ALCOHOLICS: RECOVERY & FITNESS (Serious Only Please)

[Freddie Beef]

Originally Posted by Baldiewonkanobi

Hi Gang....yes still sober. Been gone for a month from all forums cuz I was really getting PISSED OFF at some of the DWEEBS, WEENIES and IDIOTS, their snide remarks and nasty PMs.

Anyway I am chiiled off sufficiently and posting again in the Advanced.

You all keep up the good work.

Baldie

I never get pissed off at them, I have fun with them. Wondered where you have been.

[BigDaddy33]

Hey Everyone!! Hows it goin? Im still sober. Sorry I have'nt been by in a while, just busy. I will be poppin in more regular now. Hope everyone is good!!!

[marmadukemas]

Originally Posted by Baldiewonkanobi

Hi Gang....yes still sober. Been gone for a month from all forums cuz I was really getting PISSED OFF at some of the DWEEBS, WEENIES and IDIOTS, their snide remarks and nasty PMs.

Anyway I am chiiled off sufficiently and posting again in the Advanced.

You all keep up the good work.

Baldie

Hey I was hoping to see you back here... missed you man. Sorry I been gone too, life on life's terms is more than I can handle some days (or weeks)

Originally Posted by BigDaddy33

Hey Everyone!! Hows it goin? Im still sober. Sorry I have'nt been by in a while, just busy. I will be poppin in more regular now. Hope everyone is good!!!

Right on big Dad. Likewise good to see you around these parts.

[marmadukemas]

Discussion Topic benefits of not using to my body building program.

I don't know about the rest of you, but since I stopped using, I have focused my compulsive personality to hitting the iron. What a healthy transfer of addictions

Seriously one of the greatest things about not using anymore is being able to get a full nights sleep and wake up refresehd and loads of energy for my workouts.

But yeah, I probably have done a little bit of a switch to something more acceptable, anyone else?

[Freddie Beef]

Going off of your topic here, I really havent found anything to take the place of the booze and pills that is positive, I had made it food, it got me expanses of muscle along with an expansive waistline. It is one of the biggest reasons I have had trouble losing weight, I replace an addiction with another. Now the past 4 days I have done great with the eating, now I have an empty void. I rrefuse to fill it with food again, My kids aer counting on me.

What things have people in here replaced their addictions with, and do you still feel an empty void.

[chodan9]

Originally Posted by marmadukemas

Discussion Topic benefits of not using to my body building program.

I don't know about the rest of you, but since I stopped using, I have focused my compulsive personality to hitting the iron. What a healthy transfer of addictions

Seriously one of the greatest things about not using anymore is being able to get a full nights sleep and wake up refresehd and loads of energy for my workouts.

But yeah, I probably have done a little bit of a switch to something more acceptable, anyone else?

Originally Posted by toobigfred

What things have people in here replaced their addictions with, and do you still feel an empty void.

funny how these tie in together.
That void was with me for a while early on, that big empty space behind my eyes.
Eventually prayer and meditation helped fill that void, but I know what you mean about needing a positive activity to replace all that time that was spent pursuing our addictions.
As marmadukemas pointed out, not using has greatly helped his BB program, you might put more time into your routine.
If your musically inclined pick up a guitar and learn it. Start reading books.
Whats something you have always wanted to do?
there are a ton of cool hobbies you can pick from.
the thing I have had to watch in sobriety is this:
I had to learn to balance my interests with the rest of my life.
Meaning, I am an obsessive compulsive type. I have to reign myself in or whatever I am interested in will start taking over my life.
I wanted a motorcycle a few years ago so I got one. A year later I had 4 LOL. I finally started to see the pattern of me going overboard once again.
Right now my primary interest is fitness, I am struggling to maintain balance with it.
Its great to be fit for sure, but I must have a life outside of that endeavor.

[baretta]

Good points there, Chodan (as always).

For me to honestly answer the "what fills the void" question, I'll have to ask folks to cut me a little slack. For me, the answer is Christ. Now, before you go pounding me, I'm not one to shove religion down people's throats (in fact, I think that can be very counter productive). I'm just answering the question. What is done with that answer is completely up to you.

Another thing that I have found very fulfilling is "giving back" ("we only keep what we have by giving it away"). I have been a "taker" for so long. I have found that it is an incredible thing to help others that are going through the same things that I have been (and am still going) through. It doesn't matter if you've got 20 years or one day, you can do something to give back, even if it's just to listen to others who may have no one else to talk to. A few months or years from now, when you look at that person who is doing so well in their recovery and you're the one who befriended them and offered them love and support the first time they staggered in the door - man!!! I can't hold back the tears some times!!!

