Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery

[kent]

Congratulations to each of you that are now sober and to each of you that have started the journey. For all of those that have yet to make the decision, you're on the right thread so keep reading and you'll realize it's NOT an impossible task.

In my particular case, I spent many years having a drink EVERY SINGLE NIGHT. I didn't get sloppy drunk but it sure impacted my ability to fully function. I enjoyed having a slight "buzz" on but, because I have a low tolerance for alcohol, I tended to go to bed early and then wake up feeling hung over. Likewise, I would ALWAYS have to have a couple of drinks at social events. The one thing I did do right was to adopt a rule - if you're going to drive, you cannot have even ONE drink!

When my ex FIL, a full-blown alcoholic, finally hit the wall he was hospitalized with the DT's and we were pretty sure we were going to lose him. He was babbling like a loon and it scared the crap out of me vis-a-vis where I MIGHT be headed. I was fortunate enough to run across a very good book, Under the Influence by Milam & Ketchum ($7.99 on Amazon)

www.amazon.com/Under-Influence-Guide-Realities-Alcoholism/dp/0553274872/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1317497147&sr=1-1

I couldn't put it down. The upshot of the book is that you (or a loved one) is NOT a bad person, alcoholism is a disease and it CAN be defeated. I was extremely lucky in that the book was all it took for me to start getting it together. Make no mistake, it was NOT an easy journey. Addressing a habit, regardless of what it is, usually involves failures along the way so just hang in there and don't give up.

I forget who said it but it's both funny and illuminating - "I feel sorry for people that don't drink because when they get up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day!"

[roygrip]

Thanks Kent! It's a good read. Some one gave me a copy awhile back. For me as a full blown Alky/addict I needed more (12 step) But I urge everyone to use everything at your fingertips!

[kent]

Oct 1, 2011 16:12:12 GMT -5 @insurancegal said:

Kent! Good to see you over here.

Regarding drinking every night: I know there are people out there who have "just one" in the evening/with supper. That I usually never can achieve. It's all or nothing with me. And, Kent, you mentioned your ex FIL. My paternal grandmother was a full blown alcoholic, too. I saw pictures of her when she was young. A beautiful German woman. The alcohol aged her horribly. That is one of my scared straight visuals. Vain? Probably. But, seeing a black lung helps people stop smoking so...

And, Hi RG! Thank you for being here today.

Hi Iggy The fact that you have concerns places you on the path toward resolving this issue and I applaud you!

If you read the book I mentioned, I think it will help. I remember somewhere in the book that it talks about how a drinking problem - oh, cut out the tap dance Kent, call it what it is - alcoholism generally follows the male gene path. The old like father, like son deal. My grandfather had a few glasses of wine everyday and my father loved his daily Martini's (those things are like drinking gasoline to me) ;D Interestingly enough, neither of them would ever get sloppy drunk - dad was a quiet drinker and grandpa was affectionate - loved to hug his grandson (me) but sometimes it scared me when I was little.

That said, if my recollection from the book is correct, if a woman drinks to excess during pregnancy, she creates an alcoholic fetus. The cranky baby just seems like a cranky baby but when he/she takes their first drink later in life they are pretty much full-blown alcoholics all over again because the body doesn't recognize there's been 16-20 years since the last "drink."

If alcohol related aging scares you, hang onto that thought. Every tool you can use is fair play. You're going to do fine!

[kent]

I've also heard that, in addition to exercise, sugar helps reduce cravings I but it's worth a shot (no pun intended)

[Jake 48]

Oct 1, 2011 19:41:39 GMT -5 @insurancegal said:

Kent, LOL! I've been walking to encourage the "feel good" brain chemicals.

I don't think I get physical cravings for the booze, it's more mental....

All I know is it's Saturday night, and I am enjoying it with DH not hungover
or buzzed.

[Deleted]

Go Iggy, Go Iggy, Go Iggy.

[roygrip]

;D Go Iggy! Go!!!

[roygrip]

:)A.A. Thoughts For The Day
:)Consequences
"In some circumstances we have gone out deliberately
to get drunk, feeling ourselves justified
by nervousness, anger, worry, depression,
jealousy or the like.
But even in this type of beginning we are obliged to admit
that our justification for a spree
was insanely insufficient in the light of what always happened.
We now see that when we began to drink deliberately,
instead of casually,
there was little serious or effective thought
during the period of premeditation
of what the terrific consequences might be."

