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Quitting Alcohol - physical side effects?
I started drinking about a half liter of vodka a day around 2 years ago. 3 months ago I decided I want to stop, but I decided I should cut-down to avoid any withdrawls, so I stopped drinking vodka completely and now I drink 3 - 24 oz. cans of beer a night, a 6 pack.
I read that if you stop cold turkey, you can go through DT's and seizures. The thought of this makes me feel like having a panic attack. Is your body dependant on the amount of alcohol or alcohol period?
Should I continue to cut-down since I'm having success with this method? Maybe cut down to two beers, for a week, and then 1 beer, and then stop? Is cutting down slowly a good way to avoid side effects? Is my body getting used to not having alcohol? My stomach now feels better, less gas, and my apetite has increased.
I'm not going to have any psychological withdrawls, I feel good without drinking, I'm just worried about the physical withdrawls.
I know some people are going to mention to go to a hospital, but I have a thing about hospitals and don't like them, besides I'm broke and unemployed.
Thanks
I read that if you stop cold turkey, you can go through DT's and seizures. The thought of this makes me feel like having a panic attack. Is your body dependant on the amount of alcohol or alcohol period?
Should I continue to cut-down since I'm having success with this method? Maybe cut down to two beers, for a week, and then 1 beer, and then stop? Is cutting down slowly a good way to avoid side effects? Is my body getting used to not having alcohol? My stomach now feels better, less gas, and my apetite has increased.
I'm not going to have any psychological withdrawls, I feel good without drinking, I'm just worried about the physical withdrawls.
I know some people are going to mention to go to a hospital, but I have a thing about hospitals and don't like them, besides I'm broke and unemployed.
Thanks
I have been alcoholic since I was 15, I'm now 37. I have not sunk as low as some but I have definitely done things that would make most of you cringe, alas I am not on trial for my sins.
I am here to tell you about a book I read, 12 months ago I discovered 'Easyway' this is the 'easy way to stop smoking' I read half of it and my partner read the whole book, we quit smoking, or more accurately we were released from the trap of smoking.
I then discovered another book by the same author/organisation. 'The easy way to control alchohol'. I finished the book a week ago and I can confirm to you all I am no longer an alcoholic, recovering or otherwise, I am an ex addict, a non alcohol drinker. In fact I am a normal free spirit. I knew I was going to end the dependence on alchohol before I finished the book.
I have no financial involvement, other than purchasing a copy of the books, with Easyway. I won't gain from this post, In fact the author tells us, the reader, NOT to try and help others unless they specifically ask for your help. I don't think I am betraying the author as you have all askedfor/suggested ways to help.
I would like each person to read the book to the end, don't cheat or say you have if you have not as you will only cheat your self. If you don't want to read it don't, I'm not in a position to monitor your reading anyway. I ask you to read it cover to cover purely so you can help yourself.
I hope you all have a very good week
Cheers G.B
I am here to tell you about a book I read, 12 months ago I discovered 'Easyway' this is the 'easy way to stop smoking' I read half of it and my partner read the whole book, we quit smoking, or more accurately we were released from the trap of smoking.
I then discovered another book by the same author/organisation. 'The easy way to control alchohol'. I finished the book a week ago and I can confirm to you all I am no longer an alcoholic, recovering or otherwise, I am an ex addict, a non alcohol drinker. In fact I am a normal free spirit. I knew I was going to end the dependence on alchohol before I finished the book.
I have no financial involvement, other than purchasing a copy of the books, with Easyway. I won't gain from this post, In fact the author tells us, the reader, NOT to try and help others unless they specifically ask for your help. I don't think I am betraying the author as you have all askedfor/suggested ways to help.
I would like each person to read the book to the end, don't cheat or say you have if you have not as you will only cheat your self. If you don't want to read it don't, I'm not in a position to monitor your reading anyway. I ask you to read it cover to cover purely so you can help yourself.
I hope you all have a very good week
Cheers G.B
I didn't have those kidney pains, but I know what you are talking about...I think. You might want to get a doctor's opinion as to whether it can be something else, and if they are lasting more than a few days or getting worse. I have in the past felt discomfort in the kidney area, but it never really lasted more than 2 days. Indeed it was painful at times, and did feel like I should be able to shift position to make it go away, but never could. I'd try water to see if it helps or otherwise... dehydration usually seems to worsen everything for me. I was really careful to drink at least as much liquid as I was with the beer so a shift in liquid volume wouldnt cause cramps, constipation and dehydration. If you are having other kidney symptoms (pain numbing in shoulder, arms and feet; swelling; fatigue; frequent urination), you might want to see a doctor. could be something not exactly related to the drinking too (stones...).
how long did it take kidney pains to go away ??? was it bad enough that you couldnt get comfortable in any position - kinda like a kidney infection?
