Good way to start the quitting process

Im only 19 but the past year I dealt with a lot of stuff and began drinking basically 5 days a week for a 9 month span and then around the begining of this past summer my new roomates brought up the issue of can I not drink so often so I tried to quit and couldnt believe that after 2 days I couldnt sleep my hands were always twitching or my leg and I also got really aggresive (aggressive) or at least having a quicker temper and overreacting to everything and the best ive done with quitting is 4 days and im just wondering if anyone has advice or has gone through some of the things I have as far as withdrawls and what not thanks

[Punkinhead75]

Hi Irish thanks for the post.  The symptoms you have are not uncommon.   The physical twitching should go away the longer you don't drink.  However getting through the early stages alone can be tough.  The aggressiveness and irritability may stick around. I see you said you a lot to deal with and began drinking more often.  I too drank to help me deal with life stuff because I didn't know any better way to cope.  When I stopped drinking I went to AA mtgs and found some good folks in there that really helped me out.  I haven't had a drink in over 5yrs and have been clean for just over 4 yrs.  I relapsed on prescription meds about 4yrs ago.  I have dealt soberly with job changes, financial issues, death of friends and loved ones, weddings, picnics,  all sorts of things.  All I had to do was be willing.  Hope this helps.  God Bless!!

[Punkinhead75]

Hi Irish thanks for the post.  The symptoms you have are not uncommon.   The physical twitching should go away the longer you don't drink.  However getting through the early stages alone can be tough.  The aggressiveness and irritability may stick around. I see you said you a lot to deal with and began drinking more often.  I too drank to help me deal with life stuff because I didn't know any better way to cope.  When I stopped drinking I went to AA mtgs and found some good folks in there that really helped me out.  I haven't had a drink in over 5yrs and have been clean for just over 4 yrs.  I relapsed on prescription meds about 4yrs ago.  I have dealt soberly with job changes, financial issues, death of friends and loved ones, weddings, picnics,  all sorts of things.  All I had to do was be willing.  Hope this helps.  God Bless!!

[ibizan]

very cool that the light has gone ON upstairs in that young mind of yours!!!do u have a family history of alcohol problems?parents grandparents aunts uncles siblings?

[irish2k10]

Um I actually dont like my mom's side were heavy drinkers in their younger days but never and true alchoalics or anything so its basically just a me thing.

[Jacker]

Well, you currently have some level of addiction to alcohol.  It helps to be around others who have experienced the same problem, because they can help you during the worst of the symptoms.  Your life will be easier if you deal with this problem now as opposed to later.  

Usually the vast majority of the symptoms will be gone within 7-10 days.  If you can make up your mind to hold out that long, you'll find that it gets easier.  But after this process, you also have to start exploring the things that make you drink- in other words, your methods of coping with life need to change.  This is what recovery programs are all about......learning to live life on life's terms without self medicating.

You have the potential of a wonderful life.  Don't waste it in a haze of alcohol.  I"m gland you're realizing your problem though.

Gong to some AA meetings would give you the support that you need to get started, and it's free of charge.  

[ibizan]

what is your definition of a true alcoholic?do you think u r too young for this to happen to you?there are 2 stages to alcoholism early middle late and ppl progress thru them in their own time frame.there is a genetic predisposition to alcohol problems...they do run in families.....as usual Jacker has put forth some xcellent advice here!

[ibizan]

correction- 3 stages to alcholism (alcoholism) early middle late....typo above says 2!