I rarely come on NFTs, but somehow I was thinking about how fortunate I’ve been to avoid, quit or escape from protracted or lifetime addiction(s).
I quit cigs over 40 years ago (hardest addiction for me to stop) and alcohol nearly 30 years ago (I diagnosed myself as an alcoholic and my behavoir bore that out, imv)..
That said, I believe I dodged a HUGE bullet when I tried cocaine twice back in the ‘70s. Fortunately for me, all it did was make my throat numb and I became nauseous..Had it had the desired effect, there’s no question in my mind that I would have become addicted and probably would have lost everything. Thank goodness after those 2 “failures” (SUCCESSES in retrospect) I never had any interest in trying it again..
You?
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to show some of our vulnerabilities.
Alcoholic here. I have never been a dramatic drunk, never mean, but that was part of the problem and harder for me to control, simply because I didn't feel like I was hurting anyone else but myself, but in reality I was hurting others by hurting myself. Anyway, it's been a struggle of on again off again behavior since 2011. I'm currently in a good dry spell (no drinks since last august, three years has been my longest before thinking "one beer won't be a big deal").
I have issues with anxiety and depression that alcohol intensifies, so each time I decide to have a drink I know in the back of my mind this could be the time that I am not able to come out of the intense depression that will inevitably come from my decision to play with a fire that I am not able to safely back away from.
Anyway, thanks for people sharing personal demons. Sharing helps give others hope in that they, themselves are not alone with their problem.
My wife will have an occasional glass of wine, that’s it..I could get away with a drink here and there, but after awhile, I’d be back full time, so I’ve never even taken a sip of anything.
Btw, What’s amazing to me was how eady it was for me to stop alcohol as heavily invested in it as I was..Never really missed it and Yes, people drinking around me has never bothered or tempted me.
Cigarette quitting was brutal. I must have failed 50 tines way back when. The thought of never, ever smoking again proved far too much for me to handle, so I capitulated over and over again..
One day, Over 40 years ago I took a different tack. I didn’t make it final in my mind (given how it’s mostly a mental addiction after the physical cravings leave). I simply said to myself, “I’ll go back, I’m just postponing my next cigarette.” That relieved a huge mental burden FOR ME..I never went back.
Funny you mention that. I play men's league hockey with a recovering crack addict. He says he's alive today because he still uses crack. I said, what??? he says he has 1 day per year where he checks into a hotel room and smokes crack all day.
he survives the other 364 days knowing he has that 1 day.
Obviously not completely analogous to what you said but reminded me of him.
Weird guy, obviously has demons, but the mental way to live with addiction seemed similar (though he followed through on it)
Alcoholic here. I have never been a dramatic drunk, never mean, but that was part of the problem and harder for me to control, simply because I didn't feel like I was hurting anyone else but myself, but in reality I was hurting others by hurting myself. Anyway, it's been a struggle of on again off again behavior since 2011. I'm currently in a good dry spell (no drinks since last august, three years has been my longest before thinking "one beer won't be a big deal").
I have issues with anxiety and depression that alcohol intensifies, so each time I decide to have a drink I know in the back of my mind this could be the time that I am not able to come out of the intense depression that will inevitably come from my decision to play with a fire that I am not able to safely back away from.
Anyway, thanks for people sharing personal demons. Sharing helps give others hope in that they, themselves are not alone with their problem.
Crick: Good for you and good luck. If your goal is to stay completely sober, there are plenty of resources out there to help. Obviously AA, but there's also SMART recovery, and individual therapists can also help, and I'm sure many others.
I also struggle with depression and anxiety; recently had to up my dosage on my meds but am consequently feeling better. Alcohol also interacts with these illnesses in various ways for me as well. If you'd ever like to talk offline I can put my email address in my profile for a little while; lmk.
I took celexa for a few years and it helped me, but I stopped 4 years ago amid some side effects and wanting to live drug-free.
