Hi Khiggs, I am also a heavy beer drinker - at least a 12 pack a day - and I'm not a big person. I've been drinking for years and have quit here and there but always went back (currently on my 5th day sober). I never had serious physical withdrawal symptoms until the last time I quit, and it was very, very scary. I think withdrawal can really vary from person to person, and even light (but regular) drinkers can suffer symptoms, so the above advice is right as far as talking to a doctor. Also, serious withdrawal symptoms, like seizures, DT's etc., are very preventable with a Dr.s care and not something you'd want to risk.
That said, having done/doing it on my own, I can tell you that Hevyn is right, avoid caffeine at all costs. I had a cup of coffee (I drink almost as much coffee as I do alcohol normally) yesterday and I immediately got heart palpitations. Also, chamomile tea (Sleepy Time is great) seems to help. I'm drinking Celestial Seasonings Morning Detox as well - it's milk thistle and dandelion tea, but it has a pregnancy warning so I wouldn't advise it before you talk to your Dr. I've been drinking it for a few years as a feeble attempt to make up to my liver
Also taking a multi-vitamin, folic acid, and a brewers yeast tablet (good thiamine source). Lots of baths with epsom salts, though the benefit of that may be in my head. Tons of water, no suger added juice and getting some easy to prepare, healthy food in can't hurt either. I think all of the above can be done along with your Dr.s instructions (except the vitamins and the detox tea, he may prescribe something and you don't want to double up or have an interaction). None of my suggestions will help you with the insomnia, which is a pretty common symptom, but your Dr. will probably give you a sedative of some sort.
MOST important, put yourself first, if only for that first week or two. I also have a lot of animals and they can be just like a house full of kids. It's hard but don't let yourself stress over the little chores that can be overlooked for that short period of time.
I wish you the absolute best of luck.