Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery

[roygrip]

Oct 3, 2011 17:39:46 GMT -5 @insurancegal said:

Sugar sensitivity gal here. I can tell you when I stop eating sweets, my stomach bloat goes down, I feel less itchy in certain areas , and I feel better overall.

Now that I am not drinking, the changes should be even more interesting.

Iggy, see if now your not drinking, you don't start craving sugar. Everyone I know who has stopped sure did. I'm a type 2 diabetic, I have to be careful, thank goodnerss for low sugar treats/choclate! It takes care of the cravings

[roygrip]

Oct 3, 2011 18:04:05 GMT -5 @insurancegal said:

RG, craving it? Yeah, maybe.... I found myself disappointed we didn't have any sweets Saturday after supper, then I realized we had funnel cake mix in the pantry. ;D

LOL, yep! The carbohydrates (as lone pointed out) are treated by our body as sugar, so take away the suds (carbohydrates) and your body says SUGAR!!!!! (funnel cake) ;D

[roygrip]

Wisdom of the Rooms ~ Quote of the Week

"Honesty got me sober; tolerance keeps me sober."

I didn't realize how dishonest I was before I entered recovery. I had half truths and misleading by omission down to a fine art, and by the end of my drinking and using I was even good at deceiving myself. I didn't know it then, but the practice of being rigorously honest was the cornerstone of my recovery, and without it I never would have gotten sober.

Another thing I didn't realize before recovery was how intolerant I was of other people, places and things. Once I began looking at myself, I found that my first reactions were to judge, reject and condemn others. What I discovered was that my intolerance was a defense mechanism covering my deep feelings of inferiority and shame, and it wasn't until I discarded these that I began to live comfortably in my own skin.

What I've learned over the years is that if I want to remain comfortable and sober, I've got to continue to practice tolerance. Now when I feel like judging or condemning others, I quickly look within and ask if I'm scared or if I'm feeling less than. Once I'm honest with myself, I'm able to deal with these feelings, and this always restores me to tolerance of myself and others.

Today I realize that honesty got me sober, but that tolerance keeps me that way.

[kimber45]

Interesting on the sugar corellation. DH does not eat a lot of sweets, I will see if that changes now. But on the other hand, he is a carboholic as well, can't get enough pasta.

[chiver78]

I think I'm going to be joining you guys for awhile. I count myself in the "I'll turn my brain off with a glass of wine" (or cosmo, or whatever) most weeknights. I think that developed as work got increasingly shittier and shittier over the past couple years. but, that boss got fired back in the spring, so it's not nearly as bad anymore. that said, I still find myself reaching for one or two to unwind.

I just got back from a long-weekend cruise, and was absolutely horrified by how much I had to drink - full disclosure, this was a concert/party boat. I'm not even sure I drank as much as the average cruiser. but, all I needed to get going in the AM was a single Advil and a mug of the echinacea tea I'd brought along. the rest of the rookies looked half-dead until they all started drinking again for the day. that's a big eye-opener as to where my tolerance is these days, and it kind of scares me.

I know it's not healthy, and I absolutely concur with the carb-loading. I found myself stepping away from the casino for a minute when the midnight snacks went out to grab a couple (small) slices of pizza. like anyone really needs pizza at midnight unless they work the overnight.

[roygrip]

Oct 4, 2011 12:53:10 GMT -5 chiver78 said:

I think I'm going to be joining you guys for awhile. I count myself in the "I'll turn my brain off with a glass of wine" (or cosmo, or whatever) most weeknights. I think that developed as work got increasingly shittier and shittier over the past couple years. but, that boss got fired back in the spring, so it's not nearly as bad anymore. that said, I still find myself reaching for one or two to unwind.

I just got back from a long-weekend cruise, and was absolutely horrified by how much I had to drink - full disclosure, this was a concert/party boat. I'm not even sure I drank as much as the average cruiser. but, all I needed to get going in the AM was a single Advil and a mug of the echinacea tea I'd brought along. the rest of the rookies looked half-dead until they all started drinking again for the day. that's a big eye-opener as to where my tolerance is these days, and it kind of scares me.

I know it's not healthy, and I absolutely concur with the carb-loading. I found myself stepping away from the casino for a minute when the midnight snacks went out to grab a couple (small) slices of pizza. like anyone really needs pizza at midnight unless they work the overnight.

Wecome Chiver!

Yeah it's amazing those party cruises. Good you "see" yourself. Better than me that just jumped in the bottle and stayed there

[Jake 48]

Hi Chiver

[kent]

Oct 4, 2011 13:14:08 GMT -5 @insurancegal said:

Chive, good to see you here.

Welcome aboard! You are among friends so let it all hang out if you chose.

[chiver78]

thanks, roy. hi, jake, Iggy and kent.

BTW, I never said I didn't do that. I sat down at a blackjack table the first night with a full rum runner flask (close to a full 750ml bottle) of raspberry vodka and $100 in chips. I woke up the next morning in my cabin, fully clothed and still wearing my jewelry - with about a drink's worth of razz left in the flask and 5 black ($100) chips in my bag. I have no recollection of how I got back to my room, or where the chips all came from. a friend I traveled with said that I couldn't put a sentence together, but that I was totally tearing up the tables. that's just not cool.

[roygrip]

Oct 4, 2011 14:01:07 GMT -5 chiver78 said:

thanks, roy. hi, jake, Iggy and kent.

BTW, I never said I didn't do that. I sat down at a blackjack table the first night with a full rum runner flask (close to a full 750ml bottle) of raspberry vodka and $100 in chips. I woke up the next morning in my cabin, fully clothed and still wearing my jewelry - with about a drink's worth of razz left in the flask and 5 black ($100) chips in my bag. I have no recollection of how I got back to my room, or where the chips all came from. a friend I traveled with said that I couldn't put a sentence together, but that I was totally tearing up the tables. that's just not cool.

