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Getting off alcohol

I've finally decided after very heavy drinking for about the last 2 years, ever-increasing tolerance, and lying to myself and those around me that I have to quit.  I'm planning on trying the home detox method by gradually cutting back, giving the bottle to my guy when he goes to work (I work at home doing transcription).  I have a prescription for Klonopin that I can refill next week and figured this would help some with the jitters.  

Lately, I've been drinking about a 5th a day to every 3 days.  I'm not sure if I'll be able to do this without going through a hospital, but I'm going to try.

Any suggestions from you guys would be very much appreciated.

By the way, this is my first post, and I'm glad I found this place!
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Avatar universal
I have had experience with alcohol withdrawal and it is not pretty especially being alone. I used to drink everyday for about two years. I would call my self a functional alcoholic because I could do work and handle my business with no problems. Let me point out that I would not drive, of course. My drinking got to the point where I had a tear on my esophagus and it caused me to vomit blood. The blood that I would not vomit, I would expell through the other end.... It got real scary! I checked my self at the hospital at the right time. Once there they administered what think was diazepam because at that point I did not have booze for about 24 hrs and my hands were shaky, heart was racing, was sweating but cold, was delirious, and was begining to hallucinate. They also hydrated me and pumped me up with vitamins and after three days I was fine. Not 100% but glad that booze was not appetizing to me anymore. After that I have had a few drinks but all in moderation and only on my birthday. Not like before.
If you're going to detox at home don't be alone. It's a horrible feeling when you're by your self. Have a buddy take care of you. Stay hydrated and try to get some medication to help you ease your body from experiencing the shakes and that horrible heart racing. But if you feel you can't handle it seek professional help.
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Avatar universal
I have read all these comments from the beginning and find them all enlightening and some distressing.  I am  the mother of a wonderful young  28 year old woman who is a blossoming (yet still functioning) alcoholic.  She doesn't like me talking to her about her drinking.  She is often self loathing about her drinking but she believes she can't sleep without it and then of course can't sleep because of it.  I would sincerely appreciate your opinions of what you woud want your mother to do if you were her. I ask this because I want to understand. I feel a need to help her and yet all that I have tried just seems to alienate her.
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1475202 tn?1536270977
Over the years I switched between liquor and beer. My tolerance grew and grew. In the begining I didn't drink daily. So as you can see a lot of things changed but I can tell you the last couple of years I drank I was drinking 23 beers a day, such a sad way to live life but I'm very greatful (cirrhosis and all) to have this chance to see how wonderful things really can be.

Randy
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Avatar universal
I am wondering. How much were you drinking daily for these 20+ years? Can you be specific?
Thanks for your time, I really appreciate it.
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4970770 tn?1361744097
wow! This is very unfortunate! Thx for the update.
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Avatar universal
COMMUNITY LEADER
Boogieman passed away a few years ago......u r responding to a very old thread.Sadly:(he relapsed after 3 years of sobriety and met an untimely death.we miss him so!:(
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4970770 tn?1361744097
"every time i think about taking a drink today, (and believe me, i do), i think back to what i have endured and barely survived as a result. i have to do certain things on a regular basis like keep tabs on my emotions and reactions, i have to improve my spiritual condition, and i help others. these things make up an insurance policy that no doctor, priest, judge, family member, or object of affection ever could teach me. sometimes we almost have to die to learn how to live."  

I applaud you, BOOGIEMAN, and hope that you are doing well now that it is 2013. I have enjoyed reading your comments. It has really helped me a great deal. I am in the process of 'weaning' and have found that the other times I have tried to stop drinking, I failed. Going cold turkey wasn't gonna work for me like it did when I smoked cigerettes, weed and sometimes other drugs. Trying to quit cold turkey with alcohol is the scariest thing! I would have sweating events, restlessness, anger issues, depression, irregular heart rate, tight breathing...etc. I finally realized that I had to gradually get off the bottle. I would drink vodka or rum or both pretty much on a daily basis. I needed to feel the numbness to escape my hurt and disappointment in my relationships w/some people and myself. I hated having to deal with my feelings sober. I knew it wouldn't make me forget, but it surely eased the inner pain I was feeling. Sometimes I would drink so fast that I would need to lay down only to wake up hours later not remembering a thing. I would have conversations with people and not even remember that I had them at all. Then I would later remember only fragments and wind up in arguments because of me repeating things or bringing up things I already talked about and resolved, but didn't remember. GEESH!!! I soooo hate my life 'drunk' or rather 'under the influence'.  I am usually not drunk 'acting', but rather drunk in my 'mental' state.

