Addictive Personality

OK...I know we are all addicted to food or we wouldn't be here. I have a friend who has had WLS is at goal if not below but has switched from food to drinking. She doesn't eat or take vitimins...she is looseing her hair. I am very concerned...is there a place that she can get help? She falls asleep every night with booze. She has no money for counceling.  I know this is off the track but it is a problem. I am sure shes not the first. Cha

Hi, Cha; You are a very kind person to want to help your friend;  unfortunately she is the only one who can help herself. If you can talk to her and get her to acknowledge that she is aware of an alcohol problem, then talk about Alcohol Anonymous;  they are free, but "ya gotta wanna", so she's the only one who can do the actual trip. As to the food intake or vitamins, that has to be her choice as well. Do you know if her family is aware of these problems?  Does she have family in the area? I wish you the very best of luck in helping your friend.

Cha, I WAS the same way. 24/7. I had a lot on my plate & was going thru a lot & turned to booze. I've been sober now for 7 months & did it cold turkey on my own. I understand your concern however, other than being there when she needs you, from an alcoholic, it is up to her when she's ready. She knows. Maybe she can try a support group on line-it's free. Things do get better. It takes strong family & friends who have a lot of understanding. And sometimes that is hard to come by since they themselves are sober. You're a very special person to reach out for help for her. Take care

Cha, it is definitely a problem among WLS patients where the change from food addiction to another be it drinking, sex, shopping, drugs, etc. The first thing she has to do is realize the addiction transfer and decide what she needs to do to regain control.  As one of the others posted, AA would be a good start and it's free. Is there any chance you can get her to OH?  She needs to understand the consequences of not taking her vitamins and how the alcohol is controlling her every movement. Best of luck to her and please know that you can offer suggestions if your friendship is personable enough but YOU can't change her, she has to make that change herself.

I 2nd that. Bluntly, I had near death experiences...alcohol poisoning...withdraws...finally, my children reached out to me to stop because their teacher at school died of liver disease & I was very close to her- never new she was an alcoholic. Very serious.

First thanks to all the replys I do appreciate them all. I know noone has the answer except my friend. I do know it is serious she has confessed to her mother ...i know she has issues. Maxing out the credit cards shopping, she living on starbucks frappichinos, doesnt take vitimins her hair is breaking off and shes lost about 1/4 of it. I hope she will go to AA and face the truth. I am afraid for her but I know there is nothing I can do...she has to make her mind up that she wants and needs help. I  will be there for her. And thanks to all you who were here with an ear for me. : ) thanks again Cha