Matterhorn

You do need to go to detox. I had the same symptoms and had no idea the severity of the situation. I was of the thinking stop drinking, sweat it out and feel better in a couple of days. I had a bad case of the shakes, blood in my stool, very high blood pressure, mild strokes, vomiting and sweats. Actually, the blood was flowing down my leg. I even started drinking a couple of beers in the morning to stop the pain and shakes, but that didn't work either...just made things worse. At this point, I couldn't hold a glass of water and had to use a straw to drink because I chipped my front tooth due the shakes...basically I couldn't function. I went to detox and they helped me with the paperwork, because I couldn't write... I was told the bleeding was hemorhroids due to extreme dehydration. In detox they take care of you and I was out in 3 days. I had a 20 year career of drinking that eventually caught up to me in my 40's...I used to think I could exercise and drink...a work hard, play hard mentality, but I hit a wall and had to stop completely...I was very close to dying. I do have thoughts of having a beer or a glass of wine, but I think of that experience and those thoughts disappear. Now my blood pressure is normal and my health is good and I haven't been sick all winter. So...go to detox and take care of it professionally... then go to the gym, AA, and eat and live a healthy life...

RunnerMD2be

Opinions on this forum are unimportant when considering medical issues especially alcohol withdrawal system. The only opinion that you should follow is that of a licensed and practicing physician. Alcohol Withdrawal can and does kill people if not done under medical supervision.

Trying to quit cold turkey is an EXTREMELY uncomfortable experience, and can even inhibit your ability to quit. Based on the drinking patterns you describe, you absolutely have to get to a medical facility if you want to stop drinking.

Congrats on making the decision to stop drinking though!

FMP1989

I was a heavy daily drinker for about 2 years give or take and i never really missed one day without my liquid.
Decided to go cold turkey on Janurary 8,2012 and didnt suffer a seizure, tremers, or anything super crazy. I had some insomnia, restless feelings, increased heart rate occ, "fuzy" head feeling in the brain (sooo glad that is over!), of course bored feelings, feelings of I dont know what to do, etc.
That "one day at a time" thing didnt retister with me, and I ever saw a therapist, attended an AA meeting or talk to any specialized addiction specialist.
I just said that I had enough, nothing has a grasp on me, and quit just like that.
55 days ish since and I havent had a single sip, not wine with dinner, a beer on Superbowl Sunday or a shot in a bar.
Its all up to you

babycat

Well, you are lucky. So was I. I have detoxed on my own several times but while paying close attention to what was happening to me and was ready to be taken to the hospital at a moments notice. I just don't think it is wise to encourage home detox. Many people have not come out as well as us.