Substitution of alcohol for cigarettes

I quit smoking over 2 years ago. I was a social drinker (without much of a social life) -- so I could have a 6 pack of beer in my fridge for over 6 months.

For some reason, when I quit, I had a craving for broccoli and beer. I'd have a couple of beers and eat broccoli and hummus. Those cravings passed and I was no longer a smoker.

In the last 6 months, whenever I get stressed, I want a beer. I started having a 12 pack in my grocery cart every time I went to the grocery store. And then when I start drinking the beer, I keep on drinking! Last night I polished off a 12 pack! I'm doing my best to not buy beer, but like I said, whenever I'm stressed I want a beer!

It seems I have substituted one addiction for another. I don't ever want to start smoking again, but I don't want to be an alcoholic either.

Has anyone else experienced this? Any advice?

I have had the experience of going from one addiction to another. I would suggest you find your local AA chapter and go to meetings. If you start smoking again you will probably then have two addictions. It is great you are seeking help before things get any worse. Because you say you can't do without buying and drinking the beer you are already an alcoholic. Question is do you want to continue this path, If not call AA or some other group for alcoholics. Good luck to you.

Been there, done that, snakebit. I agree with Gayle. Find an AA group and go. Best of luck to you.

Thank you, both.

I didn't become an alcoholic at 51 but it seems like I have become one.

Wish me luck.

I suspect you are feeding your body B vitamins which are heavy in beer and also deficit in depression? Try a supplement: probably cheaper.

I strongly don't recommend AA, they are not evidence based, and have bizarre "spiritual" beliefs.

I would suggest a qualified addiction Councillor, and perhaps a psychologist to get some help with learning coping skills to deal with stress, rather than turning to substance abuse.