Quitting..What to expect ..What we did

[nogard]

Thanks Corol

My detox from Alchol was a complete shock.

My 11 year relapse started with a day off from my 20 recovery from drugs.

I had no resepct fro alcolhol and so even whn I quit. I continued that detox'd on my own at home in a reomte area.

I had dt's
shakes for weeks
palpitations (called an ambulance this got so bad)
stomach cramps
vomitted.

Most of this lasted about a week. My advice is get help detoxing and eat lots of fruit, drink lots of water, sleep when you can sleep.

Professional detoxs can be good, talk to someone who has been through it.

Good thing is its gone. These days I don't even think about using or drinking, really! Isn't that a gift.

I wish you well.

Kevin

[scaredykat]

My detoxing wasn’t as bad as some people can be. I think I was just lucky. I have always taken a lot of vitamins even while I was drinking. So I think that helped a lot with my detoxing. I didn’t see a Doctor about quitting drinking which wasn’t a good idea. I have a fear of Dr's so that is what held me back. Detoxing can be dangerous, so seeing a Dr is the better way to go to be safe.

Here is my personal experience when I was detoxing:

Day 1- I had some stomach pain, but no problem with eating. Very nervous, some shakiness, insomnia really bad. Only able to sleep a few hours. I drank a lot of water. I also started my recovery this day that I decided to use.

Day 2- Still some stomach pains, but still eating well. I was still very nervous and shaky some. Sleeping was still really bad. Very tired during the day. I still drank a lot of water.

Day 3- I still had some stomach pains. Still very nervous. Sleeping was still very difficult at night. I took some naps during the day which helped. Still drank a lot of water. Mentally and emotional getting very hard with not drinking.

Day- 4 Feeling a lot better physically. Still having problems with sleeping. Still drinking a lot of water. Emotional and mentally getting harder.
End of week 1- Physical done with detoxing. Emotional and mentally getting harder.

Week 2- Sleeping still hard but better. Emotional and mentally really hard. Crying and anger was the 2 biggest problems.

End of 1st month- Finally sleeping normally. Still drinking my water. Emotional and mentally still hard, but learning to deal with it because I know it will not last forever.

I had a lot of support when I quit. That helps a lot when you are quitting. I had friends here at home and I came on SR 2-3 times a day.

It is possible to quit. I know. I drank for many years and I’m now sober. Living sober is so much better. I feel like I have joined life again and it feels great.

Thanks Carol, and everyone else for being here.

Barb

[swamijapa]

My detox was differet than the mayority of you.
I had a relapse after 13 years of sobriety (didn't know how to deal with a very painful divorce).
The relapse went for 4 months and during that time I was drinking a bottle of vodka almost every day.
On the 16th of April 2004 my daughter (26 years then) told me that if I didnt do something to change my life she will be out of it.
Off to detox I went (hospital), as soon as the doctor saw me he ordered some medications and I felt better straight away. I spent 10 days there and I believe that because of the medications (lots) I was on I didnt feel any withdrawal symptoms.

In there I was under the care of a doctor who specialises in alcohol and drugs, so he made things very easy for my detox. He also put me in contact with 2 different programs to follow as my after care.

Things have been great since then and I continue to work my recovery program.
Swamijapa

[ManchurianC]

I suppose I'm sort of an average alcoholic - who drank 10 to 15 units a day and averaged about 85 per week.

Day 1 - nasty taste in mouth (like the smell that comes from alcoholics). Sleep OK but wake up early with a cold sweat.

Day 2 - sort of head pain (not an ache but a kind of tightness). A bit harder to sleep and wake up early with a cold sweat again.

Day 3 - Starting to feel really tired. Gums become tender and bleed if brushed hard. wake up early but no cold sweat.

Day 4 - just want to loaf about and can't concentrate for long. Have to sleep a lot but keep waking up and feel exhausted all day. Find the tragedies and misfortunes of others funny and feel generally hateful.

