Aa
Encouraged and confused at the same time.
First off i would like to say i am 17 hours sober. I have been wanting to quit drinking for a while now, for both my health and the well being of my relationship with my fiance. I know knowledge is power so i started doing some research online to prepare and gain access to some of the side effects i'm going to feel.
That's when i came across the severe detox things and it sent me into a panic attack; every time i take two seconds to think about what MIGHT happen it was leading me to drink to get over the panic.
I've been searching for about 2-3 weeks now. I have read several posts on here and the advice and what appears to be sincere and genuine people with concerns and lots of great people who are never too quick to offer words of encouragement. It's really motivated me to take that next step. Though i do still have some questions and was wondering if i anyone might be able to answer them.
Me, i'm 28, Male and i weigh about 260lbs. I started drinking (beer only -5.9% alc-) about 2007. At first it started off with maybe 4-6 a night cause i was working all the time. I would only drink every now and then. There were times i'd drink for a week and go a month without touching it again (plus i was involved in other activities that preoccupied my time).
Towards the end of 2007 into 2008 i started drinking every night all month, only closer to 5-7 a night. I did this through 2008. 2009 i started drinking more and playing drinking games with my sister and her fiance at the time. I drank pretty heavy but was still holding a job. Dec of 2009, i got laid off and my then girlfriend left and my drinking took a turn for the worse.
From Dec 09 to April of 10' i drank sun up to sun down. Sometimes drinking 12-13 beers, passing out, waking up in the middle of the night, drink 6, go back to sleep, sleep till 3 or 4pm, wake up and repeat. I finally got a job in April and was able to hold that for about 3 months and ended up quitting (not for drinking, it was too far of a drive and little pay). I still drank but had gotten back to 5-8 beers a night. In June and July i drank like before, parties but wasn't waking up to drink. I'd just drink 10-15 a night. July 10' to Feb 11' i drank a little less, somewhere between 8 - 10 a night. In Feb that company went out of business and i've been out of work since. I'm not drinking 15 in one night anymore but i am drinking 15 from about 8am to 10 or a 11 at night. Again, this is only beer. I've counted and kept track and i'm back to about 11 a day (it just seems harder and harder to drink later in the day). If i hit the 11 mark at 6pm i'm typically good or i might have 1-5 more before bed. I don't like the way i feel when drinking but i don't like the way i feel sober.
That's my story.
My questions are:
Should i stop cold turkey or should i try and taper off?
I'm not sure how long the feelings will last. For my first day without it, i've done well. I have had the cravings here and there, i just have been saying "no, i'm not going to drink". There's a little bit of pain but i think that's because my body has had it for so long.
I'm not having the sweats yet, no shakes, no fogginess or anything.
Do you feel like i'm at risk for severe withdraw effects? I really hate to go to the doctor or try detox at a center. I know alc is alc and too much is not good but instead of a 5th or a two or three bottles of wine. Am i wrong thinking that "it's only beer, i'm determined and i'm still relativity young"? Or am i just setting myself up to fail or have seizures? The physical pain, i think will come and go, i expect that. The main thing that scares me the most is the seizures. My sister's fiance at the time was my drinking buddy and he suffered two seizures though his poison was heavy gin, rum, whiskey and the such. He was also hit by a car and pronounced legally dead and they revived him. The woman next door is a retired nurse and said that people that have been hit by a car with that severe injuries are pron to seizures anyway. To the best of my knowledge i am not pron to them, i'm never had one and no one in my family has had one.
I'm just, as the title says "Encouraged and confused at the same time".
Thanks!
That's when i came across the severe detox things and it sent me into a panic attack; every time i take two seconds to think about what MIGHT happen it was leading me to drink to get over the panic.
I've been searching for about 2-3 weeks now. I have read several posts on here and the advice and what appears to be sincere and genuine people with concerns and lots of great people who are never too quick to offer words of encouragement. It's really motivated me to take that next step. Though i do still have some questions and was wondering if i anyone might be able to answer them.
Me, i'm 28, Male and i weigh about 260lbs. I started drinking (beer only -5.9% alc-) about 2007. At first it started off with maybe 4-6 a night cause i was working all the time. I would only drink every now and then. There were times i'd drink for a week and go a month without touching it again (plus i was involved in other activities that preoccupied my time).