So, it's been since Thursday (now Sunday) since i was drunk. I drank a shot or two daily slowing sipping to prevent me from having to go through the withdrawal symptoms. I've gone to the gym every day getting my heart rate up just a little to help work 'out' the booze in my system. I drink water like crazy on the regular so this has always helped keep me hydrated even when I would drink. I have had some feelings of anxiousness, a small case of breathing difficultly(better now), and tiredness. I feel that my weaning is going well. I truly believe that this weaning process has gone so well for me ONLY because there are people around me and have been ongoing since Thursday (now Sunday). My fear is that when tomorrow comes(Monday) and I have the place to myself EVERY DAY for the week (Mon-Fri), I will relapse and drink more than I should. But, only tomorrow can tell me what will happen. I just hope that I am stronger than I think.

I think about what you said about "i have to do certain things on a regular basis like keep tabs on my emotions and reactions, i have to improve my spiritual condition, and i help others".... This is sooo TRUE BOOGIEMAN! I have found myself taking note of my emotions, thoughts and feelings as to why I want a drink & when I'm drinking. It has helped me look at myself deeper. Once I figured out why & when I drink and what I am going through emotionally and mentally, it helps me make better choices. It has also opened my eyes as to how long I've been drinking like this. Too my blind surprise...I've been doing this since 2001 to present! I've been hiding my feelings and drowning my emotions in liquor off and more on than not for the past 12 YEARS!!!!  THIS NEW REVELATION scares me to death!!!!!!  I don't want to die!!! I don;t want to have a stroke or heart attack and possibly live a crippled life. I want to be happy (sober) and grateful to be here and be FREE from this monkey/demon/hold on me called liquor!  Wish me luck everyone! I need prayers for strength and determination. I need prayers for a closer renewed relationship with God. I know I can do this. I know it won't be easy. A wise person said "sometimes we almost have to die to learn how to live"  and that's exactly what I plan to do...DIE in order to LIVE!!!   :-)
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Avatar universal
COMMUNITY LEADER
Many of us here who have fought the alcohol and drug demons give a MAJOR flying flip -we wouldn't be here unless we did!ever tried AA?good substance abuse counseling?u married?got kids?what does wife or partner and/or kids think@ ur drinking?
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Avatar universal
I'm 54 and have been drinking all my life, starting when I was about 5. I guess I am a functioning alcoholic, but not anymore! Where do you go for help??? Who gives a big flying flip?
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4400862 tn?1354021901
  Hi everyone!
                  I was wondering if anyone has gone through what I am going through now. Last week I decided to stop drinking so I began to do some research. I decided on the taper method. I was drinking a pint to 1 1/2 pints of vodka plus a 6 pack sometimes more a day. Its about day 4 and I hav'nt slept in 4 days, I sometimes hear music thats not there and when I try to sleep my body does involuntery movements. Arms, fingers, legs and body will jerk around waking me from sleep. I would appreciate any feedback.
         Thanks
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4119697 tn?1351184886
Hey,
It sounds like you and I may have some stuff in common. I just recently decided to quit drinking and feel so alone in this! It would be nice to have someone to talk to that goes through the same stuff.
My decision to quit is based on the horrendous hangovers I have suffered from for years. I hide my illness really well and most people never even know I'm hungover. I pretend to have really bad "allergies" that make me slow and tired and red-eyed. I lie about being sick so I can get extra rest or people feel sorry for me - little do they know, it's all caused by my own excessive drinking!
I, like you, don't drink every day. However, when I drink I do it all night. I just never learned how to moderate, I guess. It drives me crazy when people offer help in the form of: "why don't you just try drinking a little bit?" It's that easy, huh?! Why didn't I think of that?!
For someone like me (and maybe you) there IS no moderation. I drink 'til its all gone. I drink to get drunk. I drink because I like the feeling of being wasted. How do you get past that?
Anyway, I have so much on my mind. It sound dumb that I'm so anxious about all of this - I only decided to quit about 3 days ago. The stress and anxiety of giving up alcohol is consuming my every thought!
I hope you are well. Feel free to write me back.
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Avatar universal
If your concerned, you may have a problem.  But even if you haven't hit the point of being an alcoholic, you know that's where this road goes.  It's great your on lexapro.  But alcohol counteracts the benefits.  So if you quit drinking it could help you more.  I take Prozac and it's really changed my life.  You say your athletic, that's great.  I don't know if your spiritual but I was blown away by a speaker at church today. You might want to try giving your worries to god.  It's good you reached out on this forum.  It's very supportive.  I wish you good luck.
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1475202 tn?1536270977
Hello Jaisel and welcome to MedHelp!

