best way to quit

[PTSD0508]

I would like some advice. I quit drinking about 4 years ago and had no problem. I had been drinking quite heavily before that, but just decided one day to stop, so I did. I didn't drink for an entire year. Then I started back up again. Now I want to quit again, but I'm scared after reading detox can kill you. Is it safer to only have one or two drinks a night, then wean myself off slowly? I had no idea I could have hurt myself last time or I wouldn't have done it that way. I didn't have hardly any of the symptoms of detox the first time. I just stopped.

[TTOSBT]

It is always best to talk to a doctor before you try to quit.
I also quit on my own with no medical assistance when I got sober though.
Out of curiousity, how much did you drink and how often? How long did you usually go in between drinks?

[PTSD0508]

I agree. I'm glad things were easier on you as well. At the time I was drinking between 8-12 beers a day. I pretty much lived to get home from work so I could drink and make "it all go away". When I quit, I also moved far away from the people and the things that were upsetting me and just started over. Now I'm back at my old way of handling things, and even though I know it's the wrong thing to do, I'm finding it a lot harder to give it up. Before I wanted change. Now I'm scared of it.

[DSodaNow]

For me, I used AA to quit drinking. It is a program that has helped me with more than just not drinking. I have started to "fix" myself and realize why I drank in the first place. And I really need the support that the other people there offer.

In regard to stopping cold turkey. You do need to be careful. For me, I don't think that I would have been able to wean myself because after one drink I cannot stop, but I have read about some people on here doing that. Everyone has a different experience with detoxing and it can be dangerous so it may be best to seek medical advise.

I was a 2-3 bottle a day wine drinker for about 3 years when I decided to stop. I didn't have any really bad symptoms. I had trouble sleeping, really bad headaches, shakes and a lot of anxiety the first week.

Have you spoke with your husband about this? It may be helpful to have him on board with the situation.

[TTOSBT]

Don't be scared! It is still wonderful out here in recovery
I got sober at the beginning of May and I am very active in AA. I have a sponsor and work the steps.
I can not believe how wonderful my life already is!
I really don't know if it makes a difference but I did not drink during the day and sometimes went a day without so it really did not occur to me to talk to a doctor until I came here. Now I know that you can die from withdrawals, I never knew that!

Are you drinking about the same this time?

[PTSD0508]

I've tried talking to my husband. He just gets angry with me when I don't stop. He'll shut himself completely off from me. Tonight he walked in and gave me a kiss, something which he hasn't done in quite a while. I have no idea why that happened. My husband doesn't understand. He just sees that it pisses him off that I do it, and he doesn't understand why I just don't stop. I don't drink much beer anymore. I have 3-4 drinks made with rum, sometimes more. I know I need to "fix" myself. I just don't know how.

[CarolD]

I noticed your user name....have you been diagnosed with PTSD?
That might make quitting more difficult
without seeing a doctor.

Tapering? very few people can actually
get that to work. Try for a few
weeks and see if you can.
If not...see your doctor.

The positive thing about AA is you will be
able to find a room full of support and
understanding. It's really a good way
to move forward.

Thanks for sharing with us...

[TTOSBT]

Have you tried a self help program?
I have only been able to do it one day at a time with the help of AA and some really great women.

[PTSD0508]

Thank you to all that answered. Yes, I have been diagnosed with PTSD and have been on Prozac for quite some time. It has helped, but since we've moved, I can't find a doctor who will take new patients. I've been taking half doses for a while, hoping I can still find someone who can hel before I run out. I only have one month's worth left. Nobody in the area is taking new patients. If I need medical for anything, I have to go to the ER. It's funny that I can't quit cigs cold turkey, but I have been able to do so with alcohol, although I'm not so sure this time it will be this easy. I know that when/if I do, I will have to face all the bad things that I'm just now remembering that have happened in my life. I will also have to learn how to deal with a very loving, but at the same time, very emotionally abusive husband. I have been great at finding men like that. I guess it's like they say, one day at a time. In the meantime, all I can do is pray each day. I lost my brother to this same disease a few years ago. Thank you for being here for me. I pray that as I get more acquainted with all of you and start trusting again, things will get better. I hope you all have a great night. God bless...me

[indigo]

can you keep trying to get an appointment with a doctor? they can put you in the right direction.

[PTSD0508]

We moved here a little over a year ago. I started trying to find a doctor right away. I couldn't find one anywhere that was taking new patients. Still had one refill on my meds, and when I refilled it, I asked the pharmacist if he could recommend someone. He said no, that nobody he knew of was taking new patients. I finally found one doctor and she refilled my prescription, then decided to retire. She said she had no one that she could recommend because she knew of no one who would take a new patient. I'm back at square one. I think my only choice is to go to the ER.