Addiction

[Gvac]

Is anybody here an addict, either booze or drugs?

Do you have friends and/or family members who are?

When did you realize it was a problem?

What steps (if any) did you take to solve the problem?



P.S. - This is in the "That's Life" forum so people can speak openly and honestly, without ridicule.

[Don Stugots]

I have a food addiction. I never thought about it until recently but I do.

I dont know if I will ever solve or fix it. I do my best with eating right and all but at times it is harder than others.

[grlNIN]

No.

Yes.

[Gvac]

It struck me today that the guys we would laugh about when we were younger are the ones we try to "save" when we get older.

For some reason, we think that people who drink to the point of blacking out, get kicked out of their house by their chick, and are drunk every time we see them are fucking hilarious when we're younger. As we get a bit older, they seem pathetic. I guess we think they'll outgrow it, but now I wonder if it's not a bad idea to talk to these people when the warning signs show up.

[disneyspy]

alkie,im an irish yooper and it ran thru my family,i knew i had a problem in the late 80s and tried all kinds of methods,the only thing that has helped me is a 12 step program,coming up on 9 years and life gets better all the time

[BOY BOY]

i have a dream. i will be old enough to be sitting in a rocking chair with a blanket over my lap and i am rolling a big spliff. i am in a kind of "on golden pond" type place. i have had the dream recurring for many many years.

[drjoek]

I come from a long line of unrepentent alcohohics. Most died young some lived for years but never tried or succeded in stopping. I am effectively a tea totaler. Drank like everyone else in college and a bit through dental school but I rarely if ever drink now. I dont have any desire to drink especially since Ive seen what it can and continues to do to members of my family. My children have never been raised around it at home and are marginally aware of the other members of our family who struggle with it.

For all the fun that is made about Dave and his drinking on the show it really isn't all that funny in reality especially with a baby at home and another on the way.

[Gvac]

alkie,im an irish yooper and it ran thru my family,i knew i had a problem in the late 80s and tried all kinds of methods,the only thing that has helped me is a 12 step program,coming up on 9 years and life gets better all the time

Wow. I didn't know that.

Good for you brother, and I wish you continued success.

[Dougie Brootal]

I come from a long line of unrepentent alcohohics. Most died young some lived for years but never tried or succeded in stopping. I am effectively a tea totaler. Drank like everyone else in college and a bit through dental school but I rarely if ever drink now. I dont have any desire to drink especially since Ive seen what it can and continues to do to members of my family. My children have never been raised around it at home and are marginally aware of the other members of our family who struggle with it.

For all the fun that is made about Dave and his drinking on the show it really isn't all that funny in reality especially with a baby at home and another on the way.

your avatar is 1 step shy from becoming a full blown alcoholic...

[drjoek]

alkie,im an irish yooper and it ran thru my family,i knew i had a problem in the late 80s and tried all kinds of methods,the only thing that has helped me is a 12 step program,coming up on 9 years and life gets better all the time

Good for you Budday

[Don Stugots]

your avatar is 1 step shy from becoming a full blown alcoholic...

well then lets do something about it. i have been telling you for months to cut down on the booze.

[Gvac]

I come from a long line of unrepentent alcohohics. Most died young some lived for years but never tried or succeded in stopping. I am effectively a tea totaler. Drank like everyone else in college and a bit through dental school but I rarely if ever drink now. I dont have any desire to drink especially since Ive seen what it can and continues to do to members of my family. My children have never been raised around it at home and are marginally aware of the other members of our family who struggle with it.

For all the fun that is made about Dave and his drinking on the show it really isn't all that funny in reality especially with a baby at home and another on the way.

Good for you.

I NEVER saw either of my parents drunk when I was a child, and my dad never went to bars. He owned his own business and worked until 10PM six days a week. Sunday he was with the family. The whole idea of a father who goes to the bar after work and comes home hammered is horrific to me, and I'm grateful I was never subjected to it.