One other quick one and I'll shut up for now (maybe... lol). When I got sober and started getting my head screwed on straight (OK... that's a relative term... lol), I really wanted to do something to make a difference... in my community... heck, in the world. I began to ask myself "what does my community (or the world) need?" A noble question, no doubt. But I think it's the wrong question. I should be asking myself, "what makes me come alive?"... because what the world really needs is people who are truly alive... Just my 2 cent.

Best regards.

[plaskowski2002]

Originally Posted by marmadukemas

Discussion Topic benefits of not using to my body building program.

I don't know about the rest of you, but since I stopped using, I have focused my compulsive personality to hitting the iron. What a healthy transfer of addictions

Seriously one of the greatest things about not using anymore is being able to get a full nights sleep and wake up refresehd and loads of energy for my workouts.

But yeah, I probably have done a little bit of a switch to something more acceptable, anyone else?

i agree. since i got clean and sober the gym has become my best friend and like you said i focus my compulsive personality in the gym too. it has been a tromendous help. i love it!

[GreenWave1]

Discussion Topic How has getting clean helped my workouts?

I lifted while I was still using. Sometimes I lifted while high. This was stupid and dangerous. Sometimes I would cut my workouts short so I could use. Again, stupid.

Getting clean has helped my workouts in a couple of ways. One, it allows me to focus on working out, not thinking about using again. Two, working out helps me stay clean by lowering my stress level (I think of it as staying back from the edge). Have I transferred my addiction to healthy living? Yes. But I am careful to not go overboard too much.

Discussion Topic What has filled the void?

Like Baretta, for me it is Jesus. Prayer and meditation have provided me with the grace of gratitude. By focusing on God and being grateful for what He has given me, I realize how blessed I am and how much beauty there is in my life. Using would only block out all of that. Instead of getting high on drugs, I'm high on life. It is much better this way.

[thepainter5]

Originally Posted by baretta

....

For me to honestly answer the "what fills the void" question, I'll have to ask folks to cut me a little slack. For me, the answer is Christ. .....

Originally Posted by GreenWave1

What has filled the void?

Like Baretta, for me it is Jesus. Prayer and meditation have provided me with the grace of gratitude. By focusing on God and being grateful for what He has given me, I realize how blessed I am and how much beauty there is in my life. .....

I also fill the void with Jesus.

When I quit in 1989 I went to a Christian recovery center as I knew that was where I belonged. I was really happy to hear that they had some weights and a couple of benches.
With Jesus filling me up and the rehab center feeding me, it made training easier. I was able to go from a malnourished 139lbs to 175lbs in just under three months.
Even today, whether in my gym or out running, my focus is still on Jesus.

[plaskowski2002]

Originally Posted by baretta

Good points there, Chodan (as always).

For me to honestly answer the "what fills the void" question, I'll have to ask folks to cut me a little slack. For me, the answer is Christ. Now, before you go pounding me, I'm not one to shove religion down people's throats (in fact, I think that can be very counter productive). I'm just answering the question. What is done with that answer is completely up to you.

Another thing that I have found very fulfilling is "giving back" ("we only keep what we have by giving it away"). I have been a "taker" for so long. I have found that it is an incredible thing to help others that are going through the same things that I have been (and am still going) through. It doesn't matter if you've got 20 years or one day, you can do something to give back, even if it's just to listen to others who may have no one else to talk to. A few months or years from now, when you look at that person who is doing so well in their recovery and you're the one who befriended them and offered them love and support the first time they staggered in the door - man!!! I can't hold back the tears some times!!!

One other quick one and I'll shut up for now (maybe... lol). When I got sober and started getting my head screwed on straight (OK... that's a relative term... lol), I really wanted to do something to make a difference... in my community... heck, in the world. I began to ask myself "what does my community (or the world) need?" A noble question, no doubt. But I think it's the wrong question. I should be asking myself, "what makes me come alive?"... because what the world really needs is people who are truly alive... Just my 2 cent.

Best regards.

nice post and no bashing here. i got back into the church after a 20 year layoff. its been a huge help and i got tons of support there. thats where most of my friends come from these days. and you metioned service work by giving back. you nailed that one right on the head.

[afterguard]

Originally Posted by baretta

Good points there, Chodan (as always).

For me to honestly answer the "what fills the void" question, I'll have to ask folks to cut me a little slack. For me, the answer is Christ. Now, before you go pounding me, I'm not one to shove religion down people's throats (in fact, I think that can be very counter productive). I'm just answering the question. What is done with that answer is completely up to you.

Another thing that I have found very fulfilling is "giving back" ("we only keep what we have by giving it away"). I have been a "taker" for so long. I have found that it is an incredible thing to help others that are going through the same things that I have been (and am still going) through. It doesn't matter if you've got 20 years or one day, you can do something to give back, even if it's just to listen to others who may have no one else to talk to. A few months or years from now, when you look at that person who is doing so well in their recovery and you're the one who befriended them and offered them love and support the first time they staggered in the door - man!!! I can't hold back the tears some times!!!

