Beating alcoholism (at last)

[greggorious]

I've been trying to quit alcohol for a long time, maybe 6 or 7 years and have constantly relapsed. I generally put this down to the depression I've been suffering from. As a result of my alcohol abuse I lost my dream job, all my friends, a lack of trust from my family, I stole from them. I was suicidal for years and in a pit of despair.
Throughout the years I have tried AA, self help books, treatment centre's, valium, other programmes and nothing has worked, that is until I took up the art of meditation, twice a day. I'm still very much a novice when it comes to Theravada and I'm not aware of all the meditation techniques. I've been doing samadha and Vipassana daily, 15 minutes on each and this alone has helped me so much with conquring my addiction, not only that but I'm feeling more peaceful and happy within myself. I'm going to start going to a theravada centre that's sort of near me, I've also been reading Buddhist and spiritual literature which has helped also.
I no longer believe that one needs a "Higher power" to defeat alcoholism, the power lies within.

[Modus.Ponens]

I hope everything turns out well. Good luck (or hard work )!

[Jhana4]

Very impressive benefits for just two 15 minute breaks a day.

Congratulations!

[CalBound]

Greggorious - congrats on your progress! Yes, it is very possible to be alcohol-free without AA/higher power. Have you seen www.buddhistrecovery.org? Also, if you ever find you need a little more support than your meditation/Buddhist practice, I encourage you to take a look at Seven Weeks to Sobriety by Joan Mathews Larson (biochemical/nutritional approach to substance abuse). Best wishes on your journey.

[bodom]

Don't forget you NEVER defeat the diease of alcoholism. You surrender to, accept and let go of the craving when it arises, and if you are an alcoholic like I was, it will arise again.Thinking defeat can turn to cockiness real quick. I know many people who had many years sober in AA and other programs who thought they had drugs and alcohol 'beat" and they picked back up again and it was worse than before. I went through it many times. Be vigilant and stay connected to other recovering addicts and alcoholics. I wish you all the best.

[CalBound]

Don't forget you NEVER defeat the diease of alcoholism. You surrender to, accept and let go of the craving when it arises, and if you are an alcoholic like I was, it will arise again.Thinking defeat can turn to cockiness real quick. I know many people who had many years sober in AA and other programs who thought they had drugs and alcohol 'beat" and they picked back up again and it was worse than before. I went through it many times. Be vigilant and stay connected to other recovering addicts and alcoholics. I wish you all the best.

The cravings to drink will most likely lessen over time. Have to agree, though: don't forget/always respect where you've been.

[bodom]

Don't forget you NEVER defeat the diease of alcoholism. You surrender to, accept and let go of the craving when it arises, and if you are an alcoholic like I was, it will arise again.Thinking defeat can turn to cockiness real quick. I know many people who had many years sober in AA and other programs who thought they had drugs and alcohol 'beat" and they picked back up again and it was worse than before. I went through it many times. Be vigilant and stay connected to other recovering addicts and alcoholics. I wish you all the best.

The cravings to drink will most likely lessen over time. Have to agree, though: don't forget/always respect where you've been.

Yes they do subside and get easier to manage but I know people with almost 40 years clean who have said the desire never goes away. Unless of course they reach Arahantship!

[ground]

I've been trying to quit alcohol for a long time, maybe 6 or 7 years and have constantly relapsed. I generally put this down to the depression I've been suffering from. .

There are different forms of depression, not necessarily connected to alcohol. However alcohol consumption is known to enhance depression (contrary to what may appear to be its immediate effect).

I no longer believe that one needs a "Higher power" to defeat alcoholism, the power lies within.

To experience this truth may be the key experience: Everything that is needed for contentment and/or relaxation is there as a sort of fertile potential within yourself, completely independent of external stimuli like drugs or sense objects. And yes it may be accessed by means of meditation.

I am happy that you have found the right track. Great success, go on!
And please be mindful of bodom's advice.

kind regards

[Jhana4]

I don't know too much about it, but there is a completely secular therapy for alcoholism based on rational emotive therapy ( cognitive therapy ) called "Rational Recovery". Googling on it should bring some leads up.

[CalBound]

Yes they do subside and get easier to manage but I know people with almost 40 years clean who have said the desire never goes away. Unless of course they reach Arahantship!

I am honestly not trying to argue or dominate the thread, but just want greggorious to know the full range of possibilities. I too have heard of people for whom alcohol is a continuous struggle forever. But I also know people for whom alcohol eventually becomes a complete non-issue, myself included (13 yrs daily heavy drinking; 16 yrs alcohol-free). I have no desire whatsoever to drink alcohol, and would not do it again, because the risk just isn't worth it, but I also never think I am missing something by not having it and/or wish I could have a drink, have cravings, etc. Alcohol does not have to be a central part of your identity forever. One factor in continued cravings is whether you continue to consume sugar, which to your biochemistry is identical to alcohol (this is discussed in the book I recommended in earlier post). I was not aware of meditation/Buddhism at the time I successfully quit, but have since wondered whether that might also help change brain chemistry in a helpful way, and am glad to know that is working for greggorious.

[bodom]

myself included (13 yrs daily heavy drinking; 16 yrs alcohol-free).

Congrats!

[Khalil Bodhi]

I've been trying to quit alcohol for a long time, maybe 6 or 7 years and have constantly relapsed. I generally put this down to the depression I've been suffering from. As a result of my alcohol abuse I lost my dream job, all my friends, a lack of trust from my family, I stole from them. I was suicidal for years and in a pit of despair.
Throughout the years I have tried AA, self help books, treatment centre's, valium, other programmes and nothing has worked, that is until I took up the art of meditation, twice a day. I'm still very much a novice when it comes to Theravada and I'm not aware of all the meditation techniques. I've been doing samadha and Vipassana daily, 15 minutes on each and this alone has helped me so much with conquring my addiction, not only that but I'm feeling more peaceful and happy within myself. I'm going to start going to a theravada centre that's sort of near me, I've also been reading Buddhist and spiritual literature which has helped also.
I no longer believe that one needs a "Higher power" to defeat alcoholism, the power lies within.

Sadhu! Sadhu! Sadhu! I've been on the wagon for years now and it was definitely the Dhamma that helped do it. Everyone here has got good advice for you so I won't chime in except to say I'm happy for you! Anumodana!