Day 5 to Day 9 - like day 4 but gradually become more productive, sleep better and less inclined to enjoy the suffering of others and feel less hateful. Gums firm up and minor aches and pains subside.

Day 10 - start feeling normal being sober. Begin convincing self not an alcoholic and begin to remember how much fun drinking is.

I'm back to day 6 at the moment after a Christmas relapse. Detox, physically, is not so bad at my level of drinking. But I suppose it's as bad as everybody else's psychologically/emotionally.

I'm not a fan of the detox industry, but I can see from the posts here, professional supervision is needed for some.

[MyPaperAnchor]

I'll chime in here since DT's are a very recent memory. FWIW I was a binge drinker drinking a fifth to at most a half-gallon a day. My last drunk that landed me in the ER lasted 5 days.

Day 1: vomitting, dry heaving, racing heart, panic attacks, sweating, dizziness, twitching, unbearable and indescribeable full-body pain, insomnia, visual and auditory hallucinations (SPIDERS!!!!!!)
Day 2: dry heaving, racing heart, panic attacks, sweating, shakes, throbbing headache, auditory hallucinations, body ache, insomnia
Day 3: sweating, chills, anxiety but no more panic attacks, dull headache
Day 4: almost normal. Slight headache and some shakes still, but for the most part done. I actually went to work that day…hardest day of work in my life.

I was able to hold down solid food on day 3 and was able to sleep that night as well.

I tried to get in to a detox facility but every one remotely close to me was full. Don't do what I did if at all possible. You need medical supervision to do this safely.

In my estimation I am extremely fortunate to be alive. I'm in AA now and it's been nothing short of a miracle. I don't have to do this alone. Maybe I'm on a pink cloud but I don't plan on giving any less than 100% to my recovery regardless.

God bless you all.

[Texasblind]

This thread helped so much when I was detoxing. I was so glad to read others similar experiences so I knew my symptoms were "normal." Maybe my experience will do the same for another. I was a constant fifth a day guy for three years. Vodka and whiskey were the poisons.

I don't remember the days, because I unplugged the clock and shut all the drapes. I just wanted to get through it. I brought 5 cases of water and a ton of movies into the bedroom and shut the door.

My symptoms: (basically, it felt like a really bad flu)
Chills - I couldn't get warm. I turned the furnace up and up, but I couldn't get warm. Only a shower helped. Someone else said "compulsive showering." I had that too. Only to be contrasted with...
Sweats - If I managed to sleep, I woke up soaked in sweat. Sweat was coming out of my scalp, even my feet. I kept reminding myself that it was my body purging itself. I'm not kidding though, I literally must have sweat off a gallon or so. Showering a lot for this too. The best way to describe it is like camping when it's raining or maybe living in Atlanta . Just very humid and sleeping with wet comforters.
Liver pain - just a constant tenderness.
Severe dehydration - my skin felt like it was on fire, if I scratched it burned. And, I had to replace all that sweat.
Bad heartburn - this was the worst for me because I'm such a baby when it comes to that.
Headache - the kind that only vomiting makes go away.
Nightmares - when I finally started dreaming again, they were incredibly vivid and scary.

I didn't have shaking, major vomiting, hallucinations or seizures. I'm very thankful for that. It's been over 30 days and I still occasionally sweat all night.

Sorry for the long share, but grateful for the opportunity.

[FightingIrish]

I asked for help and got it from work and was referred to a detox program followed by a 28-day rehab.

Still, I didn't think my physical symptoms would be that bad, as twice before on my own I had made it to 5 days, although obviously I hadn't been able to quit for good. (I didn't want anything to do with AA or recovery, I just wanted to be a normal drinker.)

It turns out what I had done was quite dangerous, and when I went into the detox, they fed me two librium before I was even checked in! Apparently I am terrible at seeing my own symptoms. Many many people noticed that I was usually twitchy and shaky when I myself couldn't see it even when I looked for it.