One other quick one and I'll shut up for now (maybe... lol). When I got sober and started getting my head screwed on straight (OK... that's a relative term... lol), I really wanted to do something to make a difference... in my community... heck, in the world. I began to ask myself "what does my community (or the world) need?" A noble question, no doubt. But I think it's the wrong question. I should be asking myself, "what makes me come alive?"... because what the world really needs is people who are truly alive... Just my 2 cent.

Best regards.

Keep Christ first and never apologize for it. Good Job!

[Freddie Beef]

Originally Posted by afterguard

Keep Christ first and never apologize for it. Good Job!

Damn right.

[plaskowski2002]

X2!!!!!

[GreenWave1]

Originally Posted by afterguard

Keep Christ first and never apologize for it. Good Job!

Amen.

[baretta]

Originally Posted by marmadukemas

Discussion Topic benefits of not using to my body building program.

I don't know about the rest of you, but since I stopped using, I have focused my compulsive personality to hitting the iron. What a healthy transfer of addictions

Seriously one of the greatest things about not using anymore is being able to get a full nights sleep and wake up refresehd and loads of energy for my workouts.

But yeah, I probably have done a little bit of a switch to something more acceptable, anyone else?

I think maybe a more direct answer to the question would be that before I quit drinking/using, I didn't have a bodybuilding program. I managed to keep in shape for years doing construction work, but after an accident and a career change (I'm now an IT desk jockey), I grew VERY sedintary. 6 or so years later, I had turned to skinny mush. It was only after I got clean and sober that I began to have a desire to get in shape. So I guess the biggest benifit of not using is that now I matter to me.

[bjc12]

Originally Posted by newbie40

Thanks for being an inspiration to me fred I have been recently handling the alcohol issue and have finally decided to go to AA. I thought I could control it but after reading many of your and everyone else's comments on here. I truly want my life back.
I just completely lost it when my wife died and have been in this fog.
I just wish this pain would go away and alcohol has a tendency to numb it for me.

Welcome. Keep coming and share about it, a pain shared is a pain lessened. we are all hear to help even if all it might be is simple listening

Originally Posted by plaskowski2002

hey fred not to be a downer but doesnt your clean time start over? i love the **** out of you but i think your playing a deadly game.

when i truly care about someone i will get completely honest, i would rather have them alive and be angry with them then have them die a friend. thank you for obviously caring enough to post this

Originally Posted by Xyphis

Five years on May 10th. Thank you all for being here

Great job buddy. keep it up


Haven't been around much, busy trying to go about getting back into school and a few other things. glad to see the thread is still thriving! i am behind on reading all the posts but will catch up and comment later. love you guys

[marmadukemas]

Hey guys, great feedback!

Originally Posted by plaskowski2002

i agree. since i got clean and sober the gym has become my best friend and like you said i focus my compulsive personality in the gym too. it has been a tromendous help. i love it!

Sure beats being in the bar or running down another "deal" doesn't it? I don't mind being a little compulsive about lifting especially at my age, since so few people over 40 are fit, like many of you, I enjoy being the postive exception since I lead the bottom of the pack for long enough.

Originally Posted by GreenWave1

Discussion Topic How has getting clean helped my workouts?

I lifted while I was still using. Sometimes I lifted while high. This was stupid and dangerous. Sometimes I would cut my workouts short so I could use. Again, stupid.

Getting clean has helped my workouts in a couple of ways. One, it allows me to focus on working out, not thinking about using again. Two, working out helps me stay clean by lowering my stress level (I think of it as staying back from the edge). Have I transferred my addiction to healthy living? Yes. But I am careful to not go overboard too much.

lol, I can relate. I remember thinking I was getting such a good workout when I was high, what a delusion.

Originally Posted by GreenWave1

Discussion Topic What has filled the void?

Like Baretta, for me it is Jesus. Prayer and meditation have provided me with the grace of gratitude. By focusing on God and being grateful for what He has given me, I realize how blessed I am and how much beauty there is in my life. Using would only block out all of that. Instead of getting high on drugs, I'm high on life. It is much better this way.

Hey great topic, and I agree with you, lifting isn't the right thing to stuff that hole in my psyche, neither is work, or anything else.

Originally Posted by thepainter5

I also fill the void with Jesus.

When I quit in 1989 I went to a Christian recovery center as I knew that was where I belonged. I was really happy to hear that they had some weights and a couple of benches.
With Jesus filling me up and the rehab center feeding me, it made training easier. I was able to go from a malnourished 139lbs to 175lbs in just under three months.
Even today, whether in my gym or out running, my focus is still on Jesus.

