Quitting Alcohol - physical side effects?

[abcdabcd]

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

[possitive]

Thanks alot im in the uk so times no problem Really thanks alot for the surport it much needed im off to try and sleep now but i will keep you posted Good night

[Twosandbits]

Awwww Possitve, it certainly is not just you! I drank for many years and also new why I was drinking and the damage my drinking was doing! It is not easy to stop drinking by any means but if you really want this you will do it :-) It's bad that your doctor offered you no further help but to tell you to buy beers :-( that is not very helpful or professional. I can't help you with using alcohol to taper your drinking down as I have no experience and it would be dangerous as I'm not medically trained. I can offer support by listening and understanding what you are going through, I live in the UK so if you are from the USA are times are different but I will reply when I can. Right now it is 01.16 and I should really get some sleep soon. But before I go I just wanted to say that you must be going through hell right now! If you feel really unwell could you go to an emergency department? Make sure you drink plenty of fluids, don't worry about food for now your appetite will come back later. When you can get a good multi vitamin & mineral, also vitiamin B strong compound and some Thiamine. Oh and if it all gets too much and you do drink alcohol don't dispare! You just need more help and I sincerely hope you find it :-)

[possitive]

Thank you i went to the doctors last year after i stoped drinking and hes advice to me was he can not give me meds for withdrawals because i could drink with them and i should go and buy some beers to help . This felt like a huge door was slammed in my face so i brought beers and that was that i gave up . i know why i drink i just needed help . i can do this and want to do this . im going to sign up with a new GP tomorrow and get the help i need . Can i just say im not good at talking about this ive search the web before for help but to be honest to blind drunk to read and just put it off. Its really good to find this site and from what ive read it made me tearfull because it brings it home to me that its not just me .

[Twosandbits]

Hello and welcome, it's really positive that you have realised that you have a problem with alcohol and you want to do something about it. I don't mean to scare you but stopping drinking abruptly after the amount of alcohol and time you have been drinking can be extremely dangerous and you are running the risk of experiencing serve withdrawals. Is it possible for you to see a doctor and get help with stopping drinking, I strongly suggest that you seek medical help and set up some sort of care system such as AA or a similar programme.

I wish you every success but I can't emphasise enough how important it is to seek medical help :-)

[possitive]

Hello all im 37 and been drinking for a long long time  i drink 12 cans a night and sometimes a bottle of vodka . Last time i drank this was monday just gone . Now ive stoped and im on my second night without a drink and im getting withdraws  sweeting badly and i fall a sleep and my body jumps after being asleep for 5 10 mins allso my lower back is starting to hert this only started today . Im happy ive made it 2 nights so far but im worryed that the withdraws im getting will get worse . Im not feeling hungree at all aswell . Thank you for any advice help its much needed

[ibizan]

THAT was not a good idea!the old alcoholic brain will later on taunt u with hey old boy...u handled one.....why not another??????not worth it dear man...just not worth it!