about, just put down the drink and find a new way.0
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