OmManiPadmeOmelet wrote:

> I'm glad to see I'm not alone... I tend to get bitchy with my nerves on
> the ragged edge every time I try to give it up. I'm a much nicer person
> if I allow myself to drink. ;-) Funny isn't it? The drug companies would
> probably love to sell me something for that.
>
> Cheers dear! <clink>
>
> I do not, however, drink and drive, nor do I drink before going to
> work...

I used to drink a 6 pack of Bud Ice on the way to work years ago.

It was a hundred miles one way. I thought I needed it.

Sometimes I'd get more beer right before I got to the job.

Then I'd drink all day discreetly as I worked. (at least I thought I was
discreet <G>)


I did this for many years. Then one day in a moment of clarity I
thought, "What if I have to get another job where this type of behavior
ain't permitted?"

So I quit drinking at work and on the way to work.

This led to quitting drinking on the way home as well.

Things accelerated and I quit drinking in the evenings as well.

Everybody was so proud of me. They didn't think I had it in me.

Then I moved to Florida and though I still don't drink in the morning
nor at work, I more than make up for it in the evenings.

It's ok, I'm a functional alcoholic.

I build multi-million dollar homes and if I didn't have something to
unwind I'd be working mentally 24 hours a day. I need the break.

Though sometimes I wake up at midnight due to dreams about work.


I ramble on,
TFM®

In article >,
TFM® > wrote:

> OmManiPadmeOmelet wrote:
>
> > I'm glad to see I'm not alone... I tend to get bitchy with my nerves on
> > the ragged edge every time I try to give it up. I'm a much nicer person
> > if I allow myself to drink. ;-) Funny isn't it? The drug companies would
> > probably love to sell me something for that.
> >
> > Cheers dear! <clink>
> >
> > I do not, however, drink and drive, nor do I drink before going to
> > work...
>
> I used to drink a 6 pack of Bud Ice on the way to work years ago.
>
> It was a hundred miles one way. I thought I needed it.
>
> Sometimes I'd get more beer right before I got to the job.
>
> Then I'd drink all day discreetly as I worked. (at least I thought I was
> discreet <G>)
>
>
> I did this for many years. Then one day in a moment of clarity I
> thought, "What if I have to get another job where this type of behavior
> ain't permitted?"
>
> So I quit drinking at work and on the way to work.
>
> This led to quitting drinking on the way home as well.
>
> Things accelerated and I quit drinking in the evenings as well.
>
> Everybody was so proud of me. They didn't think I had it in me.
>
> Then I moved to Florida and though I still don't drink in the morning
> nor at work, I more than make up for it in the evenings.
>
> It's ok, I'm a functional alcoholic.
>
> I build multi-million dollar homes and if I didn't have something to
> unwind I'd be working mentally 24 hours a day. I need the break.
>
> Though sometimes I wake up at midnight due to dreams about work.
>
>
> I ramble on,
> TFM®

Try Melatonin at night....... ;-)

Works for me.
--
Om.

"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a son-of-a-bitch." -Jack Nicholson

On 6-Nov-2005, "Arnold" > wrote:

> Anyone managed to give up cigarettes and alcohol and never looked back?
>
> If so, I would be interested to know the techniques you used, coz I am
> struggling with 'will power'!

It's actually quite simple. Both myself (age 69) and my wife (age 68) have
succeeded in quitting cigarettes. You only have to give up one cigarette,
the next one. Of course drinking is the same thing, but we have not
succeeded in that yet. I haven't had a cigarette since Sep, 2002, my
wife since Feb 2005. My wife was aided by several weeks in the hospital,
but after a brief relapse after getting out, she quit completely.
--
The Brick said that (Don't bother to agree with me, I have already changed my mind.)

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On 6-Nov-2005, "Arnold" > wrote:

> Anyone managed to give up cigarettes and alcohol and never looked back?
>
> If so, I would be interested to know the techniques you used, coz I am
> struggling with 'will power'!

I'm 69 yrs old. My wife is 68. Over the years, I quit cigarettes 4 times; twice
for one year, once for two years and finally for over three years and counting.
My DW quit cigarettes nine months ago and counting. Method use was cold
turkey. Booze is pending. Not much hope.
--
The Brick said that (Don't bother to agree with me, I have already changed my mind.)

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"Arnold" > wrote

> For me the two are closely related, I smoke a hell of a lot more when
> drinking.
>
> I agree with the positive approach whereby you feel that you are not
> giving
> up something, but more like convincing yourself that 'I don't want to
> smoke/drink anymore'.

I'm reminded of that no smoking commercial where the woman goes on
about how she used to worry, did I have enough cigarettes for the night,
do I have enough matches, do I have to get more before I go to work ...
on some level any addiction is pretty much a pain in the ass. Look at it
like, why am I doing this, forget this small shit.

For whatever reason you are quitting, worry about that more than having
a beer or a smoke, but give yourself time to get over the withdrawal. I
don't think I have to tell you, don't have booze or cigarettes in the house,
and stay away from it as much as you can, I know it's hard to avoid
other people who smoke or places where drinking is going on.

Best of luck to you, and think of it the right way, and not like you are
losing something. You're gaining something, if only pride that you did it.

nancy

On Sun, 06 Nov 2005 17:23:25 -0600, Andy wrote:


> I went through a lot of reflex action withdrawals, if that's what you
> mean.
>
No, I mean the classic coffee and cigarette, booze and a cigarette,
disappointment/stress and a cigarette - you get the drift?