LOL, at least you won! I woulda fallen overboard, lost my wallet and my loot! But seriously, you've made yourself aware of it, are a bit embarassed, and now the choice is yours. Your among friends

[roygrip]

Step 4 “Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.”
Step 8 “Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.
Step 9 “Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.”
Step 10 “Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.”

They mean that we examine OUR PART in things, we take our OWN inventory, not the other person's. We clean up our side of the street regardless of what others do or don't do. It takes some honesty & humility but the inner peace that ensues is amazing. You're doing what's right & healthy for your own mind, heart & soul...what God would have you do.

Thought to Consider . . .
It is the highest form of self-respect to admit mistakes and to make amends for them.

[roygrip]

Oct 5, 2011 7:58:33 GMT -5 @lonewolf said:

Oct 4, 2011 10:50:11 GMT -5 kimber45 said:

Interesting on the sugar corellation. DH does not eat a lot of sweets, I will see if that changes now. But on the other hand, he is a carboholic as well, can't get enough pasta.

From what I've learned, that horrid sweet craving is most likely coming from the yeast. Check your toenails. Are they in anyway deformed?
Find a way to kill the yeast and the craving goes away much faster than trying to starve the yeast.
You can get Nystatin from the doctor, but IMO it's way too harsh on the body. There are more natural ways to do it. I use Candex. A bit expensive and must be taken on an empty stomach, but has worked for me.
Either way, expect to suffer through the die-off. When the yeast dies, it excretes toxins that will make you feel worse before feeling better.
IMHO, this is why alcoholics have such a hard time staying on the wagon. Yeast craving is horrible and it usually wins.

Hey Lone, that's interesting, because across the board in an AA meeting or NA meeting we ALL crave sweets from heroin addicts to straight alcoholics. Alcohol turns to carbs (sugar) hence the cravings. You ALWAYS feed a recovering heroin addict sugar staves off their cramps.
This is an interesting concept. I have no problems with deformed toenails, yet I used to crave because of the carb/sugar issue as told to me by my endocrenologist and regular DR. Gonna do some research and check with my specialist.

[roygrip]

This is the accepted norm on sugar cravings the yeast connection is an interesting one which I'm gonna take up with my Endocrenologist

Sugar Sensitivity and Nutrition for Recovering Alcoholics







Jun 17, 2009
Angela Schnaubelt

Food for Recovery - Addictionend.org
Addiction to sugar plays a role in the recovery of alcoholics due to unique metabolism and brain chemistry. Many self-medicate for depression, self-esteem and energy.



Blood sugar levels and brain chemicals are important factors for the alcoholic in recovery. Nutrition, including sugar intake, should be closely monitored especially in the initial recovery stages to increase the chance of success for staying sober.

Kathleen DesMaisons, PhD. Addicitve Nutrition, asserts, “Sugar sensitive people have a more volatile blood sugar reaction to eating sweet foods than do other people.”

Sugar cravings and binging on sweets is very common in recovering alcoholics. Simple carbohydrates, sugar, and candy substitute for the alcohol, producing the same effects on brain chemistry.


Read more at Suite101: Alcoholism, Depression and Blood Sugar Levels: Sugar Sensitivity and Nutrition for Recovering Alcoholics | Suite101.com angela-schnaubelt.suite101.com/alcoholism-depression-and-blood-sugar-levels-a125929#ixzz1ZufDoHvp

[roygrip]

This from LIVESTRONG.COM



Diet for Recovering Alcoholics

Jun 14, 2011 | By Ian Kenney



Related Searches:Diet Plan, Healthy Diet


Excessive alcohol consumption inhibits the body's ability to absorb nutrients, dramatically influences the diet of the heavy drinker and can result in severe malnutrition. A recovering alcoholic must not only cease using alcohol and carefully wean the body from its physical effects, but also repair the body through nutrition to reverse some of the negative affects of heavy consumption. A healthy diet, complete with supplements recommended by your doctor, can go a long way toward restoring normal body function.

Alcoholic Diet

The consumption of alcohol tricks the body into thinking it's been fed by providing the calories that would otherwise come from more nutrient-rich food. As drinking levels increase, alcoholics tend to satisfy more of their unmet calorie needs with fatty and sugary food, according to a study by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, published in 2010 in the "Journal of the American Dietetic Association." Overall diet quality declines as the level of alcohol consumption increases, researchers found.


Nutritional Deficiencies

The most common dietary deficiencies in alcoholics are vitamin B6, thiamine and folic acid. These vital nutrients aid in red blood-cell production and nutrient absorption. During detoxification, or the immediate period following alcohol withdrawal, a doctor should monitor these levels and decide if supplementation is necessary to preserve healthy bodily function. He will also screen for protein, iron and electrolytes to determine what, if any, lasting damage has been done to the liver.

Balance

There is no cure for cirrhosis of the liver or pancreatitis, two of the more common chronic conditions associated with alcoholism. There will be, however, a time when the other systemic, alcohol-related damage like inefficient nutrient absorption or low red blood-cell count will reverse itself. Diets rich in protein and low in simple sugars or saturated fats can speed this process. Build a diet plan in recovery that delivers no more than 20 to 35 percent of the daily calories from fat, with an even split between carbohydrates and protein for the rest, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's food pyramid recommends.

Supplements

B-complex vitamins, particularly B12, contribute to a healthy metabolism. Your doctor may administer B12 shots or have you take B-complex supplements by mouth during your first few months of recovery. You may also need to supplement with vitamins A, C and E as well as minerals like magnesium, selenium and zinc in doses higher than the recommended daily allowance, Dr. Elson M. Haas writes for the Global Healing Center's website.

