I need some general advice

[muffin1]

Is it possible to quit drinking without AA? My drinking started getting out of control about a year ago. I was completely stressed from work, and would go to my favorite bar with my hubby to talk about my freeper boss and politics (mainly our shared hatred of George Bush). I topped out at about 6 trips a week to the bar, usually consuming two doubles and a shot. Then at home I would have two or three more shots.
Well, I quit the stressful job, hoping that would help me to quit drinking. I am down to three trips a week to the bar (consuming the same amount as before). While this may not seem like a horrible amount to some, it is really affecting my life. I have gained 35 pounds in the last year, and I'm very depressed about that. I work out almost everyday, and consume very little food during the day, but I've lost NO weight so far. The depression about my weight also makes me want to drink. I feel so helpless.
I would really appreciate some advice from someone who's been in a similar situation.
Thank you.

[NMDemDist2]

1. of course! lots of people have quit without AA

look at our fearless leader/borg :hide:

eating several small meals a day is better for weigh loss than starving yourself all day.

sounds like you've just been drinking foolishly due to outside issues. try eating several small snack/meals of healthy foods 6 times a day and then see if your depression/anxiety eases somewhat.

a glass of wine now and then is no sin as long as it's just ONE :hug:

if you find you can't stop at just one though, you may want to look at your drinking a bit harder.....

[muffin1]

2. Thank you for the advice

I know you are right about my eating habits. My way used to work for me back in the day. No so much now that I'm 46! I usually have a SMALL bowl of cereal around 10 AM (after my workout), and then just a couple of crackers until dinner (which is a pretty normal sized amount). I will try your way.
Again, thanks!:hug:

[sandnsea]

3. go to the doctor

It might be your thyroid, or diabetes, or something else along those lines.

[Sanity Claws]

4. You may need help in detoxing your liver

First, congratulations on taking charge of your life.
Second, you may want to try a detox diet.
If you are like me, your weight gain and resulting appearance change is a big factor in your depression and this leads to self-medicating with alcohol -- a terrible cycle. A book called The Fat Flush is a diet based on detoxing your liver and cleaning out your lymphatic system. You may need to do that in light of your prior alcohol use and just general environmental exposures. YOu can find this book just about anywhere. Good luck to you.

[muffin1]

8. Thanks, in search of sanity

I just came back to this site today. I received one bit of helpful advice on the day I posted my question, checked back once more, and figured I would get no more responses. I will look for that book this weekend (received a lovely gift card for a bookstore as a going away present from my boss). And yes, I am indeed like you with the weight gain issue. I am 5'7", and weigh 165...not huge, but much larger than I want to be. Sad to say, I would love to not go out in public again until I lose this weight. Men used to give me "double takes", now I barely get a glance at all.
On top of all this depression over the weight gain, I feel shitty for being so superficial.
Thank you for being there.
:hug:

[ellisonz]

5. Yes.

[Kajsa]

6. Yep, there are several paths to recovery.

But I would suggest staying away from all mind-altering, " recreational use"
drugs. ( The joint smilie above made me think of it)
That ain't recovery.

:eyes:


Get some help from a doctor.
He/She can advise you regarding the drinking and the weight gain.

I'm a recovering drunk who has had a weight problem my whole life.

Good luck!

:hug:

[varkam]

7. AA is just one way to quit.

There are many people who have been able to quit without AA, and there are many who have been able to quit with it. I'm not sure that people are members of one group or another, but I do think that AA can be helpful for just about anyone who has a problem with drinking (even if just for the support of other people).

Just my .02.