[SqueakyOldNurse]

I'm glad this forum is here. I have been in recovery for longer than I kept counting (almost 20 years, can it be?) I forget I am in recovery until I get invitations to social events that center around alcohol, indeed alcohol is part of the title of the event (i.e., wine and cheese) and then I wonder when the day will ever come that people want to see each other for each other and not the wine. Probably never. It's limiting but no longer frustrating to me. I distinctly remember how much my job performance and relationship skills improved when I quit drinking for good. Funny that!

[eccentricRN]

Hi, I'm an overeater & smoker... I really would like some tips to help me quit both habits... any advice on how to beat the sweet tooth/smoking cravings... anything that's helped anyone else may be of help... I've tried quitting smoking several times... with no success... I recently graduated & kept telling myself that until school is over...then...well now I'm working 32 hrs a week NOC shift & I've actually gained more weight... doesn't help when DH comments on my x-large gut & dairy air... he's not mr slim anymore either.... I guess I just need some support to get back on track & somehow get motivated to exercise & hopefully get back to some where near my previous weight...I want to be healthier & feel healthier... another side note...I DETEST veggies... I can only stomach raw carrots, & corn. Sorry I rambled so long... thanks to anyone willing to listen...

[Silverdragon102]

Originally Posted by eccentricRN

Hi, I'm an overeater & smoker... I really would like some tips to help me quit both habits... any advice on how to beat the sweet tooth/smoking cravings... anything that's helped anyone else may be of help... I've tried quitting smoking several times... with no success... I recently graduated & kept telling myself that until school is over...then...well now I'm working 32 hrs a week NOC shift & I've actually gained more weight... doesn't help when DH comments on my x-large gut & dairy air... he's not mr slim anymore either.... I guess I just need some support to get back on track & somehow get motivated to exercise & hopefully get back to some where near my previous weight...I want to be healthier & feel healthier... another side note...I DETEST veggies... I can only stomach raw carrots, & corn. Sorry I rambled so long... thanks to anyone willing to listen...

I would suggest on one thing before attempting the other, When I used to support patients who wanted to do both we started on the stop smoking and then worked on the over eating as can be stressful stopping smoking and people do tend to put on weight when stopping smoking. You will find many will support you on here so good luck and let us know how it goes

[Dixiecup]

Originally Posted by eccentricRN

Hi, I'm an overeater & smoker... I really would like some tips to help me quit both habits... any advice on how to beat the sweet tooth/smoking cravings... anything that's helped anyone else may be of help... I've tried quitting smoking several times... with no success... I recently graduated & kept telling myself that until school is over...then...well now I'm working 32 hrs a week NOC shift & I've actually gained more weight... doesn't help when DH comments on my x-large gut & dairy air... he's not mr slim anymore either.... I guess I just need some support to get back on track & somehow get motivated to exercise & hopefully get back to some where near my previous weight...I want to be healthier & feel healthier... another side note...I DETEST veggies... I can only stomach raw carrots, & corn. Sorry I rambled so long... thanks to anyone willing to listen...

My husband is the same way. And I'm not that much over weight, he's just used to me being a slim, hardbody, but age tends to make you a little lumpier!

I know most people resent it when their spouses make comments about their weight, but it actually helped me and gave me incentive to lose. If he had said " Oh honey, don't worry about it, I love you just the way you are" I would have probably stayed "just the way I was". But I couldn't stand those comments and it helped me strive to be the person I once was.

[Natkat]

Originally Posted by rntobsntomsn

Thank you for starting this forum. I have just admitted to my addiction. I am beginning meetings with the peer assistance nursing group in my area. I have an unblemished 16 yr career in nursing. This is a hard road for me as I have always been the good nurse, good wife (codependent), good mom, good grandma. To admit I have a problem is very hard. I have control issues!! Actually these control issues helped me to hide my addiction. If you only abuse 1/2 Lortab once or twice a day it is hard to admit to addiction. I know this may seem paltry to other addicts but for me it is an addiction. I never diverted, I never bought drugs on the street. Thank you for a place to vent. I just signed on with the Recovering Professionals Program and agreed to 5 years of monitoring and random drug testing. I also called my BON and reported my addiction. Yes, they would have found out about since I was arrested.

Thank you for sharing your story. How brave of you to talk about your situation.

You are so right - addiction is addiction. Even though you never bought drugs on the street, you're an addict just the same as someone who does. There is danger in comparing yourself to another addict. It takes the focus away from yourself and your own recovery. As addicts we have all done things we're ashamed of. We're filled with self-loathing for the lies we told, the people we have used, the manipulation, the selling of our souls. We're all trying to restore ourselves to sanity and forgive ourselves for what we've done to ourselves and others to feed our addictions.

We're all in this together, and by the grace of God we'll get through it together too.

I wish you all the best in your recovery.

[sharona97]

Originally Posted by Natkat

Thank you for sharing your story. How brave of you to talk about your situation.

You are so right - addiction is addiction. Even though you never bought drugs on the street, you're an addict just the same as someone who does. There is danger in comparing yourself to another addict. It takes the focus away from yourself and your own recovery. As addicts we have all done things we're ashamed of. We're filled with self-loathing for the lies we told, the people we have used, the manipulation, the selling of our souls. We're all trying to restore ourselves to sanity and forgive ourselves for what we've done to ourselves and others to feed our addictions.

We're all in this together, and by the grace of God we'll get through it together too.

I wish you all the best in your recovery.

Well said.