On Sun, 06 Nov 2005 23:07:01 GMT, kilikini wrote:


> I drink and walk! (I don't own a car.) You're not alone, Kat. I've been
> this way for years. Still able to manage, so I'm not worrying about it. I
> work, I maintain a household, I cook, I clean, I have all my teeth, I take
> my milk thistle, so who cares?
>
Take your multi vitamins and you're there....

sf
fellow arm bender <clink>
not a milk thistle taker yet, but thinking it wouldn't hurt

On Sun, 6 Nov 2005 21:19:01 -0000, "Arnold" > wrote:

>Anyone managed to give up cigarettes and alcohol and never looked back?
>
>If so, I would be interested to know the techniques you used, coz I am
>struggling with 'will power'!
>

I guess I should delurk to reply to this, seeing as how I've got a lot
of experience with both substances.

I've always smoked, and I've always enjoyed a few (or more) drinks.
Sounds bad, but I'm 53 and semi-retired, financially comfortable, and
very happy in my marriage. In other words, I'm not living on the
sidewalk.

My husband and I quit smoking just about 2 years ago. He did cold
turkey, and I used the patch. I was prepared to keep a patch on my arm
for the rest of my life if necessary, but after six months or so I
started to forget to put one on. I've done very well with the quitting
smoking thing - the only time I've been bad was one time on vacation.

DH hasn't smoked at all since quitting, as far as I know.

They say that when you stop smoking you should stop the activities
that you relate with smoking. Well, in my case, a big one is reading.
I used to be able to sit for hours and read a book, with my ashtray
and cup of coffee at my side. Now I can't read for much longer than 15
minutes at a time. This really sucks.

I heard someone who had quit smoking at age 30 say that they would
stay quit until they were 65 - at that time, they could probably go
back to smoking because they would have lived long enough. I can
relate to that. If certain influential people in my life (DH, my Dad)
are gone before I get to age 65, I can definitely see myself taking up
smoking again, just because I enjoyed it so much.

"sf" > wrote in message
...
> On Sun, 06 Nov 2005 23:07:01 GMT, kilikini wrote:
>
>
> > I drink and walk! (I don't own a car.) You're not alone, Kat. I've
been
> > this way for years. Still able to manage, so I'm not worrying about
it. I
> > work, I maintain a household, I cook, I clean, I have all my teeth, I
take
> > my milk thistle, so who cares?
> >
> Take your multi vitamins and you're there....
>
> sf
> fellow arm bender <clink>
> not a milk thistle taker yet, but thinking it wouldn't hurt

(It wouldn't hurt.)

kili

On Sun, 06 Nov 2005 23:32:21 GMT, kilikini wrote:

> I love to
> cook, but I find I don't tend to eat what I cook; I just love to cook to
> watch others eat what I make and give their comments.

You sound like one of my SILs. She had 5 kids & a husband and had to
cook up a storm, but didn't eat much of it. As a result, she was way
too thin. Not anexoric per se, but way too thin.

In article >,
sf > wrote:

> On Sun, 06 Nov 2005 23:07:01 GMT, kilikini wrote:
>
>
> > I drink and walk! (I don't own a car.) You're not alone, Kat. I've been
> > this way for years. Still able to manage, so I'm not worrying about it. I
> > work, I maintain a household, I cook, I clean, I have all my teeth, I take
> > my milk thistle, so who cares?
> >
> Take your multi vitamins and you're there....
>
> sf
> fellow arm bender <clink>
> not a milk thistle taker yet, but thinking it wouldn't hurt

<lol> I just decided to start...... ;-)

Don't want to take any chances! And it's cheap.

Cheers sf! <clink>
--
Om.

"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a son-of-a-bitch." -Jack Nicholson

On Sun, 06 Nov 2005 17:44:35 -0600, OmManiPadmeOmelet wrote:

> Living low carb should help your colitis... It did mine. :-)

What's the difference between Irritable Bowel Syndrome and colitis?
Does Crohn's Disease figure into this?

In article >,
Jo Anne Slaven > wrote:

> On Sun, 6 Nov 2005 21:19:01 -0000, "Arnold" > wrote:
>
> >Anyone managed to give up cigarettes and alcohol and never looked back?
> >
> >If so, I would be interested to know the techniques you used, coz I am
> >struggling with 'will power'!
> >
>
> I guess I should delurk to reply to this, seeing as how I've got a lot
> of experience with both substances.
>
> I've always smoked, and I've always enjoyed a few (or more) drinks.
> Sounds bad, but I'm 53 and semi-retired, financially comfortable, and
> very happy in my marriage. In other words, I'm not living on the
> sidewalk.
>
> My husband and I quit smoking just about 2 years ago. He did cold
> turkey, and I used the patch. I was prepared to keep a patch on my arm
> for the rest of my life if necessary, but after six months or so I
> started to forget to put one on. I've done very well with the quitting
> smoking thing - the only time I've been bad was one time on vacation.
>
> DH hasn't smoked at all since quitting, as far as I know.
>
> They say that when you stop smoking you should stop the activities
> that you relate with smoking. Well, in my case, a big one is reading.
> I used to be able to sit for hours and read a book, with my ashtray
> and cup of coffee at my side. Now I can't read for much longer than 15
> minutes at a time. This really sucks.
>
> I heard someone who had quit smoking at age 30 say that they would
> stay quit until they were 65 - at that time, they could probably go
> back to smoking because they would have lived long enough. I can
> relate to that. If certain influential people in my life (DH, my Dad)
> are gone before I get to age 65, I can definitely see myself taking up
> smoking again, just because I enjoyed it so much.
>


Ok, here is an idea for you. :-)
Any vice worth doing is worth doing right.
When I eat chocolate, the lowest quality I go is "Dove" brand dark
chocolate. I generally get Lindt as it's, like, better than sex
chocolate.