:)Thought to Consider . . .
Think it over, not drink over it.

:)Just For Today!
Traits in Common
Step Twelve: Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics, and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

But not so with alcoholics. When AA was quite young, a number of eminent psychologists and doctors made an exhaustive study of a good-sized group of so-called problem drinkers. The doctors weren't trying to find how different we were from one another; they sought to find whatever personality traits, if any, this group of alcoholics had in common. They finally came up with a conclusion that shocked the AA members of that time. These distinguished men had the nerve to say that most of the alcoholics under investigation were still childish, emotionally sensitive, and grandiose.
How we alcoholics did resent that verdict! We would not believe that our adult dreams were often truly childish. And considering the rough deal life had given us, we felt it perfectly natural that we were sensitive. As to our grandiose behavior, we insisted that we had been possessed of nothing but a high and legitimate ambition to win the battle of life.

:)Daily Reflections
THE CIRCLE AND THE TRIANGLE
The circle stands for the whole world of A.A., and the triangle
stands for A.A.'s Three Legacies of Recovery, Unity, and Service.
Within our wonderful new world, we have found freedom from our
fatal obsession.

Early in my A.A. life, I became employed in its services and I
found the explanation of our society's logo to be very appropriate.
First, a circle of love and service with a well-balanced triangle
inside, the base of which represents our Recovery through the
Twelve Steps. Then the other two sides, representing Unity and
Service, respectively. The three sides of the triangle are equal.
As I grew in A.A. I soon identified myself with this symbol. I
am the circle, and the sides of the triangle represent three
aspects of my personality: physical, emotional sanity,
spirituality, the latter forming the symbol's base. Taken
together, all three aspects of my personality translate into
a sober and happy life.

:)As Bill Sees It
Compelling Love
The life of each A.A. and of each group is built around our Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions. We know that the penalty for extensive disobedience to these principles is death for the individual and dissolution for the group. But an even greater force for A.A.'s unity is our compelling love for our fellow members and for our principles.

You might think the people at A.A.'s headquarters in New York would surely have to have some personal authority. But, long ago, trustees and secretaries alike found they could do no more than make very mild suggestions to the A.A. groups.
They even had to coin a couple of sentences which still go into half the letters they write: "Of course you are at perfect liberty to handle this matter any way you please. But the majority experience in A.A. does seem to suggest . . ." A.A. world headquarters is not a giver of orders. It is, instead, our largest transmitter of the lessons of experience.

:)Big Book Quote
"In this book you read again and again that faith did for us what we
could not do for ourselves. We hope you are convinced now that God can remove whatever self-will has blocked you off from Him. If you have
already made a decision, and an inventory of your grosser handicaps,
you have made a good beginning. That being so you have swallowed and
digested some big chunks of truth about yourself."

:)Twenty Four Hours A Day
A.A. Thought for the Day
There are no leaders in A.A. except as they volunteer to accept
responsibility. The work of carrying on A.A.- leading group meetings,
serving on committees, speaking before other groups, doing twelfth-step work, spreading A.A. among the alcoholics of the community -
all these things are done on a volunteer basis. if I don't volunteer
to do something concrete for A.A., the movement is that much less
effective. I must do my fair share to carry the load. A.A. depends
on all its members to keep it alive and to keep it growing. Am I
doing my share for A.A.?

:)Meditation for the Day
When you look to God for strength to face responsibility and are
quiet before Him, His healing touch causes the Divine Quiet to flow
into your very being. When in weakness you cry to God, His touch
brings healing, the renewal of your courage, and the power to meet
every situation and be victorious. When you faint by the way or are
distracted by feelings of inferiority, then rely on the touch of
God's spirit to support you on your way. Then arise and go forth
with confidence.

:)Prayer for the Day
I pray that I may lay myself open today to the healing touch of God.
I pray that I may not falter or faint by the wayside, but renew my
courage through prayer.

