any help would be great

i was wondering my husband is an alacholic and i post alot on the living with an alacholic site but i was curious if anyone could tell me what is normal things that can happen to your body when you stop drinking my husband started to go to AA 16 days ago or so and has went from drinking quite heavy almost everynight to nothing and he really enjoys it but hes not sure what to expect from not drinking all of the sudden can anyone help with this question any any prayers that he sticks with it would be great im praying myself its been a rough ride for the past couple of years
thanks for any help

[gia4]

I am worried about this too.  Wouldn't any major withdrawals have already happened?  My dad, heavy drinker, got another dui and hasn't had anything in a week or so.  I can't believe he hasn't been sick, but only that he can't sleep.  My chemistry is like his...drink to sleep and stop the wheels from spinning.  My sick symptoms seem to be more the day after I drink....maybe he will be fine.  Good luck!

[lboogie7729]

The physical withdrawals for me were over in the first week. I drank heavily for 19 years and quit alcohol, pot and cigarettes cold turkey. As far as the sleeping issues, it can take a while to get adjusted. I definitely have much more vivid dreams now and I deal with insomnia (having a hard time getting to sleep and waking up throughout the morning) but I also have issues with anxiety so it's hard to say what is causing it. Feel free to look through my journal if you want to see one persons experience with getting sober and I'll answer any questions or help anyway I can. There are a lot of great people on here with a lot more information to offer than me but I wish you both the best and I'm here to help if I can!

[working dog]

my withdrawals lasted a long time....after a while i figued out my electrolytes were messed up ( at least i think they were ) so i tried the gator aid to help with the dizzyness which lasted many months..that was a terrible symptom..i remember stopping drinking for a few months a few times before and didn't have bad symptoms..the last and final time was awfull though...you also have to watch out if folks are sneaking alcohol..that can happen.......billy

[boogieman]

hi again. ya, as stated above, it can vary depending on consumption but the more severe symptoms of withdrawal usually occur in the first 7 to 10 days and may require use of medications. after this, the most frequent concerns are irritability, insomnia, confusion, and anxiety. the use of a physician in addition to aa is often helpful as is proper nutrition and supplemental vitamins such as thiamine. there is also a med available called campral (acamprosate) which has been very helpful in reducing the cravings that come and go. hope things continue to improve for you both!     gm

[LORDINEEDHELP]

wow sounds like hes got a little of it all he cant sleep he has weird dreams verry edgy (doing okay with trying to ignore that part) he does not eat well but im trying to help that without him really catching on he is averaging 3 to 4 meetings a week he just started being more open with what is happening in his meetings tonight he was asked to go with a person to our local soup kitchen to have a meeting with homeless people so hes going i commend him for that!! he has had alot of anaxiety and i was told sugar helps out with replacing some of the sugar loss your body is no longer recieving with alachol still reading up on all that so  boogie your right about the first week he was very edgy i just stayed away but the lack of sleep is horrid for the past two weeks and then he tends to nap and then that makes it worse ithink idk i dont drink but maybe three or 4 times a year so im darn sure no expert but im seeing all of it in some form thanks to all of you for reaching out!

[working dog]

i almost frogot about the vivid dreams (nightmares) every night at 130...started to remember my dreams but most weren't good at all..my bad stuff lasted quite a while..but i do have hep c so that can make it way worse....after i quit drinking when the withdrawals were real bad i was tested positive for the hep c...i try not to scare folks with my withdrawal symptoms because their withdrawal might not be as bad as mine...good luck ...billy