Towards the end of 2007 into 2008 i started drinking every night all month, only closer to 5-7 a night. I did this through 2008. 2009 i started drinking more and playing drinking games with my sister and her fiance at the time. I drank pretty heavy but was still holding a job. Dec of 2009, i got laid off and my then girlfriend left and my drinking took a turn for the worse.
From Dec 09 to April of 10' i drank sun up to sun down. Sometimes drinking 12-13 beers, passing out, waking up in the middle of the night, drink 6, go back to sleep, sleep till 3 or 4pm, wake up and repeat. I finally got a job in April and was able to hold that for about 3 months and ended up quitting (not for drinking, it was too far of a drive and little pay). I still drank but had gotten back to 5-8 beers a night. In June and July i drank like before, parties but wasn't waking up to drink. I'd just drink 10-15 a night. July 10' to Feb 11' i drank a little less, somewhere between 8 - 10 a night. In Feb that company went out of business and i've been out of work since. I'm not drinking 15 in one night anymore but i am drinking 15 from about 8am to 10 or a 11 at night. Again, this is only beer. I've counted and kept track and i'm back to about 11 a day (it just seems harder and harder to drink later in the day). If i hit the 11 mark at 6pm i'm typically good or i might have 1-5 more before bed. I don't like the way i feel when drinking but i don't like the way i feel sober.
That's my story.
My questions are:
Should i stop cold turkey or should i try and taper off?
I'm not sure how long the feelings will last. For my first day without it, i've done well. I have had the cravings here and there, i just have been saying "no, i'm not going to drink". There's a little bit of pain but i think that's because my body has had it for so long.
I'm not having the sweats yet, no shakes, no fogginess or anything.
Do you feel like i'm at risk for severe withdraw effects? I really hate to go to the doctor or try detox at a center. I know alc is alc and too much is not good but instead of a 5th or a two or three bottles of wine. Am i wrong thinking that "it's only beer, i'm determined and i'm still relativity young"? Or am i just setting myself up to fail or have seizures? The physical pain, i think will come and go, i expect that. The main thing that scares me the most is the seizures. My sister's fiance at the time was my drinking buddy and he suffered two seizures though his poison was heavy gin, rum, whiskey and the such. He was also hit by a car and pronounced legally dead and they revived him. The woman next door is a retired nurse and said that people that have been hit by a car with that severe injuries are pron to seizures anyway. To the best of my knowledge i am not pron to them, i'm never had one and no one in my family has had one.
I'm just, as the title says "Encouraged and confused at the same time".
Thanks!
Are you still counting the hours or have you switched to days yet? he he Any way you have to do it, just one step at a time right!
Congratulations on your sobriety, it's so good to hear that things are going so well! Keep going strong my friend and you will not regret it! You have such a good future planned out don't miss a thing by falling off this wagon! Life really is what you make it. If you don't like it, then it's up to you to change it. Just like you’re doing now!
Also good job turning down the offer for a 30pk. I understand you are looking to quit drinking and soon start a family but although your wife was just trying to be helpful and nice the set-back could have ruined what you have already accomplished. She needs to be supportive and encouraging with statements like “I know you can do this” “I’m here for you” blah blah blah See what I mean? That would actually be a lot nicer given the circumstances. Do keep in mind though it’s not her fault for not knowing this.
I apologize for not getting back to you sooner, I spent the last 13 hours traveling and just made it back tonight. I have been anxious to get back to you though. The sleep problems are very common in the beginning but give it time and you will get back to whatever is normal for you. I think it took me about a week or so. I can remember laying there 4 hours one night absolutely refusing to allow myself to get up. It works too, then just get up at a regular time the next day, skip any naps and sleep like a baby the next night. It will work itself out quickly.
Milk Thistle is commonly taken to help accelerate the cell regeneration in the liver. It is an organic medication and found at just about any pharmacy. Here is a small portion of information I borrowed from a website.