The multiple requests on this thread for information about quitting cold turkey or not and the fear of just quitting because of the physical effects inspired me to start another thread while I tried weaning off alcohol. No one seems to want to stick their neck out and say anything... Well, here's what I learned...
* You can quit, successfully. Anyone can quit. You may need to try several times, and you may need to find a program that works for you, and you may need to focus on a real reason. The latter was most important to me.
* Everyone is different. Your tolerance and symptoms of withdrawal will not only vary depending on your sex and weight and the amount you consume, but your chemistry and general health. 6 beers to a strapping 20-year-old in perfect health are different than 6 beers to a 60-year-old with cirrhosis and failing kidneys on blood pressure medication and in cancer treatment.
* Be careful quitting. Withdrawal can kill. Your detox period will depend on many factors. Your symptoms may vary widely because of the point above. Take steps to be sure you are quitting safely...
* Go to the doctor BEFORE you quit. Deciding to quit without a doctor visit might be suicide. Be honest about the amount you drink. Don't use the excuse that you have no money and no insurance; I didn't either. Truth is, you have money if you can always find it to maintain your habit. A single visit to your GP won't cost so much out of pocket that it isn't worth the reassurance and possibly saving your life. Doctors can prescribe medication to help with withdrawal, test your vitals, and perhaps can point to programs for detox/withdrawal.
* Develop a plan and be prepared to use it to quit. I chose to wean from alcohol, and it worked well for me. Some will not be able to wean because of the draw to drink more. But the alcohol is not the only factor... you need a time line, perhaps the assistance of people to watch you during the period of withdrawal, time off from work, food for nourishment (enough for the planned period of withdrawal, including healthy assortment of fruits and vegetables), liquids to replace electrolytes and maintain hydration (e.g., gatoraide), vitamins (consult a doctor, but B6, B12, magnesium and phosphorus), and an escape plan (e.g., 911, what hospital to get to for withdrawal, and what taxi or ambulance service to call). Good nutrition can help reduce symptoms.
* Don't expect to be symptom free, but know what symptoms need treatment. You will probably have some headaches, insomnia, sweating, dizziness... It is when these elevate to more serious levels or other issues like tremors, confusion, hallucinations, or seizures occur that you are already in a dangerous way. Research the symptoms -- not to fear them but to use them as understanding of what to expect and when to hit the panic button. If you are having minor symptoms, it is uncomfortable and you can ride them out... if you have serious symptoms, you need to get medical attention.
* Don't mix treatments and come off too many things at once. You should not, for example, expect to get a prescription of a benzodiazepine and start taking it while you are still drinking. Follow the doctor's suggestions for using any prescription. If you are addicted to other substances, even nicotine, you may have to come off them one-at-a-time or you likely will increase your chances of having a catastrophic withdrawal. If you decide to wean off alcohol, you will likely not have the security of prescriptions to ward off other symptoms...and it will be up to you to manage your alcohol intake, and that is why many can fail and revert.
* Empower yourself. Before reducing or going cold turkey, learn to meditate/relax, have a light exercise plan (discuss with your doctor), and plan some activities -- even if they are just around the house. Sitting and dwelling on symptoms will probably make them seem worse.
* Know yourself. If you have one drink and need to have 8, it is not likely you will be able to do anything but cold turkey. If you are intolerant of pain and need support, you may want to consider checking into a detox. I tapered quickly from a 12 pack a day, drinking only when I felt symptoms coming on. A feel a 12-pack is a lot and had been doing that much for months... No matter how much you drink, the severity of your reaction to any reduction will give you a hint as to the severity of your over-all withdrawal. Most people who drink say they drink less than they actually do -- I know, I used to too. Be honest with yourself, and your doctor, and if you need a friend for support, find one you trust.
* Arm yourself and do it. I did all of the things above to prepare for the worst and plan for the best. My fear of withdrawal was probably the only thing keeping me drinking, as it was easier to maintain the drinking than to face that fear. When I had my plan, I set it in motion, and only changing my mind about quitting would have stopped me.
* Know your triggers and have alternatives. I won't be going to the local bar anymore. When I need a moment after a call to the lawyer about the divorce, unpaid bills, flooding, death in the family, my first reaction will not be to go to the drug store for beer. Maybe i'll shoot some hoops or hop on the exercise bike... If you come home from work and habitually hit the liquor cabinet, consider taking a walk instead, playing with the dog, focusing on the kids or your spouse. There will still be triggers to deal with, and you will need alternatives to reaching for a glass.
I am only 5 days without a drink, but 10 days into my plan of reduction/weaning. But I am done with it. Sure, it is possible to revert, but my main point of resistance (fear of withdrawal) has been overcome, and I don't see why I would ever turn back after that experience. I'm looking forward to the most exciting part of my life... And hope that my suggestions here help someone achieve the same.
