Multiple addictions?

[Cupcakemomma]

Hey everyone,
I'm nervous about posting this as I don't want to give out too many details of my bf's life, but I really need some insight.
So here is my question to any PA or SO who might have something to share.
Has anyone else dealt with previous addiction concerns that had been fairly well managed for a long time period?
And if so, did dealing with PA bring back urges for things you thought you had control over, even smoking ciggarettes?
I'm at a loss as to best help right now, and I know that I am needed. Please, if anyone can offer any advice, I would appreciate it more than you could know.
Thanks,
Sarah

Just wanted to add this note: it's HIS multiple addictions I'm wondering about. Mine are a story for another day lol.

[Crisodian]

Has anyone else dealt with previous addiction concerns that had been fairly well managed for a long time period?
And if so, did dealing with PA bring back urges for things you thought you had control over, even smoking ciggarettes?

CCM -
Yes and yes. I have been a non-P addict in recovery now for 16 years. And dealing with PA (as an SO) this last year has really challenged me in ways I never could have immagined. It brings back the urges, triggers take on a whole new meaning, and I find I need to keep updating my recovery plan to ensure I address all the new concerns now as an SO in a marriage with a PA. This year has been tough.

When I got "clean" and started with my own recovery, my recovery plan for dealing with those things I knew challenged me were very different. Of course, time has granted me a lot of knowledge and paractice dealing with my old addictive behavior. But that being said, now dealing with addiction from the outside, me being the SO, has really impacted me in a lot of ways. And my life is also very different now.

I think it goes back to the philosophy that once an addict, always an addict. I just happen to be a clean addict for a very long time. The urge is still there to escape to the old behavior. It always will be.

Could I fall? Absolutely. Tomorrow if I gave in to the rationalizations. Will I fall? Not if I make the right choices.

Peace,
~C~

[Hopeful59]

Well, I know that my p-addict spouse used to have a problem with meth. I found this out after we were married. He went through rehab and has stayed clean as far as I know. His job subjects him to random drug tests, so he knows his job is on the line if he plays around with drugs.

Currently, DH is addicted to cigarettes. He had quit at one time, but returned to the habit. It will probably kill him at some point since he has a weak respiratory system, but I guess he doesn't care. Addictions are a form of insanity.

He doesn't think he's addicted to porn. Says he has given it up, no big deal. Personally I think he struggles with it and may be sneaking around and using, but maybe that is just my insecure suspicious mind.

IMO people can get clean and sober if they really want to. I think part of my DH issues are that he needs to find a way to fill the time he was wasting on the junk - geez, get a hobby that doesn't involve MB!

[Cupcakemomma]

geez, get a hobby that doesn't involve MB!

Ahahaha. Thats what I said :)

[Life-lies-trust]

geez, get a hobby that doesn't involve MB!

Great Line I quoted it to DG. He looked at me and said OK!? lol

[Cupcakemomma]

Bahahahahah. You ladies have me laughin so hard I have tears on my cheeks :)

[Charly22]

I do believe that dealing with this issue can trigger old addictions. Why? Stress. Stress is one of the biggest triggers in any addiction. My husband had quit smoking cigarettes for three whole years....until that awful weekend when I reached the end of my rope and was ready to leave this relationship because I couldn't take it no more.....and while he decided to take this issue of pa on and address it....he allowed the emotional stress from it all get to him, and started smoking again that weekend, and is now back to being a full fledged daily smoker.

[pumaman]

I have to whole heartily agree with the last post. I am a PA and also addicted to nicotine. Since I have been in recovery I have felt alot more stress when trying to not to act out. My use of nicotine and the urge to that has grown. I find it helps me relax so in short I do think other addictions can come to light when trying to stop another addiction. I do hope to quit nicotine, but I know I won't be able to quit both at the same time.