In Alcoholics Anonymous, most AA gurus suggest to "newcomers" that the task of quitting drinking, and smoking cigarettes concurrently creates too much stress, and then recommend contunuing to smoke while focusing on the alcohol; the primary goal. Since addiction in the brain is located in a certain area (limbic), it seems to me that if addiction to substances like the drugs alcohol and nicotine is challenged, one can stop Both substances at the same time and be successful in abstainance with a dual "attack" hence, "two birds with one stone". Any further thoughts on this subject---recommendations?
2006-09-02 03:21:36 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Social Science ➔ Psychology
I saw a study done on this. They found your chances are somewhat better at stopping both than each individually, but if you fail at one, you're more likely to go back to both.
2006-09-02 09:12:21 · answer #1 · answered by raysny 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds to me like you've answered your own question. If you are ready to quit all of it, I believe you can do it all at once. It's really all within you to make that decision and if you truly want to you will have the willpower to do it where others may not. You need to do what's best for you, and your body! I applaud you for coming to the realization that you can control those substances rather than letting them control you. Each day is a new day, so if you fall, get up and try again, and just keep taking one day, one minute at a time - it will get easier and easier as time passes and you will be so much healthier for it all!
2006-09-02 03:48:28 · answer #2 · answered by heartforhelping 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
AA gurus have the benefit of over 70 years of accumulated knowledge. Many people have a much harder time kicking tobacco than alcohol. My suggestion is the same as AA gurus, "Don't try to get healthy all at once."
2006-09-02 07:14:03 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
one vice at a time, the people at AA have more experience than you could imagine. I would trust what they say. plus when you are no longer addicted to alcohol you can draw strength from that when you quit smoking.
I am very proud of you. what you are doing is very difficult. Keep it up. if you ever need encouragement contact me.
2006-09-02 03:28:48 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have had both addictions. I stopped smoking a few times and finally quit about 20 years or so ago. It was tougher for me to quit the drinking, than it was for the smoking.
With smoking, if you can outlast the craving, (about 5 minutes is all the craving lasts), then you can beat the addiction. Each time, put your mind to something else and occupy it, and after 10 days, you will be "cured"... (it takes more than that, for the mental aspect of hand to mouth motions to quell, but the body starts to heal itself with in 10 days).
Now, alcohol was tough for me.. I tried AA and all that other stuff, but, it was the LORD who I called upon to help me, that finally did it. (I only lasted 2 days in AA because I wasnt ready to give myself to JESUS at the time...shame, but, I am glad I have HIM in my corner now!).
I wouldnt try to fight both addictions together, as it will put your body in a depleted sense as withdrawl is going to wrack you mentally and physically. Fight one at a time, and win over that. Ciggarrettes is easier than acohol, but, to each his/her own.
I wish you well..
Jesse
2006-09-02 03:29:46 · answer #5 · answered by x 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes you shoud. Without even the AA you can still do it if you have a strong will power. whenever you feel the urge to pick up the stick or the bottle, ask yourself....."Is it really good for me? Do I want to die early of all kinds of diseases and sickness or do I want a long healthy life?"
2006-09-02 03:27:32 · answer #6 · answered by waterdancer 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Zyban was excellent in helping me quit smoking.
2006-09-02 03:42:30 · answer #7 · answered by paddy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hell!No!DO YOU KNOW WHAT THAT CAN DO TO YOU????????????????????????????
ARE YOU TRYING TO KILL URSELF!IF SOME PEOPLE CAN DO IT SO CAN YOU!DONT LISTEN TO THOSE GURUS!JUST KEEP TELLING YOURSELF ULL GET THRU IT!
ALCOHOL AND CIGGARETES MAKE NO DIFFRENCE AT ALL!
FINE YOU WANT TO QUIT DRINKING!BEGIN!BUT YOUR CONVINCED THAT THE CIGARRETE PART CAN BRING STRESS!SO WHAT MAKES YOU THINK YOU CANT QUIT THE TWO AT THE SAME TIME!C MON!WEIGH YOU OPTIONS
2006-09-02 04:02:23 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on your will to succeed. If you have to ask you probably don't have too much.
2006-09-02 03:26:58 · answer #9 · answered by loligo1 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
good luck with that project! i sincerely mean that. it sounds like you just might be one of the few who can do it that way!
2006-09-02 03:26:46 · answer #10 · answered by sheepherder 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