ALCOHOLICS: RECOVERY & FITNESS (Serious Only Please)

[BigDaddy33]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I am a recovering alcoholic and was hoping to start a discussion with other alcoholics who wuld be interested. Alcoholism is very powerfull and we can use all the help we can get.

I put it in the over 35 section basically because I did'nt know where else to put it. The Misc section is full of, well im not sure what its full of, but I don't think it would have been takin seriously over there. So, here we go....
__________________
MOVED TO OVER 35 MISC

[chodan9]

recovering alcoholic/narcotics addict here,
clean and sober since april 10 1989 at the tender ager of 24.
I spent many years focusing on staying clean and sober, and that is till a focus of mine, but my body didn't progress in step with my mental and spiritual growth, so a few years ago I decided to strive for more balance in my life, plus I had gained too much weight and gotten too weak.

Now I am striving to keep my obsessive nature in check and not overdo this thing.
Getting in shape is great but not the only thing in life.
I have never had to struggle really to maintain my sobriety, don't get me wrong, I had to work hard at it, thats why I don't think it was a struggle.

[eddied27]

Was I dreaming last night or did I already post in a thread like this that had several responses from folks??

4 years here this past October.

Friend of Bill

[BigDaddy33]

Was I dreaming last night or did I already post in a thread like this that had several responses from folks??

4 years here this past October.

Friend of Bill

Yes, but everybody suggested I move it to the MISC section of over 35 so I did. Sorry, I did'nt know hoe to move the whole thing so I just started it over. Merry Christmas everybody.....

[boathead]

friend of bill w. since 8/28/03.

just got back from an "alcothon"....my home group stages a dinner and meetings around the clock for those with nowhere else to go, or for those who do have somewhere else to go but don't know how to socialize yet without a drink in their hand. good times.

wish i could have stayed, but have to work tomorrow.

[GreenWave1]

Clean since 7/5/2004, praise Jesus.

Merry Christmas to all!

[eddied27]

Yes, but everybody suggested I move it to the MISC section of over 35 so I did. Sorry, I did'nt know hoe to move the whole thing so I just started it over. Merry Christmas everybody.....

No big deal Big! Just wanted to be sure I wasn't experiencing a flashback.

Just so you know, PM a moderator and they'll move the entire thread for you.

Happy Holidays!!

[chodan9]

I didn't mention it in my post but friend of Bill also.

[Baldiewonkanobi]

28 years done one day at a time. I turned my alcoholism over to my higher power and my OCD to Bill Pearl.

Looking back from this distance those fuzzy years starting at age 12 watering down my Dad's vodka after I poured myself a few fingers, nose full of cocaine in my 30s, then I started bleeding from every orifice at age 39...it is all part of me and my success today. Without trial I see no triumph. Those I had harmed I asked forgiveness and graciously received it. So in the long run I would keep my life's history as it is. I am healthy today and give my family an example.... morality, gobs of love, loyalty, dicipline, patriotism, financial support as needed and optimism.

Grateful Baldie

[eddied27]

Merry Christmas you bunch of stinking drunks!

Yours in sobriety.....another bozo on the bus!

Ed

[BigDaddy33]

Merry Christmas everyone!!!! No booze since 11/18/2008. Thats right just over 30 days. One day at a time!! Looking forward (cautiously) to the new year ahead......

[chodan9]

Merry Christmas everyone!!!! No booze since 11/18/2008. Thats right just over 30 days. One day at a time!! Looking forward (cautiously) to the new year ahead......

congrats on that 30 day milestone
keep it up!

[GreenWave1]

Merry Christmas everyone!!!! No booze since 11/18/2008. Thats right just over 30 days. One day at a time!! Looking forward (cautiously) to the new year ahead......

That is fantastic! I remember my 30 day mark. My wife made a big deal of it.

Best of luck to you. Stay strong. You CAN do it.

[chodan9]

ok
Since this is a fitness related recovery thread,I will sort of get the fitness discussion in motion,
Question
how many of you had dramatic weight gain early in sobriety?
When I went into treatment I was malnourished and weighed 128 pounds, 6 months later I weighed 200. I dieted and went down to 170 a few months later, but then I yoyoed for the next few years, I had no clue about nutrition or excercise, and finally wound up at 230 pounds at %30+ bodyfat before taking action.

[boathead]

fighting a physical addiction without resort to strenuous exercise is fighting with one hand tied behind your back!

workout out hard; substitute one lousy obsession for a good one- lifting!