[Jake 48]

Iggy, when I first quit all my drinking buddies were WTF. I changed my circle of friends to non drinkers/or ones that would have a single drink. Then I took up running/ exercise and focused on me. That was my whole life, work, kids, exercise, very little social life. When I met DW, her circle of friends were more mature and if you were not a drinker, nobody cared. Years later I go to social functions and DW knows if I'm not comfortable, we are leaving after a short time. My best friend drinks to excess and turns into an asshole, I don't hang around with him much and that's tough because he is my oldest boys Godfather, I love his girls, his wife is a sweetheart and when he acts like an asshole I get caught in the middle. I do talk with him once a week on the phone, I just can't be in his physical presence all the time. Once or twice a year I have a boys night out with the guys I work with, I'm the DD. They love it , I don't pay and they get home in one piece. The rest of the time I am pretty much a loner/ homebody. Every day is a choice to stay the course but I am much better off sober.

[kent]

You know something everyone? I think this is possibly the most valuable thread ever started - thank you Roy, you have set the wheels in motion for several people I'm sure!

[roygrip]

Oct 2, 2011 10:32:15 GMT -5 Jake 48 said:

Iggy, when I first quit all my drinking buddies were WTF. I changed my circle of friends to non drinkers/or ones that would have a single drink. Then I took up running/ exercise and focused on me. That was my whole life, work, kids, exercise, very little social life. When I met DW, her circle of friends were more mature and if you were not a drinker, nobody cared. Years later I go to social functions and DW knows if I'm not comfortable, we are leaving after a short time. My best friend drinks to excess and turns into an asshole, I don't hang around with him much and that's tough because he is my oldest boys Godfather, I love his girls, his wife is a sweetheart and when he acts like an asshole I get caught in the middle. I do talk with him once a week on the phone, I just can't be in his physical presence all the time. Once or twice a year I have a boys night out with the guys I work with, I'm the DD. They love it , I don't pay and they get home in one piece. The rest of the time I am pretty much a loner/ homebody. Every day is a choice to stay the course but I am much better off sober.

Awesome Jake. When my wife and I both got sober together, years of partying together. Our circle of friends completely changed. I still go to work functions where people drink, but we arrive early and leave early. We find we just don't like being around people once they get buzzed. Most people are respectful and know we don't drink anymore. Actually we have more fun now

[roygrip]

Oct 2, 2011 10:50:59 GMT -5 kent said:

You know something everyone? I think this is possibly the most valuable thread ever started - thank you Roy, you have set the wheels in motion for several people I'm sure!

Why thank you Kent I appreciate that very much. One of the sayings in AA/NA is "you can't keep what you have, unless your willing to give it away"
So I shared my story in the hopes, that just that would happen, someone would read, relate, and the ball might start rolling for them.

[roygrip]

Oct 2, 2011 14:29:43 GMT -5 @insurancegal said:

Jake, how ironic and timely your post is this morning. Last night I talked to my best friend of 24 years. She and I grew up drinking together. Well, I was reluctant to return her call last night, because I knew she would be drinking. I informed her from the beginning of our conversation I had only the one beer (Wednesday) the past week. Her response? "Huh. *silence* Well, did the ozone open up or something?" We laughed, but in the future I will ensure I talk with her earlier in the day before she (hopefully) starts drinking. Side note: My godfather is an alcoholic, too. He is my dad's best friend from Catholic school. That's what they all did in the 70's and 80's is drink. I think that is where I learned the behavior.

Kent, I agree. This is an unremarkable thread. Thank you for starting it, RG!

And, everyone, if I talk too much about myself, please let me know, and I'll cease and desist.

Please, please talk! Iggy. That is the point gto all this. That we all relate our common issues, in the hopes we ALL gain something from it.

[roygrip]

Oct 2, 2011 14:52:26 GMT -5 @daphne87 said:

Talk away Iggy! DH will sometimes joke with me when I get home from a meeting -- "Did someone talk too much?" It's a friendly joke, because it seems that a lot of us alky's like to talk. Heck, we have some of the BEST drinking stories!

LOL, yeah but mines better That's an inside joke! Seriously, it's what meetings are all about. Addicts, alkys, sharing their experiences, strengths, and hopes, supporting each other

[roygrip]

AA Thought for the Day
Tradition Three
I love the Third Tradition -- that the only requirement for AA membership
is a desire to stop drinking. It allows people that relapse to come back.
It's wonderful. No recriminations, no scolding and no "I told you so." . . .
What I don't hear are people saying that relapse is not a part of their story.
I have not had a drink since my first AA meeting. I hardly ever say that at a meeting.
I'm going to change that. It's not bragging, or lack of humility
to say that I've not had a relapse -- as long as I remember
to give credit where credit is due.
I am sober today through the grace of God and the Fellowship of AA.

