Question on going cold turkey
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 17
Question on going cold turkey
Howdy folks. A quick question on going cold turkey.
About a decade ago, I stopped cold turkey after 20 years of heavy drinking, and didn't take a drink for about 2 years. But for the past few years I've been back. Usually a bottle of wine or a 6-pack of strong ale (read: Beer-snob
) every night before bed, but sometimes more. But decided to try again, this time for longer if possible.
I stopped 4 days ago. Tonight I was in the mood for a drink, so instead of heading out to the local shop, I went online and decided to read about the best ways to stop cold-turkey. Some of the stuff I've been reading is quite scary. Some articles mentioning the effects of withdraw, and how a lot of people die from it, and so on. And as far as I knew, delirium tremens was just the name of one of my favorite easily available Belgian ales!
So here is the question: How long after going could turkey can I consider myself safe from the withdraw dangers? So far the only symptom I've noticed is that I had to up my caffeine intake from one to two cups of coffee per day in order to stay alert at work, but that's nowhere near a dangerous amount of coffee anyway so I'm not scared of that. Some of the articles I read mentioned people suffering withdraw symptoms even after just 6 hours after stopping. But at which point can one say "well, I stopped X time ago, and so far no real symptoms, so I'm out of the danger zone"?
About a decade ago, I stopped cold turkey after 20 years of heavy drinking, and didn't take a drink for about 2 years. But for the past few years I've been back. Usually a bottle of wine or a 6-pack of strong ale (read: Beer-snob
) every night before bed, but sometimes more. But decided to try again, this time for longer if possible.I stopped 4 days ago. Tonight I was in the mood for a drink, so instead of heading out to the local shop, I went online and decided to read about the best ways to stop cold-turkey. Some of the stuff I've been reading is quite scary. Some articles mentioning the effects of withdraw, and how a lot of people die from it, and so on. And as far as I knew, delirium tremens was just the name of one of my favorite easily available Belgian ales!
So here is the question: How long after going could turkey can I consider myself safe from the withdraw dangers? So far the only symptom I've noticed is that I had to up my caffeine intake from one to two cups of coffee per day in order to stay alert at work, but that's nowhere near a dangerous amount of coffee anyway so I'm not scared of that. Some of the articles I read mentioned people suffering withdraw symptoms even after just 6 hours after stopping. But at which point can one say "well, I stopped X time ago, and so far no real symptoms, so I'm out of the danger zone"?
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Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 5
I am in no position to offer medical office. The withdrawls for me stopped after about 3 days. When I say that, I mean the hallucinations (which were the scariest fricking things in the world) stopped, I was no longer feeling like death was hovering over me, and I got a little sanity back, not much lol, but a little.
But you really should see a doctor. This was just my experience, and it could be totally different for someone else.
- RR
But you really should see a doctor. This was just my experience, and it could be totally different for someone else.
- RR
1 bite&all resistance crumbles
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: IRELAND
Posts: 2,208
Do see a doc, but I understand from rehab that after 4 days you are over the physical symptoms of withdrawal, i.e. out of danger. Not proffering medical advice 
Just sharing what they told me. It is extremely dangerous though so in future def check with doctor first - well done on 4 days - plesae keep us updated with your progress...and welcome! 
Cathy31
x
Just sharing what they told me. It is extremely dangerous though so in future def check with doctor first - well done on 4 days - plesae keep us updated with your progress...and welcome! Cathy31
x
Forward we go...side by side-Rest In Peace
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Serene In Dixie
Posts: 36,740
I suggest you read this link....
Post Acute Withdrawl - Relapse Prevention Specialists - TLC The Living Center
Then call your doctor for advice.
...Welcome to SR and our Alcoholism Forum
Post Acute Withdrawl - Relapse Prevention Specialists - TLC The Living Center
Then call your doctor for advice.
...Welcome to SR and our Alcoholism Forum
Member
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 17
Well it's been 4-days, sounds like it wasn't very difficult for you. But the others are right, still should always see a doctor prior to quitting. Your blood pressure could have been skyrocketing and you wouldn't have even known it.
Always best to play it safe. Congrats though, and keep it up!
Always best to play it safe. Congrats though, and keep it up!
Laozi Old Man
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Detroit, MI
Posts: 6,665
Originally Posted by Joao 
Howdy folks. A quick question on going cold turkey.
So here is the question: How long after going could turkey can I consider myself safe from the withdraw dangers?
So here is the question: How long after going could turkey can I consider myself safe from the withdraw dangers?
The average drunk took 2 -3 days. The record was 5 days for one guy who was toe-tagged and sent to the morgue by mistake.
Unless you were drinking vodka by the gallon around the clock for 20 years I doubt you could beat 5 days.