With the librium the symptoms are likely different from doing it on one's own. Without it, I recall auditory hallucinations (sounded like there was a dance song playing constantly in the next room even when there wasn't), visual phenomena, profuse sweating, chills, aches. These symptoms were somewhat moderated with the librium, but the librium brought a feeling like I was floating above the ground constantly. And I would find myself bumping against the walls when I tried to walk down a hallway.

My blood pressure was also quite elevated, but it gradually went down and stabilized after 4-5 days. (This is one of the ways they determine how long you need to spend in detox.)

After about two days my appetite returned with a vengeance...I literally ate two plates at every meal followed by two desserts, and TONS of coffee and tea. (Maybe not advisable, but it passed the time and satisfied that "sipping" urge.)

-M

[mad1nola]

Thanks for this week by week diary. It has helped me so much and taken away some of the fears I was experiencing. I will recommend this to others who don't know what to expect.

God Bless

[1is2Many]

Thanks for this info. I kinda wished I had read it 4 days ago. I just went to my Doctor this morning, and she was pretty upset that I started detox on my own. Gonna go buy some Vitamin B today (shakes permitting).

Thank you, again.

[Wizard]

Ok, well, I guess I'll post my symtoms because they seem to be a lot different then every elses... Of course, I'm only on day 4... Also, I didn't drink a ton everyday. Just usually a few beers or so.

Day 1: Completely exhausted. Slept a lot of the day. Stomach hurt.

Day 2: Felt a little better. It was a Monday. Took some Pepto Bismo and went to work. Felt tired most of the day. Came home and went to sleep at 8:30.

Day 3: Felt much better! Went to work, came home, did a bunch of cleaning and went to sleep a little after 11. Still felt a little out of it, but that was about it.

Day 4: (today) Feel fine. A little bit out of it, but nothing much at all. Going for a walk tonight and going to do more house cleaning. Overall, I feel really good...

[Overman]

I guess I'm lucky, as I've never had a bad physical detox as described by others here. Worst thing for me was feeling flushed and hot all over, and the b/p jumped up to 200/100.

Far worse than the physical stuff was the depression, guilt, and anxiety that accompanied it.

[Lindsay]

When you say "brain fog" what exactly does that entail? I am currently on day 4 and definitely do seem to be experiencing an almost out of body experience. It's almost like I'm in a daze, although I'm sure I appear just fine. I've been experiencing it mostly when I'm at work on the computer or driving. My eyes feel somewhat dry as well.

Also, is it common to NOT experience hardly any detox symptoms? I considered myself to be a fairly heavy drinker...anywhere from 6-10 beers on week nights and basically drunk friday night through sunday. I haven't experienced any severe detox symptoms that have been discussed in this thread. (which I'm happy about of course.)

[CantWait11]

What do I do?/My story so far

Ok so I was getting pretty sick and bad anxiety and i couldnt figure out why - then after looking on here it was clear - it was because I had cut down on my drinking and my body was starting to detox. Now even tho I drank A LOT, it was clear to me that if I never want to feel this way again in the future, I need to stop altogether. I was drinking 8 of the tiny shot bottles of 99proof shnapps on my lightest days, and 10 + random cocktails on heavy days and party days. I would drink SOMEtimes to wake up, and frequently at work: and it took the edge off anxiety at work

So I am on Day 2 cold turkey at home.

Day 1- super nausea, dry heaving constantly (nothing to throw up because I cant even think about eating). Very intense anxiety with minor shaking, head fuzziness, stuttering, Difficulty sleeping, being woken up by anxiety or stomach

Day 2- less anxiety, dry heaving is exactly the same (horrible), and very worried and depressed and just feeling disassociated with the world. Some trouble sleeping. Still unable to eat and not super easy to drink fluids either. even when my stomach is calm i feel like crying.

My mom has been giving me half of a xanax once a day or so to take the edge off and help sleep some.

here are my questions:
-Ive heard all about the dangers of convulsion/seizure, stroke, high blood pressure and I would love the supervision of a doctor but IM BROKE and have NO INSURANCE

-They say take a Bcomplex vitamin but not on an empty stomach. I CANT EAT!

