any thoughts on weaning ?
Member
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 1,622
If you are an alcoholic like me, there is something physical inside you that means you will crave more when you pick up a drink.
I needed time - the time to the bottle shop was enough for me to think through what would happen if I drank. You need 7 minutes to overcome the physical craving.
I needed time - the time to the bottle shop was enough for me to think through what would happen if I drank. You need 7 minutes to overcome the physical craving.
Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Northville, MI
Posts: 9
Maybe you should read the whole thread before passing judgement? I've already mentioned that I am a caregiver for my elderly grandmother. I look out for her both physically, and monetarily. I don't have the money to check myself into rehab (even outpatient programs are expensive). And I can't just take off work for a week or two to check myself into rehab...
Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Northville, MI
Posts: 9
By the way, they're programs to take care of your issues keeping you from treatment. I didnt have a dime to my name. Literally. ZERO. I managed to get 28 days treatment financed by my state. All I had to do was inquire. My point is, if your weaning does not work and you continue to drink and it progresses (because thats what this disease does,...every failed attempt is followed by progression) then what level of care could you be giving your grandmother? Doesnt she deserve the highest level of care a sober person can give? Also,...if you go to your employer and tell them you are an alcoholic and need help, legally, they MUST retain your job while you seek treatment. Most companies even have programs in place where they fully fund treatment.
All I said was maybe you should read the whole thread before passing judgement. Not sure how that is attacking anyone.. You obviously read the first post and made your first reply before reading the whole thread.
Anyways.. Yesterday went well. Minimum withdrawal symptoms, mainly some headaches (not sure if thats even related) and of course problems sleeping. Watching the superbowel sober was kind of strange! I'm glad the Giants managed to win even though part of me wanted to see the patriots have a perfect season.
Anyways.. Yesterday went well. Minimum withdrawal symptoms, mainly some headaches (not sure if thats even related) and of course problems sleeping. Watching the superbowel sober was kind of strange! I'm glad the Giants managed to win even though part of me wanted to see the patriots have a perfect season.
Forward we go...side by side-Rest In Peace
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Serene In Dixie
Posts: 36,740
Well...
I never tried to wean....so I find this thread interesting.
Obviously...PN is making positive progress and thats super!
I also did not go to a de tox nor a treatment center.
I've been happily AA sober for years.
One of the points for this site is to support each
other as we share a diversity of journeys.
What worked for me is all I can offer.
With that in mind....
Forward we go...side by side.
I never tried to wean....so I find this thread interesting.
Obviously...PN is making positive progress and thats super!
I also did not go to a de tox nor a treatment center.
I've been happily AA sober for years.
One of the points for this site is to support each
other as we share a diversity of journeys.
What worked for me is all I can offer.
With that in mind....
Forward we go...side by side.
Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 27
It was last Wednesday (1-30), almost a week! I'm feeling better and better every day. Thanks for the support everyone
That is AWESOME possiblynuts!! I haven't been on here for a few days - been kind of a crappy week - and it was nice to see this thread and you doing so great.
I do think it's more than a bit unfair to imply that if someone can wean, than they weren't really an alcoholic in the first place (not that being an alcoholic is so great lol). Weaning is incredibly difficult and obviously not anyone's first or best choice for quitting, but sometimes circumstances are what they are, and all the more credit to you for doing it, possiblynuts.
Keep going!!!
.
That is AWESOME possiblynuts!! I haven't been on here for a few days - been kind of a crappy week - and it was nice to see this thread and you doing so great.
I do think it's more than a bit unfair to imply that if someone can wean, than they weren't really an alcoholic in the first place (not that being an alcoholic is so great lol). Weaning is incredibly difficult and obviously not anyone's first or best choice for quitting, but sometimes circumstances are what they are, and all the more credit to you for doing it, possiblynuts.
Keep going!!!
That is AWESOME possiblynuts!! I haven't been on here for a few days - been kind of a crappy week - and it was nice to see this thread and you doing so great.
I do think it's more than a bit unfair to imply that if someone can wean, than they weren't really an alcoholic in the first place (not that being an alcoholic is so great lol). Weaning is incredibly difficult and obviously not anyone's first or best choice for quitting, but sometimes circumstances are what they are, and all the more credit to you for doing it, possiblynuts.
Keep going!!!
I've wondered about the alcoholic weaning issue as well. I'm still not sure whether being able to wean successfully proves that the person isn't an alcoholic.. I've come to the conclusion that it depends on what your definition of alcoholism is. If not being able to stop after that first drink is involved in the definition, then I suppose that being able to successfully wean might prove that one isn't an alcoholic.
I think it is more along the lines of - "Have you ever had the experience of not being able to control the amount you drink once you start" - not that it necessarily happens every time you touch alcohol.
More of a bomb waiting to explode..you never know when that craving will become paramount to all other things, or if it will even develop at all on 1 drink, 2 drinks, 3 or four - at some point we lose control of our consumption.
More of a bomb waiting to explode..you never know when that craving will become paramount to all other things, or if it will even develop at all on 1 drink, 2 drinks, 3 or four - at some point we lose control of our consumption.
Well, I've made it a week, and I'm feeling really good. I've been thinking about writing a "Unofficial and Amateur guide to weaning yourself off alcohol." Of course I'll be sure to mention at the beginning that I definitely recommend being professionally detoxed (outpatient, or inpatient), and that "I'm not a Doctor, I can't officially recommend this, so take everything I write with a grain of salt, and it is definitely best if you seek professional help." I understand that most alcoholics cannot successfully wean themselves off of alcohol. But I think an unofficial guide might help those that can. And, even if some people try and fail, it might be that first step that they need before realizing that they definitely need professional treatment. Any thoughts on this? As usual, I'm open to opinions.
Forward we go...side by side-Rest In Peace
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Serene In Dixie
Posts: 36,740
Please check out the top sticky post here.
Read through it and then
you may add your de tox experience there if you wish.
Or...begin a new thread down here.
Good to know your doing well...
Read through it and then
you may add your de tox experience there if you wish.
Or...begin a new thread down here.
Good to know your doing well...
If I do write up some sort of guide, I will most likely put it in a new thread. Anyways, its getting late here, I'm off to bed.
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