[Don Stugots]

my dad used to drink a lot before he and my mom got back together. he was also a chain smoker (till 2 weeks ago). I have talked with him a million times to cut down on the smokes and he would fight with me on it, saying it was all he had left to help him breathe without going on O2. Last week, i got to hold his hand while he gasped for what might have been his last breathes in the ICU of a VA hospital in tampa. Smoking is a horrible addiction.

[zildjian361]

Lucky you G my Father was a hard working Sanitation man from Brooklyn, Mom raised me and my kid brother,guess he needed a drink after work sometimes

[Gvac]

my dad used to drink a lot before he and my mom got back together. he was also a chain smoker (till 2 weeks ago). I have talked with him a million times to cut down on the smokes and he would fight with me on it, saying it was all he had left to help him breathe without going on O2. Last week, i got to hold his hand while he gasped for what might have been his last breathes in the ICU of a VA hospital in tampa. Smoking is a horrible addiction.

Agreed.

I've done cold turkey, hypnosis, the patch (twice), etc. and have always come back. Usually smoking more than before I quit.

It's killing me, it's expensive, it stinks...I could go on and on. I really am helpless when it comes to cigarettes. I'm going for laser acupuncture next month because a guy I work with had it done and it worked like a charm for him.

[KatPw]

I have alcoholism on both sides of my family, and my dad was a raging alcoholic. My husband is also a recovering alcoholic (8 years and 7 months sober). I always knew my dad had a problem, but with my husband I was clueless. We did not live with each other before he got sober, and I was working and going to school at night so I had no idea that he was drinking. His problem did effect our relationship though, I just assumed he was being an asshole about something when his behavior was in fact an indication he was getting itchy for a drink/currently drunk.

[Don Stugots]

yeah a few people have told me that it works.

as a kid we used to see my dad drink a lot. he would get wasted and fall into the half bathroom we had. after vomiting and falling asleep, he would get stuck in their, since it was so small. we would hear him crying for my mom to help pick him up but would yell at her to keep us in our rooms.

[Drunky McBetidont]

i have a dream. i will be old enough to be sitting in a rocking chair with a blanket over my lap and i am rolling a big spliff. i am in a kind of "on golden pond" type place. i have had the dream recurring for many many years.

i have a dream where i dose all my bosses coffees with lsd.

[Hottub]

betidont, mind the forum rules please.

[JackieJokeMan]

It wouldn't surprise me with there were people on the board with a gambling addiction.

[boosterp]

I am a happy drunk without an addiction problem.:tongue:

I do know of any issues of addiction in my family. I am also the only one with a real mental health problem.

[zildjian361]

It wouldn't surprise me with there were people on the board with a gambling addiction.

JackieJokeMan your not reallly JACKIE hes to cheap to gamble.:banning::wallbash:

[hurlmon]

I'm going for laser acupuncture next month because a guy I work with had it done and it worked like a charm for him.

gvac best of luck to you. I quit 9 years ago. a year after being diagnosed with testical cancer (you'd think that wuld have made me quit) and still think about it every day. I thought the desire would have gone away by now.

[MacVittie]

My relationship to cigarettes, weed, alcohol, pain medication, the internet, television, sleep, sex, and food are all unhealthy. I think I'm just one of those people. I did quit smoking a few year ago, though.

[CuntagiousChris]

Im addicted to everything and i dunno how to give it up so i wont

[A.J.]

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_kG-S45Ge8Pw/R7BQ9MQOJII/AAAAAAAAANw/0MZ-sDp5paQ/s320/Marlboro_ultra_lights_ks_20_h_usa.jpg

We have a fine collection of alcoholics and addicts in our family. My loser uncle gave me the inspiration to never try anything harder than weed. I have an addictive personality (hence the smoking) so that was a factor too.

[Aggie]

I have alcoholism on both sides. Both of my grandfathers and various aunts, uncles and cousins. I rarely drink so that's not a problem. I do however feel I have somewhat of the addictive personality. I've smoked cigs on and off since high school. Hopefully this time it will be permanent. Most people here know I enjoy weed also. But it never 'took over' my life and I don't feel like that is an addiction. Never tried anything more than that. But I think my eating is not out of necessity but for comfort so I'm trying to do better in that area.