Thanks guys. Feels good to share since I usually don't talk about this stuff with my friends or family.
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to show some of our vulnerabilities.
Alcoholic here. I have never been a dramatic drunk, never mean, but that was part of the problem and harder for me to control, simply because I didn't feel like I was hurting anyone else but myself, but in reality I was hurting others by hurting myself. Anyway, it's been a struggle of on again off again behavior since 2011. I'm currently in a good dry spell (no drinks since last august, three years has been my longest before thinking "one beer won't be a big deal").
I have issues with anxiety and depression that alcohol intensifies, so each time I decide to have a drink I know in the back of my mind this could be the time that I am not able to come out of the intense depression that will inevitably come from my decision to play with a fire that I am not able to safely back away from.
Anyway, thanks for people sharing personal demons. Sharing helps give others hope in that they, themselves are not alone with their problem.
My wife will have an occasional glass of wine, that’s it..I could get away with a drink here and there, but after awhile, I’d be back full time, so I’ve never even taken a sip of anything.
Btw, What’s amazing to me was how eady it was for me to stop alcohol as heavily invested in it as I was..Never really missed it and Yes, people drinking around me has never bothered or tempted me.
Cigarette quitting was brutal. I must have failed 50 tines way back when. The thought of never, ever smoking again proved far too much for me to handle, so I capitulated over and over again..
One day, Over 40 years ago I took a different tack. I didn’t make it final in my mind (given how it’s mostly a mental addiction after the physical cravings leave). I simply said to myself, “I’ll go back, I’m just postponing my next cigarette.” That relieved a huge mental burden FOR ME..I never went back.
Bb56. Thanks for this response! It's amazing how one thing is tough for one individual while not necessarily for the other.
Your last paragraph is so on-point. When I tell myself I can never drink again the pressure becomes too much. At times I will tell myself that I may have a beer today (of course it's never one, that's the problem). It helps relieve the pressure knowing that I can, but probably shouldn't. As the day goes on the thought of driving to the store to grab beer to get drunk starts causing anxiety which is a good friend in this case, I have an easier time canceling my plan of drinking for that day, but the key for me is stay away from absolutes (irony 😂) as in, "I can never drink again".
Thanks for your contribution!
AA and abstinence are not right for me for a number of reasons, but I will not go into it because I want to be supportive. For all those who do want to quit drinking, there is AA, SMART recovery, therapy, religion, Buddhist yoga, support groups, all types of different things that can help you. I encourage you to give it a shot and don't get down if it doesn't work right away, you're not perfect, nobody expects you to be and nobody will judge you.
I'm happy to discuss offline with anyone who wants to. Reply to my message and I'll put my email in my profile for a little while. (Unfortunately my user name is already pretty revealing so I don't want everyone to know my true identity forever.)
On another note, I've met a few heroin addicts and it's heartbreaking. They all seem like good people who got caught up in a terrible addiction. No one starts doing drugs with the intention of stealing from their friends and family. That just goes to show you how deep and tough that addiction gets.
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In comment 15264055 crick n NC said:
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to show some of our vulnerabilities.
Alcoholic here. I have never been a dramatic drunk, never mean, but that was part of the problem and harder for me to control, simply because I didn't feel like I was hurting anyone else but myself, but in reality I was hurting others by hurting myself. Anyway, it's been a struggle of on again off again behavior since 2011. I'm currently in a good dry spell (no drinks since last august, three years has been my longest before thinking "one beer won't be a big deal").
I have issues with anxiety and depression that alcohol intensifies, so each time I decide to have a drink I know in the back of my mind this could be the time that I am not able to come out of the intense depression that will inevitably come from my decision to play with a fire that I am not able to safely back away from.
Anyway, thanks for people sharing personal demons. Sharing helps give others hope in that they, themselves are not alone with their problem.
My wife will have an occasional glass of wine, that’s it..I could get away with a drink here and there, but after awhile, I’d be back full time, so I’ve never even taken a sip of anything.
