Addiction

[nailedit]

over the years there have been a few posters who have been brave enough to admit to addiction issues.
Both myself and Sandy have issues with alcohol.
The recently deceased Theland admitted his own alcohol issues.
Other posters from the far past (noxlumous comes to mind)
have admitted to addiction issues.

What is your genuine response to people with addictions
(Whatever the addiction....smoking, porn, gambling, drinking, monkey-dust, shopping, smack, whatever)

[gordiescotland1]

I have struggled with many addictions some in the past and some still in the present. Smoking, in the past I gave up on 1st Jan 2000 after 20+a day for 12 years.
Alcohol. I was a serious alcoholic gave up in 1999 after time in hospital with heart and liver problems i drunk at least 100 units a week could not believe I entered the millennium sober. I stopped until covid when I started again but believe it or not amazingly I can control it. Maximum 2 glasses of wine or 2 pints lager or 2 vodkas. I don't want to get drunk. I can enjoy it.
Gambling and shopping unfortunately have financially ruined me I have been declared bankrupt 4 times due to £10000 in debt each time because of store cards and high interest loans. I still struggle with shopping and gambling issues.
Sugar I'm overweight type 2 diabetic and find it difficult to manage. Sugar too me is highly addictive.
Codeine- years ago I had a knee and back injury in a fall and I was prescribed Cocodamol 30/500mg as soon as I got it, I got an instant euphoric affect now I need to take 8 a day otherwise I struggle even when I am not in pain.
I certainly do struggle with addictions part of the reason is borderline personality disorder.

[ToraToraTora]

stick with it me old china, you want to do it, so that's half the battle. Read this:
Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation
it's by Keith Chegwin and he was like you, he tried and failed many times but in the end he got there. I really enjoyed the read and I bought it after I saw a TV doc on him after he himself broke down on a breakfast show when he was just hammered at 7 in the morning. I hope it will inspire you.

[ToraToraTora]

you can get it for £1.75, if I knew where to send it I'd buy it and send it.

[ToraToraTora]

I go to a social club on Friday night and there is a guy there who drinks orange tango that's it, he's an alcoholic, sober for over 20 years but still an alcoholic. He's stronger that I would be, no way I could go to a drinking establishment if I wanted to get sober. He has 2 businesses and wonderful house, wife and daughter, he's said to me several times that when he was drinking he never dreamed he'd have those he was just waiting to die. He hasn't told me how he dug himself out of it yet.

[pastafreak]

Gordie...you come across as a different person compared to 5-6 years ago. I remember that then you seemed have issues with food, diet, health. You sound more confident now...I hope you are better in yourself. Very brave of you to tell us more about what you've been through.

[Barsel]

I thought it was very brave of you too, and well done.

[anneasquith]

Gordie, I wish you the very best for the future. A very brave post .

[gordiescotland1]

Thanks for your support I appreciate it

[jennyjoan]

I can't believe that I am saying this - but my personal opinion is that the addiction - gambling, alcohol, drugs. it is all pretty much hereditary.

Gambling in particular - have two nephews who with an inheritance gave Paddy Power/Ladbrokes £60,000 in one year. Now they have nothing.

I have been so good to them before the inheritance but didn't receive a 99pence of Milk Tray. I just can't help them any more. And it is killing me watching them killing themselves.

[gordiescotland1]

Do you believe that people have an addictive personality? I am certain I do.

[ToraToraTora]

I wouldn't say "personality", I'd say genetic disposition.

[nailedit]

//I'd say genetic disposition//
So would I.
One of my aunts was definitely drink dependent,
One of my cousins died through drink
and one of my sisters is a binge drinker.
Defo in the family.