Chance of developing dangerous withdrawal?

I've been a regular drinker for going on almost 2 years now (almost daily). I don't drink during the day, but then drink at midnight for a couple of hours. I consume between 250-350 ml of vodka or whiskey in that time (spread over course of 2-3 hours). I also have bad anxiety (which is what kick-started my drinking in the first place)

I don't get wasted at night, or hungover the next day. I do get semi-drunk though, and semi-drowsy for a little the next morning.

I am ready to stop but I am worried that I will have dangerous withdrawals if I do. How likely am I to have this occur?

[rpooo]

Hello Omarmr and welcome to MedHelp!

It's great to hear you want to stop drinking! Unfortunately nobody can answer your question since we are all different.

I think since you are only consuming 1/2 to 3/4 of a pint each evening and not getting really drunk you would be just fine But this is only my personal opinion and I am in no way qualified to advise you. Many people here choose professional help at a detox facility or the tapering method like I did. This is safest if done using beer vs. liquor.

Alcoholism is a leading cause of anxiety although it is also hereditary. Medication is available for treatment and is very effective. What I would suggest to you is talk to your doctor and tell them about your alcohol abuse and that you’re ready to stop drinking also let them know you need something to help your anxiety. Letting him/her know about your alcohol abuse will help them in deciding what is the best medication to prescribe for treating your anxiety. Some medications are addictive and you don’t want to find yourself trading one addiction for another.

I hope this helps you out, please let us know how things are going. I wish you the best!

Randy

[omarmr]

Hey rpooo,

I really appreciate the feedback. I should definitely go talk to somebody professional about this. But as you said, I don't want to swap one addiction for another (and thats been a big worry with anxiety medication).

[17mthssober275]

Hi, I have quit drinking for 17 months and I drank 4-6 drinks every night. I did not have any problem quitting, but went to AA meetings all the time for support. I also have anxiety issues, even though I am, sober, that made me drink also. But I have discovered that I can stay sober and deal with medication from the doctor for my anxiety.Don't be afraid to quit drinking, and life does get better being sober. When you are sober, you will be able to find out the things that are causing you anxiety and deal with them one day at a time
17monthssober275

[ibizan]

Welcome to the forum!thx 4 taking the time to respond!Hope to c more of ur comments here!I so agree!

[Nighthawk61]

Glad to see your post. The most important thing is to research dealing with your anxiety without meds, before getting on meds. You might be surprised to find you can deal with your anxiety. My son had really debilitating anxiety and panic attacks when going through school, now he's in university doing really well. He was on anxiety meds that had too many side effects and choose to handle his anxiety with yoga, meditation, exercise, hobbies, volunteer activity and CoQ10 and Magnesium Citrate Powder. He swears by it. If he runs out and misses taking these, he quickly becomes anxious and has panic attacks and SVT attacks (fast hear beat). So it definitely works for some. Maybe you too? Best of luck, glad to hear you're on the right path. The best bet it to talk to a doctor about alcohol withdrawal, always. I hope you continue to post. I've got lot's a lot's of clean time, it took AA to do it. I hope you consider getting some aftercare, to keep you accountable and on point. If you need to talk, i check in here almost daily. Liz

[17mthssober275]

HI , yes I agree I went to outpatient recovery for 9 months, finishing in august 2012 and it made me accountable. My fiance and I go to AA meetings on a regular basis and practice the steps, learning and wanting to be better people. I feel better and calmer lately with more meetings and more socialising at meetings. I believe I can get better with my anxiety as I am learning better ways to cope with stress and outside issues. My mind is getting clearer and I handle life better lately, both my fiance and I. We do steps in aa and at home together, it's all getting better. We now have 18 months sober.