Word to the wise

Question

Do not quit drinking cold turkey without the supervision of a doctor or inpatient detox for a few days.  I learned the hard way the past couple days.  I quit Tuesday.  I was feeling fine and getting a lot of work done, but by Thursday afternoon, I developed tightness in my chest like I was having an asthma attack.  I had put a pizza in the oven for dinner and while it was cooking and a few minutes before my boyfriend came home, I passed out between the kitchen and living room and had apparently suffered a seizure with no warning.  I came to, but don't remember several minutes.  I finally insisted on going to the ER because I was having so much trouble breathing (later I learned that the seizure had caused my chest muscles to contract.  The pain was like I had broken ribs.   At ER I had a second seizure I don't remember while my mom was there.  I was admitted to ICU for two nights.  Today, thank God, I am okay.  But so much worse could have happenned.  Thei seizure could have happenned earlier in the day and no one would have found me.  I could have hit my head. I could have had a heart seizure.  You name it.  Anyway,  for those of you trying to quit, please take this seriously.  I was bad (generally 6-10 light beers a day), but not the worst I've heard.  And this happenned to me.  There is free help out there to prevent this.  If it does happen to you, call an ambulance if you have to, but get to a hospital right away.  It's nothing to mess with.  I hope this is helpful to someone.

rpooo · Answer

I have always had a difference in opinion concerning this. First I have to say that Crash I am very glad you are doing alright.

I have read many times that quitting "cold turkey" can lead to seizure and in rare cases even death. I have also talked to many people that have done it and myself included. When I made this attempt to quit I kept beer in my fridge and I cut back slowly. I think that by cutting back by one beer or drink a night is the way to handle this. The idea is to taper back so as for it not to be such a shock for your body. This is how I did it and remember everybody is different.

I do not recommend this method but I understand many people might never get around to making an attempt to quit otherwise. Missing school and/or work to recieve medical supervision can seem next to impossible, maybe even concern about privacy. So If you are going to try an attempt to stop drinking on your own be very careful.

Randy

crash2323 · Answer

I am doing very well, thank goodness. Luckily I was smart enough to get to a hospital right away and ultimately suffered no ill effects. I am following up with my doctors this coming week. Today I am happy, healthy, and thankfully, sober. Thank you for your concern.