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) has been used for 2,000 years as an herbal remedy for a variety of ailments, particularly liver, kidney, and gall bladder problems. Several scientific studies suggest that substances in milk thistle (especially a flavonoid called silymarin) protect the liver from toxins, including certain drugs such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), which can cause liver damage in high doses. Silymarin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and it may help the liver repair itself by growing new cells.
Although a number of animal studies demonstrate that milk thistle can be helpful in protecting the liver, results in human studies are mixed.
I take Milk Thistle twice daily, I don’t know if it works but it doesn’t seem to hurt so this might be something you would like to consider. Medical research has proven that Folic Acid also accelerates cell regeneration but it’s commonly over-look that it also increases risks for cancer.
You should consider a low fat diet and exercise. The first step leading towards cirrhosis is a fatty liver which later can lead to fibrosis and finally cirrhosis. The exercise will help you lose weight (body fat) and rid your body of toxins. Of course consult your physician before beginning any cardio vascular exercise.
Here is a quick way to gain a good understanding of how drinking leads to cirrhosis. With every drink you take you are adding alcohol to your body that not only kills brain cells but also liver cells. The liver is the only organ in the human body with the ability to heal itself. When these liver cells are destroyed new ones will replace them but when you begin killing the liver cells off faster than they can be regenerated then scar tissue is formed and whaa laaa .. you have cirrhosis.
Keep your efforts strong and intact. I mention this a lot so maybe you have already read it but “I’ll take sobriety and cirrhosis any day over spending the rest of my life in that drunken haze”. Life is what you make it right? Take care!
Randy
Congratulations on your sobriety, it's so good to hear that things are going so well! Keep going strong my friend and you will not regret it! You have such a good future planned out don't miss a thing by falling off this wagon! Life really is what you make it. If you don't like it, then it's up to you to change it. Just like you’re doing now!
Also good job turning down the offer for a 30pk. I understand you are looking to quit drinking and soon start a family but although your wife was just trying to be helpful and nice the set-back could have ruined what you have already accomplished. She needs to be supportive and encouraging with statements like “I know you can do this” “I’m here for you” blah blah blah See what I mean? That would actually be a lot nicer given the circumstances. Do keep in mind though it’s not her fault for not knowing this.
I apologize for not getting back to you sooner, I spent the last 13 hours traveling and just made it back tonight. I have been anxious to get back to you though. The sleep problems are very common in the beginning but give it time and you will get back to whatever is normal for you. I think it took me about a week or so. I can remember laying there 4 hours one night absolutely refusing to allow myself to get up. It works too, then just get up at a regular time the next day, skip any naps and sleep like a baby the next night. It will work itself out quickly.
Milk Thistle is commonly taken to help accelerate the cell regeneration in the liver. It is an organic medication and found at just about any pharmacy. Here is a small portion of information I borrowed from a website.
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) has been used for 2,000 years as an herbal remedy for a variety of ailments, particularly liver, kidney, and gall bladder problems. Several scientific studies suggest that substances in milk thistle (especially a flavonoid called silymarin) protect the liver from toxins, including certain drugs such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), which can cause liver damage in high doses. Silymarin has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and it may help the liver repair itself by growing new cells.
Although a number of animal studies demonstrate that milk thistle can be helpful in protecting the liver, results in human studies are mixed.
I take Milk Thistle twice daily, I don’t know if it works but it doesn’t seem to hurt so this might be something you would like to consider. Medical research has proven that Folic Acid also accelerates cell regeneration but it’s commonly over-look that it also increases risks for cancer.
You should consider a low fat diet and exercise. The first step leading towards cirrhosis is a fatty liver which later can lead to fibrosis and finally cirrhosis. The exercise will help you lose weight (body fat) and rid your body of toxins. Of course consult your physician before beginning any cardio vascular exercise.
Here is a quick way to gain a good understanding of how drinking leads to cirrhosis. With every drink you take you are adding alcohol to your body that not only kills brain cells but also liver cells. The liver is the only organ in the human body with the ability to heal itself. When these liver cells are destroyed new ones will replace them but when you begin killing the liver cells off faster than they can be regenerated then scar tissue is formed and whaa laaa .. you have cirrhosis.