For booze, I've switched to clear springs. I dilute it at the rate of 1
shot per pint of liquid, whatever that liquid is. (fruit juice,
extracts, sodas, etc.) It's 195 proof (97.5% pure alcohol) as there are
other toxic by-products in the brewing process that makes other boozes
more toxic to the liver. Really. I've noted it with my blood tests that
if I stick with this, I'm ok. I drink more tequila, rum, vodka, whisky,
bourbon or even red wine, and my liver tests start going downhill.
I still indulge in the others once in awhile just for the flavor.

Quality rather than quantity is important...

So if you are going to smoke, to hell with cheap assed commercial
cigarettes! Roll your own out of good tobacco, or just smoke a pipe.

Enjoy it! It tastes better. I've purchased really expensive cigarettes
or cigarillos (sp?) for smoking freinds as gifts. They note that they
actually get a bit stoned off of them. ;-)

Why smoke crap when you can do it right?

Cheers!
--
Om.

"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a son-of-a-bitch." -Jack Nicholson

In article >,
sf > wrote:

> On Sun, 06 Nov 2005 17:44:35 -0600, OmManiPadmeOmelet wrote:
>
> > Living low carb should help your colitis... It did mine. :-)
>
> What's the difference between Irritable Bowel Syndrome and colitis?
> Does Crohn's Disease figure into this?

All of the above...

All have been linked to food sensitivities.

Since I've gone low carb (and given up bread as a routine diet item), my
IBS is much much better. I understand that IBS can progress to chron's
but I'm no expert on it.

I have a co-worker who's husband has it tho' and he has related food
senstitivities to flare-ups.

Did you know that 5% (1 in 20) of the american population is sensitive
to wheat??????????
--
Om.

"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a son-of-a-bitch." -Jack Nicholson

sf wrote:

> On Sun, 06 Nov 2005 23:32:21 GMT, kilikini wrote:
>
>
>> I love to
>> cook, but I find I don't tend to eat what I cook; I just love to cook to
>> watch others eat what I make and give their comments.
>
>
> You sound like one of my SILs. She had 5 kids & a husband and had to
> cook up a storm, but didn't eat much of it. As a result, she was way
> too thin. Not anexoric per se, but way too thin.

She sounds a lot like me except I quit before 5 kids and I do enjoy
eating what I cook but in small portions. I've always been a small
eater and always have preferred fruits & veggies to anything else. Some
would consider me too thin but I don't have to please them, just myself

On Sun, 06 Nov 2005 23:37:37 GMT, kilikini wrote:

> One of the homes he's built was featured in Coastal Living.

Very kewl! Post a URL for an article or a picture please?

On Sun, 06 Nov 2005 17:47:01 -0600, OmManiPadmeOmelet wrote:

> There is a reason that my very small town supports 8 liquor
> stores. ;-) Plus 3 drive thru's.

YEOW! I always thought small towns had approximately the same number
of bars and churches.... I bet yours is skewed toward bars.

sf wrote:

> On Sun, 06 Nov 2005 17:23:25 -0600, Andy wrote:
>
> > I went through a lot of reflex action withdrawals, if that's what you
> > mean.
> >
> No, I mean the classic coffee and cigarette, booze and a cigarette,
> disappointment/stress and a cigarette - you get the drift?

I quit for good Jan 23 and Jan 25, 1999 (DH has COPD and we both quit, but
he's still working on it). I got mad. Really p'o-ed. Imagine those no-good,
cotton-pickin, lo-down, filthy foul, industrial corporate types driving big
cars on my lungs and I'm paying big bucks for the privilege. Not only that
but quitting is a pain in the behind and aggrevating. I quit 8 times over 10
years. Never stop trying. And take a newspaper into the bathroom instead of
the smokes..... NO Sheldon, no potty humor!
Edrena

Nancy Young wrote:

> "Arnold" > wrote
>
> > For me the two are closely related, I smoke a hell of a lot more when
> > drinking.
> >
> > I agree with the positive approach whereby you feel that you are not
> > giving
> > up something, but more like convincing yourself that 'I don't want to
> > smoke/drink anymore'.
>
> ... For whatever reason you are quitting, worry about that more than having
> a beer or a smoke, but give yourself time to get over the withdrawal. I
> don't think I have to tell you, don't have booze or cigarettes in the house,
> and stay away from it as much as you can, I know it's hard to avoid
> other people who smoke or places where drinking is going on. ...
> nancy

My smoking buddies at work were mostly very understanding when I avoided them
for several weeks. I used the patch as a crutch, but the new advice is to use
it longer and this was effective for me - 8 weeks on high dose, 8 weeks on
medium, 2 weeks on low. And having a lot of public places no smoking helps. And
smells nicer. You will need to get all your clothes, curtains, etc. cleaned.
You'll be surprised how bad they smell.
And good luck on the drinking - I still got memories of my dad and his shakes.
Edrena

In article >,
sf > wrote:

> On Sun, 06 Nov 2005 17:47:01 -0600, OmManiPadmeOmelet wrote:
>
> > There is a reason that my very small town supports 8 liquor
> > stores. ;-) Plus 3 drive thru's.
>
> YEOW! I always thought small towns had approximately the same number
> of bars and churches.... I bet yours is skewed toward bars.

