Eating is now out of control after giving up alcohol

[Kabbee]

I am currenty awaiting help for my Bullimia which i have had for 15 years now. The first thing i had to do was quit drinking alcohol which i have done and am now on day 17 with no problems. Apart from that since giving up i now seem to b/p a whole lot more. Everday i wake up and think today i am going to not binge and have a good day but by lunchtime at least i find that i can not control the urges. When i was drinking i had alot more control over it, and when i was drunk i didnt b/p at all. It is really getting me down as i am sick of the life i am leading and i really want to beat it. I am awaiting therapy but as with any medical system her in sunny England, it is taking forever to get my first appontment. I was wondering if anyone else has gone through the same thing. Is this a normal reaction to no more alcohol? I am pleased with myself for getting rid of the drinking problem so easily, but my eating is getting me down and making me feel like i should start drinking again (against my family and friends wishes completely) to keep it controlled till i start therapy. Any replies would be grateful, feeling really down in the dumps x

[Kabbee]

Thanks for your coments. I do feel better for not drinking. I just wish there was a magic pill that could be invented to take the bullimia away. I know its a long road, i just feel a bit like im stuck in limbo waiting. x

[Zoelula]

Yes, it is very common for people who get one addiction under control to switch to another, or see a worsening of one they already had. The same emotions that were underlying drinking are underlying your eating disorder. And without the alcohol to mask the feelings, you feel more of a need for the binging and purging behavior for temporary relief. No, starting to drink again is not a good idea; your family and friends are right. Even though they fulfill similar needs they are separate addictions and your body is free of the alcohol so let it stay that way and congratulations on that achievement! I hope you get your appointment soon but it is a longterm process not something that will be cured overnight. You might seek out more support in the meantime such as attending OA meetings where there are other people who are in recovery from various eating disorders.