* You can quit, successfully. Anyone can quit. You may need to try several times, and you may need to find a program that works for you, and you may need to focus on a real reason. The latter was most important to me.
* Everyone is different. Your tolerance and symptoms of withdrawal will not only vary depending on your sex and weight and the amount you consume, but your chemistry and general health. 6 beers to a strapping 20-year-old in perfect health are different than 6 beers to a 60-year-old with cirrhosis and failing kidneys on blood pressure medication and in cancer treatment.
* Be careful quitting. Withdrawal can kill. Your detox period will depend on many factors. Your symptoms may vary widely because of the point above. Take steps to be sure you are quitting safely...
* Go to the doctor BEFORE you quit. Deciding to quit without a doctor visit might be suicide. Be honest about the amount you drink. Don't use the excuse that you have no money and no insurance; I didn't either. Truth is, you have money if you can always find it to maintain your habit. A single visit to your GP won't cost so much out of pocket that it isn't worth the reassurance and possibly saving your life. Doctors can prescribe medication to help with withdrawal, test your vitals, and perhaps can point to programs for detox/withdrawal.
* Develop a plan and be prepared to use it to quit. I chose to wean from alcohol, and it worked well for me. Some will not be able to wean because of the draw to drink more. But the alcohol is not the only factor... you need a time line, perhaps the assistance of people to watch you during the period of withdrawal, time off from work, food for nourishment (enough for the planned period of withdrawal, including healthy assortment of fruits and vegetables), liquids to replace electrolytes and maintain hydration (e.g., gatoraide), vitamins (consult a doctor, but B6, B12, magnesium and phosphorus), and an escape plan (e.g., 911, what hospital to get to for withdrawal, and what taxi or ambulance service to call). Good nutrition can help reduce symptoms.
* Don't expect to be symptom free, but know what symptoms need treatment. You will probably have some headaches, insomnia, sweating, dizziness... It is when these elevate to more serious levels or other issues like tremors, confusion, hallucinations, or seizures occur that you are already in a dangerous way. Research the symptoms -- not to fear them but to use them as understanding of what to expect and when to hit the panic button. If you are having minor symptoms, it is uncomfortable and you can ride them out... if you have serious symptoms, you need to get medical attention.
* Don't mix treatments and come off too many things at once. You should not, for example, expect to get a prescription of a benzodiazepine and start taking it while you are still drinking. Follow the doctor's suggestions for using any prescription. If you are addicted to other substances, even nicotine, you may have to come off them one-at-a-time or you likely will increase your chances of having a catastrophic withdrawal. If you decide to wean off alcohol, you will likely not have the security of prescriptions to ward off other symptoms...and it will be up to you to manage your alcohol intake, and that is why many can fail and revert.
* Empower yourself. Before reducing or going cold turkey, learn to meditate/relax, have a light exercise plan (discuss with your doctor), and plan some activities -- even if they are just around the house. Sitting and dwelling on symptoms will probably make them seem worse.
* Know yourself. If you have one drink and need to have 8, it is not likely you will be able to do anything but cold turkey. If you are intolerant of pain and need support, you may want to consider checking into a detox. I tapered quickly from a 12 pack a day, drinking only when I felt symptoms coming on. A feel a 12-pack is a lot and had been doing that much for months... No matter how much you drink, the severity of your reaction to any reduction will give you a hint as to the severity of your over-all withdrawal. Most people who drink say they drink less than they actually do -- I know, I used to too. Be honest with yourself, and your doctor, and if you need a friend for support, find one you trust.
* Arm yourself and do it. I did all of the things above to prepare for the worst and plan for the best. My fear of withdrawal was probably the only thing keeping me drinking, as it was easier to maintain the drinking than to face that fear. When I had my plan, I set it in motion, and only changing my mind about quitting would have stopped me.
* Know your triggers and have alternatives. I won't be going to the local bar anymore. When I need a moment after a call to the lawyer about the divorce, unpaid bills, flooding, death in the family, my first reaction will not be to go to the drug store for beer. Maybe i'll shoot some hoops or hop on the exercise bike... If you come home from work and habitually hit the liquor cabinet, consider taking a walk instead, playing with the dog, focusing on the kids or your spouse. There will still be triggers to deal with, and you will need alternatives to reaching for a glass.
I am only 5 days without a drink, but 10 days into my plan of reduction/weaning. But I am done with it. Sure, it is possible to revert, but my main point of resistance (fear of withdrawal) has been overcome, and I don't see why I would ever turn back after that experience. I'm looking forward to the most exciting part of my life... And hope that my suggestions here help someone achieve the same.
Hi All I have been drinking almost two bottle of wine everynight for as long as I can remember. I keep trying to give up but get terrible insomnia and night sweats and end up giving in after two bad nights. Does anyone know roughly how many nights you can go through this before you come out the other end? I have no problem quitting its just not sleeping that is messing me up.
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