[TjM]

I smoke too much. I think I drink more than I should but I don't think I'm addicted

[Thomas Merton]

My relationship to cigarettes, weed, alcohol, pain medication, the internet, television, sleep, sex, and food are all unhealthy. I think I'm just one of those people. I did quit smoking a few year ago, though.

"Too much of everything is just enough" sang Bob Weir, my former avatar. Cool then, stupid now, especially since he looks like Father Time these days and Jerry is gone

I have uneven relationships with everything you named, replace cigarettes with strip clubs

[MacVittie]

"Too much of everything is just enough" sang Bob Weir, my former avatar. Cool then, stupid now, especially since he looks like Father Time these days and Jerry is gone

I have uneven relationships with everything you named, replace cigarettes with strip clubs

strip clubs, hard drugs and gambling are the few things that I haven't found myself going overboard with at some point in my life.

[Liverspot]

I quit smoking tobacco after 16 years of 2-3 packs a day. It took me three attempts and I was actually physically ill each time I tried to quit. The first two weeks were the toughest. You have to really want to quit though and make a conscious decision to stop.

I still drink and probably more than I should.

[Dirtbag]

I haven't seen him in 15 years, but my father was an alcoholic. My step-father is an alcoholic, my mother is probably still on meth, and my brother is a borderline alcoholic. Its the whole reason why I won't even try anything. I do spend way to much time on the internet, but I also live in a town where there's nothing else to do if you don't drink.

[WampusCrandle]

yeah, a few addicts in the family:

sister: cutter
father's mother: booze
4 uncles: booze, pills, heroin (no more), pain killers
mother's father: booze, pills, muscle relaxers
mother: booze, pills, muscle relaxers
myself: opium (though, i believe it was more a phase than an addiction), booze (i've learned not to drink all day, though i still have a drink in the morning sometimes or in class for fun)

when i saw that my mom couldn't put a chip in her mouth because she was shaking, she fell down the stairs, and had to be brought to the hospital for not responding to anything (via muscle relaxers), i knew it was bad, but not as bad as i thought it was. i found she spent through thousands of dollars, spent my entire college fund 3x over. when i watched her in the E.R., i was worried, but i was so angry at the same time. the doctor tells me that she had about 28 % oxygen in her lungs and is lucky that i called 911 when i did, and all i could think of was how selfish she was. it really was a low point in are family history (of course, there are way more) and a true low for my morals and emotions; i realized im not as forgiving as i thought i was. there is still a strain on our relationship, but it's getting better.

i still feel guilty from time to time.

[Jughead]

Rehab..I'm so ashamed....March 3 1992--------- March 22 1992 insurance ran out embarrassed my family.....Pm me for details..By the way no booze no breaking the law all about what Ron talks about almost every week...Its never never leaves you.....

[tanless1]

used for 12 years. clean 13 years. scooby - doo. alot of F'n meetings.

[GregoryJoseph]

I am still addicted to cigarettes.

[Aggie]

I am still addicted to cigarettes.

I haven't had one since August and I miss it but I'm proud of myself. This is like the 4th time I've quit. You can do it if you really want.

[NateCantDance]

My grandfather was an alcoholic and his oldest daughter was a coke/heroin head. They both shot themsevles.

Good times!

[hurlmon]

I am still addicted to cigarettes.

you seem to want to quit. just keep trying.
even ifyou cut down its a good step.

[A.J.]

I am still addicted to cigarettes.

I noticed that at the last Bergen Night.

[Ponyboy]

I had a relapse over 3 years ago after not drinking for 17 years..so I got back on the wagon and have 2 1/2 years again...it happens...then I get better again.

It can be done...I know you have heard this before but...if I can do it, anybody can do it..jist keep plugging!

