Help!

[Dingo12]

Hi

Some of you may know that I have been posting on here, on and off for the last 2 years.

It is the best source of info and support I have come across in the BBing world.

The thing is I have found myself developing an alcohol and junk food problem. I have been to my Dr (GP over here), and he has prescribed some sedatives to help with withdrawl and cravings.

I have been attempting to train throughout the problem - I have been bbing for 4 years now and have competed once.

I really want to compete again especially as I have very good genetics.

I have made good gains despite weekly 48hr alcohol binges, but recently have had to take 2 weeks off because I was finding having to train and cope with everything I have to face was too much.

I am starting lifting again tomorrow with a positive view to the future.

I was wondering if anyone out there has had any similar experiences, and if you have any advice/support it would be most appreciated.

 

[Temple]

Alcohol...not really, but I smoked for 20+ years. The bottom line is that you won't quit until you are ready and when you do decide to quit you just have to dig in and do it. Non-negotiable, the end, it's over PERIOD. In your situation AA meeting might help but in the end it is up to you. Hang in there - you can do it.

 

[spatts]

I don't have any experience with alcohol addicition. Cheddar peppers, yes; alcohol, no. I just wanted to wish you the best. If you have the will power to cut for a BB show, you have the will power to beat this, for sure.

 

[Daisy_Girl]

No experience with addiction, just wanted to say good luck. I can only imagine how difficult it will be to overcome, but already know that, I'm sure. Good luck and stay strong!

 

[grlpwrd]

I've never had an alcoholic addiction, but I do have my share of problems. I just wanted to say it would be best to resolve addictions with alcohol and junk food first. It may not be good to suddenly trade one addiction for another, know what I mean? Resolve what you can first.

Then again bb may just be what you need. You know...to "worship" your body, not poison it, and treat it well and all that good stuff.

Good luck to you!

 

[SteelWeaver]

I had alcohol and drug and and food addiction problems all during adolescence, and smoked til 2 years ago - I seem to have left them all behind, mostly, except for very rare occasions under extreme stress when I crack a bit.

I had a lot of therapy, a fantastic support base in my family, and ... I dunno - pride? persistence? the need to prove myself??? Anyway - something that helped me choose life. Because it IS a choice - YES, addictions almost by definition don't seem to give choices, but you CAN choose. From what I know of you on these boards, when you're straight, you're THERE - confident, practical, no bullshit. And I agree - if you can cut for comp, you can skip a drink - since it's only the first drink you need to skip ...

Something else that has really helped me stay away from drugs etc is learning about their effect on the body - I mean learning in detail - like down to the cellular level - nowadays I even avoid second hand smoke if I can possibly help it, since I don't fancy its effect on my training/gains/health, etc. If anyone offers me greasy chips or whatever, I'm not even tempted, since I imagine the path the particles will follow through my body, wreaking havoc along the way OK, maybe that seems extreme, but addictions are extreme, they make you do extreme things - ever found yourself scrabbling through the garbage for a fag end? a piece of chocolate?, the last few butts of some joints to put together for a new spliff? Yes, that's extreme - take extreme countermeasures and like a pendulum balance will slowly swing back.

Prioritise. And ACT - GO to NA, GO to AA, AVOID all junk food, yes, even avoid junk-food eating friends for now.

I'll be thinking of you and cheering you on silently during quiet times in my day. I strongly believe you can do this. Do YOU believe you can do it?

 

[newgirl-chargeback]

Nice post SW.

 

[Friscochick]

I had alcohol and drug and and food addiction problems all during adolescence, and smoked til 2 years ago - I seem to have left them all behind, mostly, except for very rare occasions under extreme stress when I crack a bit.

I had a lot of therapy, a fantastic support base in my family, and ... I dunno - pride? persistence? the need to prove myself??? Anyway - something that helped me choose life. Because it IS a choice - YES, addictions almost by definition don't seem to give choices, but you CAN choose. From what I know of you on these boards, when you're straight, you're THERE - confident, practical, no bullshit. And I agree - if you can cut for comp, you can skip a drink - since it's only the first drink you need to skip ...

Something else that has really helped me stay away from drugs etc is learning about their effect on the body - I mean learning in detail - like down to the cellular level - nowadays I even avoid second hand smoke if I can possibly help it, since I don't fancy its effect on my training/gains/health, etc. If anyone offers me greasy chips or whatever, I'm not even tempted, since I imagine the path the particles will follow through my body, wreaking havoc along the way OK, maybe that seems extreme, but addictions are extreme, they make you do extreme things - ever found yourself scrabbling through the garbage for a fag end? a piece of chocolate?, the last few butts of some joints to put together for a new spliff? Yes, that's extreme - take extreme countermeasures and like a pendulum balance will slowly swing back.

Prioritise. And ACT - GO to NA, GO to AA, AVOID all junk food, yes, even avoid junk-food eating friends for now.

I'll be thinking of you and cheering you on silently during quiet times in my day. I strongly believe you can do this. Do YOU believe you can do it?

WOW, that was a really excellent post SW.

Dingo12- I've never experienced alcoholizim, but i sure as hell loved junk food. At any rate, i think getting down to the inicial problem (why you are having an addiction) what the cause is.. and try to work thru it is first and foremost. Consentrate on that, then work you way slowly to working out again. Everytime you want to drink, when you feel the urge to grab that candy bar... Go to the gym, work up a sweat and feel good that you have the abilty to choose how your life turns out. Be happy that you have two legs, to arms that function and that allow you to run and walk and lift. Then see if when you get home if you reach for that glass or candy bar..

I wish you all the best in the world good luck hun!