HELP! I Quit 3 days ago after 30 years and feel AWFULL...

[spiritscense]

Hello..have been a heavy drinker for 30 years I am now 49. I decided to completely stop two days ago. So far I havent had a drink. I was drinking a 3 liter wine every day...sometimes some vodka. It got to the point that I drank in the morning and all day till I fell asleep. I am wondering about vitimin B complex, herbs etc to help. I feel jittery, paranoid, heart palpitations, nausea, and I a FREEZING cold. I do have a perscription for Ativan and started taking1/2 pil in the Am and 1/2 in the evening. I am afraid of seizures??? Any thoughts??? Is cold turkey the way for someone who has been drinking so much for so long???
Thank you

[Phtartist]

Withdrawal is a serious matter. We just took someone to the hospital in your situation!  His blood pressure was 180/110. That is called the "silent killer".  

It is not like the hospitals have never seen your condition.  It is common especially this time of year.  You won't be alone there, especially in a few more hours.  Go now so they can take you before the rest of the drinkers come in.

You are at least walking in on your own. Kudos!

[ibizan]

good advice given by my sober cohorts here....did whoever give u that scrip for Ativan know how much u drink?that is a habit forming drug....benzodiazepene family and if u take it and abrupbtly stop u will have headaches from it very unpleasant!

[spiritscense]

Thank you!

[Jacker]

I think you should see a doctor, to make sure that you don't have siezures.  The jittery stuff and the heart palpatations come with the territory.  Drink water, gatoraide, and try putting some honey in the water- your body us used to the sugar from alcohol, so the honey will kill that part of the craving and the water keeps you hydrated.  Gateraide replaces other stuff.  B Complex is good, but it doesn't do much in the first few days...it's more of a long term thing.

Short of seizures, the worst of the physical symptoms usually leave in 7-10 days (it varies depending on the person).  You will still feel kind of "out of it" for awhile, but it gets better week by week (after the initial withdrawal).  Stay away from caffeine right now.

Seriously, think about seeing a doctor or going to the emergency room.  They'll know what to do and can keep you from getting seizures. I quit a 15 year habit cold turkey, but it was beer and I was a night time drinker only. Greater amounts of alcohol over a long period of time can put you in danger of seizures.  

[boogieman]

hi. you should not attempt this without medical advice. alcohol withdrawal is a potentially life-threatening condition that can result in seizures, cardiac arrest, and severe psychological distress. your vital signs and neurological condition should be monitored to determine the correct dosing of any medications as well as any other treatment. best of luck---gm