[landarch]

All of my paternal grandfather's brothers smoked and drank themselves into early graves. My grandfather did not, but still died at age 50 from cancer. My father used to drink after work and smoked three packs a day. He does neither any more.

I smoked cigarettes for years and quit in January, but still feel that addiction pretty strong. I'm not a drinker but still smoke weed every day. I know I'm addicted to that, because running out is very uncomfortable for me. Although the quantity used is quite small, the frequency is unacceptable.

[Penelope]

All of my paternal grandfather's brothers smoked and drank themselves into early graves. My grandfather did not, but still died at age 50 from cancer. My father used to drink after work and smoked three packs a day. He does neither any more.

I smoked cigarettes for years and quit in January, but still feel that addiction pretty strong. I'm not a drinker but still smoke weed every day. I know I'm addicted to that, because running out is very uncomfortable for me. Although the quantity used is quite small, the frequency is unacceptable.

You aren't addicted. You are just unhappy. There is no physical withdrawal. You should move to a state with medical marijuana. When you run out, you just go to the dispensary.

[landarch]

You aren't addicted. You are just unhappy. There is no physical withdrawal. You should move to a state with medical marijuana. When you run out, you just go to the dispensary.

I wish it were that simple, but I'm afraid you aren't quite accurate. There are some physical symptoms--some I could recognize as more mental than physical, but there are definitely some physical ones also.

And unhappy? Maybe to some extent. Not enough to continue these patterns without some physical magnetic force.

[DOHO@HOME]

I'm 45 and have used for the past 29 years,pot-booze and whatever else I could get my hands on.
Now I'm clean other then coffee and candy.
It has taken me several attempts to get out from under the poison, it took a few friends deaths and my wife being pulled over for dui for me to just quit cold turkey.
It's has been the best two years of my life and I hope to continue down this road.

[FrogSlayer]

I'm 45 and have used for the past 29 years,pot-booze and whatever else I could get my hands on.
Now I'm clean other then coffee and candy.
It has taken me several attempts to get out from under the poison, it took a few friends deaths and my wife being pulled over for dui for me to just quit cold turkey.
It's has been the best two years of my life and I hope to continue down this road.

GOOD for you, one day at a time.

[DOHO@HOME]

GOOD for you, one day at a time.

thanks I enjoy friends and family that can't begin to believe that I've been able to just quit this shit cold turkey.
Now I'm sober it blows me away to watch others around me that do abuse themselves can't understand why their live is so fucked up and they can never seem to straighten it out.
I'm not a preacher I'm just a example and try to help out if asked but I'm not one of those fucks that preach.
Nice to wake up not hung over or wondering how to get back on the buzz.
Thanks for the good word:thumbup:

[midwestjeff]

I got high and walked my dog to the park after work.
I came home and had a beer while I showered.
I have been drinking since then, about 4 hours.
I haven't eaten since lunch and I will be leaving soon to go to the bar
with a friend that is in town for the weekend.

I have given up all of these things at several points in my life.

I am an addict,
but not a cool one like in Trainspotting.

[goreds2]

Not any heay duty things mentioned here but I am probably addicted to soda (Diet Mountain Dew almost everyday since 1988). I do seem to get hyper at times due to this.

[fezident]

I definitely need help.

[Hottub]

I definitely need help.

Dude, you have to call someone.
Please.

[disneyspy]

I definitely need help.

check this out

http://portaltools.na.org/portaltools/MeetingLoc/

[opie's twisted balls]

Used to be an alcoholic. By used to be mean would binge drink a lot, need booze to fall asleep and to deal with a lot of shit. Quit that, went dry for a long time and now can enjoy liquor responsibly. I know that by still drinking, even small amounts, goes against the direction of AA but I've never fell back into the dangerous behavior.

Was going down the path of addicted to ativan. Given the feeling I got from IM valium I could very easily become addicted!

Smoked weed off and on for the past 6 years but never to the point of excess or detriment. Smoked cigs hardcore for a few months then quit cold turkey.