Renard

Hey guys.
I've been an avid drinker since 2007.
Long story short, my Aunty and uncle died within days of each other and I started drinking.
My Dad had a heart attack and I moved back in with him.
Now any moment I can find I drink.
I don't drink spirits but I can easily go through 8 cans a night, and have done so for several years.
The other night I took a long look at myself and realised what I was doing.
Tomorrow (aka July 1st) I'm planning to quit.
If anyone can give me tips, or if anyone fancies quitting with me tomorrow please let me know.

Gottalife

Welcome Renard. the first thing is to just stop drinking, don't drink, no matter what. See how you go with that. If it proves too difficult, you will find very good support on this site, and a lot of good ideas on how to stop. I wish you all the best

Mike.

Renard

Thanks Mike.
I will try my best.
Going to go cold turkey tomorrow.
If that doesn't work I'll try something else.
Thanks again.

Renard

I'm drinking as much as I can to get "one last night" under my belt.
Probably a bad idea but I feel like I need to.

newwestdork

Make sure you find a way of getting support in your quest for sobriety - it's really difficult to do on your own. AA isn't for everyone, but I've found some meetings to be useful. Also if there's anyone close to you - family, significant others, close friends - that you can confide in, that might help as well. I've found things easier now that I've admitted to my family that I'm an alcoholic. I get a lot of useful replies on here too - there are a lot of people who have been through what you're going through and they have a lot of insights to share that can help you on your way.

I hope tonight doesn't prove to be too rough for you. I'd suggest taking a little time tomorrow to think through what it was that motivated you to quit and then start looking for help - it's out there.

Good luck Renard. You can do it.

Renard

Thank you newwestdork.
I'm going to go full cold turkey in the next few hours.
Trouble is the only person who I live with is my Dad, the one I'm meant to be looking after!
Hence why I'm trying to quit.
I'm hoping I can get support here, which by the way I seem to be getting : D

PurpleKnight

Welcome to the Forum!!

jdooner

Check in with your doc. Detox can be dangerous.

J2911

That much of an addiction requires more support. Please consider getting at the very least an accountability partner. If insurance covers, get a counselor. This site is totally awesome but a full network of support is necessary. Do you have an aversion to groups (AA,LifeRing?) they are cheap and fairly accessible. Praying for you my friend (I mean that when I say it!)

RecklessEric

Good luck, Renard.
Do consider some support, whether it's meetings, counselling or whatever.
Different people are suited to different methods, so if you struggle, remember there is some help out there for you.
If you are knocking drinks into you now, you might feel a bit of bravado.
Just be prepared in case you find it difficult tomorrow.

Renard

Thanks.
I am considering more support.
I just want to see how I go for the time being.
Had the mother of all panic attacks earlier but it seems to be subsiding.
Left me feeling a bit dizzy and as if I've got tunnel vision.
I'm drinking decaf tea which seems to be helping.

zjw

hang in there it gets better. I climbed the walls and had to find things to keep myself busy. I drank a LOT of tea in those early days.

Gottalife

Thinking of you Renard.

Keep hydrated. A little sweet orange juice or candy may help.

We start this journey by not taking a drink, just for today, or even just for this hour. God never sends us more than we can handle in one day.

Keep posting. We are with you Renard.

Renard

It's staying calm I'm having the most trouble with.
I'm ok for a while and then a wave of anxiety hits me.
I just keep on telling myself it will pass, which of course it does.
Just got to hang in there.

NightsWatch

Welcome Renard! I'm sorry you find yourself in this situation, but I'm glad you found us.

Keep posting. It will help. Other than that, check out the threads on alcohol withdrawal and what to expect. It helps to see what you will be dealing with so you'll be prepared.

Hevyn

Welcome Renard - it's great to have you here with us. I think it'll really help you to have the encouragement of SR. You're never alone.

ScottFromWI

Anxiety was horrible for me initially as well, panic too. If you can get through the first week or so it gets much better. Sounds like you are dealing with it very well considering, remember someone is always here on SR too if you need us

Renard

I'm trying to ride the wave with each attack.
It's not easy but I keep reminding myself it will end.
It's been 19 hours since my last drink. I'm taking each hour at a time.

rocky123

Renard,
Ive been there before and had horrible withdrawal and am now back to starting again tommorow so i know how you feel. I remember the terror all too well and dont look forward to it again. But make sure if you get really bad to call 911 or go to er so you dont end up in a worse situation from quitting cold turkey.

Renard

Thanks Rocky.
So sorry you've got to go through this again. I wouldn't wish it on anybody.
It really does cause terror sometimes.
If I start to hallucinate I'll seek medical attention ASAP.
Luckily no sign of anything like that just yet, just plenty of panic, dizziness and nausea.