;DSugar Cravings ;D

The body converts alcohol, like other refined grains, directly to sugar, causing a spike in blood sugar levels and a commensurate insulin response to bring those levels back down. Following detox, a recovering alcoholic may find that he craves sweets and starchy foods more than he did before. This is the body's response to its perceived insufficient blood sugar in the absence of alcohol. The acute sugar cravings should pass as other withdrawal symptoms fade, but the compulsion to eat sugary foods could remain well into an alcoholic's recovery as a psychological replacement for alcohol. Sticking to your balanced diet plan and avoiding the early temptation to "medicate" against the loss of alcohol by binging on sugar should blunt the long-term effects of sugar craving as you progress through recovery.

Alcohol Abuse Hotline free help for alcoholics Get Help Now! [phone] AlcoholAbuseHotline.org

Sponsored Links

References
•National Institutes of Health: Diet Quality Worsens as Alcohol Intake Increases
•Global Healing Center: Nutritional Program for Alcohol Detoxification
•University of Maryland Medical Center: Diet and Substance Abuse
•Talk Rehab: Sugar Cravings

Article reviewed by Will McCahill Last updated on: Jun 14, 2011


Read more: www.livestrong.com/article/266762-diet-for-recovering-alcoholics/#ixzz1ZulXCBve

[roygrip]

Oct 5, 2011 9:11:45 GMT -5 @lonewolf said:

I have a relative who is trying to get off the alcohol, but every time he gets on the wagon, he binges on sweets and the craving for the alcohol only gets stronger as the yeast grows, this until he relapses. He knows he has Candida, but can't seem to overcome it. It's far from easy. Using Stevia (natural sugar substitute) really helped me. We have to remember that taking antibiotics is most likely the cause of the Candida. I have found many natural alternatives to taking them. Not one doctor, I've ever discussed this with, thought that yeast overgrowth was of any concern. I don't get it.
IMHO I think this is the root cause of IBS, an ailment that so many are suffering from today.

Roy. Thanks for posting all that great info.!
K to you.

Lone I appreciate your input, and my prayers to your relative. No one can do it for them, he/she will have to find that point when a) they say no more, and b) they realize they have a daily choice in the matter. No it's not easy!
As a type 2 diabetic as well as an alcoholic/addict in recovery, I've been using Stevia, and other sugar substitutes for years to great advantage.
I'm interested in the yeast idea and am going to research it as I said. Maybe the fact that I use sugar substitutes is the reason, I'm in better shape. Thanks Lone!

[me2]

Hi Lone & roy...
I am actually on a yeast free diet! I went to a wellness clinic and have been on the diet for almost 2 months. NO breads, grains, pasta, cereal, sugar, no dairy, no vinegar, no alcohol, no processed foods, no corn, no peas, no excessive sweet fruit. They also put me on a medicine to help kill the yeast in my system and then use a pro-biotic to replace the good stuff in the gut.
I eat lean meats, eggs, veggies, and most fruits.

My body has responded well...plus have lost 15 pounds!

Another sugar that is good is erythriol. It is kind of hard to find...but I really do like it. I tried stevia but like the other stuff so much better. It is very expensive, but I really don't use much at all.

[roygrip]

Oct 5, 2011 9:45:47 GMT -5 me2 said:

Hi Lone & roy...
I am actually on a yeast free diet! I went to a wellness clinic and have been on the diet for almost 2 months. NO breads, grains, pasta, cereal, sugar, no dairy, no vinegar, no alcohol, no processed foods, no corn, no peas, no excessive sweet fruit. They also put me on a medicine to help kill the yeast in my system and then use a pro-biotic to replace the good stuff in the gut.
I eat lean meats, eggs, veggies, and most fruits.

My body has responded well...plus have lost 15 pounds!

Another sugar that is good is erythriol. It is kind of hard to find...but I really do like it. I tried stevia but like the other stuff so much better. It is very expensive, but I really don't use much at all.

WOW! Me2! Very interesting! That diet sounds simlar to my 17 day diet, which is lean meats, certain veggies and fruits, once on it it wasn't hard to handle. I lost 20 pounds in 17-20 days.
I'm gonna have to research this too! Thank you, and continued good luck!

[roygrip]

Oct 5, 2011 9:42:37 GMT -5 @lonewolf said:

Thanks Roy and good luck with your research and recovery.

And prayers for you and your relative as well.

[roygrip]

FROM "TALK REHAB"

Sugar Craving Recovering Alcoholics

April 7th, 2009 TalkR3hab


Diet and nutrition may play a role wanting to drink alcohol and sugar cravings in recovering alcoholics. While few studies exist on the correlation between hypoglycemia and addiction, it is well known that both alcohol and eating refined grains and sweet foods can play a role in a person’s blood sugar levels.

Blood sugar levels can have many effects on a person’s energy level, their mood, and even their desire for sugary substances. Since alcohol, being made from grains and fermented fruits, is high in sugar, its effects on blood sugar levels could play a role in why it is as addictive as it is and why alcoholics form a dependency.

When a person’s blood sugars are too low, it can cause them to crave sugar (or in the alcoholic’s case, alcohol). When the levels are high from eating sweet foods and beverages, our bodies produce insulin which will often cause it to drop rapidly and begin the cycle of cravings all over again. Many recovering alcoholics who before were not fans of sweetened foods find themselves after giving up alcohol that they desire these things more often than before.

Having good nutrition habits is very difficult for the person who is abusing alcohol, especially since alcohol may become their main dietary supplement and a substitution for meals. Malnutrition is one of the well known physical effects of alcohol addiction that can not only cause the person to eat unhealthy items but also change the way the body processes sugars, grains, and other nutrients obtained from consuming different foods.