Btw, What’s amazing to me was how eady it was for me to stop alcohol as heavily invested in it as I was..Never really missed it and Yes, people drinking around me has never bothered or tempted me.
Cigarette quitting was brutal. I must have failed 50 tines way back when. The thought of never, ever smoking again proved far too much for me to handle, so I capitulated over and over again..
One day, Over 40 years ago I took a different tack. I didn’t make it final in my mind (given how it’s mostly a mental addiction after the physical cravings leave). I simply said to myself, “I’ll go back, I’m just postponing my next cigarette.” That relieved a huge mental burden FOR ME..I never went back.
Bb56. Thanks for this response! It's amazing how one thing is tough for one individual while not necessarily for the other.
Your last paragraph is so on-point. When I tell myself I can never drink again the pressure becomes too much. At times I will tell myself that I may have a beer today (of course it's never one, that's the problem). It helps relieve the pressure knowing that I can, but probably shouldn't. As the day goes on the thought of driving to the store to grab beer to get drunk starts causing anxiety which is a good friend in this case, I have an easier time canceling my plan of drinking for that day, but the key for me is stay away from absolutes (irony 😂) as in, "I can never drink again".
Thanks for your contribution!
Well, we are often on the same wavelength…😎
I took celexa for a few years and it helped me, but I stopped 4 years ago amid some side effects and wanting to live drug-free.
Thanks guys. Feels good to share since I usually don't talk about this stuff with my friends or family.
I'll be honest: for me SSRIs and other meds for panic attacks have been the only thing that truly help. Exercising obviously helps a little. I have a few friends who are into meditating, mindfulness exercises, Budhist yoga (which is apparently a thing), etc. I'd recommend giving some of that stuff a whirl. You can download mindfulness apps for free, and I'm sure there are meditation apps and Youtube videos.
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to show some of our vulnerabilities.
Alcoholic here. I have never been a dramatic drunk, never mean, but that was part of the problem and harder for me to control, simply because I didn't feel like I was hurting anyone else but myself, but in reality I was hurting others by hurting myself. Anyway, it's been a struggle of on again off again behavior since 2011. I'm currently in a good dry spell (no drinks since last august, three years has been my longest before thinking "one beer won't be a big deal").
I have issues with anxiety and depression that alcohol intensifies, so each time I decide to have a drink I know in the back of my mind this could be the time that I am not able to come out of the intense depression that will inevitably come from my decision to play with a fire that I am not able to safely back away from.
Anyway, thanks for people sharing personal demons. Sharing helps give others hope in that they, themselves are not alone with their problem.
Crick: Good for you and good luck. If your goal is to stay completely sober, there are plenty of resources out there to help. Obviously AA, but there's also SMART recovery, and individual therapists can also help, and I'm sure many others.
I also struggle with depression and anxiety; recently had to up my dosage on my meds but am consequently feeling better. Alcohol also interacts with these illnesses in various ways for me as well. If you'd ever like to talk offline I can put my email address in my profile for a little while; lmk.
Hi Mike!. I sincerely appreciate your compassion and advice, thank you! I certainly would like to add you to my contacts, not solely for me.
I'm glad you're feeling better, meds and good intentioned human interaction\connection are key for me. Humans just aren't made to handle burdens entirely themselves. "It is not good for man to be alone". Talking and listening with good intentions is amazing therapy for both individuals in my view.
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In comment 15264077 Big Blue '56 said:
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In comment 15264055 crick n NC said:
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to show some of our vulnerabilities.
Alcoholic here. I have never been a dramatic drunk, never mean, but that was part of the problem and harder for me to control, simply because I didn't feel like I was hurting anyone else but myself, but in reality I was hurting others by hurting myself. Anyway, it's been a struggle of on again off again behavior since 2011. I'm currently in a good dry spell (no drinks since last august, three years has been my longest before thinking "one beer won't be a big deal").