Keep your efforts strong and intact. I mention this a lot so maybe you have already read it but “I’ll take sobriety and cirrhosis any day over spending the rest of my life in that drunken haze”. Life is what you make it right? Take care!
Randy
Thanks for the congrats; since it is after midnight I'm actually on day 95. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be able to say that.
You are indeed fortunate to have a woman that is (and has been) willing to stick by your side during this. My marrige ended in divorce because of alcohol. After that I got into a relationship with a wwoman that was the love of my life. I would've done anything for her, anything except drinking. I was with her 13 wonderful years before she decided I'd never change. Can't say I blame her.
If you choose not to go to detox, you may still want to visit your doctor and let hi/her now what you are trying to do; mine gave me medications to note only reduce my cravings, but to start to help my body recover from some of the abuse I've put it through the last 25+ years.
I will keep an eye on your progress, and, if you don't mind, chime in with my perspective from time to time, even though this is relativley new to me.
Jim
You are indeed fortunate to have a woman that is (and has been) willing to stick by your side during this. My marrige ended in divorce because of alcohol. After that I got into a relationship with a wwoman that was the love of my life. I would've done anything for her, anything except drinking. I was with her 13 wonderful years before she decided I'd never change. Can't say I blame her.
If you choose not to go to detox, you may still want to visit your doctor and let hi/her now what you are trying to do; mine gave me medications to note only reduce my cravings, but to start to help my body recover from some of the abuse I've put it through the last 25+ years.
I will keep an eye on your progress, and, if you don't mind, chime in with my perspective from time to time, even though this is relativley new to me.
Jim
Thanks Jim,
Congrats on your sobriety! I appreciate any and all advice i can get. What sets this site apart from other sites and boards are people such as yourself and Randy that are willing to take time out to help someone and encourage success. It's nice to know, even though i've never met them, someone who has gone through what i'm going through is willing to take time out of their busy schedule and is there to talk to when things get tough.
When i first started drinking, i was at a party. It wasn't till i wanted to quit that i found about the withdraws and whatnot. Had i known then, what i know now, i would have never touched it. I guess we all live and learn. I'm grateful i found a woman that means so much to me and cares about me that wants to see me sober and start a family. We've been together for 2 years in Jan 12' so this i believe is a great new years resolution and i fully extend to stick it out.
48 hours in 3 1/2 hours!
Congrats on your sobriety! I appreciate any and all advice i can get. What sets this site apart from other sites and boards are people such as yourself and Randy that are willing to take time out to help someone and encourage success. It's nice to know, even though i've never met them, someone who has gone through what i'm going through is willing to take time out of their busy schedule and is there to talk to when things get tough.
When i first started drinking, i was at a party. It wasn't till i wanted to quit that i found about the withdraws and whatnot. Had i known then, what i know now, i would have never touched it. I guess we all live and learn. I'm grateful i found a woman that means so much to me and cares about me that wants to see me sober and start a family. We've been together for 2 years in Jan 12' so this i believe is a great new years resolution and i fully extend to stick it out.
48 hours in 3 1/2 hours!
Also welcome; Randy is a great guy, you'd be wise to listen to any advise he gives.
As for me, I am 41, on day 94 of sobriety; there was no chance tapering was going to be an option for me, I'd been doing it too heavy for too long. The amount I drank everyday should have killed me, and almost did. As scared as I was, detox turned out to be a piece of cake. I went in on a Tuesday and was out by Thursday. I've had my good & bad days since then, all of the bad ones have been mental not physical. For what it's worth, coming from someone who's been drunk for the better part of 25+ years, you're doing the right thing.
Jim
As for me, I am 41, on day 94 of sobriety; there was no chance tapering was going to be an option for me, I'd been doing it too heavy for too long. The amount I drank everyday should have killed me, and almost did. As scared as I was, detox turned out to be a piece of cake. I went in on a Tuesday and was out by Thursday. I've had my good & bad days since then, all of the bad ones have been mental not physical. For what it's worth, coming from someone who's been drunk for the better part of 25+ years, you're doing the right thing.