While eating a healthy diet alone is not enough to combat alcohol cravings, especially for someone who has become physically addicted on the drug and would benefit from safe and relatively painless alcohol detox, it could help the recovered alcoholic be more successful in quitting drinking for good. Eating a diet that helps regulate hypoglycemic levels can greatly reduce not only their cravings for sugar, but also their cravings for alcohol.

A healthy, well balanced diet is recommended to keep these levels intact and functioning the way they should to reduce cravings. Eating all of the food groups as the USDA recommends in their website My Pyramid and switching to whole grains can drastically improve a person’s diet and help regulate their hypoglycemic index. This helpful article on sugar addiction has some information of gradually reducing the amount of sugar you consume and eat as well as how to overcome cravings for good.

If you are a recovering alcoholic and sugar craving is a concern for you, speaking to a doctor, counselor, or nutrition specialist can help you learn more about your blood sugar levels and the different options available to help you combat both sugar and alcohol addiction for good.

[roygrip]

Alcohol Addiction Treatment and Self-Help
How to Stop Drinking and Start Recovery
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Overcoming an addiction to alcohol can be a long and bumpy road. At times, it may even feel impossible. But it’s not. If you’re ready to stop drinking and willing to get the support you need, you can recover from alcoholism and alcohol abuse—no matter how bad the addiction or how powerless you feel.

Recovery starts with admitting you have a problem with alcohol. You don’t have to wait until you hit rock bottom; you can make a change at any time. And while there are many effective alcohol treatment options, you don’t necessarily have to seek professional help or go to a fancy rehab program in order to get better. There are many things you can do to help yourself stop drinking and achieve lasting recovery.
In This Article:
Commit to stop drinking
Set goals and prepare for change
Ask for help and support
Get sober safely
Find new meaning in life
Plan for triggers and cravings
Don’t give up
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Alcohol treatment and recovery step 1: Commit to stop drinking
Most people with alcohol problems do not decide to make a big change out of the blue or transform their drinking habits overnight. Recovery is usually a more gradual process. In the early stages of change, denial is a huge obstacle. Even after admitting you have a drinking problem, you may make excuses and drag your feet. It’s important to acknowledge your ambivalence about stopping drinking. If you’re not sure if you’re ready to change or you’re struggling with the decision, it can help to think about the costs and benefits of each choice.

Evaluating the costs and benefits of drinking
Make a table like the one below, weighing the costs and benefits of drinking to the costs and benefits of quitting. Each list can be as long as you like. Do the costs of drinking outweigh the benefits? If so, you may want to consider making a decision to stop drinking.

Is Drinking Worth The Cost?
Benefits of drinking:
It helps me forget about my problems.

I have fun when I drink.

It’s my way of relaxing and unwinding after a stressful day.
Benefits of not drinking:
My relationships would probably improve.

I’d feel better mentally and physically.

I’d have more time and energy for the people and activities I care about.

Costs of drinking:
It has caused problems in my relationships.

I feel depressed, anxious, and ashamed of myself.

It gets in the way of my job performance and family responsibilities.
Costs of not drinking:
I’d have to find another way to deal with problems.

I’d lose my drinking buddies.

I would have to face the responsibilities I’ve been ignoring.


Alcohol treatment and recovery step 2: Set goals and prepare for change
Once you’ve made the decision to change, the next step is establishing clear drinking goals. The more specific, realistic, and clear your goals, the better.

Example #1: My drinking goal

I will stop drinking alcohol.
My quit date is __________.

Example #2: My drinking goal

I will stop drinking on weekdays, starting as of __________.
I will limit my Saturday and Sunday drinking to no more than 3 drinks per day or 5 drinks per weekend.
After three months, I will cut back my weekend drinking even more to a maximum of 2 drinks per day and 3 drinks per weekend.

Do you want to stop drinking altogether or just cut back? If your goal is to reduce your drinking, decide which days you will drink alcohol and how many drinks you will allow yourself per day. Try to commit to at least two days each week when you won’t drink at all.
When do you want to stop drinking or start drinking less? Tomorrow? In a week? Next month? Within six months? If you’re trying to stop drinking, set a specific quit date.
After you’ve set your goals to either stop or cut back your drinking, write down some ideas on how you can help yourself accomplish these goals and set the stage for a successful recovery from alcohol addiction.

To start, you may want to:

Get rid of temptations. Remove all alcohol, barware, and other drinking reminders from your home and office.
Announce your goal. Let friends, family members, and co-workers know that you’re trying to stop drinking. If they drink, ask them to support your recovery by not doing so in front of you.
Be upfront about your new limits. Make it clear that drinking will not be allowed in your home and that you may not be able to attend events where alcohol is being served.
Avoid bad influences. Distance yourself from people who don’t support your efforts to stop drinking or respect the limits you’ve set. This may mean giving up certain friends and social connections.
Learn from the past. Reflect on previous attempts to stop drinking. What worked? What didn’t? What can you do differently this time to avoid pitfalls?
Can I cut back on my drinking or do I need to stop drinking completely?
Whether or not you can successfully cut back on your drinking depends on the severity of your drinking problem. For most people with an alcohol problem, abstinence is the safest and easiest strategy. Regular drinking can quickly turn into problem drinking, and as long as you’re drinking at all, you’re taking that risk.

If you’re an alcoholic—which, by definition, means you aren’t able to control your drinking—it’s best to try to stop drinking entirely. But if you’re not ready to take that step, or if you don’t have an alcohol abuse problem, but you want to cut back for personal or health reasons, the following tips can help.