Thought to Ponder . . .
Having a slip is not an option. Staying sober is the solution.


I'm one of the ones that DID relapse over and over, till I completely surrendered, and I keep surrendering daily

[roygrip]

Oct 2, 2011 21:25:03 GMT -5 @insurancegal said:

An entire weekend, for the first time in forever: SOBER!

AWESOME! IGGY! It must feel wonderful!

[moxie]

Hi Roy.

[moxie]

Good luck to Iggy and kimber's DH. Jake, Dawg, daphne and kent...well done!

[roygrip]

MAIN REASON FOR RELAPSE

In working for years with both the family and their loved ones' substance abuse issues, I have concluded that even though there are a myriad of reasons for relapse, there are four basic ones that can become an easy switch to flip.

They are expectations, boredom, fear and resentment. This blog will explore boredom and fear, the following week we'll look at expectations and resentments.

All of these represent emotional challenges for the alcoholic/addict and might present kryptonite to some people in recovery, regardless of how long they've been sober or how strong their program. In addition, remember that maybe one or more of these dispositions might have been a major contributor to their original route to addiction in the first place.

Boredom

As the statement goes, "An idle mind is the devil's playground." This is true for both the "healthy" individual and the alcoholic/addict, but boredom can be a major contributing factor in addiction and relapse.

Many people find themselves eating too much, gambling, shopping to excess or indulging in other vices out of boredom. Therefore, routine and concrete scheduling can be a lifesaver for the alcoholic/addict. Knowing where to be and when to be there, as well as being accountable to someone or something else, provides a safe framework for the person who is new in recovery.

A lackluster disposition and attitude along with "making plans to make plans" can indicate that a person may have an issue with boredom. They might find themselves sluggish or having gotten used to putting off goals and dreams to another time, another day. It takes a lot of effort and persistence to shake the alcoholic/addict out of their comfort zone of boredom, for it has often been a big part of the person's lifestyle for many years.

Boredom is a state of mind. They may shut out the world by sleeping, vegging in front of the television or computer or just hanging out listening to music. If they get bored of being bored, drugs or alcohol are an easy (not much effort required) place to go for relief. They need to snap themselves out of boredom, and this takes effort and commitment.

A schedule, coupled with passion for a new hobby or sporting activity, allows the alcoholic/addict to successfully and happily break the cycle of boredom. Though you don't want to have to cajole them out of boredom and then babysit your efforts, you can entertain some options toward a common hobby or event.

Maybe plan a trip and enlist your loved one to aid you in these plans. If your loved one shows a propensity for classic cars or hot rods, buy an old one and refurbish it together. Direction, commitment and interest could help stimulate your loved one away from this state of boredom.

Fear

Is the fear imagined or real? Is the fear based in reality (a head-on car collision) or rooted in the unknown? Whether an alcoholic/addict or not, most fear that anyone experiences is imagined. In fearing the unknown, we distrust an outcome and fear not being in control of what may or may not happen.

The alcoholic/addict might find solace in reverting to their history of fears, whether it stems from childhood, adolescence or beyond. They may be fearful of stepping outside their comfort zone as they see their results as negative or unsatisfying. This can surely impair their effort to make important changes in life.

History is a teacher, so it makes sense that if for so long the alcoholic/addict has been fearful to take chances, make uncomfortable decisions or really face life on life's terms, then relapsing to a familiar place may be more soothing than finding themselves in a death grip of fear. They may feel that relapse and the relief of self-medicating is their only option. Sometimes the fear of better days and how to handle them or if they will be able to handle them can take the disguise of sabotage.

Unlike boredom, where the family and others can participate in assisting their loved one into a routine, fear is lodged personally in the caverns of the alcoholic/addict. Sure, the family can help dispel those fears, encourage the alcoholic/addict that there is nothing to fear and that even failure will be worth the learning experience.

But hopefully, as our loved one continues to have victories, small or large, they will grow to trust that the outcome is not as fearful as they might have once thought.

[roygrip]

Hi Mox! ;D

[Jake 48]

Oct 2, 2011 21:25:03 GMT -5 @insurancegal said:

An entire weekend, for the first time in forever: SOBER!

[roygrip]

Oct 3, 2011 1:51:36 GMT -5 @insurancegal said:

Soooo... Is it normal when one quits drinking to want to stay up until near
exhaustion so when you finally *do* go to bed, you crash immediately?