I'm sure can relate to the stress in life. I could look through your story and pick it a part to try and help you that way but the fact is the alcohol would still be your biggest problem. Drinking in moderation can be great but when it gets out of control it has an effect on every aspect of your life.

I know this from my experiences, I am 40 years old and was an alcoholic for 20+ years. I was perfectly content with how my life was going until at the age of 38 I was diagnosed with end stage cirrhosis. I thought this was it for me but I stopped drinking immediately and 2 3/4 years later I finally can see how good life really is and what I have been missing out on all these years. My cirrhosis is no longer progressing and I'm much more confident and happy. $600 a month is what I was spending! Imagine how much that could help out.

I don't know if you realize this but once you’re an alcoholic you will never have the ability to drink social or in moderation. It is all or nothing. I hope you make the right choice and I wish you the best! Take care,

Randy
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Avatar universal
I came across this forum because I am concerned that I have a problem. I am the daughter of an alcoholic. I am 44. I am female. I first experimented with alcohol at 12 years of age. I was a casual drinker until I got older and the stress of life kicked in. I drink mostly at night before bed in hopes I will sleep without worrying about money, life, survival. I have three sons 20, 15  and 12. I have been married and divorced three times. I currently live with my two younger boys and my boyfriend. I keep wanting to only drink on hte weekends. But I can't cut it out. I am athletic and run races and do whatever I can to take the edge off in other positive ways. I am constantly worried about job security, etc. I know the responsibilities and stress of my life cause me to be this way. My mother, rock of my life, was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease two years ago and has quickly gone down hill. So much has me crying daily. I went to my doc and asked for some kind of help. I am now on lexapro which helped a little, but I still hit the wine and rum at night. After working all day, cooking, cleaning and exercising, I feel I deserve that drink at the end of the day. Unfortunately, it turns into more than one. I don't get hangovers, but worry about my overall health. Went through thyroid cancer 3 years ago, and just not sure what my problem is. Glad I found a place to vent.
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Avatar universal
What happened to MGM? I hope the battle wasnt lost x

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1475202 tn?1536270977
Wow that is really quite the story and I am really sorry to hear how bad things between yourself and your husband got but most of all for your children. It seems you are both doing the right and responsible thing by eliminating alcohol from your life. There can be no discussion of turning back now with an attempt at controlling your drinking. You have both come too far and neither of you will ever be able to control it. This is the life of an alcoholic. Reasons for alcoholism:

The chemistry of alcohol allows it to affect nearly every type of cell in the body, including those in the central nervous system. After prolonged exposure to alcohol, the brain becomes dependent on it. Drinking steadily and consistently over time can produce dependence and cause withdrawal symptoms during periods of abstinence. This physical dependence, however, is not the sole cause of alcoholism. To develop alcoholism, other factors usually come into play, including biology, genetics, culture, and psychology. You can find a further explanation in this article

http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/alcoholism/causes.html
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"....I am yet to find the answers to what makes me pick up that glass of wine and not happy until I have finished the bottle......Other people are content with just a glass but for me one glass is never enough."

Often times alcoholism is hereditary as the article explains. It doesn’t mean it’s your fault but by choosing abstinence you can have your life back. This is the only control possible at this point. You have both proven you can do it and be happy. You have also seen what that other life is like and I guarantee you if you go back to it you will miss out on what could be the best part of your life. Continue your sobriety for your children and husband but most of all yourself. You don’t want to spend the rest of your life with regrets, you deserve better! I hope the best for you and your family.

Randy
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Avatar universal
Hello everyone

I was searching for answers to my problem with alcohol on the internet and came across this forum (which I am glad I have found).  My story is probably similar to many.

I started drinking when I was around 16 (I am now 43), the only time I have stopped drinking is when I was pregnant.  I am only a white wine drinker and don't touch spirits but do have the occasional cocktail on special occasions. I have 3 wonderful children and a great husband but something has always been missing from my life and I found wine to be the answer to whatever was/is missing in my life. ....I am yet to find the answers to what makes me pick up that glass of wine and not happy until I have finished the bottle......Other people are content with just a glass but for me one glass is never enough.