How to Cut Down on Your Drinking
Set a drinking goal. Choose a limit for how much you will drink. Make sure your limit is not more than one drink a day if you’re a woman, or two drinks a day if you’re a man. Now write your drinking goal on a piece of paper. Put it where you can see it, such as on your refrigerator or bathroom mirror.
Keep a "diary" of your drinking. To help you reach your goal, keep a "diary" of your drinking. For example, write down every time you have a drink for 1 week. Try to keep your diary for 3 or 4 weeks. This will show you how much you drink and when. You may be surprised. How different is your goal from the amount you drink now?
Watch it at home. Keep a small amount or no alcohol at home. Don't keep temptations around.
Drink slowly. When you drink, sip your drink slowly. Take a break of 1 hour between drinks. Drink soda, water, or juice after a drink with alcohol. Do not drink on an empty stomach! Eat food when you are drinking.
Take a break from alcohol. Pick a day or two each week when you will not drink at all. Then, try to stop drinking for 1 week. Think about how you feel physically and emotionally on these days. When you succeed and feel better, you may find it easier to cut down for good.
Adapted from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

Alcohol treatment and recovery step 3: Get support
Whether you choose to go to rehab, rely on self-help programs, get therapy, or take a self-directed treatment approach, support is essential. Don’t try to go it alone. Recovering from alcohol addiction is much easier when you have people you can lean on for encouragement, comfort, and guidance.

Support can come from family members, friends, counselors, other recovering alcoholics, your healthcare providers, and people from your faith community.

Lean on close friends and family – Having the support of friends and family members is an invaluable asset in recovery. If you’re reluctant to turn to your loved ones because you’ve let them down before, consider going to couples counseling or family therapy.
Build a sober social network – If your previous social life revolved around drugs, you may need to make some new connections. It’s important to have sober friends who will support your recovery. Try taking a class, joining a church or a civic group, volunteering, or attending events in your community.
Consider moving in to a sober living home – Sober living homes provide a safe, supportive place to live while you’re recovering from drug addiction. They are a good option if you don’t have a stable home or a drug-free living environment to go to.
Make meetings a priority – Join a recovery support group and attend meetings regularly. Spending time with people who understand exactly what you’re going through can be very healing. You can also benefit from the shared experiences of the group members and learn what others have done to stay sober.
Alcohol recovery support groups

If you’re trying to stop drinking, support groups can be an invaluable source of guidance, assistance, and encouragement. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is the most well known and widely available self-help group for alcoholics in treatment and recovery.

A key part of a 12-step program is choosing a sponsor. A sponsor is a former addict who has time and experience remaining sober and can provide support when you’re dealing with the urge to use.

To learn more about AA and other types of support groups for alcohol abuse, see Self-Help Groups for Alcohol Addiction.

Alcohol treatment and recovery step 4: Explore treatment options
If you decide that you’d like to see a mental health professional and take advantage of the latest addiction therapies, it’s time to explore your treatment choices. As you consider the options, keep the following in mind:

There’s no magic bullet or single treatment that works for everyone. When considering a program, remember that everyone’s needs are different. Alcohol addiction treatment should be customized to your unique problems and situation. It’s important that you find a program that feels right.
Treatment should address more than just your alcohol abuse. Addiction affects your whole life, including your relationships, career, health, and psychological well-being. Treatment success depends on examining the way alcohol abuse has impacted you and developing a new way of living.
Commitment and follow-through are key. Recovering from alcohol addiction is not a quick and easy process. In general, the longer and more intense the alcohol use, the longer and more intense the treatment you’ll need. But regardless of the treatment program’s length in weeks or months, long-term follow-up care is crucial to recovery.
There are many places to turn for help. Not everybody requires medically supervised detox or an extended stint in rehab. The level of care you need depends on your age, alcohol use history, and other medical or psychiatric conditions. In addition to doctors and psychologists, many clergy members, social workers, and counselors offer addiction treatment services.
Finding the right alcohol treatment program for you

When evaluating the many types of alcohol treatment programs, remember that everyone’s needs are different. A quality treatment program not only addresses the alcohol abuse, it also addresses the emotional pain and other life problems that contribute to your addiction.

Read: Choosing an Alcohol Treatment Program

As you seek help for alcohol addiction, it’s also important to get treatment for any other medical or psychological issues you’re experiencing. Alcohol abuse frequently goes hand in hand with other mental health problems, including anxiety, depression, attention deficit disorder, and bipolar disorder. In many cases, the drinking is an attempt to self-medicate. When these problems co-occur, recovery depends on treating them both.

Read: Substance Abuse and Mental Health: Overcoming Alcohol and Drug Addiction While Coping with Depression or Anxiety

Alcohol treatment and recovery step 5: Get sober safely
Some people can stop drinking on their own without a doctor’s help, while others need medical supervision in order to withdraw from alcohol safely and comfortably. Which option is best for you depends on how much you’ve been drinking, how long you’ve had a problem, and other health issues you may have.

Withdrawing from alcohol
When you drink heavily and frequently, your body becomes physically dependent on alcohol and goes through withdrawal if you suddenly stop drinking. The symptoms of alcohol withdrawal range from mild to severe, and include:

Headache
Shaking
Sweating
Nausea or vomiting
Anxiety and restlessness
Stomach cramps and diarrhea
Trouble sleeping or concentrating
Elevated heart rate and blood pressure


Alcohol withdrawal symptoms usually start within hours after you stop drinking, peak in a day or two, and improve within five days. But in some alcoholics, withdrawal is not just unpleasant—it can be life threatening.

Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you experience any of the following withdrawal symptoms:
severe vomiting
confusion and disorientation
fever
hallucinations
extreme agitation
seizures or convulsions


The symptoms listed above may be a sign of a severe form of alcohol withdrawal called delirium tremens, or DTs. This rare, emergency condition causes dangerous changes in the way your brain regulates your circulation and breathing, so it’s important to get to the hospital right away.