It's a college town..... <lol>
--
Om.

"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a son-of-a-bitch." -Jack Nicholson

On Sun, 06 Nov 2005 21:21:20 -0600, OmManiPadmeOmelet wrote:

> In article >,
> sf > wrote:
>
> > On Sun, 06 Nov 2005 17:47:01 -0600, OmManiPadmeOmelet wrote:
> >
> > > There is a reason that my very small town supports 8 liquor
> > > stores. ;-) Plus 3 drive thru's.
> >
> > YEOW! I always thought small towns had approximately the same number
> > of bars and churches.... I bet yours is skewed toward bars.
>
> It's a college town..... <lol>

LOL
Nuff said.

sf wrote:

> On Sun, 06 Nov 2005 17:23:25 -0600, Andy wrote:
>
>
>> I went through a lot of reflex action withdrawals, if that's what you
>> mean.
>>
> No, I mean the classic coffee and cigarette, booze and a cigarette,
> disappointment/stress and a cigarette - you get the drift?


Those are the reflex actions I meant. For example, sitting at the
computer and reaching for a pack of cigarettes that weren't there. Having
a few gulps of beer and reaching for the pack of cigs. Waking up and
reaching for the pack of cigarettes that weren't there.

I went to my old job recently to see my mentor and as we were waiting for
the elevator he asked me if I'd quit smoking (after a year's absence).
Yes I said. I asked him about that over burgers and beer (OB) and he said
he couldn't smell the tar that surrounded my presence in the past. I
never knew!!!

Andy

"sf" > wrote in message
...
> On Sun, 06 Nov 2005 23:37:37 GMT, kilikini wrote:
>
> > One of the homes he's built was featured in Coastal Living.
>
> Very kewl! Post a URL for an article or a picture please?
>

The magazine is a year old. Lemme see if I can find it.

kili

TFM® wrote:

>> I do not, however, drink and drive, nor do I drink before going to
>> work...
>
> I used to drink a 6 pack of Bud Ice on the way to work years ago.


I always enjoy telling this story...

When I was in my early 20s I got a job at a company that did work for the
DoD, in the aerospace industry. It was a classified workplace requiring
security clearance.

I was on the graveyard (6pm - 6am) shift.

We were allowed to drink on the job!!! At 1 a.m. someone would yell out
"last call for alcohol". Work would come to a halt as employees put their
money down and ordered beer, wine and cocktails for the rest of the
morning. The orders were delivered to a table in the middle of the office
that put a friendly backyard party to shame!!!

We cranked out the best work, imdo, in this condition until... the owner
came in late one night and found some workers freebasing cocaine in the
lab. We lost all priviledges and the culprits lost their jobs.

So basically I was taught how to drink on the job.

Andy

"sf" > wrote in message
...
> On Sun, 06 Nov 2005 23:37:37 GMT, kilikini wrote:
>
> > One of the homes he's built was featured in Coastal Living.
>
> Very kewl! Post a URL for an article or a picture please?
>

Ha! I finally found a website!

http://www.sptimes.com/2004/10/02/Ho...s_beauty.shtml

He did ALL the wood on that house. Some of it by eyeballing it because
there's no other way. Like little spires and things. He did the ceilings,
the mouldings, everything. He's damn good! :~D

kili <------ very proud of her hubby.

kilikini wrote:

>
> "sf" > wrote in message
> ...
>> On Sun, 06 Nov 2005 23:37:37 GMT, kilikini wrote:
>>
>> > One of the homes he's built was featured in Coastal Living.
>>
>> Very kewl! Post a URL for an article or a picture please?
>>
>
> Ha! I finally found a website!
>
> http://www.sptimes.com/2004/10/02/Ho...s_beauty.shtml
>
> He did ALL the wood on that house. Some of it by eyeballing it
> because there's no other way. Like little spires and things. He did
> the ceilings, the mouldings, everything. He's damn good! :~D
>
> kili <------ very proud of her hubby.



Kewl!!!

Reminds me of me! My boss used to tell me, "Andy, ya do good work! Not
much of it, but ya do good work!"

))

Andy

"sf" > wrote in message
...
> On Sun, 06 Nov 2005 23:37:37 GMT, kilikini wrote:
>
> > One of the homes he's built was featured in Coastal Living.
>
> Very kewl! Post a URL for an article or a picture please?
>

SF, I found pictures of the building of the house and I posted them to my
Yahoo photo account. You can view them he
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/ahuihou.geo/my_photos

Just click on Coastal Living.

kili

On Sun 06 Nov 2005 05:37:04p, TFM® wrote in rec.food.cooking:

> OmManiPadmeOmelet wrote:
>
>> I'm glad to see I'm not alone... I tend to get bitchy with my nerves on
>> the ragged edge every time I try to give it up. I'm a much nicer person
>> if I allow myself to drink. ;-) Funny isn't it? The drug companies would
>> probably love to sell me something for that.
>>
>> Cheers dear! <clink>
>>
>> I do not, however, drink and drive, nor do I drink before going to
>> work...
>
> I used to drink a 6 pack of Bud Ice on the way to work years ago.
>
> It was a hundred miles one way. I thought I needed it.
>
> Sometimes I'd get more beer right before I got to the job.
>
> Then I'd drink all day discreetly as I worked. (at least I thought I was
> discreet <G>)
>
>
> I did this for many years. Then one day in a moment of clarity I
> thought, "What if I have to get another job where this type of behavior
> ain't permitted?"
>
> So I quit drinking at work and on the way to work.
>
> This led to quitting drinking on the way home as well.
>
> Things accelerated and I quit drinking in the evenings as well.
>
> Everybody was so proud of me. They didn't think I had it in me.
>
> Then I moved to Florida and though I still don't drink in the morning
> nor at work, I more than make up for it in the evenings.
>
> It's ok, I'm a functional alcoholic.
>
> I build multi-million dollar homes and if I didn't have something to
> unwind I'd be working mentally 24 hours a day. I need the break.
>
> Though sometimes I wake up at midnight due to dreams about work.
>
>
> I ramble on,
> TFM®