[Baldiewonkanobi]

Cho...good question. I was fortunate to join Bill Pearl's Gym on my first day of sobriety. I was so disgusted with my physical state that I knew from my training from age 12 to 22 that the gym would be a great start. I was 168* with a swollen belly/40" waist. Bill measured my flexed arm at 13". For 9 months I clung by my finger nails to sobriety and training. Harry Pearl had me on a great nutrition/supplement plan. Something was missing and I was getting worried. I had left the big rig sales gig and Lady Wonkanobi went back into the Temp business and got me physical labor jobs. Still something was wrong. I attended an AA meeting and discovered a room full of sober drunks. Bingo...the missing piece. I was never a 100% 12 stepper but stayed sober. I did that for about 15 years. Those trials and tribulations are now far behind. I will NEVER drink or use again.

In my case BOTH avenues were required.

*I won the Mr. Muscle Beach six years later at 235, 31" waist, 18" arm.

[BigDaddy33]

S far I have styed pretty much the same. I have been watching my diet though. This week and next Im eating like crap then entering the Muscle Tech contest here on BB.com. Looking for big transformation in '09. Thanks to everyone for your input, I think this could be a great thread....

[dbx]

.....then entering the Muscle Tech contest here on BB.com. Looking for big transformation in '09. Thanks to everyone for your input, I think this could be a great thread....

Beware; trying to change your life overnight (and one year is overnight ) is not usually productive, and can actually be counterproductive. It is commonplace to go crazy and have the energy of a 6yr old who just ate a whole bag of candy by himself. It often ends in crash & burn. Be very careful and don't forget this! And this would include even turning to and relying heavily on supplements. Not the best idea right now at your stage, no matter how you spin the "real" reason for using them. You are a master at rationalization, and it took years to master this art. It'll take a while before you can remove that plaque off the wall.

I'm certainly not advocating doing it or letting it happen, but gaining weight is simply your body's defense mechanism kicking in as it heels itself and adapts. If you haven't heard this saying about bodybuilding I'll go ahead and share it with you, as it goes for becoming sober as well; Living healthy (sobriety) is a journey, not a destination. Don't be in such a hurry to get there, because it's a never ending trip.

[chodan9]

Beware; trying to change your life overnight (and one year is overnight ) is not usually productive, and can actually be counterproductive. It is commonplace to go crazy and have the energy of a 6yr old who just ate a whole bag of candy by himself. It often ends in crash & burn. Be very careful and don't forget this! And this would include even turning to and relying heavily on supplements. Not the best idea right now at your stage, no matter how you spin the "real" reason for using them. You are a master at rationalization, and it took years to master this art. It'll take a while before you can remove that plaque off the wall.

What he said.

When I first started getting sober I got my second sponsor (after my first went to treatment) he said, "getting sober and working the program is drastic change, that should be enough for now. For the next year, don't quit your job, don't leave your wife, don't stop smoking, don't go on a diet. Focus on maintaining your sobriety and working your program."
So thats what I did.
Becoming more health conscious is a good thing, but we need to balance that with our family obligations, our sobriety. Balance is the key here in my opinion.
We are not a half measures lot when you get down to it, but in this case it might be a good idea, at least till you can get some balance.
I still struggle to get balance in my life, but as was stated its a journey, and I am still enjoying the ride.

[biggaz]

I'm not sure where I actually stand. In my bodyspace, I've said that I started lifting because I wanted to change.

A few yrs back. I used to finish work and go to a bar, and not leave until it shut. Did I have a drink problem? I got up for work, did my work and finished the day.

When I needed to do a line to get up for work.... Yeah I stopped drugs and cut the beer back.


Two years on, pretty much drug free, but the beer is coming back.
I intend to compete in 2010, nutrition is getting dialed in, training is sorted. I still smoke and drink.

I've drunk tonight and realise that I can't do both. I enjoy a drink, the social aspect of it, but I don't enjoy the hangovers, missing meals cos I'm too sick to eat

So that's it for me, I can control my intake most of the time, but not always.

Time to just stop.

[joed]

A.A. seems to have been helpful to many of you who've tried its approach. But where would someone go who is an atheist?

Please don't mention 'tough love' or treatment centers run by CAC III types.

[biggaz]

A.A. seems to have been helpful to many of you who've tried its approach. But where would someone go who is an atheist?

Please don't mention 'tough love' or treatment centers run by CAC III types.

I'm not sure about in the states, but in the uk, AA has no religious base at all

[BigDaddy33]

What he said.