Do I need to go to detox?
If you’re a long-term, heavy drinker, you may need medically supervised detoxification. Detox can be done on an outpatient basis or in a hospital or alcohol treatment facility. As part of the alcohol detoxification process, you may be prescribed medication to prevent medical complications and relieve withdrawal symptoms. Talk to your doctor or an addiction specialist to learn more.

Alcohol treatment and recovery step 6: Find new meaning in life
Learn about roadblocks to hidden stress
Watch a 3-min.video: Roadblocks to awareness
While getting sober is an important first step, it is only the beginning of alcohol recovery. A few weeks or even months of rehab or professional treatment can get you started on the road to recovery, but to stay alcohol-free for the long term, you’ll need to build a new, meaningful life where drinking no longer has a place.

5 steps to a sober lifestyle

Take care of yourself. Basic self-care practices are essential to alcohol recovery. To prevent mood swings and combat cravings, concentrate on eating right and getting plenty of sleep. Exercise is also key: it releases endorphins, relieves stress, and promotes emotional well-being.
Build your support network. Surround yourself with positive influences and people who make you feel good about yourself. The more you’re invested in other people and your community, the more your have to lose—which will help you stay motivated and on the recovery track.
Develop new activities and interests. Find new hobbies, volunteer activities, or work that give you a sense of meaning and purpose. When you’re doing things you find fulfilling, you’ll feel better about yourself and drinking will hold less appeal.
Continue treatment. Your chances of staying sober improve if you are participating in a support group like Alcoholics Anonymous, have a sponsor, or are involved in therapy or an outpatient treatment program.
Deal with stress in a healthy way. Alcohol abuse is often a misguided attempt to manage stress. But there are healthier ways to keep your stress level in check, including exercising, meditating, using sensory strategies to relax, practicing simple breathing exercises, and challenging self-defeating thoughts.
Learn how to manage stress without alcohol:
Quick Stress Relief: How to Manage and Relieve Stress in the Moment
Relaxation Techniques for Stress Relief: Relaxation Exercises and Tips
Stress Management: How to Reduce, Prevent, and Cope with Stress
Alcohol treatment and recovery step 7: Plan for triggers and cravings
Cravings for alcohol can be intense, particularly in the first six months after you quit drinking. Good alcohol treatment prepares your for these challenges, helping you develop new coping skills to deal with stressful situations, alcohol cravings, and social pressure to drink.

Avoiding drinking triggers
Give yourself the best possible chance of staying sober by minimizing temptation and developing strategies for staying strong when it’s unavoidable.

Avoid the things that trigger your urge to drink. If certain people, places, or activities trigger a craving for alcohol, try to avoid them. This may mean making major changes to your social life, such as finding new things to do with your old drinking buddies—or even giving up those friends.
Practice saying “no” to alcohol in social situations. No matter how much you try to avoid alcohol, there will probably be times where you’re offered a drink. Prepare ahead for how you’ll respond, with a firm, yet polite, “no thanks.” Don’t give yourself time to start coming up with reasons why it’s okay “just this once.”
Managing alcohol cravings
When you’re struggling with alcohol cravings, try these strategies:

Talk to someone you trust: your sponsor, a supportive family member or friend, or someone from your faith community.
Distract yourself until the urge passes. Go for a walk, listen to music, do some housecleaning, run an errand, or tackle a quick task.
Remind yourself of your reasons for not drinking. When you’re craving alcohol, there’s a tendency to remember the positive effects of drinking and forget the negatives. Remind yourself that drinking won’t really make you feel better.
Accept the urge and ride it out, instead of trying to fight it. This is known as “urge surfing.” Think of your craving as an ocean wave that will soon crest, break, and dissipate. When you ride out the craving, without trying to battle, judge, or ignore it, you’ll see that it passes more quickly than you’d think.
The 3 basic steps of urge surfing:
Take an inventory of how you experience the craving. Do this by sitting in a comfortable chair with your feet flat on the floor and your hands in a comfortable position. Take a few deep breaths and focus your attention inward. Allow your attention to wander through your body. Notice where in your body you experience the craving and what the sensations are like. Notice each area where you experience the urge, and tell yourself what you are experiencing. For example, “Let me see . . . My craving is in my mouth and nose and in my stomach.”
Focus on one area where you are experiencing the urge. Notice the exact sensations in that area. For example, do you feel hot, cold, tingly, or numb? Are your muscles tense or relaxed? How large an area is involved? Notice the sensations and describe them to yourself. Notice the changes that occur in the sensation. “Well, my mouth feels dry and parched. There is tension in my lips and tongue. I keep swallowing. As I exhale, I can imagine the smell and tingle of booze.”
Repeat the focusing with each part of your body that experiences the craving. Pay attention to and describe to yourself the changes that occur in the sensations. Notice how the urge comes and goes. Many people, when they urge surf, notice that after a few minutes the craving has vanished. The purpose of this exercise, however, is not to make the craving go away but to experience the craving in a new way. If you practice urge surfing, you will become familiar with your cravings and learn how to ride them out until they go away naturally.
Source: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

Alcohol treatment and recovery step 8: Don’t give up
Changing problem drinking habits takes time, especially if your social life has revolved around alcohol or you’ve used drinking to cope with stress and numb your emotions. There is no quick and easy fix. Alcohol recovery is a process—one that often involves setbacks.

