NA Beer and Wine
Toro Solo
Join Date: May 2010
Location: san francisco
Posts: 103
"whatever it takes"...
we are all different here and as most of you didn't drink like me, a lot of you won't get sober the exact same way as me. I'll enjoy my cigarettes for now and I'll have a NA beer as well. For me it's working as I've got 29 days today and feel happier about it than I ever have in my life (fyi, not my first time..I've been "sober" for over 5 years at one point in the past).
We can argue what the right thing to do is from here to eternity but it really is only about what works for us individually..
just don't drink.
we are all different here and as most of you didn't drink like me, a lot of you won't get sober the exact same way as me. I'll enjoy my cigarettes for now and I'll have a NA beer as well. For me it's working as I've got 29 days today and feel happier about it than I ever have in my life (fyi, not my first time..I've been "sober" for over 5 years at one point in the past).
We can argue what the right thing to do is from here to eternity but it really is only about what works for us individually..
just don't drink.
Karma Amputee
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Among The Living
Posts: 769
Seriously, if you continue to smoke or foolishly pick up smoking after quitting drinking and/or drugs, then you have either transferred addictions and remain an addict in need or recovery, or nicotine addiction has you by the balls in a way that drinking and/or drugs never did. Either way, your addiction is harmful to more than just yourself...
As all addictions are.
As all addictions are.
Toro Solo
Join Date: May 2010
Location: san francisco
Posts: 103
Originally Posted by getr345 
Seriously, if you continue to smoke or foolishly pick up smoking after quitting drinking and/or drugs, then you have either transferred addictions and remain an addict in need or recovery
RIP Sweet Suki
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: In my sanctuary, my home
Posts: 37,086
No need to get into a pissing match. Everyone has their own opinions and no one here can force another to do things their way. Just take what you need and leave the rest. We're all here to help each other so no need to take things so personally.
Toro Solo
Join Date: May 2010
Location: san francisco
Posts: 103
Originally Posted by suki44883
No need to get into a pissing match. Everyone has their own opinions and no one here can force another to do things their way. Just take what you need and leave the rest. We're all here to help each other so no need to take things so personally.
Member
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: Toronto, ON
Posts: 1,585
Well, this churned up some more differences in opinion.
Notnormal, I think you're right, that there are differences in how people use and cope and recover.
Get, I remember you saying you thought cigarettes were a formidable gateway drug, and I can see that in a way. That and caffeine were the first things I tried, and they're the ones that I still use.
I'm not on the same page as others with the axe to grind on the "using" of cigarettes though when it comes to sheer intoxication. I mean, think about yourself in your active addiction. I got through 5 days of no smoking a few months ago and was proud of that (big deal, really, but it starts somewhere). It seems illogical to say that smoking is the harder one to quit when I see alcohol as the more fierce addiction (for me), but that's how it is. There is an insanity to smoking and the interlacing with moods, but being drunk and mind-altered on cigarettes? It's not the same plane. I guess it comes down to the drug of choice thing - which is more like a drug-not-chosen-but-look-what-it-turned-out-to-be - in my case, it's alcohol.
I would have to say that my opinion on drinking non-alc beverages (with the traces of alcohol in them) is not 100%, it's only a precautious attitude. Not necessarily a fear about me that I am projecting, but it could be. In other words, I don't think someone is definitely in danger of relapse or is not really recovered because they consume those. There is a chance there that someone is in danger and that's why I ask the questions about why the aromas and flavo(u)rs are that great in and of themselves. If somebody really does like beer outside of the alcohol experience (and I was primarily a beer alcoholic), then that's just different from me.
Notnormal, I think you're right, that there are differences in how people use and cope and recover.
Get, I remember you saying you thought cigarettes were a formidable gateway drug, and I can see that in a way. That and caffeine were the first things I tried, and they're the ones that I still use.
I'm not on the same page as others with the axe to grind on the "using" of cigarettes though when it comes to sheer intoxication. I mean, think about yourself in your active addiction. I got through 5 days of no smoking a few months ago and was proud of that (big deal, really, but it starts somewhere). It seems illogical to say that smoking is the harder one to quit when I see alcohol as the more fierce addiction (for me), but that's how it is. There is an insanity to smoking and the interlacing with moods, but being drunk and mind-altered on cigarettes? It's not the same plane. I guess it comes down to the drug of choice thing - which is more like a drug-not-chosen-but-look-what-it-turned-out-to-be - in my case, it's alcohol.
I would have to say that my opinion on drinking non-alc beverages (with the traces of alcohol in them) is not 100%, it's only a precautious attitude. Not necessarily a fear about me that I am projecting, but it could be. In other words, I don't think someone is definitely in danger of relapse or is not really recovered because they consume those. There is a chance there that someone is in danger and that's why I ask the questions about why the aromas and flavo(u)rs are that great in and of themselves. If somebody really does like beer outside of the alcohol experience (and I was primarily a beer alcoholic), then that's just different from me.
Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 6,947
Peace....