I have issues with anxiety and depression that alcohol intensifies, so each time I decide to have a drink I know in the back of my mind this could be the time that I am not able to come out of the intense depression that will inevitably come from my decision to play with a fire that I am not able to safely back away from.
Anyway, thanks for people sharing personal demons. Sharing helps give others hope in that they, themselves are not alone with their problem.
My wife will have an occasional glass of wine, that’s it..I could get away with a drink here and there, but after awhile, I’d be back full time, so I’ve never even taken a sip of anything.
Btw, What’s amazing to me was how eady it was for me to stop alcohol as heavily invested in it as I was..Never really missed it and Yes, people drinking around me has never bothered or tempted me.
Cigarette quitting was brutal. I must have failed 50 tines way back when. The thought of never, ever smoking again proved far too much for me to handle, so I capitulated over and over again..
One day, Over 40 years ago I took a different tack. I didn’t make it final in my mind (given how it’s mostly a mental addiction after the physical cravings leave). I simply said to myself, “I’ll go back, I’m just postponing my next cigarette.” That relieved a huge mental burden FOR ME..I never went back.
Bb56. Thanks for this response! It's amazing how one thing is tough for one individual while not necessarily for the other.
Your last paragraph is so on-point. When I tell myself I can never drink again the pressure becomes too much. At times I will tell myself that I may have a beer today (of course it's never one, that's the problem). It helps relieve the pressure knowing that I can, but probably shouldn't. As the day goes on the thought of driving to the store to grab beer to get drunk starts causing anxiety which is a good friend in this case, I have an easier time canceling my plan of drinking for that day, but the key for me is stay away from absolutes (irony 😂) as in, "I can never drink again".
Thanks for your contribution!
Well, we are often on the same wavelength…😎
That is good to know, seriously 👍
Fortunately, I found BBI in '97 and have used this platform to channel by dissatisfaction... ;)
I love to gamble and have had several challenges with pulling back at times. But I've always been pretty good at the cold turkey routine and now I just dabble. And mostly with horse racing...
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remind (explain to) me how to edit my BBI user profile, I'd greatly appreciate it.
i can do it for you but you need to provide me with your social security number.
Fortunately, I found BBI in '97 and have used this platform to channel by dissatisfaction... ;)
I love to gamble and have had several challenges with pulling back at times. But I've always been pretty good at the cold turkey routine and now I just dabble. And mostly with horse racing...
Kind of funny, Art Stapleton began his mini-camp tweets with this:
you need to correct him on the specifics before you sue him for copyright infringement.
I took celexa for a few years and it helped me, but I stopped 4 years ago amid some side effects and wanting to live drug-free.
Thanks guys. Feels good to share since I usually don't talk about this stuff with my friends or family.
I've struggled with anxiety/GAD/panic attacks for ages. After several years of not having panic attacks, I had a pretty massive recurrence brought on with oral surgery a few months ago. I'll spare you the details but I was astonished at how far I fell mentally so quickly. I was right back where I was when I first started having panic attacks as a college student.
Anyway, I do take an SSRI (was actually trying to get off it before this) and my doc upped my dose. This appears to have helped. I started exercising more and I also started cognitive behavioral therapy which really helped me understand mindfulness and apply it to my daily life. Two of the things that really helped me: acceptance of the current moment/understanding that it will pass, and then moving my attention to my body (e.g., focusing on breathing or any given body part feels at the moment) instead of my mind when anxiety sets in. I can't battle anxiety on its own turf; I can simply accept that it's there and move my attention elsewhere. It helps a lot.
The whole experience recently helped me understand that, aside from panic attacks, I carry around a shitload of anxiety on a 'normal' day. Am now doing my part to minimize it where possible.
Wish you all the best. It can be a real MF'er as I've unfortunately had to understand all over again recently.
I earned my seat.
Life is way better including my marriage, my work situation, my health, etc.
I also quit smoking around the same time.
