i think we're already a week from the aug. 7 start... but if you're doing this again, i'm totally in to try!

Hi Leah,

Sorry to be so long answering your question, been a busy day, never got near my PC!

I’m so pleased for your Mom and for you and your family that she is currently seeking help for alcohol addiction. I will keep her in my prayers.

Your insights and reflective questions on similar patterns of addiction are very interesting. I’m no expert, but have experience of both forms of addiction, and yes there are huge patterns of similarity. You hit the nail right on the head when you talk about obsession and secrecy.

For me, it really boils down to a lifetime of needing to escape from pain. Drink and food worked for years for me. Today, thank God, I can go through pain and not need to medicate. But to do that, I need to have a lot of help. That’s why it’s so great to hear your Mom has reached out.

They say addiction is a family disease, which can be a little scary to take on board, but you know, recovery is a family event too!! And in your case, it sounds like your family is moving from a troubled painful place to a bright healing hopeful place.

It’s great to hear you come on here and share your questions about food. Nowadays, I try to keep it simple by asking for help every morning not to use anything to escape my reality today. That’s a tall order for an addict. I’ll NEVER have it right down. And so I feel very lucky to have such great support available to me in OA and AA. Coping mechanisms like I'd never have believed. Keep sharing as you need to Leah, this is big stuff for anyone to be going through. Wish you well,

Hey guys, I’m so tired after a busy day, but just wanted to share my sense of joy that today marks 50 days abstinence for me!!
I just want to thank each and every one of you for your welcome and support on these threads. I’ll share my gratitude more in the morning.

50 days abstinent. 50 days binge-free. 50 days in what feels like recovery at last. 50 days growing. 50 days at peace.
Day at a time, with God’s help, I’ve stopped fighting food. And God has shown me that balance is possible.

And you know, my HP makes sure I don’t think I’m ‘cured’! Tonight, probably because I need sleep, I found myself not wanting the strawberries on my food plan for snack. Found myself mooching and rummaging for something supposedly healthy instead. I was looking for the ‘impossible’ – you know??? I was looking for what fixed me before!!!

The strawberries were delicious. I said happy 50days to me. And I’ve just realised I should not be talking about food items. Sorry. That’s how tired I am. Too tired to edit.

Thank you for being there. I can't get one day's peace on my own, never mind 50!

a frightening but true thing for me... the men in my immediate family tend to be alcoholics, and for years i was relieved that i didn't have that problem. only in the past year or so did i realize that i am not free from the addiction, only addicted to a different medium.

I'm still Rockin' On - hit it Dancin' C:



Gosh it feels GREAT to be in control! *relishing the moment*

Tx All!

Hey Iris, Welcome to these boards. I read your post on the OA site too – lovely to hear about your f2f experience. I believe that for me, walking in the door to a meeting was the best thing I ever did for myself.
And yes, addiction is a scary concept, but the hope I get from others in recovery literally takes the sting out of that tail. And to be honest, it was seeing the strength of the people on these sites that inspired me to go. And I’m so happy I did.
Scariest of all for me is the notion of being trapped forever in food. In OA, for me, it becomes all about possibility. And hope.

Keep in touch Iris.

Hey Aud, good to hear from you. Gives me a lift to see all your dancing partners – your post gives off such lovely positive energy. Keep dancing.

Could someone start a new ‘binge-free week? I lead it out last week but I don’t want to hog the starting line!

All the best,

thanks searsha!