First off, I never criticize. Years ago in another life, drinking was part
of the lifestye of my job, and seemed necessary to cope. I changed careers
and a job where drinking no longer seemed necessary or even desirable. I
haven't had more than an occasional social drink in over 25 years. Ya
gotta wonder if a job encourages or "forces" one to drink just to cope, if
it's really worth it. For me, it simply wasn't.

--
Wayne Boatwright *¿*
_____________________________________________

A chicken in every pot is a *LOT* of chicken!

On Sun, 06 Nov 2005 16:51:53 -0600, OmManiPadmeOmelet
> wrote:

>> Never thought about quitting drinking. It makes everyone else so
>> interesting.
>
>ROFL!!!
>That was funny, thanks!

This little tag line might be appropriate!!


When you stop drinking...it allows you
to get in touch with your real personality...
the one that made you start to drink in the
first place. Anon

On Sun, 06 Nov 2005 23:07:01 GMT, "kilikini"
> wrote:

>I drink and walk!

Public intoxication is STILL a justifiable arrest, either walking or
hunched up in a doorway.

Wayne Boatwright wrote:
> On Sun 06 Nov 2005 03:24:18p, ~patches~ wrote in rec.food.cooking:
>
>
>>Arnold wrote:
>>
>>
>>>Anyone managed to give up cigarettes and alcohol and never looked back?
>>>
>>>If so, I would be interested to know the techniques you used, coz I am
>>>struggling with 'will power'!
>>>
>>>
>>
>>When I was dating DH eons ago, I dabbled in smoking. Back then it was a
>>cool thing to do. DH then current fiance hated everything about smoking
>>and would regularly destroy whole packs of my cigarettes. At that time
>>they were about $2 a pack. I decided the hassles and the cost of wasted
>>cigarettes were not worth it and besides I was head over hills in love
>>with him. I gave up the cigarettes and we've had peace & harmony ever
>>since - at least on the smoking issue To this day we don't even
>>allow smoking in our house. I've never regretted quitting smoking. We
>>have always used alcohol in moderation and I cook with a variety of
>>alcohols. As a female, I am very careful to stay within the Canadian
>>safe guidelines to alcohol consumption. It wouldn't bother me to go
>>without drinking alcohol. It would bother me more to go without using
>>alcohol in certain dishes but if I had to I would.
>>
>>Do you mind if I ask you if you are struggling with one or the other or
>>both? The thing is with either it is not just about will power as there
>>are physical withdrawl symptoms to deal with. There are several herbs
>>that will help with either or both. Camomile will help curb the
>>jitters, anxiety, and overall restlessness from either withdrawl. Milk
>>thistle should be used by anyone who consumes alcohol regardless of how
>>much. There are other herbs that will help, just do a google search.
>>If you are/were a heavy alcohol consumer, alcohol abuser, or alcoholic
>>you should seek medical help before quitting as there can be serious
>>side effects. You will also need proper assessment of nutritional
>>deficits. If you were just drinking more than you were comfortable
>>with, vit B especially thiamine is recommended as is zinc. A proper,
>>healthy diet rich in fruits & veggies is recommended for overcoming
>>either addiction. Other vitamins are recommended especially the
>>anti-oxidants and vit E. A higher carb, lower protein is recommended
>>for overcoming alcohol addiction. Caffeine should be avoided or
>>eliminated during withdrawl as caffeine is a drug itself and will
>>increase the anxiety. However if you are a heavy coffee or tea drinker,
>>suddenly eliminating that will cause another set of withdrawl symptoms.
>>There is a lot of info on the web to help you with this.
>>
>
>
> Very interesting and good recommendations. We do smoke, but neither of us
> drink alcohol, although I do cook with it. I think we are just not ready
> to quit smoking. We have both quit smoking for short periods before, long
> enough to break the physical addiction, but it was easy to drift back to
> it.
>

Thanks Wayne. Any kind of addiction can be very difficult to overcome.
I forgot to mention that the majority of addictions involve self
esteem issues that really need to be dealt with before you can
successfully overcome an addiction entirely. I also think that while
both smoking and alcohol abuse/alcoholism are harmful, alcohol
abuse/alcoholism is by far worse because of the psyco/social damage as
well as the physical damage.

"Arnold" > wrote in message
...
> Anyone managed to give up cigarettes and alcohol and never looked
> back?
>
> If so, I would be interested to know the techniques you used, coz I am
> struggling with 'will power'!

I managed to give up cigarettes over 30 years ago (I smoked 40 a day)
and I am never
tempted.

I remember the biggest thing was 'what to do with my hands' and the need
at certain time of the day to have something! ie after a meal etc

I bought packets of gum massagers (like toothpicks but the wood is soft
and medicated)

Every time I would normally have a cigarette I took one of these stick
and holding it and chewing it.

In those days we didn't have patches but I managed to stick it out and
now I hate the smell of smoke.