Yea, a good choice...
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In comment 15264126 Mike from SI said:
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remind (explain to) me how to edit my BBI user profile, I'd greatly appreciate it.
i can do it for you but you need to provide me with your social security number.
Actually see link on upper right of page near your handle.
Muchas gracias.
I happily bailed. Did the same with Twitter. Screw social media. No regrets.
I am getting close to doing the same with Instagram and twitter. I spend too much time on my phone as it is.
When I went to Sweden they put dip in their upper lip - just looked weird. I used to use skoal back in the day. all the hockey players did - sort of like our homage to Sandlot.
Getting rid of all the "stuff" and being a clutter-free minimalist is a pipe dream for me. Sadly, I don't have the willpower to get rid of all but the most basic essentials.
People are addicted to the internet regardless and social media has only made that problem worse.
I remember coming across an interesting book, which I now think is a decade old, how our modern life just isn't good for us at all. And mental health problems are only getting worse with social media. The problem is, it's practically impossible to break off of it, without going full Robinson Crusoe.
How can we get people to get enough daily exercise, sun, healthy foods, and limiting social media/internet usage when all of that us antithetical to being moderately successful in our society? Good luck trying to get a job if you tell them, "I don't use the internet". There's some professions that would work, but not nearly enough, and because kids are now ingrained with it, it's like they are almost incapable of doing it. I remember being on job sites and old men bitching about how lazy kids are (and many haven't learned a good work ethic yet) but these kids are climbing a steeper mountain than ever before.
The Social Dilemma on Netflix was pretty eye opening - for those of you who haven’t seen it PLEASE watch it. These social media apps are literally designed to keep us addicted and to keep users coming back and spending more and more time on the apps. Oh, haven’t been on Instagram in a while? Well lets send you a notification that your Ex posted a new picture! Maybe that will get your attention.
I do think Instagram is entertaining, especially because I love nature and diving and there are a lot of cool accounts, but Twitter can get dangerous which is why I only use it for sports and news and only follow a small amount of accounts.
Getting rid of all the "stuff" and being a clutter-free minimalist is a pipe dream for me. Sadly, I don't have the willpower to get rid of all but the most basic essentials.
Guilty. An eBay addict..😎
But by not growing up with it I think its almost as bad or worse for those in their mid-30s and later compared to someone my daughter's age (5) who will learn to incorporate it better in their daily lives. My mother-in-law is obsessed with it and she's 70 - can't even visit her grandkid without being attached to Facebook. She's also body shaming herself because she sees pics of her friends and thinks she fat (she's probably 95 pounds, tiny woman).
For me I got of Facebook for 2 reasons. 1, I couldn't even talk sports with people without it turning into threats of violence. Normally its something you shrug off but when its all people you know its a lot more "real". 2nd was having a kid, I didn't want to do the picture posting thing and get caught in that trap so I just removed it from my life. And sure enough 5/6 years later almost every woman I know post their children 10x online - its an addiction for sure.
I don't know what the solution is I just hope to guide my daughter as best I can and pray she develops thick skin.
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is doing to so many out there. Much like any other vice, there's moderation and then there's abuse. I don't think we known the magnitude of the problem either, it just keeps getting bigger or more damaging.
The Social Dilemma on Netflix was pretty eye opening - for those of you who haven’t seen it PLEASE watch it. These social media apps are literally designed to keep us addicted and to keep users coming back and spending more and more time on the apps. Oh, haven’t been on Instagram in a while? Well lets send you a notification that your Ex posted a new picture! Maybe that will get your attention.
I do think Instagram is entertaining, especially because I love nature and diving and there are a lot of cool accounts, but Twitter can get dangerous which is why I only use it for sports and news and only follow a small amount of accounts.
Saw that and agree..I signed up for twitter when it first came out. The constant pinging on my phone drove me nuts. After a few hours, I got off it and never went back..
