Conk

Well, I quit once for a few weeks back in 2008/2009, but it's come time again for me to quit once and for all.

As of the end of 2010 I would down 1/2 a bottle of 160 proof vodka almost on a nightly basis, and according to my physician I've been having daily withdrawals. Meaning I would withdraw during the day because the last time I drank was the last night. At this point the panic / anxiety from withdrawal was so severe I decided to see my physician.

We concluded that we would attempt the 4-7 day withdrawal without benzos, and the only medication he gave me was Trazadone to help me sleep. And that pill has been a godsend.

But I ask all you experienced folks... I'm on day 4 right now, and it's 11am... And I don't seem to have experienced any withdrawal symptom at all other than some chest tightness and hand shakiness. Should I expect to get worse over the next few days? Because I feel like I'm doing just fine so far... And I wanted to plan a trip to Atlantic City for some R&R (of course avoiding the booze) and gambling fun, but I'm wondering if that's not such a wise Idea if I'm going to be coming out of this first week's withdrawal.

Any suggestions?

And thanks in advance for the re-welcoming!

sailorjohn

Welcome!!!

Skip Atlantic City for the time being. Not sure how you avoid booze in a casino, those nice young ladies carry it around on trays for the folks that can't drag themselves away from the slots/tables.

Would guess you've probably done your share of drinking there, most would tell you to avoid those places in early sobriety.

Nikkle

I'm thinking withdrawal is different for everyone and even different for an individual with each attempt to quit. This last time, I didn't feel any symptoms the first few days, maybe because I was so freaked out over my DUI arrest, but after 2 weeks, I began waking up with what felt like hangover headaches and nausea. I have heard others express similar scenarios, but it also may have been coincidental (maybe a bug going around). The good news is, the headaches went away after about a week. I agree with Sailorjohn that hanging out in a casino right now, might not be in your best interest. Congratulations on your sober time! Hope to hear more from you soon!

doggonecarl

It's possible you've made it through the worst of the physical withdrawals, but the mental withdrawal, that is a little different. Which raises the issue of your planned trip to Atlantic City.

You are going there for R&R (rest and relaxation). Really now....Tell me, what aspect of Atlantic City will contribute to rest and relaxation? I'm sure if you put your mind to it, you can come up with a more "restful" trip that will support your recovery better than gambling.

Good luck, and welcome back!

Kjell

Yep, I have to agree. By my math, you've been sober for 6 days or so.

You know going to Atlantic City is a bad idea my friend. I've been there many times myself when I was drinking. No way would I go there now (why would I?)

Great job so far and keep up the good work.

Supercrew

I was drinking similar amounts as you were when I first stopped. Once I got through the hard withdrawal which normally lasted 6-12 hours, I started to feel better and I started walking and working out and taking vitamins immediately as soon as the dust seemed to settle. But everyone is different. When I relasped after a much shorter drinking period the withdrawal was much much worse.

As far as your trip to AC, I was about 3 weeks into my recovery and I had a trip previously planned to go to Vegas that I couldn't and didn't really want to get out of. I did 3 days in Vegas sober, but my recovery had to be on my mind every second of every day. I didn't stay up late, I got up early and worked out in the hotel, and then walked the strip every morning with my wife. I sat by the pool and ate right, and I was able to really see what Vegas looked like, sober. One problem that I had was when I gambled, I felt extremely anxious and even shook putting down bets without alcohol in my system which made me feel extremely uncomfortable. So after losing a couple times and feeling the stress of losing cash I hightailed it back up to the suite to enjoy the room and time with my wife. I would not recommend that you go on the trip, but if you must, have a minute by minute plan, and keep your recovery and sobriety front and center in your mind. Hopefully you are going with someone who knows what you are trying to accomplish, otherwise there are way too many temptations to get through it without a plan and some outside support. I even pulled up this website on my iphone many times just to keep my mind in the right place. So it can be done, but as you can see, it's not recommended.

Conk

Yeah I agree... Although the only thing I want sometimes in life is a damned hot-tub (and the Suites where I stay have them) hehe.

It's actualy only my 4th day so far - I quit Jan 2nd. But now I'm kinda worried that some of the usual symptoms might set in later than I thought with all that I've read.

In a way, I'm kinda glad I feel like I do so far (which is basically content with a little anxiety, barely noticeable).

Idunno, I guess coming here to chat / post was a way I could connect with people of the same situation. I have done the AA thing before and it never really seemed to have clicked with me. But I know I have a powerful will and mind, and I can do this on my own with the help of family / friends / this site.

Thanks again guys.

Kjell

Conk - I found out that most of us alcoholics have tremendous will power and a very high tolerance for pain. If we didn't, we wouldn't have kept drinking for as long as we did, in spite of the consequences.

If you ever want to try AA again, it'll always be there for you. The key is to remain willing, be honest, and follow direction. AA can get you sober and change your life.

Good luck and welcome to SR.

Kjell

Dee74

Never been to Atlantic City but I'd take these guys wourd for it

If you feel anxious about your health, please don't hesitate to see a Dr

Welcome to SR Conk
D

Conk

Appreciate the info guys!

So it's day 5, and I'm still doing quite alright. The only symptom I'll complain about is a slight elevation in my anxiety which hasn't been present for the past few days.

My Dr. says that Day 5 is usually the worst, and so far I'm having a tough time believing him, heh. I feel like I'm going to get through this no problem despite the fact that I've been drinking high-proof vodka almost nightly for upwards of 2 years. I guess I can attribute this to the vitamins I take on a daily basis.

I guess my anxiety is elevated because of the fact that I'm getting through this so easily. Who knows lol

Sorry if this posting seems excessive, just needed a little venting.

CarolD

Glad you are heading back into a better healthy future...

Not much to do in AC during the winter if you don't
drink or gamble. how many seafood meals can one eat?

Kjell

Atlantic City for me always started out with me working just fine (I did a tradeshow there each year in April), but before I left, I'd be snorting coke that I bought from strangers, messing around with strippers, and drinking and gambling my tail off.

Then I'd show up for work in the morning absolutly worthless and truly baffled as to how this happened again.

No, I would not go back to AC, not until I'm further along in my recovery and I've been sober for over a year and almost done with all 12 steps in AA.

Justfor1

Sounds okay to me if you planned the trip before you stopped drinking. There are a lot of fun things to do in Atlantic City beside the obvious alcohol/gambling. I've been sober for a few years and the first few months of sobriety the casino action took my mind off of alcohol.