Hi Lanchas, long time no hear! For as long as I can remember, I've kept a can of pepsi or seven-up in my hand. I carry a few cans in my back back lest I get stuck somewhere. I take unmerciful ribbing for my need for carbonation. I figure, it just is. I'd think it was a replacement for alcohol, except I did this before I ever drank. I believe it's the addiction to the caffiene partially, and maybe because my blood sugar goes up and down oddly, which causes thirst. When my calcium is whacked, I drink even more because it tends to dehydrate me. I know yu worry because of your family history. Play it safe, and just dont pick up any alcohol, would be my suggestion.
You may get a mild headache due to the caffiene withdrawal, but you could switch over to carbonate water. Something that does help me--I drink a huge glass of water a few times a day, and it helps with the thirst issue (that I didnt realize was even an issue until giving it thought) and then I found that I drank less soda--sipped it rather than gulping it. I also make sure I drink two big glasses of oj a day. That helps quite a bit. Relax, but remember that soda isnt the best form of nutrition, LOL. Kinda hard on the stomach and kidneys. So I just dilute it with water and juice interspersed during the day. Hope this helps. Chris

I do understand your fear, because of what you have shared with us about your family history. No, I dont mean "quit drinking pop". I'm just saying that every once in awhile, grab a bottle of tea or juice or water to help dilute the amount of carbonation you drink. I believe that alot of my pepsi consumption is due to needing something in my hand to sip on. It has become habit for me. On the rare occassions that I've not remembered to have liquid handy, I have not craved alcohol. But, I am aware of my alcoholism. I know that you have voiced fears that you may have inherited those tendencies. For that, I have no answer. If you decide to substitute something else for coke? I can only suggest that you make wise choices. I know many of us are very heavy coffee drinkers. Perhaps it is a substitute, I dont know. Do I want to risk it? Nope. But I'm not you, and only you know if alcohol is an issue with you. Does this make sense? I will probably go to my grave with a damned pepsi in my hand, and I'm okay with that. Pepsi never got me put in jail, pepsi never made me verbally abusive. If I get ulcers from it? Well, guess I'll just increase my water uptake. Try not to borrow trouble, L, you can analyze the dickens out of your actions but bottom line is, it isnt hurting anyone for you to drink copious amounts of soda, so dont consume youself with worry about something that hasnt even presented itself yet, k? If you're that worried, just find an alternative......drink three cokes, and on the fourth one, drink a glass of juice. Caffiene addiction may keep you a bit hyper, it does me, but I dont worry about it.....Chris

I drink Mt. Dew. It is my "coffee". When the "jitters" come, I simply cut back. I, too, get
teased at the amount. (I should be a shareholder in the company by now. LOL) I don't
let it bother me, however. Compared to alcohol.....it is a blessing.

Hey lanchas,

I don't know you or how long you have been around or if your working the steps or have a sponsor. What about doing a step one around cola, if you feel it is making your life unmanageable?

My ESH in my first year of recovery i was riddled with mini addictions obsession and ritual but it all passed without consequence.

Just for today i will do something if i thought i had to do forever would appaul me :)