What to do if you slip:
Get rid of the alcohol and get away from the setting where you lapsed.
Remind yourself that one drink or a brief lapse doesn’t have to turn into a full-blown relapse.
Don’t let feelings of guilt, blame, or shame keep you from getting back on track.
Call your sponsor, counselor, or a supportive friend right away for help.
Learn from your drinking relapse
Don’t give up if you relapse or slip. A drinking relapse doesn’t mean you’re a failure or that you’ll never be able to rea ch your goal. Recovery isn’t hopeless—even if you’ve relapsed many times. Each drinking relapse is an opportunity to learn and recommit to sobriety, so you’ll be less likely to relapse in the future. Think of relapse as a detour on the road to recovery, rather than a derailment. You can choose to get back on the main path and continue traveling in the direction of positive change.

[kent]

Oct 5, 2011 10:45:51 GMT -5 roygrip said:

alcohol abuse—no matter how bad the addiction or how powerless you feel.

Recovery starts with admitting you have a problem with alcohol. Regular drinking can quickly turn into problem drinking, and as long as you’re drinking at all, you’re taking that risk.

How to Cut Down on Your Drinking
Set a drinking goal. Choose a limit for how much you will drink. Make sure your limit is not more than one drink a day if you’re a woman, or two drinks a day if you’re a man.

Great info Roy, keep it coming.

While the one drink per day for a woman and two for a man seems to be "standard" advice from the medical community, DO NOT use it as an excuse to continue drinking. "I'll only have one (or two if a man) drinks today so it's not a problem." It IS a problem if you are doing it on a daily basis.

[chiver78]

yay, Iggy, that's great! I couldn't help but chuckle at kent's joke he'd heard about people who don't drink and that when they get up is the best they'd feel all day. I have to say, I felt like I got steamrolled this morning (probably still a carryover from the ridiculous sleep pattern from the cruise, actually) and felt better as the day wore on.

so I have half a bottle of an Italian red wine that I had opened on Monday night when I got home - to turn my brain off for the night. when I went grocery shopping last night, I picked up crushed tomatoes that were on deep discount. I'm going to use the rest of the bottle making marinara. ;D that stuff simmers for a couple hours, there's no way there's any alcohol left by the time it's done!

ETA: hmm....spot on, roy. I'm not sure where I am along the spectrum of quitting totally or cutting wayyyyyyy back, but I'll see how I feel in a few weeks when it all works its way out of my system.

[kent]

Iggy said,

"Welp, IDK how long it takes for toxins, etc. to leave ones body, but..."

I just got off the phone with my ex-SIL, my ex-BIL is still in the hospital (he was admitted on Sunday - post#121, page 5).

Things aren't going real well. He's a guy that hates hospitals and is, essentially, a "runner (meaning he will check himself out despite doctor orders).

This time around, thanks to her advising the doctor in advance of his tendencies, he is in restraints. She went to see him today and noted one restraint was off. She panicked and the nurse told her not to worry because he's been trying to put it back on all morning - sheesh!

He's not dealing with the DT's, he's just hallucinating due primarily to all the ammonia in his blood. He thought he was in Iraq for awhile (he's never been there) and then he got upset because the "wall" in his room got a drink of water(?) he was supposed to get.

The doctor is telling her that he needs to stay hospitalized until they get the toxins cleared out of his system but they can't tell exactly how long that will take. It could be a few more days or longer.

When/if he does snap out of it, he still faces the STRONG (95%) likelihood of needing a liver transplant. At his age, 64, and his history of alcohol abuse, I don't know what the odds are of him getting that surgery.

If you find this a scary situation, I'm sorry but it's something you need to know if you're out of control. My intentions are honorable and I'm not making value judgments, just trying to scare you straight.

[roygrip]

Oct 5, 2011 14:47:43 GMT -5 @insurancegal said:

Thank you, RG, for putting this info out there.

kent, good point. My "one drink" was a tall double, that would "need to be refreshed" several times.

As I mentioned recently, Iggy can't have just one.

Absolutely good point Kent, 1 drink = 1oz -1 1/2oz hard alcohol
NOT! like me a quart slurpy cup with a pint of vodka with a splash of grapefruit juicE

[kent]

Oct 5, 2011 18:29:41 GMT -5 @insurancegal said:

OMG. Kent. I am soo, sooo, sorry they are going through this. Kiddos reallllly need to hear these types of things so they can learn the dangers of alcohol, and why it's considered a drug, too.

As far as you apologizing, no need to worry, at least where I am concerned. You'll notice I've never posted how much I was consuming, nor will I ever. I don't think it's right to compare ones consumption vs another, IMHO. I just know I was drinking too frequently, for me.

My heart goes out to your ex SIL and ex BIL. I sincerely hope they both make it out alive and intact.

Thanks Iggy, I hope they make through as well.

There's no need for anyone to post their level of consumption inasmuch as we are all different. As I posted earlier on, I have a low tolerance level but loved it just the same. I knew more than a few ladies that could drink me under the table.

[roygrip]

Oct 5, 2011 17:18:20 GMT -5 chiver78 said:

yay, Iggy, that's great! I couldn't help but chuckle at kent's joke he'd heard about people who don't drink and that when they get up is the best they'd feel all day. I have to say, I felt like I got steamrolled this morning (probably still a carryover from the ridiculous sleep pattern from the cruise, actually) and felt better as the day wore on.

so I have half a bottle of an Italian red wine that I had opened on Monday night when I got home - to turn my brain off for the night. when I went grocery shopping last night, I picked up crushed tomatoes that were on deep discount. I'm going to use the rest of the bottle making marinara. ;D that stuff simmers for a couple hours, there's no way there's any alcohol left by the time it's done!

ETA: hmm....spot on, roy. I'm not sure where I am along the spectrum of quitting totally or cutting wayyyyyyy back, but I'll see how I feel in a few weeks when it all works its way out of my system.