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Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 17
Originally Posted by December15
My danger zone has always been more mental - fighting the craving and that seems never to end.
I should clarify my question a little bit: Yes, after reading all that stuff last night, I did call my doc's office and left a message asking for an appointment. But what I needed to know was if I should drink moderately until I had a chance to see him and get started in the detox the right way, or was the fact that I didn't have much in the way of symptoms a good bet that I would stay mostly asymptomatic for a few more days till my appointment?
I'll see the doc next Monday, 4 days from now. So I decided to risk it and stay sober till then. There is a 24-hour deli about 5 steps from my building, so if I do start feeling any symptoms, I can always run in there and buy ONE beer just to keep them away. But I really rather not.
Cheers.
Member
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Thailand
Posts: 31
Joao,
Well I work in a rehab in Thailand. If you have honestly made 4 or 5 days IMO I would say you are past the danger zone.
If however you start feeling major anxiety, pounding in your head, etc. don't run out and get a drink, go to the emergency ward at the hospital, they will check you out and make sure you are in no danger.
Seriously though if you have made 5 days I would say your not in any danger.
Now keep it up and you will hopefully never need to ask a question like this again.
Now to anyone else though, what you read here is mostly accurate “Go see your doctor before quitting cold turkey if you are heavy drinker.” The doctor will give you a prescription for something that will make sure you are safe for the first week.
Well I work in a rehab in Thailand. If you have honestly made 4 or 5 days IMO I would say you are past the danger zone.
If however you start feeling major anxiety, pounding in your head, etc. don't run out and get a drink, go to the emergency ward at the hospital, they will check you out and make sure you are in no danger.
Seriously though if you have made 5 days I would say your not in any danger.
Now keep it up and you will hopefully never need to ask a question like this again.
Now to anyone else though, what you read here is mostly accurate “Go see your doctor before quitting cold turkey if you are heavy drinker.” The doctor will give you a prescription for something that will make sure you are safe for the first week.
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Join Date: Sep 2008
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Thanks Wade.
Yes, I'm 2 minutes into day 6 now. Took my last drink last Saturday night, and it is now 12:02 am Friday.
Thanks for the tip on "don't go get a drink".
Earlier today, errrrrr..... make that yesterday by now, I had one quick scare. I rode my bike back home, and after carrying it up the stairs into my apartment, I was feeling a strange head and neck ache. Checked my blood pressure and it was through the roof! I was about to head out to the ER, when I decided to just cool down and rest for a few minutes first. Tested myself again, and it was a lot lower. Laid down on the couch for a few more minutes, tested again, and it was back to normal. So I'll take it easy as far as exercise for a few more days, then start back slowly.
Okay, make that 10 minutes into day 6, but who's counting?
Yes, I'm 2 minutes into day 6 now. Took my last drink last Saturday night, and it is now 12:02 am Friday.
Thanks for the tip on "don't go get a drink".
Earlier today, errrrrr..... make that yesterday by now, I had one quick scare. I rode my bike back home, and after carrying it up the stairs into my apartment, I was feeling a strange head and neck ache. Checked my blood pressure and it was through the roof! I was about to head out to the ER, when I decided to just cool down and rest for a few minutes first. Tested myself again, and it was a lot lower. Laid down on the couch for a few more minutes, tested again, and it was back to normal. So I'll take it easy as far as exercise for a few more days, then start back slowly.
Okay, make that 10 minutes into day 6, but who's counting?
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Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Thailand
Posts: 31
Joao,
Good for you I am glad to hear it. Physically you are past the worst of it, the next will be mind tricks, and that little bas*ard demon whispering in your ear. Also known as your subconscious.
Do you have a plan to stay sober now that you are? By a plan, I don't mean a hope. I am talking about an actual concrete plan?
Good for you I am glad to hear it. Physically you are past the worst of it, the next will be mind tricks, and that little bas*ard demon whispering in your ear. Also known as your subconscious.
Do you have a plan to stay sober now that you are? By a plan, I don't mean a hope. I am talking about an actual concrete plan?
Last edited by Wade72; 09-18-2008 at 09:18 PM. Reason: sp
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Posts: 17
Nope. No concrete plan. My only plan is to try to get my life back. I used to be quite athletic, competing at semi-pro level in both mountain biking and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. And had quite a decent circle of friends as well. But for the past 4 or 5 years or so my life consists of: Get up late, feeling like crap. Then ride my bike to the office, and sit in front of my computer monitor. Ride back home, and pick up some beers and/or wine on the way. Get drunk by myself at home either in front of the TV or the computer again. Collapse into bed, or sometimes the couch will do just fine. Get up in the middle of the night, and can't fall back asleep till just before the alarm goes off. Get up late, feeling like crap. Rinse, lather, repeat. And on weekends just drink and stay in front of the PC or TV, while life goes on out there. I'm just tired of it. Time to get my life back. Time to get back into shape. Time to get back in touch with my friends I haven't seen in years. Time to start dating again. Time to start traveling again. Pardon my french, but **** the little demon. Yes, he's here right now. And I had him in my ear 24/7 during the previous 2 year bout when I stayed sober. But I feel I'm a much stronger person now than I was back then.