Ha ha that is a great story... I can just imagine what going to church and the weight room on a daily basis must have been like in treatment. My expereince was a lot like going back to high school: DRAMA! Good for you that it was such a positive changing experience.

Originally Posted by plaskowski2002

nice post and no bashing here. i got back into the church after a 20 year layoff. its been a huge help and i got tons of support there. thats where most of my friends come from these days. and you metioned service work by giving back. you nailed that one right on the head.

Very cool.

Originally Posted by afterguard

Keep Christ first and never apologize for it. Good Job!

Originally Posted by toobigfred

Damn right.

Wish I could say that I have the sunlight of spirituality shining out of my ears, but I have found that it is really hard to be a productive member of socienty, have a family and have as much concious contact with my higher power as I did early on when things were so messy. One of my character defects I guess is that I must need a certian amount of pressure to motivate me to hit my knees. I admire you guys who can still keep that spiritual perspective at the forefront.

Originally Posted by baretta

I think maybe a more direct answer to the question would be that before I quit drinking/using, I didn't have a bodybuilding program. I managed to keep in shape for years doing construction work, but after an accident and a career change (I'm now an IT desk jockey), I grew VERY sedintary. 6 or so years later, I had turned to skinny mush. It was only after I got clean and sober that I began to have a desire to get in shape. So I guess the biggest benifit of not using is that now I matter to me.

Worst shape I ever was in my life was after I did a career change and spent 10 hours a day behind the computer. Glad to hear you made it out there alive man. Hope your program is keeping you fit now.

Originally Posted by bjc12

Haven't been around much, busy trying to go about getting back into school and a few other things. glad to see the thread is still thriving! i am behind on reading all the posts but will catch up and comment later. love you guys

Good to see your post too, thanks for being so supportive of the newcomers and milestones. Hope to hear your thoughts on our discussion topics too.

[marmadukemas]

Discussion Topic How do you deal wtih thoughts of using during holidays and long weekends? If ever there was a time when I felt like using it would be now, when the weather is getting nice and I start to come out from my winter doldrums.

I try to think it through... do I really want to get back on that downward cycle again?

Hope everyone has a safe holiday weekend.

[Freddie Beef]

Originally Posted by marmadukemas

Discussion Topic How do you deal wtih thoughts of using during holidays and long weekends? If ever there was a time when I felt like using it would be now, when the weather is getting nice and I start to come out from my winter doldrums.

I try to think it through... do I really want to get back on that downward cycle again?

Hope everyone has a safe holiday weekend.

I dont think about using during long weekends adn the holidays. Before I was married yes, but now that I have a wife and kid, I am toooo busy to thank about it. Now when I am alone yeah, the thought crosses my mind, but right now I am very strong mentally and have NO cravings, for a while I was ready to crash and burn.

[chodan9]

not so much for me anymore
I stopped going to the same old places when I first got sober including the places I haunted during holidays. Getting more active in meetings or service work helps during those times also.

[baretta]

I'm planning something that I never would have done when I was drinking/using; something so NOT like the old me that I won't even have a chance to think about that guy. Tomorrow I'll be headed out with some friends to do some camping/hiking/climbing/rappelling. I'll also be doing some alone time just to reflect and get perspective on where I am emotionally and spititually. I'm thinking sunrise sitting on a bluff overlooking Weiss Lake...

... geez... I suddenly have the urge to pee on something...

[Oceanside]

3 years clean and sober this coming Aug 27 th

[baretta]

Originally Posted by oceanside

3 years clean and sober this coming aug 27 th

AWESOME!!! Congrads!!!

[Freddie Beef]

Originally Posted by Oceanside

3 years clean and sober this coming Aug 27 th

Great job. Congratualtions!!

[chodan9]

Originally Posted by Oceanside

3 years clean and sober this coming Aug 27 th

nice

3 years seemed like a huge milestone for me at the time for some reason.

edit:I'm not saying it isnt a big deal, but for some reason I had 3 years sitting out there as some kind of holy grail during my early sobriety.

[Oceanside]

thanx...

I try to keep things on even keel and not get too caught up in numbers...

I did'nt drink today and I have no plans on drinking tomorrow...

[plaskowski2002]

Originally Posted by Oceanside

3 years clean and sober this coming Aug 27 th

great job and keep up the good work!

[plaskowski2002]

Originally Posted by Oceanside

thanx...

I try to keep things on even keel and not get too caught up in numbers...

I did'nt drink today and I have no plans on drinking tomorrow...

i am with you on the numbers thing and it really doesnt matter as long as i continue to stay sober. in july it will be 4 years for me but im not sure the exact date. i often wonder if im one of the few who dont know their exact date?

[baretta]

I have an easy time remembering my clean date - it also happens to be my birthday... May 21st... which... would... be...

TODAY!!!

3 years