LOL, the alcohol "cooks" off at 120 degrees for a few minutes (now don't stand over the pot inhaling! ;D)

I suggest read the above and feel it out, cut back, see how you feel, you'll know. Are you guilty when you drink? Etc?

[roygrip]

Oct 5, 2011 18:21:57 GMT -5 kent said:

Iggy said,

"Welp, IDK how long it takes for toxins, etc. to leave ones body, but..."

I just got off the phone with my ex-SIL, my ex-BIL is still in the hospital (he was admitted on Sunday - post#121, page 5).

Things aren't going real well. He's a guy that hates hospitals and is, essentially, a "runner (meaning he will check himself out despite doctor orders).

This time around, thanks to her advising the doctor in advance of his tendencies, he is in restraints. She went to see him today and noted one restraint was off. She panicked and the nurse told her not to worry because he's been trying to put it back on all morning - sheesh!

He's not dealing with the DT's, he's just hallucinating due primarily to all the ammonia in his blood. He thought he was in Iraq for awhile (he's never been there) and then he got upset because the "wall" in his room got a drink of water(?) he was supposed to get.

The doctor is telling her that he needs to stay hospitalized until they get the toxins cleared out of his system but they can't tell exactly how long that will take. It could be a few more days or longer.

When/if he does snap out of it, he still faces the STRONG (95%) likelihood of needing a liver transplant. At his age, 64, and his history of alcohol abuse, I don't know what the odds are of him getting that surgery.

If you find this a scary situation, I'm sorry but it's something you need to know if you're out of control. My intentions are honorable and I'm not making value judgments, just trying to scare you straight.

I'm so sorry for him Kent, your family. But yes that is the realities of long term abuse. We say in AA/NA, What do we have to look foward to? Jails, institutions or death. That's the only outcome.
My prayers.

[roygrip]

And yes we know amongst ourselves what is to much for us. Everyones consumption level is different

[chiver78]

Oct 5, 2011 18:52:19 GMT -5 roygrip said:

I suggest read the above and feel it out, cut back, see how you feel, you'll know. Are you guilty when you drink? Etc?

guilty, no. it's more of a habit at this point - come home, get settled, pour a glass of wine. I'd compare it to someone finding something else to do in place of smoking a cigarette. you know what I mean? like someone doing a step-down on the nicotine program. they are still getting the nicotine through a patch, but when they do something where they would usually light up, like getting settled in their car for instance, they still reach for the pack. kind of like that. tonight, I had a trustees meeting at my complex, so I wasn't in the house. I got home, poured a can of soup into a pot on the stove, and almost poured myself a glass of that red wine I mentioned earlier. I'm not craving it, but it was sitting on the counter. looks like I'll be making that marinara tomorrow night, so I can get rid of the bottle.

as far as quantity, I'll absolutely agree that we (usually) know our own limits. most of us, anyway. as I said in my first post here, knowing that it only required an Advil and a Gatorade in the morning to counter everything I had the night before was a bit eye-opening.

kent - thank you for sharing your relatives' story, if it helps one person find a better path for themselves, it won't be for naught.
I wish them all peace.

[roygrip]

Oct 5, 2011 20:15:54 GMT -5 chiver78 said:

Oct 5, 2011 18:52:19 GMT -5 roygrip said:

I suggest read the above and feel it out, cut back, see how you feel, you'll know. Are you guilty when you drink? Etc?

guilty, no. it's more of a habit at this point - come home, get settled, pour a glass of wine. I'd compare it to someone finding something else to do in place of smoking a cigarette. you know what I mean? like someone doing a step-down on the nicotine program. they are still getting the nicotine through a patch, but when they do something where they would usually light up, like getting settled in their car for instance, they still reach for the pack. kind of like that. tonight, I had a trustees meeting at my complex, so I wasn't in the house. I got home, poured a can of soup into a pot on the stove, and almost poured myself a glass of that red wine I mentioned earlier. I'm not craving it, but it was sitting on the counter. looks like I'll be making that marinara tomorrow night, so I can get rid of the bottle.

as far as quantity, I'll absolutely agree that we (usually) know our own limits. most of us, anyway. as I said in my first post here, knowing that it only required an Advil and a Gatorade in the morning to counter everything I had the night before was a bit eye-opening.

kent - thank you for sharing your relatives' story, if it helps one person find a better path for themselves, it won't be for naught.
I wish them all peace.

I understand, The eye opening, I'm sure made you a bit uncomfortable, thus the admission here. Use that to your advantage. I understand the "pattern" of lighting a cigarette, at a certain time, having a glass of wine at a certain time, for a wind down.
I'm not saying you are, but realize there are diff. types of addicts/alcoholics, not all of us are the skid row type. Nor am I even implying your an alcoholic. More probably you've found yourself not liking the recent situation and it's time to "slow the roll".
But non the less interestingly I was the "binge drinker" at first. I'd tye one on, get sick of the hangover and quit for a few days, till my disease progressed and I just drank thru my hangovers.
Thats type A, then there is the guy that functions but still drinks always.
Classic case was a matre d. Came to work by noon, by one he'd had his first glass of 3 bottles of wine till he was off shift, did his job, made sense, but still consumed 3 bottles. He was asked to quit. He said no prob. By 3 pm he was sweating and arguing for his bottle. They did this three days in a row, just to be sure. He went into recovery. Extreme, b ut still fits the parameters of alcoholism.
Chiver, ask yourself what you want, what bothers you, what you wish to change, make a plan and stick to it. If you find yourself deviating (no excuses) then maybe step uip the plan to another level. Only you know the answer, and the choice you want. The fact you joined us here says a lot. Good luck on your choices and a plan. Wish I'd figured a plan way back then

I'll post a set of questions, that are a generalisation of "Are you an alcoholic or have alcoholic tendencies"