Interesting topic, Larry.

We are studying tolerance and threshold for sensory stimulus in my psychology program right now. It could have a profound effect on the alcoholic's ability to tolerate emotional experiences as well as other people.

We did an assessment in my Learning Team of each member's ability to tolerate loud noise and also of multiple sound stimuli being generated at once (curiously called the "cocktail party effect" LOL). Although I do not mention my alcoholism in Team discussion, I found that I have a very low tolerance for noise levels (loud noise in particular) and also for when "multiple stimuli" (many voices or sounds) come at me all at once.

As an alcoholic, I believe I tend to tire more easily of certain stimuli such as noise, because I walked around for so long dulled with a "veil" of drunkenness hampering my ability to accurately sense the world around me. I remember first getting sober after many years of daily drinking and using, where everything seemed so loud and bright. I was exhausted quickly as my brain attempted to process all this new "information" that was coming my way now that the "paper bag over my head" that alcohol put there was no longer in place.

This might relate to the short tempers and general low tolerance for sensory processing, including psychological processing, that starts to occur more readily once the alcoholic sobers up. I might snap at a person who makes an innocent comment at the dinner table, while the content of the comment may have very little to do with my reaction. I may be snapping because I am experiencing "sensory overload" for the day, or because someone's voice or tone is simply uncomfortable.

This is where I feel that H.A.L.T. is sooooo important for us alcoholics to heed!! The more I study and learn about the biological nature of the human mind and nervous system regarding personality and emotions, the greater value I place on things like relaxation, nutrition and avoidance of counterproductive emotions like anger.

 

LOL Mike, I recall having heard a loud yell at a bar that pierced my very skull... and I complained... and then I realized that voice was my OWN!!! LOL

(whispering) Hey slugcat.......


BOO!!

(sorry I had to......)

Jonijoni,

Very interesting this topic. I never gave it much thought except, that maybe I must have some underlying personality disorder. 

I come from a family of alcoholics and manic-depressives (bi-polar.) I read somewhere once, that where one finds Bi-polar disorder in a family, there will also be alcoholism.

My mother used to say I was highly emotional all of my life. I remember some of those times too. I freaked out at the sound of fireworks,loud train whistles,bright lights,over stimuli of any kind.
I am very sensitive too. I saw a friend from AA at the gas station the other day...I said, Hello, XXXX how are you? We pleasantly passed average words,between each other,until I asked him if he'd saw or heard from someone (first name only,) he replied,no, that he thought they'd moved away. Oh, well, as I was leaving (we attend meetings at differing times) I asked, quite a few down at the Church? He said, What? I repeated and he said, Bye, with a frustrated look on his face. Walked away.

I had not relapsed at that time, but that was very hurtful to me. I added it to my list of current frustrations. I thought, he must've thought I was breaking annonymity or something. That was not at all my intent. In my mind, I could not let it go. So, I felt ashamed and missed yet another meeting.

I hate crowds,too much exposure,too much stimuli,unexpected confrontations,insults,being reprimanded by those in power, you name it. I appear,it seems as extroverted to others for the brief times I allow myself to be exposed,yet I am an introvert. I seem to be afraid of everything at times, other times not.
Even in AA meetings, I fear too much involvement with the politics of things. I walk on egg shells fearing I'll say or do something that will cause me trouble,as it seems I have a tendency to get into scrapes...quite by accident. 

With the paper bag over my head,as you called it (alcohol.) I did not give a good da*m what anyone thought or said. I had attitude then! LOL! Yet, I still suffered later with that terrible guilt and shame,while alone and sobering up.

I have that terrible tinnitus(ringing in my ears) from all the loud music I used to listen too,while drinking, and while under stress.

Maybe there is some truth to this "Low Tolerance and Frustration Levels in some of us alcoholics." I know,that it is the case for me.

I have found there are many facets in this thing called alcoholism and, that no counselor,psychiatrist,psychologist,therapist could help me with my problems,nor understand me like the people in AA. There is where I have always found my place,and my successes. Scared or not.
The willingness,and an open mind on my part to fight for my life is all it takes. 

Thank you for your input and your time,
J  

Mikef,

Yeah, white noise, or a fan are very helpful for me.

Aspirin can also cause an increase in the ringing affect. Yet, people who drink or have about shot thier liver should not take Tylenol (name brand)/ acetaminophen, because it can cause liver failure. Catch-22 there. Ibuprofen in moderation,I guess.   

Nice talking to you.
J