alcohol detox

[pdhnmdrunk]

I have been drinking +/- 1/2 of a 750ml bottle of 80 proof gin a day for six to eight months. I have a good supply of prescription 2mg Lorizipam. Can I detox on this without getting the DT's, siezures or dying? I really want to get off the booze.

Thanks,

Paul

[LindaRAmar]

Lorazepam is an intermediate-acting benzo, usually used for anxiety attacks.  A longer-acting benzo like Librium is more effective and easier to manage so is more often used in treatment settings.  You really need to have someone else administering it to you.

Lots of things affect the likelihood of major withdrawal symptoms, such as the length of time you have used alcohol during your lifetime and what effect it had on you when you drank before; how old you are; your physical health.  Your body changes to accommodate alcohol and it does so differently with every person because we bring different genetic and environmental circumstances to our drinking.  Your liver has the biggest detox task because that is its job.  It will keep doing it until it cannot do it anymore and you may have little warning before it's seriously damaged.  I've seen major, life-threatening withdrawal in young kids.  I've seen liver failure in 12-year-olds.  This is not the norm, but it can and does happen.  I've seen others who have been drinking for thirty years or more who suddenly begin to have serious symptoms.  

The folks who have already replied are right:  major withdrawal is a life-threatening condition.  It's worth going to detox for.  Treatment is better still, if you have it available to you.  Don't take the chance.  I've been there.  I wouldn't be here if I hadn't been taken to an ER and from there to treatment.  All the best to you, and keep in touch.

[boogieman]

hi. just to reinforce the previous replies, alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous business and self medicating is usually not a good idea. lorazepam is highly addictive and a tolerance can be developed in just a few days. additionally, some (like myself) have required intravenous administration of meds and even become dangerous to themselves and those close by. hopefully you haven't reached that point of chronic abuse, but you should still see a competent physician for the best outcome. good luck,  gm

[Amphitrite]

Oh but make sure you make use of this forum, it's really great and supportive.

You might want to make another sperate thread also!

[Amphitrite]

Hi Paul, I'll answer your here too.

You've been drinking quite a bit everynight for the past six to eight months. Each body reacts differently to dependance on a substance. But the rule of thumb for pills like benzos and opiates is about 3 moths of cinstant use.

I don't know for certain how long it takes the body to become depandent on alcogol and since alcogol withdrawls can be fatal for your own well being you should talk to your doctor or go to a clinic and they can help you.

If you also have medical insurance you can check out an inpatient detox and they can get out off saftely.

It's true that benzos are used to help someone get through withdrawls of alcohol but the schedual is determined by a doctor.

There is an experts addiction forum here. I don't THINK it costs monet to ask a question (don't qoute me on that). But the Dr. might be able to help you better, or at least give you an idea of what kind of danger zone your in for having withdrawls that could be dangerous and life threatning.

Amph

[Dalubaba]

One can take holistic treatment like yoga, meditation,Reikhi, pranik healing,, acupressure etc. These thrrapies, if successful it can change your life completly and you will be a big asset to your family and friends.

[Amphitrite]

Make sure you visit the substance abuse forum. They'll better help you there. They are a wealth of information on detoxing.

Like your aware, alcohol withdrawls are dangerous.

Make sure you don't do anything before checking out the substance abuse forum. ANd you can also visit the addictions expert forum.

[RockRose]

So,  it sounds like that's about 7 or 8 standard mixed drinks a day?  For really a relatively short while,  6 to 8 months.  

Is the Lorazepam your prescription?  If it is,  the  doctor can guide you through a withdrawal schedule.

If it isn't,  pdhnmdrunk,  please don't mess with it.    That drug itself can be addictive if not taken under a doctor's watch.  

Have you tried slow tapering?

Best wishes.  

[AnnaE]

You are not alone. I think that someone on the substance abuse forum could give you the feedback you need.

Best,

Anna