Thanks. I will NOT fu*k around with you on here…😂
Smart phones still weren’t very smart when I was in college and cameras on phones weren’t that great either (thank god). I think it must be incredibly difficult for kids these days who are constantly on social media. Someone snaps one pic of you without your consent doing stupid college stuff and your life could be ruined. Also, IMO it really fuels depression and anxiety in kids, especially as they go through puberty etc. Not to mention bullying on social media.
Honestly I think social media is one of the most addictive and toxic things to happen to our society maybe ever. Sorry, not trying to hijack the thread !
What I found out really surprised me.
First, using coke was a singular choice. But it became my friend. My girlfriend, my social life, pretty much everything. I was in a terrible marriage as it was, so I became even further disconnected from her too.
I also learned who was really a true friend to me and who loved me. I'm not blaming her, but she and her family very quickly separated themselves from me. Our marriage came to an end (thankfully).
It's not easy to work on yourself. In fact, for me, it's extremely difficult. A daily struggle. Recently, I have reached out to a professional to discuss the petty BS that weighs me down.
I no longer use, but I can't say that if it was in front of me, I wouldn't do it. I just no longer seek it out.
I'm glad I got this off of my chest. Thank you
I second that..
I only use it (very rarely) just to stalk pictures of my ex-girlfriends. You know....like a normal person and closer to the reason it was created in the first place.
Friend of Bill here too, 12+ years, amen brother
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In comment 15263906 Big Blue '56 said:
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.
At what age did you give up drinking BB56? Just curious. I tend to think one day I will need to give it up - over the years my alcohol consumption has increased as the stress of daily life has and continues to increase. Not a good path I am currently on.
40s..I just felt like shit the next day and not because I was drunk..I ALWAYS had to have “one more.” Others were able to stop when they had too much. Not me..
Pretty much the same here with booze...the problem wasn't quitting, but stopping at a given point. Cigarettes, of course, after 20 years of two-a-days. The biggie was morphine after five years of (legal) consumption.
Looking back on it, it was remarkably easy to quit all three. Just a matter of gaining the right mind-set and letting her buck.
I only use it (very rarely) just to stalk pictures of my ex-girlfriends. You know....like a normal person and closer to the reason it was created in the first place.
Attention, being "liked", and the feeling of inclusion, that's the addiction. Its basically a dopamine high that's chased in a way. Some people can post a picture and not give two shits if anyone likes it and other will get angry and depressed if someone doesn't like it - 1. because they aren't getting the high and 2. they don't feel important.
I'm wondering how psychology and mental health education in general is taught now. I would think this is a major component of study which is just scratching the surface.
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account, I haven't posted anything on it in about a decade, no idea what compels people to share some of the stuff or post some of the things they do on that site.
I only use it (very rarely) just to stalk pictures of my ex-girlfriends. You know....like a normal person and closer to the reason it was created in the first place.
Attention, being "liked", and the feeling of inclusion, that's the addiction. Its basically a dopamine high that's chased in a way. Some people can post a picture and not give two shits if anyone likes it and other will get angry and depressed if someone doesn't like it - 1. because they aren't getting the high and 2. they don't feel important.
I'm wondering how psychology and mental health education in general is taught now. I would think this is a major component of study which is just scratching the surface.
Somewhat off topic but it does pertain to the internet. Kids of today will have no idea what it was like to HAVE TO go to the library to doa report/term paper and the gratification that (hopefully) resulted from that effort, imv.
And yes, it is a helluva lot easier to get info nowadays via the net
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Used to be a real hot head that fought on the streets a ton, and drank too much. Wrestled at a big D1 school, lost my scholarship my Junior year. Was out of college for 2 years working, and cleaned my life up. Started doing MMA during that time, then finished college at a smaller school. Now I only drink socially, still workout a lot, and I can control my anger.
Thanks. I will NOT fu*k around with you on here…😂
I have a wife and an amazing little boy, those days are long gone fortunately : )