Replacing addictions

[peppy]

I have developed an alcohol problem over the last 10 months, not making excuses but been under massive amount of stress. I haven't had a drink for almost a month now ( may not sound like an achievement but I was downing at least half a litre of spirits a day )
But now I find my appetite has shot up, and I've put 1 stone on since I stopped. At this rate I shall explode before Christmas !!
Has anybody experienced this and have any tips ?
Thanks x x

[styley]

Get addicted to exercise if you can find the time. I think most people prefer the gym but I like trying to get out in the fresh air, walking or cycling. You feel good after it. Start now, before christmas as you'll enjoy it more and probably enjoy xmas more too.

[peppy]

Thanks Styley, will give it a go. Am I right in thinking that excercise releases some sort of feel - good chemical, or is that chocolate !!
REALLY don't want to slip back into old ways, trying so hard.

[haysi06]

Good for you Peppy

Take up a hobby like erm tinternet or knitting or writing :)

Find something else to do with your hands other than reaching for the bottle

Good luck

[warpig3]

Morning Peppy, firstly, good for you, a month IS an achievement, be proud of it and take strength from it. I have serious issues with alcohol and havent had a drink for almost a year now, and you know what, I dont miss it. Granted, my problems evolved over a 15 year period and escalated to mammoth proportions, but thats how its starts.

You should be proud that you have recognised something which is harmful to you (in all respects, not just physical) and dealt with it.

As for the weight gain, as styley and haysi both say, occupy your time with something else, exercise is brilliant for giving you that feel good factor, gets those endorphins flowing! There could be two reasons for the weight gain, alcohol can be an appetite suppressant for some so when you give up your appetite returns or you could be substituting food for alcohol, either way, a healthy diet and excerise will keep this in check.

Good luck and take care
warpig

[peppy]

Thankyou Warpig, everything you said makes sense, I didn't know that alcohol was an appetite suppressant but I ate next to nothing for months despite people trying to tempt me with things I usually love.
It has come back big time, so yes, the answer is to exercise and try to keep my eating in check isn't it ?
Thanks again and congratulations on your brilliant achievement, well done x x
Thankyou too Hays, I've bought myself a cross-stitch kit. I'll let you know how it goes !! x x