Jim
I'm not sure if i was being tested or what but the temptation is already starting. I normally used beer as a means to sleep. My fiance offered to pick up a 30 pack so she could go stay at her Mom's. As tempted as i was to give in and say "ok". I fought it and said no. That's the first time i've turned down beer in 6 years. All on 40 hours of being sober. Have to say, the self gratification far outweighs the joy of drinking. I'm facing my demons and not hiding behind them anymore. Whew!
Thank you Randy!
Yeah, i have read your story and you are one of the top people that motivated me to make a change. I'm sorry to hear about your condition but i am happy to hear you took the proper steps and were able to quit.
As for me, i am now 36 hours sober. It's a weird feeling, i'm starting to want to eat more but can hardly keep anything down. I woke up this morning with a little sweat, nothing severe (yet) though i have been drinking plenty of gatorade, trying to avoid TOO much water to prevent water intoxication but drinking fresh orange juice. Pretty much anything with nutrients in it. Do you have any suggestions as far as a good diet to replenish what i've lost all these years by not eating right?
First thing i did, a few weeks ago when i decided i wanted to quit was evaluate my friends. I told each and everyone of them and though a few were supportive, many just laughed it off and said "ok", So i told them "i wish you the best of luck and maybe we can meet up again in a year or so. I have to take the next 12 months for myself, to better myself and i can't be in a risky environment".
My fiance has been begging me to go to the doctor, get checked out to put her mind and mine at ease (she's 20, so she's never even been through this). I told her i would but i want to get through the quitting first, if it takes 5-10 days to get through this, when i'm not going through anything severe i don't see how my levels are going to skyrocket in 10 days.
So far i haven't had any serious withdraw yet, i'm actually quite surprised with how easy this has been. Maybe it's because i've been able to prepare and what to expect? The worst part right now is just not able to sleep. I had my last drink 3:30am Tuesday 12/27/11.
My mind is set on not returning to drinking. My party days i believe are over, it hasn't even been 48 hours and i already don't have the desire or craving to drink.
I will defiantly keep posting and updating my progress. I'm no where near ready to start giving advise but i look forward to one day helping other people get clean and stay clean. I getting my business management degree and my whole outlook has changed. I'm thinking about getting my degree and opening a non-profit help clinic with qualified doctors for both in house and outpatient treatment.
Yeah, i have read your story and you are one of the top people that motivated me to make a change. I'm sorry to hear about your condition but i am happy to hear you took the proper steps and were able to quit.
As for me, i am now 36 hours sober. It's a weird feeling, i'm starting to want to eat more but can hardly keep anything down. I woke up this morning with a little sweat, nothing severe (yet) though i have been drinking plenty of gatorade, trying to avoid TOO much water to prevent water intoxication but drinking fresh orange juice. Pretty much anything with nutrients in it. Do you have any suggestions as far as a good diet to replenish what i've lost all these years by not eating right?
First thing i did, a few weeks ago when i decided i wanted to quit was evaluate my friends. I told each and everyone of them and though a few were supportive, many just laughed it off and said "ok", So i told them "i wish you the best of luck and maybe we can meet up again in a year or so. I have to take the next 12 months for myself, to better myself and i can't be in a risky environment".
My fiance has been begging me to go to the doctor, get checked out to put her mind and mine at ease (she's 20, so she's never even been through this). I told her i would but i want to get through the quitting first, if it takes 5-10 days to get through this, when i'm not going through anything severe i don't see how my levels are going to skyrocket in 10 days.
So far i haven't had any serious withdraw yet, i'm actually quite surprised with how easy this has been. Maybe it's because i've been able to prepare and what to expect? The worst part right now is just not able to sleep. I had my last drink 3:30am Tuesday 12/27/11.
My mind is set on not returning to drinking. My party days i believe are over, it hasn't even been 48 hours and i already don't have the desire or craving to drink.
I will defiantly keep posting and updating my progress. I'm no where near ready to start giving advise but i look forward to one day helping other people get clean and stay clean. I getting my business management degree and my whole outlook has changed. I'm thinking about getting my degree and opening a non-profit help clinic with qualified doctors for both in house and outpatient treatment.
