I have a question? I have a problem with huffing is that because im an alcoholic or is it because of something comepletly seperate. Should I tell my aa sponcer about it?is that something she can even help me with?can aa meetings help with that? And the question im most afraid of since I huff does that mean that im really not 6 months sobber or am I still since I havent picked up a drink?
Huffing - Drug of choice? or because it makes you feel like you've been drinking?
All of that is up to YOU. AA deals with alcohol and alcohol related issues. BUT, my HG has plenty who also are addicts. One guy says he only smokes crack AFTER he's drunk. There is no "yes" or "no" answer. YOU have to decide for yourself. Although I would highly recommend you share this information with your sponsor.
"Half measures availed us nothing."
There are other 12 step programs that can help with this, though, if you want help that is.
I personally can not be SOBER if I am not CLEAN also. That sort of defeats the purpose of the program, for me.
btw: Do you have any idea what huffing does to your brain? It cuts the oxygen off! A woman I work with's 15 yr old had tried it a few times, about the 6th or 7th time he did it he suffered severe brain damage. He is now what we know to be called a vegetable....
Chronic inhalant abuse may result in serious and sometimes irreversible damage to the user's heart, liver, kidneys, lungs, and brain. Brain damage may result in personality changes, diminished cognitive functioning, memory impairment, and slurred speech.
-- Edited by Doll at 10:19, 2008-08-23
__________________
Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass... It's about learning to dance in the rain.
Huffing is really dangerous. It kills abruptly in a number ways. Many fatalities are due to the direct toxic effect of a chemical on the circulation or on breathing, starving the brain of oxygen. It causes damage to the brain, peripheral nerves, kidneys, liver, bone marrow and lungs.
Within the whole huffing experience is a component similar to sudden alcohol-induced drunkenness with uncoordination, staggering and mental confusion. Dependence of a rather alcohol-like type can start.
I would be honest with your sponsor and tell her what you are doing. And, perhaps you could try an NA meeting or two if you wanted to.
Take it easy on yourself.
(((Hugs)))
Carol
__________________
Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind. ~Dr. Seuss
I really think I do it because I crave the smell cause I never get a high from it just headachs. I just love to smell gasoline spraypaint permanet markers whiteout stuff like that and with like the gas I just huff it to get more of it I huff through my nose not mouth by the way.
When I came into AA, I had multiple problems. I was an alkie, a druggie, I huffed, I was a slasher (cutter of self), and had come from a very abusive background.... I was yelled at by a couple of the old timers, "AA's not going to help you with that! You need to go to other meetings! Or get outside help!" A few of the others said for me to stick around and see what happened, that AA had the same program that the others did. Most also suggested that I get counseling. I had already gone that route for years upon years but never got answers or better.
I worked the AA program hard. I poured myself into the steps and worked them to the very best of my ability. I stopped drinking, drugging, huffing, slashing, and found the answers I needed to find about my past abuse issues - all from the AA program and my HP.
I am not saying don't go to NA or other 12 step help...I am not saying don't go get counseling. I am just relaying that for me, AA took care of all of it.
Where ever you see the words alcohol, you can also subsitute the words drugs, gasoline, what ever.... It's all the same principal.
I personally find AA more spiritual and have always had a closer bond to AA - even though I have attended NA at time too. I'm not saying that you should too. You might find a better bond at NA.
I am glad you are reaching out for help...we are all here to be help for you.
Keep coming back. The program works.
Love & Hugs, Stephanie
PS...Yes, you should tell your sponsor. If you really want help, you've got to try your hardest to be open, honest & willing. No one can help you if you keep secrets. It's hard to develop trust, but try. Just simply try. It will be okay.
-- Edited by Returned_Here at 11:23, 2008-08-23
__________________
Today I will be handling All of your problems for you. I do Not need your help. So, have a nice day. I love you. ~ GOD *****
Hi Sobriety, If you have to question this as being a problem to tell your sponsor it means you are in extreme denial and your defense of it on nose or mouth shows that also.
It is very dangerous and if you use anything like that or other things like pot etc that means you are not sober. Sober means to sober up in all ways by putting down what makes us high and to sober up our minds, bodies and souls. And the way we operate on this earth.
I feel your sobriety date has not started yet. And just because you like the smell of all of those things does not make it right.
I hope you do not get defensive and take what we are saying as a sign that you are in trouble and I feel also you need to get into a rehab and more help to deal with this. Yes AA is good but you are killing yourself by inches with the huffing also. Very scary.
We alcoholics/addicts can look death in the eye and still do what we want to with the alcohol and drugs, huffing, cutting and other self destructive life threatening things. We are nuts!
Time to stop ALL of the madness. Please sweet girl get help to stop this and stop the half measures. I am thinking of you. Rosie
A drug is a drug is a drug is a drug..... be it liquid, powder, pills or gas...
anything that causes "pleasure" by altering our normal chemistry is dangerous, if we are true alcoholics.
Only a sick person like us would suck down liquor/beer like we did despite the consequences, the cost, the health problems... only a sick person would 'smell' the dangerous gases and fumes from ordinary items for a "high"... normal, I say "normal" people would not ever do the kinds of things we do/did to get high. Normal people STOP doing something if it gives them a headache. In this manner, we are not "normal". We all need help.
Take care of yourself. Not busting your chops, just trying to show you how "abnormal" these behaviors really truly are.
__________________
~Your Higher Power has not given you a longing to do that which you have no ability to do.
