alcohol withdrawl

[cindih]

I did not really like alcohol in my teens and twenties.  During my thirties I discovered wine coolers and progressed to wine, but never more than three glasses, certainly not on a daily basis.  Then followed divorce, nursing school, and I drank wine as a reward after studies over.  I think I really escalated after graduation when I got my first job and could afford more and also when my children were gone to college.
I am now remarried to a great guy who does not drink at all.  I told him eight years ago when we met that I thought I was an alcoholic.  He didn't believe me.  Because I am highly functional, never had a DUI, never miss work.  During our marriage my drinking has progressed to a bottle and 1 or 2 glasses out of the next bottle a night.  Every night. Unless I am with my kids, which I have gone two days max.  Or reduced, like 2 glasses.
In the past 12 years I have gone, at the most 15 days sober.  Once.  On the few occasions that I have gone more than two days, I have no ill effects.  Quite the opposite, I feel great, sleep better, etc.  Why cant' I stay that way?  Well, it's boring.  That's my excuse.
My labs are fine, for now.  
I consulted with a Psych doc a couple years ago and came away crying because he left me with no hope at all. He said I needed to check myself in for a minimum of six weeks to Rehab.  He said if I tried to quit on my own (and I was completely honest with him about my drinking) I would certainly suffer a seizure or worse.  Scared the **** out of me, gave up on quitting.  Can't risk my nursing license.  Can't afford time off that long.
Your website interests me.
I am wanting to taper off using Valium and either quit or just drink less.  I think I have created my own problem.  
C

[boogieman]

hi. there are no sure fire guaranteed courses of action, which you probably know. but being aware that there is a problem, and much more importantly, wanting to do something about it is all that is necessary to move forward. there is a lot of misconception and bad info out there but there is also hope. if you want to get sober, and are willing to do whatever is necessary to achieve and maintain it, your chances are good. withdrawal can be rough, but rest, nutrition, a positive attitude and some understanding will get you through it. a benzodiazepine like valium may be beneficial in combating the rebound of the nervous system, but dangerous if combined with alcohol---please be careful. consideration of pre-existing conditions such as heart problems should also be taken into account---your vitals are going to be elevated most likely until the physical part subsides. if you can, talk to your husband or a close friend about what you are trying to do---having some support from another human being can be crucial as well. just cutting back on the amount or frequency of alcohol consumption is rarely successful for long, but tapering down to no intake can be done. i never was able to do so, i had to always be medically detoxed and would be going from a half gallon or more liquor a day to nothing. even with meds i had seizures and dt's, but after a few days i would come out of it. please ask if you have any concerns, there are folks here who want to help that have been there. take care,  gm

[ibizan]

i hear so many alcoholics say i cannot afford to go to treatment...risk this and that....if u continue on your path u will eventually lose that nursing license and i've seen many impaired professionals do so.....i was impaired professional and in 1983 i went to rehab on my own.....it saved my life and sanity.Listen up to boogieman he is right on the recovery advice.....and self medicating with Valium is indeed tricky to say the least!

[peaceloveandsobriety]

hey there, i just wanted to write you and let you know there is hope, i know because i am a recovering alcoholic, i tried everythng to quit, moderation, meds, therapy etc. dont put yourself

[bratty5]

Hi, let you know first hand I am not an alcoholic but my bf is and he was drinking 3 pints of vodka a day everyday for a couple of years. When he decided to stop he tried ct but the shakes and dt's were so bad I went and bought him a bottle because of the fear he would die acctually. So the next attempt was with meds but they didn't help him and he went right back to drinking the same amount. Finally he tapered off and he is now sober almost 6 months. His withdraws were much easier on him he acctually kept a log as to how much he could have each day and decreased it everyday so his body wouldn't go into shock.
Don't give up hope. Everyone is different and everyone has to find whats best for them. Talk to your husband because you need support and encouragement. Good Luck!! If you really want it you will find a way. Try going to some AA meetings also.