Good morning and welcome to MedHelp! No one can tell you how severe your withdrawals may become since everyone is different. Never think of beer as being more okay to drink than liquor or wine. It is the alcohol content that is the problem and how much you consume of it. Congratulations for finding the determination and strength to quit. Also doing the research you have done is also very smart. The more you know about anything the better you will do. Having the facts is like being given the right tools for the job. Someone else’s interpretation may not in every case be beneficial but don’t misunderstand.. it can be enlightening and that just may be what your still searching for by coming and posting here.
A lot of your story is very familiar to me since although I have been an alcoholic for 20+ years it was after my first wife and I split up I really started hitting the drinking hard. I did notice that in your story you don't have cirrhosis yet and that’s terrific man! Your just 28 though. I pushed it too hard for too long so at the age of 38 I received my diagnosis. End stage cirrhosis. So I'm really glad you are prepared to do something about it now and get your life strait.
Here’s some important thing you need to know to succeed.
You are an alcoholic and you are always going to be. It’s okay and not your fault but never think that once your sober you will be able to have just one or two. It does not work like that for us. It is all or nothing! We have addictive personalities and some people don’t.
Next it’s time to ditch some of them “friends” you keep. When you tell them you have quit drinking only keep those in your life that offer you encouragement and want to see you succeed. Those that are not going to offer you the support you need then may I suggest you re-evaluate that friendship. Don’t get me wrong though okay, some people just don’t understand how hard this is on you but at least for now the interaction needs to be put on hold.
Get to a doctor for an annual physical, part of that exam will be blood work that will let your doctor know the condition of your liver along with many other things.
Most people would advise that your seek medical treatment to begin your journey to sobriety although many people have used tapering down (as I did) and it worked quite well. Remember though as I mentioned in the beginning, everyone’s body will react differently. You are probably close to 25 hours by now and I would imagine you are feeling the withdrawals begin. Perhaps sweats, shaking and anxiety. Also being a big guy may help since drinking 11 beers when you only weigh 120lb your blood alcohol level is much higher than for someone like us. Okay I wish the very best for you and I hope you will continue to post your progress. There are very terrific people here all hoping and wanting to see you succeed because each one of us knows what its likes to be in your place. Maintaining your sobriety will become a very important part of your new life! Your life will be much better and your self-confidence will greatly improve. Take care my new friend, I too will be wishing the best for you!
Randy
A lot of your story is very familiar to me since although I have been an alcoholic for 20+ years it was after my first wife and I split up I really started hitting the drinking hard. I did notice that in your story you don't have cirrhosis yet and that’s terrific man! Your just 28 though. I pushed it too hard for too long so at the age of 38 I received my diagnosis. End stage cirrhosis. So I'm really glad you are prepared to do something about it now and get your life strait.
Here’s some important thing you need to know to succeed.
You are an alcoholic and you are always going to be. It’s okay and not your fault but never think that once your sober you will be able to have just one or two. It does not work like that for us. It is all or nothing! We have addictive personalities and some people don’t.
Next it’s time to ditch some of them “friends” you keep. When you tell them you have quit drinking only keep those in your life that offer you encouragement and want to see you succeed. Those that are not going to offer you the support you need then may I suggest you re-evaluate that friendship. Don’t get me wrong though okay, some people just don’t understand how hard this is on you but at least for now the interaction needs to be put on hold.
Get to a doctor for an annual physical, part of that exam will be blood work that will let your doctor know the condition of your liver along with many other things.
Most people would advise that your seek medical treatment to begin your journey to sobriety although many people have used tapering down (as I did) and it worked quite well. Remember though as I mentioned in the beginning, everyone’s body will react differently. You are probably close to 25 hours by now and I would imagine you are feeling the withdrawals begin. Perhaps sweats, shaking and anxiety. Also being a big guy may help since drinking 11 beers when you only weigh 120lb your blood alcohol level is much higher than for someone like us. Okay I wish the very best for you and I hope you will continue to post your progress. There are very terrific people here all hoping and wanting to see you succeed because each one of us knows what its likes to be in your place. Maintaining your sobriety will become a very important part of your new life! Your life will be much better and your self-confidence will greatly improve. Take care my new friend, I too will be wishing the best for you!
Randy
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