Cocaine is a helluva drug...but sugar is worse.

So I got a glimpse today, of the addict life from outside, a bit like an out of body experience. My morning started great; I caught myself running up the stairs at the gym so I wouldn't be late for my class. That stopped me in my tracks. I haven't RUN UPSTAIRS in years. I actually laughed out loud. Then I went to my first interval training class since surgery, and I made it through. Again, very excited. But then I was driving around running errands, and I was craving! I could imagine anything like a shake or a frappé or French fries, any number of drive through comfort foods. As I sat at a light wondering why I wanted one of these treats, Alcohol popped in my brain and for a second it seemed like a reasonable substitute. In that one second I saw the depth of my addiction and totally understood transfer addiction! Now, I don't know what to do with this information. It hasn't released me from my addiction, I feel nervous and agitated a good deal of the time. But I was astounded at the clarity of the moment and wanted to share.

Yep, that sounds like addiction. You can actually visualize drinking that shake or eating those fries (mmm, fries). Addiction is a ***** and as they say in 12 step programs; while I'm in the recovery rooms, my addiction is in the parking lot doing pushups. Keep strong, girl. You got this.

I have seriously considered looking for therapy for this very reason.  I still struggle with cravings, and sometimes I get seriously cranky if I get frustrated about not being able to satisfy them.  I've found ways to manage it better, but it's still no fun to push my way through. 

We can do this!  It's great that you've recognized this about yourself... now it's time to figure out what to do about it.

I am twenty four years off booze and three off cigarettes and I can tell you for sure you are absolutely right! The sugar/carb addiction kicked my sorry butt.  That is one of the main reasons I had this surgery, because with the other addictions you have very defined lines- you don't drink or you don't smoke, but you must eat and we all know how hard it is to keep the carbs low.  For me, I started therapy again as an additional tool to keep me on track and help with the sneaky, slippery thinking I love so much. I can convince myself that anything is ok if I want that "drug" bad enough!  

Same here!!!  I don't know why alcohol seems like a reasonable substitute at times.  I guess I used to justify it as not being food so it was OK.  I liked the relaxed feeling I got when I was feeling anxious.  I found some yummy sweet flavored vodkas & would drink it straight.  Not a good idea at all.  I'm still struggling to give it up so if you can help it, please stay away from it.

I know this is why I have a Starbucks iced coffee addiction.  I notice it's easier for me to stay within a certain calorie range when I drink this once a day.  I wish I was one of those people who just changed their eating habits & got so focused but I still have to work hard at this.  Wah!

 

 

I too have an iced Starbucks drink daily (the very berry hibiscus refresher) and it helps me stay in my calorie-range.  Strange, right?

I say, "Whatever works"!!!! 

I am surely a sugar addict.... the only thing keeping me from a cupcake is the violent vomiting & diarrhea session I had with just a bit of sugary juice....
I thought it was boredom but I notice I have spent a heck of a lot more time at the casino since surgery.... this is a transfer addiction I do not need nor can afford

I am afraid I am stuck with my food addiction.  I can't seem to get a substitute going.  I am too old for sex, don't really like to drink much, smoking makes me gag, drugs have absolutely no appeal and I am too cheap to turn to shopping.

Today I got that urge to swing through a drive thru because I am pissed about something.   I pulled into a KFC, ordered one chicken breast, took it home, ripped the skin off and tossed it in the trash and smothered it in hot sauce.  I was rather proud of myself for staying low carb when a cheeseburger would normally be my drug of choice.

You are absolutely correct. I've actually told my therapist "Food is my drug." I'm not a big drinker and I smoked for years but food is my drug of choice...thus the surgery AND continuing therapy
It really does help to know this though. I started to really pay attention and when I get in the car and when I'm bored is when it triggers. Knowing doesn't make it go away, but it makes it easier to fight.