My point was about a newly recovering alcoholic disregarding and marginalizing the advice of his/her sponsor simply because they smoke... That was a bunch of rationalizing bullsh1t in my opinion... this is a site for recovery from alcohol and drug addiction... I have no opinions on outside issues that I wish to share, well, too late I guess, but in the future
... in this forum...
Maybe we should co-sign celtic's and december's BS and say, yea, ya know what, anyone that smokes .... who tells you to be careful with NA beverages... disregard all that... they don't know how to get sober... you know, 'cause they smoke..
My point had nothing directly to do with nicotine addiction and second hand smoke vs alcoholism and it's effects on the family... only that comparisons between the two are at best problematic... and irrelevant here in this forum
Edit : Yea, OK Nicotine is a drug... But can we keep this thread about NA beverages and the advice of the OP's sponsor, PLEASE?
My point was about a newly recovering alcoholic disregarding and marginalizing the advice of his/her sponsor simply because they smoke... That was a bunch of rationalizing bullsh1t in my opinion... this is a site for recovery from alcohol and drug addiction... I have no opinions on outside issues that I wish to share, well, too late I guess, but in the future
... in this forum... Maybe we should co-sign celtic's and december's BS and say, yea, ya know what, anyone that smokes .... who tells you to be careful with NA beverages... disregard all that... they don't know how to get sober... you know, 'cause they smoke..
My point had nothing directly to do with nicotine addiction and second hand smoke vs alcoholism and it's effects on the family... only that comparisons between the two are at best problematic... and irrelevant here in this forum
Edit : Yea, OK Nicotine is a drug... But can we keep this thread about NA beverages and the advice of the OP's sponsor, PLEASE?
Last edited by Mark75; 06-23-2010 at 09:08 AM. Reason: Adding a statement
Karma Amputee
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Among The Living
Posts: 769
No pissing match, I consider it a good discussion by good people. 
Toronto, IMO it's not so much the state of mind induced by the presence of nicotine as it is the state of mind induced by it's absence that I focus on as problematic. The cravings, abnormal and such. Smoking poison only to alleviate withdrawal symptoms. Suicidal madness all of it! A human mind & body is being compromised and stolen, and damaged by an insidious addictive drug sold by felonious men I would cross the street to avoid. I wish recovery and freedom from addiction to all who need it. Be it from booze, drugs, smoking, whatever. Go the whole distance. Peace!
Toronto, IMO it's not so much the state of mind induced by the presence of nicotine as it is the state of mind induced by it's absence that I focus on as problematic. The cravings, abnormal and such. Smoking poison only to alleviate withdrawal symptoms. Suicidal madness all of it! A human mind & body is being compromised and stolen, and damaged by an insidious addictive drug sold by felonious men I would cross the street to avoid. I wish recovery and freedom from addiction to all who need it. Be it from booze, drugs, smoking, whatever. Go the whole distance. Peace!
Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 143
I am new to these boards and new to sobriety - 5 days here. I hope I can add my two cents without offending anyone. At this point - and I am guessing in the future as well, I will not risk NA beverages because my mind would think of it as "drinking" and I think it is a very slippery slope I would be heading down.
I attended a few AA meetings long ago and was struck by how hypocritial so many members seemed to be in regards to "addiction". I sat and listened to so many talk about being powerless over alcohol and turning it over to a higher power.. etc.. and then these same people lit up and chain smoked as soon as they walked out the door. Seemed pretty powerless over this addiction as well - and it is very, very harmful. May not cause a DUI, but the effects of having a spouse or parent die an early death caused by smoking related health problems is devestating. I do plan on attending AA this week because I think it will help me in many ways - I need the connection to others who have been through quitting alcohol and have had success. I do not discout the message because so many smoke.. Also, I am a heavily addicted smoker for many years.
I hope we all find success in fighting the things that are killing us.
I attended a few AA meetings long ago and was struck by how hypocritial so many members seemed to be in regards to "addiction". I sat and listened to so many talk about being powerless over alcohol and turning it over to a higher power.. etc.. and then these same people lit up and chain smoked as soon as they walked out the door. Seemed pretty powerless over this addiction as well - and it is very, very harmful. May not cause a DUI, but the effects of having a spouse or parent die an early death caused by smoking related health problems is devestating. I do plan on attending AA this week because I think it will help me in many ways - I need the connection to others who have been through quitting alcohol and have had success. I do not discout the message because so many smoke.. Also, I am a heavily addicted smoker for many years.
I hope we all find success in fighting the things that are killing us.
Toro Solo
Join Date: May 2010
Location: san francisco
Posts: 103
from the book I'm currently reading....
