a little help please

Question

hi  I am a 56 yr old male who has high blood pressure because I am overweight, drank bourbon every night since january and this is day 2 of no alcohol . have quit in the past and gone several months without it and no problems. question  .... should I stay cold turkey or taper, how long to detox safely? should I be worried about the shakes and if so when should I see them happening?     thank you

ibizan · Answer

Most definitely obesity and hypertension are killers by themselves if not harnessed!SO GLAD you've found good support to take care of yourself over the years.Sad that your son chooses his own destiny!The words of the Serenity Prayer are so true!Hope you continue to contribute in this forum for there are many parents and loved ones of the alcoholic/addict that come here searching for advice.Your experience will be very helpful to them!

MYoungAtHeart · Answer

yes, it is true that medical doctors don't get a lot of training in alcoholism and substance abuse.  And yes, I know there is no doctor on this forum.

What I was suggesting is that someone with high blood pressure and obesity could quite well be heading into some dangerous areas even without the alcohol use.  

I have been in therapy for over 30 years, it has done wonders for my own mental and physical health.  My son refuses any help, which means I must continue to work on my own health.  Thank you so much for your reply.

M

ibizan · Answer

There is no doctor in this forum.Sad to say many doctors only receive a 8 hr.required course in substance abuse and are not well equipped to deal with/advise them as patients!Have you sought any counseling for yourself from a reputable licensed substance abuse counselor in your community?

MYoungAtHeart · Answer

My grown son is an alcoholic. He does not want to quit and is getting more and more abusive verbally and angry as the days go on.  I suspect that just stopping drinking is only the beginning of getting and staying sober.  With other medical conditions like High Blood Pressure and Obesity, it would be really healthy to have a doctor on board to advise you in your journey.

UnsureMS · Answer

I agree with those telling you to seek help. My husband drank heavily. When he decided to quit he had stopped drinking for five days and out of no where he had a seizure. His seizure lasted a while and the doctors had stated they were worried about permanent damage. It was really scary. 

You don't want to go through this. Ask for help from someone.

jugglin · Answer

Hi there!  Quitting CT can cause seizures for folks who have drank lots over long periods of time (there is no exact on that). Since you already have issues with your blood pressure, I suggest you reach out to your Dr and let him/her know your situation and they may be able to prescribe anti-anxiety meds or something else to take to see you safely through.  I promise that you will not be the first person who has sought help for this with your Dr so please reach out and do this safely.
Congrats to you for deciding to quit!

doghouse1 · Answer

how much did you drink?

doghouse1 · Answer

sweaty and anxious , taking calms forte and lot of fluids, magnesium, potasium

kcwolf · Answer

when i quit i was in the hospital and my DTs didnt get bad til a couple days in the hospital, i mean i would start shaking a couple hours without alcohol but the bad part took a couple days its never good to quit cold turkey it can cause seizure which in turn can cause death, i would go to the er or something and see if they can help you with that part of it just so you can be safe

CeeRB · Answer

two days is awesome... I heard of tapering but they say to use beer for that.... but if youre already over two days, youre done with half the battle! Tapering with whiskey is too hard. Im a big time tequila drinker....go to the hospital and get some librium.... you will sleep through it! lots of love and hope for you ...friend