Recently a turning point came to me when we were on a family holiday abroad and I got so drunk whilst out one evening.  Like most times when I am drunk I tend to get aggressive and on this particular night I picked a fight with my husband, apparently I was 'in his face' shouting and ranting about heaven only knows what, at this point he pushed me out of his way and I tumbled down some steps and smacked my face.  My husband left me there and who could blame him.  Some locals picked me up and cleaned my wounds.  The next day I was horrified and totally embarrased and ashamed of myself.  I decided enough was enough, our holiday was ruined, my children had witnessed some of the nights events but thankfully not all.  The next day they told me how scared they were for me, that what if I had died due to being in such a drunken state. Totally ashamed and saddened by what I had done (and have done so many times) my decision was made to stop drinking to extreme levels and try to get it under control.  

I like a lot of people is wanting to be in control of alcohol and not let it be in control of me.  Having read this forum, I am not so sure I should ever go back to touching alcohol again.  I have not touched a drop for almost a month.  So far apart from being really tired I am not finding it too bad.  My husband has also given up booze and we are really trying to make a go of it.  I am really glad at finding this forum and just by reading some of your stories has helped me already so thank you all x
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1475202 tn?1536270977
Hello Jim and Welcome to MedHelp! Here you will have no problems finding support and making friends. It's so sad how much of an effect alcohol can have on our lives and actually I'm still pretty bitter about it. I'll never let it in again I know that. It has now been 2 1/2 years since my diagnosis and I am doing quite well but this is a battle I will live with for the rest of my life. So even though I quit, it hasn't quit me. I sure wish that wasn't the case. The first time I sat in front of my doctor disscussing liver transplantation really brings some reality to what I've done to myself.

It sure sounds like you have done a lot of things you regret as well, I guess we all do. You know what though, it's just like you said
"I bounce back with the determination not to ever touch the stuff. I work at burger king and Im thankful. Beats living in pine box"

You are absolutely right my friend, It's like Ibizan always says "just take little steps at a time, whatever it takes to keep making things work for you."

Keep holding on to the good things in your life and surround yourself with good people give it time and you can be doing as good as you want to be! Waking up the each day more confident and without hangovers and regrets will surely bring you good things and happiness. Thanks for writing and I am glad you found us. Take care!

Randy
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Avatar universal
COMMUNITY LEADER
WELCOME!I didn't look like an alcoholic/addict with 2 college degrees and a professional job either!Many were stunned when i admitted myself 2 inpatient in 1983.Best thing i ever did or else i wouldn't be typping this to you!I have moments to this day where i entertain the juvenile thought that kicking back in my old papason chair from the 70's w/ a huge joint getting stoned and a double shot martini and telling the world to go F itself would be a brief respite from daily aggravations and aggravating humans!but that is childish...and i KNOW one of anything never satisfied me!i ALWAYS ended up trashed to the gills....and deeply regretting it the next day!Stay w/us here...so glad u joined!:)
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Avatar universal
I too have always felt accepted at aa. I dont put anything down that has helped even just one person on this planet . People have told me you dont look like an alcoholic. If they only knew the real story. jails, institutions, dts, hospitals losing the businesses, homes, family, friends, living on the streets. alcohol took it all. even at times the will to live on alot of times. One hospital said Jim you have been here 16 times. they finally gave up on me. I wore them out and everyone around me. somehow I bounce back with the determination not to ever touch the stuff. I work at burger king and Im thankful. beats living in pine box. I hope to make friends here.  
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Avatar universal
COMMUNITY LEADER
It is most inadvisable to wean yourself off alcohol using valium on your own minus a doctors monitoring...the results can be fatal!
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Avatar universal
I have had to go cold turkey somewhere down the line each of the million times. One doctor I remember said "you think you had a hard time getting off the alcohol wait till you try to get off the opiates. I slept for a month still mixing it with alcohol and benadryl. I should not be alive. But he was right. I had to go back to the alcohol to get off the opiates. I have studied alcoholism for quite some time now. This actually is my 40th birthday with alcohol. tried, tried. It ruined me and everyone around me. But you know what I don't feel no more. when my wife cried one time I should have been crying with her. But there was no feeling. thats what alcohol has done for me.
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Avatar universal
I just read an interesting method on this web site: http://hamsnetwork.org/taper/  that explains how to wean yourself off large and small amounts. I have also been advised to use Vallium to control anxiety. Good Luck to you (and me)
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Avatar universal
COMMUNITY LEADER
i hope u do 2...ur the only one who can change u!
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