You are here:

Addiction to Alcohol/Pre shave and Alcoholism

Advertisement

Expert: - 9/15/2006


Question
Hello I have a year and 5 months with out taking a drink while I have not been drinking I shave with an electric razor because shaving with a blade irritates my skin I use a pre shave powder stick but it loads up my razor to fast What I want to ask you do think that I would be taking a chance with my sobriety If I used a liquid pre-shave that has SD alcohol 40 in it using it on my face and going through the pours on my skin would cause a possible relapse after extended use? Thank You

Answer
Thanks so much for the question - it lets me know that your sobriety is important to you.

First of all I want to let you know that relapse has to do with the intent. If you intend on drinking the pre-shave liquid or if you relapse because of it, then perhaps your sobriety isn't as strong as you thought. However, using this pre-shave solution alone doesn't constitute anything other than using the pre-shave solution.

I have been sober 26 years now. I make sure I don't consume anything with alcohol to my knowledge, don't drink near beer, and won't use any medicinal tinctures with alcohol. As long as I don't consume alcohol internally I am okay.

I don't attend bars and would never place myself in a situation where alcohol is flowing freely - that isn't because I am afraid I will drink, rather, I don't want to be around the energy of people getting drunk. I work around that all day, the last thing I want to do is spend time around that in my off time.....if that makes sense..

I think you're fine with the pre-shave. If you are looking for an alcohol free mouthwash you might try Rembrandt.

You are always welcome to write back and tell me how it worked out..
Todd

Addiction to Alcohol

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Todd

Expertise

I sense it's important to let you know (upfront) that I don't have a 12-step orientation. I also want to let you know that this system won't allow us to make paragraphs, so I am using ** to separate my thoughts into paragraphs I can answer questions related to getting/staying sober, queries related to support for loved ones, questions on support groups, relapse prevention, communication skills, alcohol and drug pharmacology, spirituality, and finding ways to increase joy within sobriety. I see sobriety as a skill, understand that recovery looks different for everybody, and encourage people to find a sobriety mentor. **It has been my experience that in 12-step groups many people are seen to fail under the guise of a lack of willingness. When I used to attend meetings I'd see many people who were shamed and bullied over various medications they needed to take...telling people they can't take various medications is akin to playing God. I have yet to understand how taking MH meds is any different than taking any other medication which you need to thrive and support your health. **As there is so much shame, stigma, myths, and misinformation in this culture around CD (many of my clients will tell you that it is easier to be mentally ill than it is to have any sort of chemical dependency issue - in some way people are seen to be able to control their alcohol/drug using behaviors..not so with mental illness) folks first need to come to a place where they move beyond the stigma they internalize. **There is a term in social psychology called 'introjection'.....that is, when this culture views something in a certain way, we take on the facets of that stereotype...think about CD or folks who are gay/lesbian...this culture views these things in a negative way...we internalize this and feel poorly as a result.....as a mentor said, our culture fails gravely at being humane

Experience

I've been working in the field of addictions for nearly 27 years, within the inpatient and outpatient setting, as well as working in the Department of Corrections, the Director of Counseling for a large chemical dependency hospital, to where I'm currently employed doing in-home mental health and chemical dependency engagement with (mostly) seniors. I also have a contract gig running the entire CD program for a long-term transitional program to support people to overcome homelessness. As I've been doing this work for many years I am currently teaching a college class: intro to chemical dependency. It's been neat to see my students 'get it' and understand that they can have a huge impact on people and how they navigate their recovery. I've been sober for over 29 years and have a sense of what is required to maintain long-term sobriety and abstinence, and engage lasting change. **I am a huge fan of various anti-craving medications. In some recovery circles this is taboo, however, it's been my experience that there is no reward for suffering. **I also understand that as recovery looks different for everybody, perhaps someone's program could be riding a bike, spending time with family, doing yoga, swimming, writing in a journal, spending time with friends, therapy, playing with a pet, reading spiritual literature, etc....it seems to me that many paths have merit.

Organizations
National/state organizations relative to chemical dependency and addictive disorders.

Publications
http://www.askanaddictioncounselor.com

Education/Credentials
Degree/certification as a chemical dependency counselor, and state certification as an addiction professional.I'm working towards further graduate studies in clinical psychopharmacology.

Awards and Honors
Last year I was invited to do a five-hour presentation on various facets of addictive disorders as a very large behavioral health hospital. I was somewhat resistant as I was a bit nervous to speak in front of 2000 people. I had no idea my approach would be so welcome. I sense that it's hard to remember how much we know.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.