As for alcohol - well I like it and don't feel the need to stop drinking
it)

Good luck with your stopping smoking.... it plays havoc with your
health

I would love to know how you get on

Ophelia

Arnold wrote:
> Anyone managed to give up cigarettes and alcohol and never looked back?
>
> If so, I would be interested to know the techniques you used, coz I am
> struggling with 'will power'!

Alcohol never had any huge attraction for me, so if I occasionally buy
wine for a family dinner, most of it gets thrown out. I'm single and
live alone, and gave up partying a long time ago. If I'm out for
dinner, I'll sometimes have a drink, but I don't usually. Cigarettes
- quit just about a year ago. I tried a lot of times, but it was never
the right time. So, you have to want to (at least in the back of your
mind) AND it has to be the right time. Last year, it was the right
time for me. I just quit cold turkey and have never had a real urge to
start again - I just imagine how the smoke feels in my throat, how bad
my house smelled, and how much I coughed. HOWEVER, the old "saw" is
true - if I knew I had only a year to live, I'd start again in a
minute. LOL. I don't miss the taste or the feeling - just the action
of smoking.

Don't be afraid to get all the help you can - only about 1 in a
thousand people can quit successfully cold turkey, and there's nothing
wrong with getting support. OTOH, my son quit chewing tobacco cold
turkey, so here are two of us in the same family, doing it. In my
case, better late than never. ;-)

Good luck.

N.

Nancy1 wrote:
> Arnold wrote:
> > Anyone managed to give up cigarettes and alcohol and never looked back?
> >
> > If so, I would be interested to know the techniques you used, coz I am
> > struggling with 'will power'!
>
> Alcohol never had any huge attraction for me, so if I occasionally buy
> wine for a family dinner, most of it gets thrown out. I'm single and
> live alone, and gave up partying a long time ago. If I'm out for
> dinner, I'll sometimes have a drink, but I don't usually. Cigarettes
> - quit just about a year ago. I tried a lot of times, but it was never
> the right time. So, you have to want to (at least in the back of your
> mind) AND it has to be the right time. Last year, it was the right
> time for me. I just quit cold turkey and have never had a real urge to
> start again - I just imagine how the smoke feels in my throat, how bad
> my house smelled, and how much I coughed. HOWEVER, the old "saw" is
> true - if I knew I had only a year to live, I'd start again in a
> minute. LOL. I don't miss the taste or the feeling - just the action
> of smoking.
>
> Don't be afraid to get all the help you can - only about 1 in a
> thousand people can quit successfully cold turkey, and there's nothing
> wrong with getting support. OTOH, my son quit chewing tobacco cold
> turkey, so here are two of us in the same family, doing it. In my
> case, better late than never. ;-)
>
> Good luck.
>
> N.

I should add that I also gained some weight. But the experts say "one
thing at a time." When I reach my one-year anniversary in a month or
so, then I'll start working on the weight. If you want to give up both
alcohol and smoking, do one at a time. I would think alcohol would be
easier - if you don't go out to alcohol venues, you won't drink as
much, and consequently, you won't be smoking as much When that's been
successful, do the no-smoking thing.

N.

>
> Arnold wrote:
>> Anyone managed to give up cigarettes and alcohol and never looked back?
>>
>> If so, I would be interested to know the techniques you used, coz I am
>> struggling with 'will power'!
>

I tried several times to give up the weed on my own, always failed. Then I
went to Smoke Enders and it worked really well. It's a 9 week program, one 2
hour meetng a week IIRC. Never wanted a ciggie again. THis was 30+ years
ago, things may have changed, but it's surely worth looking into.


--
Peter Aitken

Nancy1 wrote:

> Nancy1 wrote:
>
>>Arnold wrote:
>>
>>>Anyone managed to give up cigarettes and alcohol and never looked back?
>>>
>>>If so, I would be interested to know the techniques you used, coz I am
>>>struggling with 'will power'!
>>
>>Alcohol never had any huge attraction for me, so if I occasionally buy
>>wine for a family dinner, most of it gets thrown out. I'm single and
>>live alone, and gave up partying a long time ago. If I'm out for
>>dinner, I'll sometimes have a drink, but I don't usually. Cigarettes
>>- quit just about a year ago. I tried a lot of times, but it was never
>>the right time. So, you have to want to (at least in the back of your
>>mind) AND it has to be the right time. Last year, it was the right
>>time for me. I just quit cold turkey and have never had a real urge to
>>start again - I just imagine how the smoke feels in my throat, how bad
>>my house smelled, and how much I coughed. HOWEVER, the old "saw" is
>>true - if I knew I had only a year to live, I'd start again in a
>>minute. LOL. I don't miss the taste or the feeling - just the action
>>of smoking.
>>
>>Don't be afraid to get all the help you can - only about 1 in a
>>thousand people can quit successfully cold turkey, and there's nothing
>>wrong with getting support. OTOH, my son quit chewing tobacco cold
>>turkey, so here are two of us in the same family, doing it. In my
>>case, better late than never. ;-)
>>
>>Good luck.
>>
>>N.
>
>
> I should add that I also gained some weight. But the experts say "one
> thing at a time." When I reach my one-year anniversary in a month or
> so, then I'll start working on the weight. If you want to give up both
> alcohol and smoking, do one at a time. I would think alcohol would be
> easier - if you don't go out to alcohol venues, you won't drink as
> much, and consequently, you won't be smoking as much When that's been
> successful, do the no-smoking thing.
>
> N.
>
That may not be true of alcohol. Many alcoholics are closet drinkers,
drinking alone and at home. Quite often friends and co-workers may not
even have a clue that a person is an alcoholic even though family member
may know or suspect. This type of alcohol abuse is common amongst stay
at home moms, homemakers, and the elderly. The true prevalence of this
type of alcoholic may never truely be known as they tend to hide their
drinking. For those who are not aware a heavy drinker or alcoholic
should *not* quit cold turkey and they should seek medical help when
trying to quit. DTs, a possible complication of alcohol withdrawl, can
be fatal. If you want to know more about alcohol withdrawl there are
several good sources on the web.