LOL, you've "subdued" your emotions for so long thru alcohol Iggy, that yeah, it takes awhile to develop a pattern of normalacy. Give it time.


Use that excerise routine, evening walks, tire yourself naturally and find something you enjoy. It'll take a bit to "settle down"

[roygrip]

LET IT GO ~ by T. D Jakes

There are people who can walk away from you. And hear me when I tell you this! When people can walk away from you: let them walk. I don't want you to try to talk another person into staying with you, loving you, calling you, caring about you, coming to see you, staying attached to you. I mean hang up the phone. When people can walk away from you let them walk. Your destiny is never tied to anybody that left. The Bible said that, they came out from us that it might be made manifest that they were not for us. For had they been of us, no doubt they would have continued with us[1 John 2:19] People leave you because they are not joined to you. And if they are not joined to you, you can't make them stay. LET THEM GO!!!

And it doesn't mean that they are a bad person it just means that their part in the story is over. And you've got to know when people's part in your story is over so that you don't keep trying to raise the dead. You've got to know when it's dead. You've got to know when it's over. Let me tell you something. I've got the gift of good-bye. It's the tenth spiritual gift, I believe in good-bye. It's not that I'm hateful, it's that I'm faithful, and I know whatever God means for me to have He'll give it to me. And if it takes too much sweat I don't need it. Stop begging people to stay. LET THEM GO!!!

If you are holding on to something that doesn't belong to you and was never intended for your life, then you need to...LET IT GO!!!
If you are holding on to past hurts and pains...LET IT GO!!!
If someone can't treat you right, love you back, and see your worth...LET IT GO!!!
If someone has angered you...LET IT GO!!!
If you are holding on to some thoughts of evil and revenge...LET IT GO!!!
If you are involved in a wrong relationship or addiction...LET IT GO!!!
If you are holding on to a job that no longer meets your needs or talents...LET IT GO!!!
If you have a bad attitude...LET IT GO!!!
If you keep judging others to make yourself feel better...LET IT GO!!!
If you're stuck in the past and God is trying to take you to a new level in Him...LET IT GO!!!
If you are struggling with the healing of a broken relationship...LET IT GO!!!
If you keep trying to help someone who won't even try to help themselves...LET IT GO!!!
If you're feeling depressed and stressed...LET IT GO!!!
If there is a particular situation that you are so used to handling yourself and God is saying "take your hands off of it," then you need to...LET IT GO!!!
Let the past be the past. Forget the former things. GOD is doing a new thing for you!!! LET IT GO!!!
Get Right or Get Left... Think about it, and then...LET IT GO!!!
"The Battle is the Lord's!"

[kent]

Oct 2, 2011 21:25:03 GMT -5 @insurancegal said:

An entire weekend, for the first time in forever: SOBER!

That's our girl! Good job!

[kimber45]

Congrats, Iggy . DH was pretty good. He has another meeting today with his counselor. She told him not to quit right away as she was afraid of him having seizures, thought he should go to detox for 72hrs. He drank what I consider a "normal" weeknight for him (about 8 drinks) on Thursday. But Friday, Saturday and last night he only had 2 each day. We will see what happens tonight after his meeting.

He says that if he quits drinking he will change. He says he can't have fun if we go out and he doesn't drink he gets bored and thinks that people think he's boring when he's not drinking. I told him that 's a chance that I will take and he should too.

I was a heavy drinker in my teens years and maybe for a time when we were first married. I have been his DD now for many years. I hardly ever drink during the week and if we do go out, maybe have a couple but watch it because I'm driving.

[kent]

For any of you that "suspect" you may have a "problem" with drinking and are concerned about your liver, I would suggest you contact your doctor and ask him/her to order the following blood tests:

GGT, ALT and ALP to ascertain the condition of said organ. Just one more potential "tool" to help (or reinforce) your decision making process.

[kent]

Well, I got a call from my ex BIL's wife last night. It seems my ex BIL, like his father I mentioned in post #83, has now "hit the wall." He's been acting a little dopey for about 2-3 months. Somewhat unresponsive to questions by his wife, sleeping way too much, not eating, distorted recollection of the past, not using the computer, unable to safely drive, etc.

She called to say she had taking him to the hospital. He hates hospitals with a passion (he's checked himself out several times in the past) so she told him they were going for a ride. He thought that would be a nice thing to do but told her he didn't want to drive. That worked out fine because there was no way she would let him drive anyway.