"I was smoking a cigarette, at that time in my life I smoked because as all people who smoke I wanted to die as much as I wanted to live"
I took offense to that as well, I'm funny like that..
one day, one addiction at at time (for me).
nn
"I was smoking a cigarette, at that time in my life I smoked because as all people who smoke I wanted to die as much as I wanted to live"
I took offense to that as well, I'm funny like that..
one day, one addiction at at time (for me).
nn
Member
Join Date: May 2010
Posts: 60
I'm so grateful that AA let's us work a program of personal recovery. I'm also glad that I have enough sanity restored to let me keep an open mind. For me today it's a "battle of the mind". The craving and desire for alcohol has been removed, but I still suffer from an alcoholic mind, and accept that I always will. I go to AA today to learn HOW to live with my alcoholic mind. I truly have no opinion on the N/A issue, or weather or not smoking is better or worse than alcohol.
Today I smoke no more, and no less than I did when I was drinking. According to what some have said here, I'm not in recovery. My addiction has changed to coffee. I drink TONS. I crave it in the mornings, and become anxious when I'm out (until I make more). I will not, however take food out of my kids mouths or steal from someone to get another cup. Coffee never has, and as far as I'm concerned, never will make my life unmanageable. I drink it while I'm driving...for that matter I smoke too. So, am I still an addict? For me, yes I am. For me, no matter what I give up or don't give up I will always be an addict. I have the disease of addiction, and I will never be free of that. That's my opinion. Believing that helps me stay sober today. I'm happy when I see someone freed from the bondage of alcohol. Whatever else they do is none of my business, and I try very hard not to make it mine.
Thanks for giving this sober RECOVERING alcoholic a little of your time!
Brian
Today I smoke no more, and no less than I did when I was drinking. According to what some have said here, I'm not in recovery. My addiction has changed to coffee. I drink TONS. I crave it in the mornings, and become anxious when I'm out (until I make more). I will not, however take food out of my kids mouths or steal from someone to get another cup. Coffee never has, and as far as I'm concerned, never will make my life unmanageable. I drink it while I'm driving...for that matter I smoke too. So, am I still an addict? For me, yes I am. For me, no matter what I give up or don't give up I will always be an addict. I have the disease of addiction, and I will never be free of that. That's my opinion. Believing that helps me stay sober today. I'm happy when I see someone freed from the bondage of alcohol. Whatever else they do is none of my business, and I try very hard not to make it mine.
Thanks for giving this sober RECOVERING alcoholic a little of your time!
Brian
The truth shall set you free
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: United States
Posts: 5,266
Originally Posted by justbrian
For me, no matter what I give up or don't give up I will always be an addict. I have the disease of addiction, and I will never be free of that. That's my opinion. Believing that helps me stay sober today. I'm happy when I see someone freed from the bondage of alcohol. Whatever else they do is none of my business, and I try very hard not to make it mine.
TB
Guest
Join Date: Feb 2010
Location: uk
Posts: 464
Hey brian, me too addicted to many things...givin up the booze is the big one, that takes all the effort/strength/energy, like you coffee is a life support system for me too. real coffee i roast up from green beans, an i too drink coffee whilst drivin, in fact pretty much every morn, am runnin late..and end up with a cuppa on the hoof,as it were, an every morn i take a bend an lose half or sometimes all, down the dash or on the floor..but still next morn do the same again..
..givin up the smokes...but nicotine still hooked on, in tablet form..two vices..that strangely enough help keep me sane..with this ongoing booze free lifestyle...thats great..good luck.
..givin up the smokes...but nicotine still hooked on, in tablet form..two vices..that strangely enough help keep me sane..with this ongoing booze free lifestyle...thats great..good luck.
too funny this thread
Member
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 2,126
Yes, I am an addict--addicted to many things. I just gotta remember that AA, as the name implies, is Alcoholics Anonymous (not addicts anonymous, or an other thing). AA, regardless of some AAer's opinions, has a Singleness of Purpose, and that is alcohol/alcoholism, and alcohol/alcoholism only---no other substances involved. AA says it is to help folks attain and maintain sobriety (freedom from alcohol, and alcohol only). If I wish to be free from any of my other addictions, I go elsewhere (NA, GA, SLA, whatever), but I go to AA only for my recovery from alcohol/alcoholism. Matter 'o fact, I can smoke, eat, do other drugs than alcohol, and as long as I am free from alcohol then according to AA I am sober/recovered. Plz note, these are not my opinions, but taken from AA's writings (most by Bill W himself), and Bill W wanted to keep AA soley focused on alcohol/alcohlism. I may not personally consider myself clean unless I'm free from all mind-altering substance [according to NA (even NA excludes tobacco from these)].
NoelleR
NoelleR
Better now than never
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Sunny South Florida
Posts: 52
Although only 45 days here, I have not tried any NA drinks.... Not to say I might not in the future.
Just a thought.......
Would it be wrong if an obese person with a food addiction eats a fat/sugar free cupcake?
Not saying what is right or wrong, but OP did not drink alcohol, IMO, date should not have to be reset.
Then again, I am new and at the mercy of those that can guide me.
Just a thought.......
Would it be wrong if an obese person with a food addiction eats a fat/sugar free cupcake?
Not saying what is right or wrong, but OP did not drink alcohol, IMO, date should not have to be reset.
Then again, I am new and at the mercy of those that can guide me.
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