So my only plan is to fight that little ******* demon day by day. Some days it will be easier, some will be harder. But all I have to do is remember where my life was like the last few years, and I'll fight like a dirty ******* myself to stay away from that.
I did think about AA, but it does include prayer and I happen to be an atheist orthodox. So that's not for me. Group therapy in general isn't really for me either since I have ADD and I get very easily bored at meetings, even when the subject matter interests me. I would be sitting there counting the seconds to get the hell out.
Maybe I'll be able to come up with a plan. But for now, my plan is to make it to tomorrow, when I'll draw a similar plan!
Cheers.
So my only plan is to fight that little ******* demon day by day. Some days it will be easier, some will be harder. But all I have to do is remember where my life was like the last few years, and I'll fight like a dirty ******* myself to stay away from that.
I did think about AA, but it does include prayer and I happen to be an atheist orthodox. So that's not for me. Group therapy in general isn't really for me either since I have ADD and I get very easily bored at meetings, even when the subject matter interests me. I would be sitting there counting the seconds to get the hell out.
Maybe I'll be able to come up with a plan. But for now, my plan is to make it to tomorrow, when I'll draw a similar plan!
Cheers.
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Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 17
Ps: I understand some net-nanning, but ba5tard is a proper word and has been part of the English language since the 14th century. It was even defined in the very first version of the Oxford English Dictionary.
Forward we go...side by side-Rest In Peace
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Serene In Dixie
Posts: 36,740
You might find something here to interest you
http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...-programs.html
I think LifeRing and SMART have interesting secular programs.
Keep in touch...glad you found SR...
http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...-programs.html
I think LifeRing and SMART have interesting secular programs.
Keep in touch...glad you found SR...
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 17
Hey Carol.
Thanks for the links.
And yes, they set the rules, but in this case, I think they got the rules mixed-up a bit. It is not a cuss word. For example:
"And a ******* shall dwell in Ashdod" ~~ Zechariah 9:6
"A ******* shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD" ~~ Deuteronomy 23:2
"Degenerate *******, I'll not trouble thee" ~~ William Shakespeare, King Lear, Scene IV
And so on....
Thanks for the links.
And yes, they set the rules, but in this case, I think they got the rules mixed-up a bit. It is not a cuss word. For example:
"And a ******* shall dwell in Ashdod" ~~ Zechariah 9:6
"A ******* shall not enter into the congregation of the LORD" ~~ Deuteronomy 23:2
"Degenerate *******, I'll not trouble thee" ~~ William Shakespeare, King Lear, Scene IV
And so on....
Member
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Thailand
Posts: 31
Joao,
The child of un-wed parents, but I don't think we were using it in the Oxford way.
Anyways, what your going to need to do is fill your time with something else instead of sitting in front of the TV where you can get bored and listen to the bas*ard.
I understand not wanting to go to AA. I never used the program myself. Another option is a therapist, you can find CBT therapists that won't push AA if your not into it.
Anyways the main thing is to fill your time, why not get back into Jiu-Jitsu, or go to the gym when you would normally drink, or longer bike rides, etc. Join a tea toddling knitting club if ya like. (Actually great place to meet women. Ummm….if you’re a guy? Take night classes at the local college. Just anything that your interested in to get you out of the old pattern.
The child of un-wed parents, but I don't think we were using it in the Oxford way.
Anyways, what your going to need to do is fill your time with something else instead of sitting in front of the TV where you can get bored and listen to the bas*ard
. I understand not wanting to go to AA. I never used the program myself. Another option is a therapist, you can find CBT therapists that won't push AA if your not into it.
Anyways the main thing is to fill your time, why not get back into Jiu-Jitsu, or go to the gym when you would normally drink, or longer bike rides, etc. Join a tea toddling knitting club if ya like. (Actually great place to meet women
. Ummm….if you’re a guy? Take night classes at the local college. Just anything that your interested in to get you out of the old pattern.
Laozi Old Man
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Detroit, MI
Posts: 6,665
Even though the physical withdrawl has run it's course in a few days the psychological obsession and mind-tricks can last for years.
That is why it is best to treat root causes as well as physical effects. The 12 steps of AA is designed to treat core issues such as fear, guilt and shame.
That is why it is best to treat root causes as well as physical effects. The 12 steps of AA is designed to treat core issues such as fear, guilt and shame.
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