My Body, My Codependency – Episode 204

The pit of my stomach is churning.
My neck and shoulders are tense.
I don’t have any energy.
My whole body is out of whack.

Do you feel this way? Have you felt like this? Let's take a look at how living with alcoholism or addiction can our bodies and our health.

  • How was my body affected by the alcoholism in my house?
    • Laying awake at night worrying — tired and sleepy all the time.
    • “Knot in my stomach” — From “awfulizing” and “catastrophizing” the future and worrying about the present.
    • Anger and resentment — tension in my body — muscle pain
  • I had no energy for anything other than stewing about my situation.
    • No exercise
    • Poor eating habits (junk food)
    • Weight gain
    • Resulting in even less energy
  • The things I did to try to dull the pain.
    • Eating
    • My own drinking
  • Feedback effects
    • Not taking care of my body leads to loss of energy
    • Leading to depressed feelings.
    • And worry about my health.
    • Without the energy to “fix” it..
    • Leading to more not taking care of my body.
  • How does recovery change things?
  • Letting go
    • When I can “let go and let God”, I can loosen the knot of worry. I can relax the tension of anger and resentment. I can get go bed at a reasonable time, because I’m not sitting up late with worry or anger (or both!)
  • “Take care of myself”
    • Easier to do when I start letting go of taking care of my loved one.
    • Eat “right”.
    • Get some exercise.
    • Getting enough sleep.
  • Breathe
  • Meditate
    • Practice being still
    • Relaxing physical tension
  • HALT — Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired — When I am these things, I am more likely to “act out”. Being aware of the state of my body can help me live a calmer, more serene life.
  • Putting myself (my health, my well-being) first
    • Putting on my own oxygen mask
    • Learning to support rather than control
    • Practicing gratitude and acceptance

Readings

From Courage to Change: January 21, July 21, August 16, December 19.

From How Al-Anon Works: Chapter 12, Taking Care of Ourselves.

  • Please call us at 734-707-8795 or email feedback@therecoveryshow.com with your questions or experience, strength and hope. Or just leave a comment right here.

Music from the show

Lissie: In Sleep

R.E.M: Aftermath

Télépopmusik: Breathe

Spotify playlist

2 comments on “My Body, My Codependency – Episode 204

  1. Jen says:

    Spencer – Being new to the podcast, I listen to one episode each night before bed. Thank you for being an important part of my day. Can you post the next topic you will be discussing in the most recent podcast section? EX: “Next weeks topic will be xxxx. We welcome our Alanon friends to share on this topic via voicemail or email. We will be including some of these comments in next podcast. Please know your input is appreciated and enriches the experience for our listeners.” If you do this, I will make an effort to contribute. Enjoy your vacay!

  2. Allison B says:

    Wow. This hit the nail on the head guys!! I thought i was the only one. This is the best podcast I have found for support for family. Thank you.

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