Seeking help with multiple addictions

[M_in_SF]

Hi,
I am new to this board & am seeking advice on where to start with the 12 step programs. I know I have an addictive personality & have problems with overeating, overspending sometimes with alcohol. I am an ACOA & attended Al-Anon for a few years. I guess I'm having trouble knowing where to start because I haven't hit bottom (yet) with any of my addictions. I also tend to isolate myself & have a hard time going to meetings.

Thanks for being there,
M_in_SF

[51anna]

Hi M,

Welcome to SR. I'm glad you found us. Take a look around the board - there is a forum for ACOA and also for AlAnon. The Women in Recovery forum is a great place to start to get to know the great women who visit here. You don't have to hit bottom in order to take care of yourself, you just need to want to reclaim your life and be free of your addictions.

Love, Anna

[Paulie]

Hi and welcome from me too. Anna is right, everyone has a different bottom, just you reaching out for help could mean that you have it yours.

I am an isolater also, but going to meetings has saved my behind more times than I can count over the years. I am an addict blessed to be recovery. I use this site, the 12 steps, my sponsor, meetings and my HP to stay sober, just one day at a time.

Give meetings in your area a try again. It is my opinion (and just my opinion) that the 12 steps are the 12 steps, and working them saved my life.

I look forward to getting to know you better.

[bubblze30]

Hi and Welcome. You said you don't know where to start but you have coming in here and admitting. Also you said you isolate and don't go to many meetings. So start there. The isolation will just get worse and worse the more you isolate. I just recently got out of an isolation period that has lasted half my life. The only time I associated was when forced and also if I was under the influence. Other then that I stayed in my house in bed. I am here to tell you it does not get better unless you force yourself out of the isolation. So start going to meetings. If you don't like the first go to a different one. Then try the first one again. You will I guarentee find one that suits you if you are willing to stay free from your addictions. I say prayers for all and will add you to my list.

[indigo]

Welcome and I am glad you are here I echo all my friends here at SR you'll find your pace and lots of friends here too.
Love Indigo

"Biochemical deficiencies or imbalances in the brain are a major factor in compulsive disorders such as craving or compulsion for alcohol, drugs or adrenalin "thrills". Writen by Dr. Kenneth Blum, et al., from the University of Texas at San Antonio describing the process which leads to most addictions. "Research findings in the last four (4) decades strongly suggest that when the brain has adequate supplies of certain amino acids, which are the building blocks for brain chemicals, behavior tends to be normal. Inadequate or unbalanced supplies of these buildings blocks lead to deficits or imbalances in certain brain transmissions (neuro-transmitters and neuro-modulators), causing abnormal and uncontrollable behavior as for the craving for, and addiction to substances such as alcohol or other drugs."
To know more and/or find products that will effectively assist in the treatment of these addictions, please visit www.BeCalmToday.com. Here you will find studies by real doctors and testimonials from real "recovered" people.

[Iceberg]

I didn't hit a classic bottom either, I just got scared would. I drank in isolation for almost six years going back and forth about if or if i didn't have I problem. Finally, I decided to get help so (if anything) I might lessen the chance of problems in the future and I AM SO HAPPY I DID because... yep... I did have a problem and my denial and vacillating hid it from me!

I think if you have found yourself here you have done a smart thing. Just keep watching your behavior and don't EVER be afraid to ask for help.