Honest opinions on what my withdrawal would be like

[Vienna12]

Hi there, I am looking for opinions and I know there is no substitute for medical advice, just want opinions and views.

I have been abusing alcohol for around 8 years. I'm 32 and it began by abusing it socially like many in their 20's I would drink way too much on nights out.

This changed into enjoying alcohol at home.

I started with 4 strong cans of cider a night while watching tv.

I had a lot of emotional issues at the time And this escalated quickly into 4 ciders and 3rd of vodka and juice a night, I was depressed.

I managed to get my life a bit more on track and ditched the cider, changing to a good few double vodkas a night and a couple of glasses of wine.

I was drinking very bad amounts for my health, overweight and still battling depression.

Fast forward to today. I now have a strict limit of 1 bottle of wine and a third of vodka and juice a night. Some nights I don't want the vodka and have a bottle and a half of wine instead. I haven't had a day off from this routine in about a year and would like to start cutting down further now. However I am petrified of withdrawal. I went to my doctor and had a check up and my liver function test came back fine although I am seriously bloated from what I believe is the alcohol abuse.

Until a year ago I had the odd night off here and there and felt no withdrawal. I haven't tried a night off in a year, although some nights I have only had one or 2 drinks.

I now drink less and more socially but of course think it's too late and I am an alcoholic. I don't want to risk my life withdrawing cold turkey and I don't want to live on benzodiazepines for the rest of my life and with my addictive personality I see that being a problem.

Sorry for the ramble. With my level of abuse what do you see my withdrawal as being?

Little extra info: I never drink in the daytime, never get shakes before my first evening drink and that can vary on starting time from 7pm to 10pm. I am however already a very anxious person.

[TLCMeds]

I am you :-) but I'm 28 and started early. I quit drinking fully in August. I am now finally feeling normal. I think. OK what I mean is this, prepare yourself for the mental withdrawal. I asked my husband this honest question- What do people Do when they don't drink? A loaded question. The hardest part for me was boredom. Not knowing how to have fun or enjoy anything without alcohol. When it comes to this, treat your drinking self like a kid and learn to have fun. After awhile it will come naturally. The mental/psychological part is the worst.

I am now on an antidepressant and mood stabilizer that I cannot abuse. Dr's are misguided in giving xanax or comparables to addicts. By the way, stop cringing at the word addict. And alcoholic. When you quit, When I tell you :-) you will be proud of what you have overcome. Don't compare yourself to a non-alcoholic. Of course it seems easy to them. Not that they don't want to be supportive, but only another addict knows how hard it is. It is hard, but it will get easier. I promise. I hardly think about it anymore (well hardly for an alcoholic)... and yeah I feel the urge, but I get stronger and more confident that I am in control everyday.

And don't hate yourself when you fail at something. That will just lead to what started you to drink in the first place. I would say all or most alcoholics have some underlying psychological problems. Deal with that part sensibly. Get away from the anxiety pills unless you absolutely need them. They make you mean and way more anxious when you stop taking them... making you look for relief elsewhere.

Physically, you will be ok. You may have some sweats,  be irritable, have headaches, be a little shaky, etc. But you'll be fine. This was the least of my problems. You're still quite young. Long term alcoholics have the more serious issues. Quantity doesn't dictate it eiher. I used to drink a pint of liquor or more a day, everyday... and I'm a female, I was about 130-140 pounds. And oh yeah, I lost weight :-) when I stopped drinking. And my cholesterol went down. I was pretty healthy otherwise but while drinking heavily I did start to have some issues like high cholesterol.

In the end, know you are stronger than you think you are. I mean it. It's way worth it. Your life will be so much better, remember that. Keep your eye on the prize. Do it for you, and those who love you will benefit too.

[Vienna12]

Thanks for the info, I Definately need to make the first step and confide in someone and ask for some support

[bahamamama13165]

One more thing, alcohol causes depression AND anxiety. I was on Prozac for 10 years. When I finally got serious about quitting I went to rehab. A month out, I quit taking antidepressants. My life is not all peaches and cream but I'm handling my emotions better than ever (at 6 months clean)

[bahamamama13165]

I don't think at that amount your at risk for seizures. But everybody is different. There is no reason you would be on benzos "the rest of your life". I've quit a couple times and the doc usually gives me a script for a week or so. That being said it's best if you don't use them at all. They are very addictive.  You should try going to an AA meeting.  What you need most is emotional support and a place where you can be 100% honest about what's going on. Good luck!

[Vienna12]

Sorry to keep adding details, just want to give as much information as possible! About twice a week I am with my boyfriend and drink less, never vodka, maybe a bottle and a half of wine, and I feel great the next day although a little tired. Maybe I should stop worrying about withdrawal and just try.

[Vienna12]

Your right, I do think I am depressed. Sometimes I don't even want to drink, don't crave it at all! It's anxiety/boredom relief and horrible routine.

[msdelight]

Before my addiction to pills I was a big drinker. Only at night to make dinner, relax the brain, make listening to hubby easier. Started with a glass or two of wine daily and progressed to almost a magnum of white wine every night. When I stopped, I didn't have much of a w/d. Why not stop and see what happens. One thing is for sure, you cant keep this up. You need to find more natural ways to deal with your anxiety like exercise, meditation or an activity that you enjoy.  Perhaps some counseling will help, and evaluate you to see if maybe you could benefit from an antidepressant.  I have to tell you that the line between being a full time and a part time alcoholic is very small. My mom retired from her job a few years back and her nightly cognac binges turned in a full time full blown problem. She fell down all the time, broke her shoulder, ankle, got a concussion and finally now I have her with wet brain (dementia from drinking)  Please try to see how you feel not drinking. Try AA or get a therapist. Good luck and God bless.

[Vienna12]

I used to drink a 3rd now I drink a 5th, an adjustment I made in the last year and now anymore than that gives me a hangover so I avoid it. I know it's still way too much but it's half the amount I used to drink so it's important to clarify for me.