Im not even on day 3 yet - im scared to pieces! I've called into work these last 2 days and Im suppose to work again on Sunday (that would be day 5) and im afraid I wont be able to function! Some advice PLEASE!

-BJ

[CarolD]

Welcome BJ....

We can't give medical advice....however the beginning
of this thread has information you might find useful.

You can also go to an ER if you get too scared.

The vitamin's are a good idea...wait a few days tho.

Good to see you are working for a healthy sober future.
Most people finish de tox by day 4.
Hope that's true for you too...

[CarolD]

Lindsay...
sorry I did not notice you had posted here.

By now...you should be clear headed
and Yes! you are fortunate
your de tox was less severe than most.

Keep in focus and move ahead

[Gertiegirl]

Hiya all!

Im an alcoholic, I only have 19days in sobriety so far since my last relapse. In the past I have had periods of 5yrs, 3-6 months etc dry and each time I detoxed cold turkey at home, without knowing the risks, just that the first few weeks of withdrawals were a living nightmare. I was terrified of detoxing this time because I had experienced pretty awful withdrawals in the past, and with my last relapse I climbed to my highest consumption yet - a minimum of one 3L cask of wine (approx 4 bottles) between 7.30pm and 11pm ish every single night. Every day I would have awful shakes and anxiety by around 5pm. So I wasn't execting a fun experience thats for sure. With the advice of someone here on SR - I asked my Dr for help, and came clean with exactly what levels I was drinking etc. He refered me to a community drug and alcohol service, to medically manage my detox on an outpatient setting. My experience is as follows.

Day one: Cold Turkey. That night I had terrible nightmares, sweating proffusely was horribly anxious. I didnt go to bed till around 1am, and got very little sleep.

Day two: Arrived at detox center at 9am, was breathalysed to ensure no alcohol consumed. Nurse examination - checking for shakes (real bad) Blood pressure etc (BP 170/120 pretty high, high respitory and pulse rates too). Given 10mg diazepam (valium), came home. 2pm Went to pharmacy to be examined (mainly visual and questioning) by pharmacist before dispensing second 10mg of diazepam and take home dose of 20mg for bedtime. Felt pretty OK - physically and mentally, although still had cold sweats and minor tremors in hands. I was also put on B vitamin complex, and Thiamine HCL.

Day three and four: Pretty much the same as Day two. Felt absolutely fine, but BP all over the place (Still around 170/120 in mornings). On day four I was advised to see my Dr in afternoon for BP check, by the second dose of diazepam my BP at Dr's was under control at 130/75.

Day Five: Nightime dose of diazepam reduced to 10mg. Had to see Dr again regarding BP as still very high in mornings, but again was normal by mid afternoon.

Days six and seven: BP stabilised, diazepam reduced by 5mg per dose each day. Felt clear headed, healthy and pretty much normal, although still minor hand tremors. As the diazepam was withdrawn I was prescribed naltrexone (Revia) to control cravings and block receptors to inhibit alcohol effectiveness.

Day eight and since: Off diazepam completely, BP etc all normal only withdrawal/alcohol effect remaining was tremors in hands, and insomnia. After almost 3 weeks I still havnt made it to bed before midnight yet. I am still taking naltrexone, thiamine and multi-vit suppliment. I am moody, often grumpy, craving regularily and reasonably intolerant. Hopefully this will pass! Physically though - I am feeling great, Lost around 6lb already without all the sugar the pack into cask wine to make it taste halfway decent. I see an alcohol counselor, a therapist, have follow up with my detox nurse and attend 1 to 2 AA meetings per week. Im looking into an IOP programme. Having detoxed cold turkey dangerously in the past - this medically managed detox, was much easier, much safer and meant avoided the horrible physical side of withdrawal Ive had in the past. I had never previously realised the danger (ie BP etc) and I still got to be at home with my hubby and children. If at all possible and you're looking at detox, I majorly recomend medical intervention - even if means you have to fess up to your Dr that you have a drinking problem when you dont want to. Its far safer and easier.