~patches~ wrote:
> Nancy1 wrote:
>
> > Nancy1 wrote:
> >
> >>Arnold wrote:
> >>
> >>>Anyone managed to give up cigarettes and alcohol and never looked back?
> >>>
> >>>If so, I would be interested to know the techniques you used, coz I am
> >>>struggling with 'will power'!
> >>
> >>Alcohol never had any huge attraction for me, so if I occasionally buy
> >>wine for a family dinner, most of it gets thrown out. I'm single and
> >>live alone, and gave up partying a long time ago. If I'm out for
> >>dinner, I'll sometimes have a drink, but I don't usually. Cigarettes
> >>- quit just about a year ago. I tried a lot of times, but it was never
> >>the right time. So, you have to want to (at least in the back of your
> >>mind) AND it has to be the right time. Last year, it was the right
> >>time for me. I just quit cold turkey and have never had a real urge to
> >>start again - I just imagine how the smoke feels in my throat, how bad
> >>my house smelled, and how much I coughed. HOWEVER, the old "saw" is
> >>true - if I knew I had only a year to live, I'd start again in a
> >>minute. LOL. I don't miss the taste or the feeling - just the action
> >>of smoking.
> >>
> >>Don't be afraid to get all the help you can - only about 1 in a
> >>thousand people can quit successfully cold turkey, and there's nothing
> >>wrong with getting support. OTOH, my son quit chewing tobacco cold
> >>turkey, so here are two of us in the same family, doing it. In my
> >>case, better late than never. ;-)
> >>
> >>Good luck.
> >>
> >>N.
> >
> >
> > I should add that I also gained some weight. But the experts say "one
> > thing at a time." When I reach my one-year anniversary in a month or
> > so, then I'll start working on the weight. If you want to give up both
> > alcohol and smoking, do one at a time. I would think alcohol would be
> > easier - if you don't go out to alcohol venues, you won't drink as
> > much, and consequently, you won't be smoking as much When that's been
> > successful, do the no-smoking thing.
> >
> > N.
> >
> That may not be true of alcohol. Many alcoholics are closet drinkers,
> drinking alone and at home. Quite often friends and co-workers may not
> even have a clue that a person is an alcoholic even though family member
> may know or suspect. This type of alcohol abuse is common amongst stay
> at home moms, homemakers, and the elderly. The true prevalence of this
> type of alcoholic may never truely be known as they tend to hide their
> drinking. For those who are not aware a heavy drinker or alcoholic
> should *not* quit cold turkey and they should seek medical help when
> trying to quit. DTs, a possible complication of alcohol withdrawl, can
> be fatal. If you want to know more about alcohol withdrawl there are
> several good sources on the web.

There are exceptions to every "rule." The original poster's post
didn't sound like he was an alcoholic who might get the DTs if he went
"cold turkey." If he's asking advice here, it's likely that he is not.
Whatever. Caveats never hurt.

N.

In article >,
~patches~ > wrote:

> Nancy1 wrote:
>
> > Nancy1 wrote:
> >
> >>Arnold wrote:
> >>
> >>>Anyone managed to give up cigarettes and alcohol and never looked back?
> >>>
> >>>If so, I would be interested to know the techniques you used, coz I am
> >>>struggling with 'will power'!
> >>
> >>Alcohol never had any huge attraction for me, so if I occasionally buy
> >>wine for a family dinner, most of it gets thrown out. I'm single and
> >>live alone, and gave up partying a long time ago. If I'm out for
> >>dinner, I'll sometimes have a drink, but I don't usually. Cigarettes
> >>- quit just about a year ago. I tried a lot of times, but it was never
> >>the right time. So, you have to want to (at least in the back of your
> >>mind) AND it has to be the right time. Last year, it was the right
> >>time for me. I just quit cold turkey and have never had a real urge to
> >>start again - I just imagine how the smoke feels in my throat, how bad
> >>my house smelled, and how much I coughed. HOWEVER, the old "saw" is
> >>true - if I knew I had only a year to live, I'd start again in a
> >>minute. LOL. I don't miss the taste or the feeling - just the action
> >>of smoking.
> >>
> >>Don't be afraid to get all the help you can - only about 1 in a
> >>thousand people can quit successfully cold turkey, and there's nothing
> >>wrong with getting support. OTOH, my son quit chewing tobacco cold
> >>turkey, so here are two of us in the same family, doing it. In my
> >>case, better late than never. ;-)
> >>
> >>Good luck.
> >>
> >>N.
> >
> >
> > I should add that I also gained some weight. But the experts say "one
> > thing at a time." When I reach my one-year anniversary in a month or
> > so, then I'll start working on the weight. If you want to give up both
> > alcohol and smoking, do one at a time. I would think alcohol would be
> > easier - if you don't go out to alcohol venues, you won't drink as
> > much, and consequently, you won't be smoking as much When that's been
> > successful, do the no-smoking thing.
> >
> > N.
> >
> That may not be true of alcohol. Many alcoholics are closet drinkers,
> drinking alone and at home. Quite often friends and co-workers may not
> even have a clue that a person is an alcoholic even though family member
> may know or suspect. This type of alcohol abuse is common amongst stay
> at home moms, homemakers, and the elderly. The true prevalence of this
> type of alcoholic may never truely be known as they tend to hide their
> drinking. For those who are not aware a heavy drinker or alcoholic
> should *not* quit cold turkey and they should seek medical help when
> trying to quit. DTs, a possible complication of alcohol withdrawl, can
> be fatal. If you want to know more about alcohol withdrawl there are
> several good sources on the web.

