alcoholism and appearence

[alco]

Basically I have been a chronic alcoholic for about a decade, and I mean SERIOUS alcoholic, like a bottle of vodka a day for 10 years thats probably an understatement.

Anyway, I am 'kind of quitting' i.e. I keep relapsing but really want to stop for good.

I feel alcohol has ruined my looks, I have a horrible beer gut, terrible skin, dark circles under my eyes, hair falling out etc.

Is this going to be permanent? I hate to be offensive but some of the people who I have seen in AA meetings look a fucking mess. You can just look and tell straight away they are alcoholic because of how bad their appearance is. I expect people think the same of me.

Is there anyway to reverse any of this damage? It is making me so depressed.

 

[Bob Loblaw]

I think Basic could be good, IDK.

 

[mareseatoats]

Alco-Just wanted to let you know I feel for you. I was struggling with addiction for years-and when I was trying to get off of one-I easily fell into alcohol addiction. So I know how hard it is, and how bad it can make you feel about yourself.

I wish I could do something to help- when someone like yourself voices how depressed they have become because of addiction-I know you want to get out of it, and I only wish you the best. If you feel like support from others will help you-reach out as much as possible. If you keep trying, and stay off of alcohol-you will begin to feel back to your old self again. You will look like your old self again. There is turning back...Best Wishes.

 

[Groundhogdayagain]

Try not to obsess over your appearance, but rather focus on the positive. In relatively short time, you will no longer be shackled to a bottle. Freedom awaits you. Once you decide to detox, you may actually look worse for a few days, however, after that you will start to look like your old self again. More importantly, you will feel like your old self as well with time.

 

[TheLostBoys]

Iyd good to see you are seeking help for the addiction. As far as looks go, you need to stop drinking & start exercising but all this will take dome time.

You obviously can't go from drinking a bottle every day for 10 years to going to the gym.over night.......it will be a struggle as you know.

For some reason, alcohol & cigarettes have ruined many peoples looks as they kept drinking & smoking into their 50's & 60's as I type this because I worked with people like this & seen what its done, especially to women (for some reason women's looks seem to go faster than men's with cigs & alcohol).......

If you really want to get clean, it will definitely be a challenge but you can do it with proper support, hey that's why we're here.

 

[LilikoiSeed]

I can relate. There's not much worse than having your demons written on your face and body for all to see, question and comment. As a woman I've always taken care of my appearance- working with the public especially makes it necessary- but when life bitch slaps you and you dive into a bender, it goes from personal care to damage control.
Big Yay! to you for trying again. I'd offer this: don't wait until you're sober to take better care and do things for you. Do it now. If you backslide, do it twice. Start with a nice haircut at a salon- doesn't have to be expensive, but make sure you get the full wash cut and style. It's very important to let someone else pamper you in a simple, basic way.
Get a massage. Not only does it feel good, but alcohol wreaks havoc on your muscles and circulation and students are cheap. You're doing them a favor. Take your vitamins, especially B complex, calcium, mag, zinc, A and D. Eat well. Get or give yourself a facial and use a gentle clay mask often. It's fantastic for your skin (and the green ones are fun cuz they look ridiculous Buy some Mr Bubble and take a real bath with a book and candles.
Be creative. Man or woman, you absolutely deserve it.
You're tapering off the hardest crutch to toss. The reasons we drink don't politely back off, nor the pressure to continue. Actively loving ourselves is powerful weaponry for the war.
And yes, a lot of damage can be healed, starting with your dignity. It feels good to look better every day.
I hope I haven't overstepped; I just know my mess would be a lot bigger if I didn't take my own advice. Best wishes and much aloha. We all have your back.
LS

 

[TwistedMia]

I am a alcoholic, every day round about 8pm, (after work) I will start drinking not decent stuff either usually like 7.5% cider. Back when I was younger I was what people would call a player, basically a different lass back at mine every week. I've lost all confidence now, my life consists of work, come home, eat then drink, rinse and repeat. In between that I do nothing else. Days off are worse as I consider starting to drink earlier

 

[plmar]

I am a alcoholic, every day round about 8pm, (after work) I will start drinking not decent stuff either usually like 7.5% cider. Back when I was younger I was what people would call a player, basically a different lass back at mine every week. I've lost all confidence now, my life consists of work, come home, eat then drink, rinse and repeat. In between that I do nothing else. Days off are worse as I consider starting to drink earlier

.

 

[RTrain]

1 step at a time. just put aside worrying about looks until you get the substance abuse out of the way. Then exercise, proper diet, and an overall healthier lifestyle will have you looking better with each week. This is easier said than done, of course, but you gotta have patience.

I am a alcoholic, every day round about 8pm, (after work) I will start drinking not decent stuff either usually like 7.5% cider. Back when I was younger I was what people would call a player, basically a different lass back at mine every week. I've lost all confidence now, my life consists of work, come home, eat then drink, rinse and repeat. In between that I do nothing else. Days off are worse as I consider starting to drink earlier

You think God might be punishing you for all those years of being a player?.........ahhh I'm just kidding, I don't believe in God.

 

[Factin]

Keep your self busy, there's a lot of things that you can do rather than drinking a bottle of vodka everyday. You can do it!

 

[dopemegently]

OP don't worry; you won't look that way forever-I was a mess myself when I was drinking heavily, I did my detox, and now a couple years later I look the same as I always did. I'm not sure if you have burst blood vessels yet, I never got them myself, so I'm afraid I don't know if they'll heal. You're pretty much bombarding your body with a toxic drug, and when you do that constantly, you're gonna get those types of symptoms; it's the nature of the beast.

If you're an everyday drinker, you'll have to think about how your gonna go about your detox. I did mine in-house, and it was painless with Librium, but there are other options. You said you're quitting, how many days have you gone without a drink? It sounds like you're a heavy drinker, and an in-house detox under round the clock medical supervision would be a good bet for you.

Anyway, I wish you all the best IMHO booze is poison, and can just destroy a persons body. Just remember that the body is very, very, effective at healing itself in time. I drank around the same amount as you, although not for the length of time you did, but I had the bloated stomach, and just looked horrible. In future if you're at a meeting check out the people who've been dry for like ten years; I guarantee they'll look perfectly healthy.

 

[missmeyet?]

I was going to say the same thing as dopemegently...with this type of habit I would strongly recommend medical assistance with this detox..I think it will be a necessity..but please don't let that stop you or hinder you in any way.

As far as looks go yes, alcohol wreaks havoc on your body...it is a chemical you are pouring in everyday that is toxic to almost every part of your body. Our bodies are pretty resilient though once we start taking care of them again. Once you stop drinking and are in a position to eat a more healthy diet, exercise regularly (and not necessarily strenuously), make sure you take vitamins as drinking depletes the body big time, esp. B complex...and you will get better quality sleep as alcohol interferes with the REM cycle...all of these things will not only improve your appearance but the way you feel, physically and psychologically. You will be amazed at the difference in time. Good luck to you dear.