So, they get to the hospital and the intern greeting them when they pulled up said he couldn't make him get out of the truck - I think the law requires patient consent. Needless to say, she wasn't thrilled about that. A doctor came out to the truck and said that, absent patient consent, they could involuntarily remove him from the vehicle if he couldn't answer a few basic questions. He didn't know what time it was, what month it was or what season it was - bang - out of the truck and eventually admitted.

Inasmuch as he's already been diagnosed with cirrhosis of the liver, thanks to drinking morning, noon and night for about 40 years (like his father) , the prognosis is not very good - his system is flooded with toxins.

The doctors are of the opinion that he is suffering from Hepatic Encephalopathy.

Fron the NIH website (in part):

pubs.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/arh27-2/143-145.htm

Hepatic Encephalopathy—A Serious Complication of Alcoholic Liver Disease
Roger F. Butterworth, Ph.D., D.Sc.
Roger F. Butterworth, Ph.D., D.Sc., is scientific director of the Neuroscience Research Unit at CHUM (Hôpital Saint–Luc), and professor of medicine at the University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada.

Alcohol’s harmful effects on liver cells not only interfere not only with the normal functioning of the liver but also impact distant organs, including the brain. Prolonged liver dysfunction resulting from excessive alcohol consumption can lead to the development of a serious and potentially fatal brain disorder known as hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Patients with HE suffer from sleep disturbances, changes of mood and personality, severe cognitive effects (e.g., a shortened attention span), psychiatric conditions such as anxiety and depression, as well as motor disturbances, including motor incoordination and a type of flapping tremor of the hands called asterixis. In the most serious cases, the patients no longer respond to external stimuli and may fall into a coma (i.e., hepatic coma), which can be fatal.

The doctors already know he has elevated levels of ammonia in his blood so as you scroll through the article, pause at the section entitled Relationships Between the Liver and the Brain for a real wake up call.


Sorry this post is so long but I think it's really important.

[kent]

Oct 3, 2011 10:20:03 GMT -5 @lonewolf said:

I really think alcoholism is more of a physically problem than anything else.
What I find odd, with the few I know who have a drinking problem, is that while drinking they claim to not want to eat sweets, but when they go on the wagon they can't stop eating them.
Does anyone else find this to be true?

From what little I know, it is a physical problem rather that a psychological issue and, as I stated in post #87, there apparently IS some connection between sugar intake and the desire for alcohol.

[kent]

Oct 3, 2011 11:14:51 GMT -5 @lonewolf said:

Oct 3, 2011 11:01:57 GMT -5 kent said:

From what little I know, it is a physical problem rather that a psychological issue and, as I stated in post #87, there apparently IS some connection between sugar intake and the desire for alcohol.

87

From what I've learned, most often the sugar cravings are due to an overabundance of yeast in the body. The yeast screams for it. I've found that starving and killing the yeast stops the sugar cravings and might just stop help with the alcohol problem. ?

Could be. I found this at:

www.drlwilson.com/articles/alcoholism.htm

A vicious cycle often ensues when nutritional deficiencies develop. The body’s natural energy system becomes crippled and lethargy develops. This can cause a craving for alcohol as the fuel of choice, since it uses a different metabolic pathway to produce energy in the body. Once one begins drinking alcohol the nutrient deficiencies worsen, and this further increases the cravings for alcohol or sugar. (emphasis added by me)

I don't know anything about Dr. Wilson but what she says makes sense based on what I've read in the past.

[diamonds]

>>>>From what I've learned, most often the sugar cravings are due to an overabundance of yeast in the body. The yeast screams for it. I've found that starving and killing the yeast stops the sugar cravings and might just stop help with the alcohol problem.<<<<

lone: I agree with you. My ex was a diehard alcoholic and that conclusion had already been talked about at that time. He was embarrassed to go to the beach in the summer, as his toenails were fungus ridden and abnormal looking. He just thought it was part of athletes foot. I have not spoken to him in at least 10 years, but he was having serious health issues, but I picked up from the conversation that he was still drinking as he had always been a mean drunk and saying off the wall things. I asked him a question and he just hung up the phone. His parents never drank, but they say his grandfather did and don't know if there is a gene connection. My daughter unfortunately followed in his footsteps.