Ever since I was diagnosed with BED I've wondered if, in overcoming one problem, I would pick up another--mainly alcoholism. I like alcohol and I drink on a fairly regular basis. It's available, like food, and it's socially acceptable (until you reach the point of alcoholism). I have on very few occasions drank more than is reasonable. I've decided, though, that the answer to this query is no.
For starters, going to counseling continues to teach me healthy and mature ways to deal with binging. I'm substituting disordered thoughts/behaviors with healthy behaviors--and over time I'm building healthy thinking, as well. This is working out surprisingly well for me. I truly like the improvements in my life and the person I am becoming. I don't feel (emotionally or logically) like substituting one unhealthy behavior (alcohol abuse) for another unhealthy behavior (BED).
Secondly, while I greatly enjoy the flavor profile of many types of adult beverages, I don't like being drunk. I don't enjoy my head hurting, rooms spinning, waking up congested or throwing up. I might have eaten my way to the point of making myself ill and been okay with that sickly-satisfying feeling of absolute fullness, but I really hate anything that makes my head, sinuses, throat or face hurt (hence why I'm awake and typing at 4:35 am b/c of my allergies). Alcohol hurts my head-region and that's just not cool. So, alcohol doesn't bring me the satisfaction or "right" kind of oblivion that I got from binge eating and would make a poor substitute.
Alcoholism runs in my family. It's a legitimate concern for me. I will continue to monitor myself for this and other destructive behaviors. But I am pleased to know that after searching myself, I can honestly and confidently say that I will not be substituting alcohol for binge eating. Another little victory--and I'll take those anywhere I can get them!
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