Very true.
It's safer to taper off if you are a regular heavy drinker, and drink
LOTS of water to help clear things out.

Take vitamins, especially B-complex, and take milk thistle for liver
support.

The above is a good idea even if you have no intention of giving it up.
--
Om.

"My mother never saw the irony in calling me a son-of-a-bitch." -Jack Nicholson

Nancy1 wrote:

<snip>
>>That may not be true of alcohol. Many alcoholics are closet drinkers,
>>drinking alone and at home. Quite often friends and co-workers may not
>>even have a clue that a person is an alcoholic even though family member
>>may know or suspect. This type of alcohol abuse is common amongst stay
>>at home moms, homemakers, and the elderly. The true prevalence of this
>>type of alcoholic may never truely be known as they tend to hide their
>>drinking. For those who are not aware a heavy drinker or alcoholic
>>should *not* quit cold turkey and they should seek medical help when
>>trying to quit. DTs, a possible complication of alcohol withdrawl, can
>>be fatal. If you want to know more about alcohol withdrawl there are
>>several good sources on the web.
>
>
> There are exceptions to every "rule." The original poster's post
> didn't sound like he was an alcoholic who might get the DTs if he went
> "cold turkey." If he's asking advice here, it's likely that he is not.
> Whatever. Caveats never hurt.

This is true and one can't really get the true picture from posts.
Honestly, I was floored when a couple of posters here said they were
functional alcoholics. I certainly would not have expected that from
their posts. The OP could be the same way or could just want to cut
back on drinking. It's good to cover all basis not only for the OP but
for anyone else who may be interested.
>
> N.
>

"OmManiPadmeOmelet" > wrote in message
...
> In article >,
> ~patches~ > wrote:
>
> > Nancy1 wrote:
> >
> > > Nancy1 wrote:
> > >
> > >>Arnold wrote:
> > >>
> > >>>Anyone managed to give up cigarettes and alcohol and never looked
back?
> > >>>
> > >>>If so, I would be interested to know the techniques you used, coz I
am
> > >>>struggling with 'will power'!
> > >>
> > >>Alcohol never had any huge attraction for me, so if I occasionally buy
> > >>wine for a family dinner, most of it gets thrown out. I'm single and
> > >>live alone, and gave up partying a long time ago. If I'm out for
> > >>dinner, I'll sometimes have a drink, but I don't usually. Cigarettes
> > >>- quit just about a year ago. I tried a lot of times, but it was
never
> > >>the right time. So, you have to want to (at least in the back of your
> > >>mind) AND it has to be the right time. Last year, it was the right
> > >>time for me. I just quit cold turkey and have never had a real urge
to
> > >>start again - I just imagine how the smoke feels in my throat, how bad
> > >>my house smelled, and how much I coughed. HOWEVER, the old "saw" is
> > >>true - if I knew I had only a year to live, I'd start again in a
> > >>minute. LOL. I don't miss the taste or the feeling - just the action
> > >>of smoking.
> > >>
> > >>Don't be afraid to get all the help you can - only about 1 in a
> > >>thousand people can quit successfully cold turkey, and there's nothing
> > >>wrong with getting support. OTOH, my son quit chewing tobacco cold
> > >>turkey, so here are two of us in the same family, doing it. In my
> > >>case, better late than never. ;-)
> > >>
> > >>Good luck.
> > >>
> > >>N.
> > >
> > >
> > > I should add that I also gained some weight. But the experts say "one
> > > thing at a time." When I reach my one-year anniversary in a month or
> > > so, then I'll start working on the weight. If you want to give up
both
> > > alcohol and smoking, do one at a time. I would think alcohol would be
> > > easier - if you don't go out to alcohol venues, you won't drink as
> > > much, and consequently, you won't be smoking as much When that's been
> > > successful, do the no-smoking thing.
> > >
> > > N.
> > >
> > That may not be true of alcohol. Many alcoholics are closet drinkers,
> > drinking alone and at home. Quite often friends and co-workers may not
> > even have a clue that a person is an alcoholic even though family member
> > may know or suspect. This type of alcohol abuse is common amongst stay
> > at home moms, homemakers, and the elderly. The true prevalence of this
> > type of alcoholic may never truely be known as they tend to hide their
> > drinking. For those who are not aware a heavy drinker or alcoholic
> > should *not* quit cold turkey and they should seek medical help when
> > trying to quit. DTs, a possible complication of alcohol withdrawl, can
> > be fatal. If you want to know more about alcohol withdrawl there are
> > several good sources on the web.
>
> Very true.
> It's safer to taper off if you are a regular heavy drinker, and drink
> LOTS of water to help clear things out.
>
> Take vitamins, especially B-complex, and take milk thistle for liver
> support.
>
> The above is a good idea even if you have no intention of giving it up.
> --

Yep, when I'm at work I go through almost a full gallon of water. Makes me
pee a lot, but it helps!

kili