Alcohol Addiction

[Proud2BMe 1,016]

Well, it's been a while since I posted here. I thought I would come clean and admit that I've developed an alcohol addiction. I knew the risks but I never thought it would happen to me.

For the past month I've been drinking every day, mostly whisky. I drink first thing upon waking up and then hit a few shots each hour. I've been drinking at night until I pass out.

It started because of tooth pain. I had some left over lortabs and was using those but when those ran out I was still in pain. So I turned to alcohol. Previously, I only drank when I went out on Fridays and Saturday, if I went out at all. So I'm officially hooked now. And alcohol effects me completely differently after surgery than before. Before just one single drink would leave me flushed and stupified. Today I can drink like a gallon (over-estimation) and be fine. I no longer get hot or flushed from drinking and it takes a lot to make me drunk. I think the surgery effected my metabolism somehow.

Anyway, I'm living proof that this can happen to those of us who have had the surgery. The only "good" news is that I haven't gained any weight. That actually surprised me. But I guess I haven't been eating much. Then again, I haven't lost any weight either. I'm still 14 lbs away from my goal weight.

I thought about getting professional help but my friends think I don't need it because I haven't been drinking like this for long. They want me to taper off. I have been drinking like 5 or 6 shots before work and my best friend says to slowly taper it off to just one shot before work before trying to cut it out completely.

[milpreve 38]

I can't offer any sort of advice, but I wanted to say that this random stranger on the internet is proud of you for this post. We faced our "biggest" problem head-on with WLS. If you could conquer that, you can conquer this. Don't be afraid to see a professional, whatever your friends think, if you think it would help you. Seeing a therapist when I "wasn't that depressed, it was just a low point" saved my life. <3

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

[KristenLe 5,979]

@@Proud2BMe It makes me sad to read this! I'm sorry you're going through a difficult time. Thankfully you admitted this before it got any worse. Alcohol detox is dangerous. Please reconsider getting professional help - at least to detox. Whatever you do - please take care of yourself!!! You're in my prayers!!

[sbg224 318]

I agree, although I cannot relate to alcoholism, but addiction is addiction, and please get help. If not a psychologist, at least go to AA, get a sponsor, someone who has gone through it, good luck, gt HELP, please

[UCLA man 101]

I have known someone that developed an alcohol addiction after weight loss surgery. He spoke about no longer being able use food to numb his pain and turned to alcohol to numb his pain. Since he was familiar with how Overeaters Anonymous works he quickly got into Alcoholics Anonymous and was successful.

I would seek experienced help if I couldn't change myself.

This is serious. Best wishes!

[VSGAnn2014 12,992]

Thank you for your post. I hope you will continue to let us know what's happening and how you're dealing with this new affliction.

Like obesity, alcoholism is something many people have overcome. "Recovering" from our specific afflictions is something we have to do every day. It isn't fair. But it's what it is. The good news is that we are allowed to choose how we respond.

Sending you my very, very best wishes.

Ann

[Inner Surfer Girl 12,015]

Thank you for your honesty and sharing. As others have said, you do not need to do this alone. AA, a counselor or therapist, your physician, and recovering alcoholics can all be a tremendous help. You do not have to face it alone.

[smartj84 27]

Your post was incredibly brave and admitting and accepting you have a problem is the hardest thing to do. I deal with a food addiction but I also have a mother that is an alcoholic. She never wanted to do anything about her problem and to live through the devastation of it personally was one of the hardest things. I will say it is one heck of a beast so I wouldn't suggest going it alone. You need someone that has been there done that. That's kinda what this place is for us. I would suggest going to some type of group meeting having a sponsor is the best thing you can do.

[FrankyG 1,450]

No advice... just wanted to say how sorry I am, and offer support and hugs. Words on a screen are a poor comfort, but I do hope they help some small amount.

You deserve to be happy and healthy. I do hope you have lots of great, supportive people in your life, and you seek out professional help to deal with it if you need it. Don't let anything get in the way of your recovery.

You are very brave to face up to this, and I wish you much strength to overcome it.

[ocgirl15 667]

You are so brave for admitting this to yourself and us! I disagree with your friends.... Don't wait get to professional help! It can only help and can't hurt. Best of luck on getting this under control...you have our support!

[Steph~L~16 168]

As a family member of 2 people that have passed away due to addiction and a father with final stage cirrhosis. I would vote on getting some help. It may be true that this hasn't been a pattern for long, but there is a possibility it could really cost you a lot in the long run, with your job being one of them. I speak from the opposite perspective and wish I could have gotten my family members some help while there was time. You still have that time and I'm praying that everything works out for you.

Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

[Christinamo7 4,041]

I am sorry you're dealing with this - I believe it is a very common thing though. you're certainly not alone.

I hope that by telling us, your friends here, this will be the second step in your recovery (the first being realizing it yourself). wishing you all the best - please let us know how you are doing.

[sc101071 398]

Look, I love to drink, and I haven't had surgery yet. It's half the reason I need the surgery. The way you describe it, you are hurting yourself at a much faster rate than ever with food. Weening ain't enough. If you care about your health, and the surgery shows you do, talk to someone. No judgment.

[Destinee_1 16]

If you feel the need to drink everyday chances are you have an issue with drinking. During my adventure last year with my weight loss support group, we discussed addiction. Drugs and alcohol being common but not limited to food, sex, gambling, heck even shopping can be an addiction. Some think you have to be down and out in order to resemble or be classified as someone with an addiction, and that's far from true. If you find yourself wanting to stop and can't GET HELP A.A is a good start even talking to your doctor might help... Our private and public health care system here in CA offer outpatient support to those who just need a little more motivation.

There are those who have to be hospitalized just because they would die without the next drink. One should not wait that long. I hope you find some help as soon as possible...

Just remember you are accomplishing and overcoming major obstacle that some won't ever be able too... Don't take your new life for granted:)

[NewBeginning2016 63]

Cyber hug

VSG 6/17/2016