Blessings and hope this helps someone, anyone dont care who on thier journey!
Gerts.

[Trisomy21]

Day 1: Hungover, anxious, clammy and exhausted but unable to sleep. Luckily I got my doctor involved and he prescribed me Lorazepam 1mg
Slept well that night

Day 2: Felt a lot better, no real symptoms other than a bit of fogginess which could easily be a side affect from the lorazepams

Day 3: More energy, a little shakey and slight confusion but had a good sleep with no alcohol in my system, kind of excited to be "normal" again

Day 4: Another good, long 9-hour sleep. Woke up feeling good and ready to continue the battle.

Over all, I'm 100% certain my withdrawals would have been 100 times worse without the aid of Lorazepam. It allowed me to sleep comfortable, in fact the best sleep I've had in months. Its one drug used in detoxification to prevent seizures etc, also prescribed for anxiety.

Lorazepam, while addictive is a lot easier to quit than alcohol, in my opinion.

[JPUK]

Hi All

Im in my mid 30's have always binze drank but been drinking heavily for about 5 years which peaked lately at 4 bottles of Red wine from about 5pm till 2am , and usually cider in the morning to help with the withdrawels, and often drank at work untill i lost my job.

My Doctor was extremely unhelpfull and wouldnt prescribe me any medication and just told me to gradually cut down. I knew i couldnt do this because my problem was once I start drinking I cant stop. So i decided to cut myself off from people and go it alone. Probably a bad decision looking back and reading the other posts on here.

I had my last drinking session that night then passed out about 2am

Day One - Woke 6am, withdrew at 10am when id normally reach for a can of cider, extreme sweats and major shakes.Nausia and dry wretching all day.Layed down and drank juice all day. Thought of food made me feel sicker.Spent entire day on couch watching tv and praying for the day to end.

Day Two - Managed 4 hours sleep with bizzare random pictures in my head, bed sheets drenched in sweat.Dizziness.High pitched ringing in ears. Banging headache and stomach pains.Stood up and fell over. Dissoriantated.Much worse than day one
Forced myself to eat some fruit and yoghurt as i felt so weak.Awake all night till 9am next morning

Day Three -Few hours sleep.Severe diahorria all morning,.Head still real sore. Skin felt tingling and itchy.Managed to keep down some soup. Looked like ****, massive bags under eyes.depression kicked in and cried several times as friday night and mates texting me to go out. Said i had a bug.Took some nightol and slept bit better but mad nightmares.

Day Four- Cramps still there but appetite not bad. Fruit, soup and biscuits.
Headache still there.Sweats and shakes minimum. Napping in the day.Still not left house. Felt very alone.Being able to talk to some people online cheered my up and helped the hours pass.

Days 5-8- Worst over with.Still random sleep patterens, low energy and being very reclusive.But no heavy symptoms.

Been 10 days now and my main withdrawels are definatly over. Still not going out or socialising. Saw my parents and explained what id done. They were upset I hadnt said, but my personal choice was I knew i didnt want to be around anybody fussy around me.I did tell one mate who i texted throughout, incase anything went badly wrong

Still have a way to go yet. I wish I had been able to get medical help. I really should have just gone to the hospital. I think I was lucky in the end with my symtoms.
The things that really got me through I think were forcing myself to eat even though I didnt want it. Just light stuff. Empty stomach made me really weak and added to headaches and stomach pain.Long hot baths really helped, to relax and sweat me out. Any just napping when I could as proper nights sleep is impossible for a week or so. I also stocked up on loads of juice, fruit, vitmans (c), light food etc as i knew i was not going to want to leave the house> Fresh air helps though, luckily i had a garden to sit in, even though its freezing here in london this winter as usual lol

Good luck to anybody else going through the same


JP

[CarolD]

Welcome JP....
Thanks for sharing and I do hope you will come
down to our main Alcoholism Forum for support.

Congratulations for chooseing a healthier sober future.

[nandm]

Welcome to SR, JPUK!