When I first started getting sober I got my second sponsor (after my first went to treatment) he said, "getting sober and working the program is drastic change, that should be enough for now. For the next year, don't quit your job, don't leave your wife, don't stop smoking, don't go on a diet. Focus on maintaining your sobriety and working your program."
So thats what I did.
Becoming more health conscious is a good thing, but we need to balance that with our family obligations, our sobriety. Balance is the key here in my opinion.
We are not a half measures lot when you get down to it, but in this case it might be a good idea, at least till you can get some balance.
I still struggle to get balance in my life, but as was stated its a journey, and I am still enjoying the ride.

Thanks for the concern guys. Nut not much is really changing. Ive been going to the gym pretty steady (at least 3 times a week) for a good while now. Ive been eating right for a while now too, since before I quit drinking... Im entering the challenge for fun, and a chance at 25k. I know myself pretty well and wont aloow myself to get overwhelmed. I think this is a good thing, the more I do, the less I feel like having a drink. I want to change my habit of thinkig. replace the drinkin with the gym. Ive been taking supps for years so that shouldnt be a problem either.

[chodan9]

Thanks for the concern guys. Nut not much is really changing. Ive been going to the gym pretty steady (at least 3 times a week) for a good while now. Ive been eating right for a while now too, since before I quit drinking... Im entering the challenge for fun, and a chance at 25k. I know myself pretty well and wont aloow myself to get overwhelmed. I think this is a good thing, the more I do, the less I feel like having a drink. I want to change my habit of thinkig. replace the drinkin with the gym. Ive been taking supps for years so that shouldnt be a problem either.

thats cool,
25 k could set right a lot of financial amends LOL

[chodan9]

A.A. seems to have been helpful to many of you who've tried its approach. But where would someone go who is an atheist?

Please don't mention 'tough love' or treatment centers run by CAC III types.

While the program has no religious affiliation, many people find it helps in their spritual lives, I have met a few atheists who have no trouble sticking to the program and are successful at maintaining their sobriety.

[Baldiewonkanobi]

I found the "Program" to be spiritual in nature. I am a devoute Pedestrian and fit right in...."Let go,let God"....fine...it worked for me. The earth pivoted around my axis long enough and that didn't seem to work....so why not.

[BigDaddy33]

While the program has no religious affiliation, many people find it helps in their spritual lives, I have met a few atheists who have no trouble sticking to the program and are successful at maintaining their sobriety.

x2, "a higher power of your choosing...."

[Baldiewonkanobi]

We need to pull Biggaz a little tighter into our web. Sobriety is a personal decision and not a collective effort. So we need to talk to you from a sober "Bodybuilders" viewpoint rather than a social or a spiritual one. That could be what is unique about this thread.

You were drawn in here....why? You know deep down you are an alcoholic and you are curious if others still drink (and smoke...I will tie that in) and progress in this muscle building endeavor? That is your call to make. I can tell you that Bodybuilding and alcohol do not mix well....oh yes, there are some casual drinkers in here with an occasional New Years drunk...but they too are not getting it. One of the functions of your liver as a male is to keep your Testosterone and Estrogen levels tipped towards being a male. When the liver is busy fighting alcohol the Estrogen wins. Oh chit you are thinking...it gets worse. Alcohol simply kills many of your B vitamins so vital to your well being. You are living in a poisoned state. And your smoking shrinks the cappilaries that feed your muscles (and makes you stink, hardens your arteries and F's up your lungs).

It's obvious you want to be a Bodybuilder and add some mass to that 171 pounds. So why do it with chains tied to your ankles??

So Biggaz hang in here with us...we need you. You can bring in some light as you progress and share your journey.

When I make it to the Stage at the 2010 Over 70 Nationals I will be 30 years sober. Dayum....that sounds good. But for now I am happy that I did not drink or use yesterday.

Baldie

[SR800]

A.A. seems to have been helpful to many of you who've tried its approach. But where would someone go who is an atheist?

Please don't mention 'tough love' or treatment centers run by CAC III types.

Try this http://www.smartrecovery.org/resourc...Recovery%C2%AE or these
Women for Sobriety (WFS): (215) 536-8026 www.womenforsobriety.org

Secular Organizations for Sobriety (S.O.S.): (323) 666-4295 www.sossobriety.org.

Moderation Management (MM): (212)871-0974 www.moderation.org

Men for Sobriety (MFS): (215) 536-8026 www.womenforsobriety.org.

or rational recovery

[BigDaddy33]

Clean since 7/5/2004, praise Jesus.

Merry Christmas to all!

Hey Kevin. I noticed your sig. Have you ever seen the "Lord's Gym" shirts?