MrLee

Hi. I was reading an older thread, linked to below, and I have a feeling of dread... Looks like I have crossed the threshold where hangovers turn into withdrawals...

The withdrawals first started only 5 days ago, and they are mild, judging from a chart/checklist I saw here that describes them. But they are very debilitating and scary nonetheless. I need time to think about what to do to cure it, but I was wondering if those who have have gone through this could give advice on what I do in the meantime, like tonight, so that they maybe won't be so bad tomorrow.

I've been drinking almost every night for about 20 years. I felt that I a new phase of addiction started about 7 years ago. In that 7-year span, I could vary how much I drank: 4-9 beers a night. Just a few weeks ago I only had 4 a night while visiting family. But then when I returned to my place, for two weeks I had about 10-11 a night. And that's when my days, which usually were not affected by my night-time habit, became invaded by withdrawals. Last few nights, I've reduced it to 8, and, while a little better, still, I'm sometimes afraid to even drive in the day, lest less withdrawal creeps up.

So, should I try to drink a little less tonight, like 6 beers? Or might that make it worse? I never drink during the day, but maybe a beer or two then? Or is it too late to try to lessen them?

Thanks. And, again, this is only about the short term. It's all so new to me. The emergency room in the hospital where I live (Indiana), wouldn't treat me for these symptoms, unless I decided right then and there to rehab, but I had no idea what to say.

Link: Since I'm new, can't post link, but title is "How long did it take hangovers to turn into withdrawal?"

zjw

i really have no answer other then to say quiting is the best choice. Reason being is in he end i really couldnt manage my drinking i was long past that point. and playing the game of drinking to hold off he withdrawels / jitters / dt's basicly just says that yeah you've really hit a whole new level of addiction.

Its time to get serious about quiting i think. Try and manage it all you want but I dont think you can continue to drink and keep things reasonable at this point.

zjw

if you want to taper or something and quit thats a different ballgame I'd also suggest talking to your doctor about it quiting booze can be fatal if not done right.

trachemys

One, consider rehab. It would solve the long term and short term problems.

If not that, then choose whether to taper down or quit abruptly. Tapering is an exercise in willpower. Quitting is dangerous. I pre-dialed 911 on my phone and was ready to use it if necessary. I shook so badly I could not hold a glass of water. My habit was much bigger than yours but you get the idea.

A trip to your doctor may help. They can assess your condition and help.

DON"T do drastic. Get a plan.

JeffreyAK

I hope you're not looking for support to move from night drinking to day and night drinking to hold off withdrawals. There is no way to avoid withdrawal, we get ourselves into this situation and we have to pay the piper eventually - tapering or taking detox meds will lessen but not eliminate the symptoms, but mostly they are good ideas because they reduce the odds of siezures. I could never taper, perhaps you can, but otherwise why not make an appointment with an addiction specialist and maybe explore outpatient program options that will lead to zero beers?

Dee74

Hi and welcome Mr Lee -= I think if your withdrawals are debilitating and scary your best option is to see a Dr - get some professional advice?

D

MIRecovery

Every time I hit myself in the head with a hammer it hurts like hell.

The choice is not use a different hammer but to stop hitting myself

MrLee

Thanks for the replies!

As I mentioned, this is all very new for me. I'm only now looking at what options there are in terms of rehab and in terms of who to talk to (I don't have a regular doctor).

I guess I'm asking about withdrawal symptoms, since I've never had them before. For example, yesterday, things went very well, and I could drive and do things. And most of today was like that. But right at this moment, I wouldn't feel comfortable at all driving to see a doctor, for instance. And yet mine are supposedly mild!

bigsombrero

This is a tough thread, and I struggle with offering advice here. First of all, nobody can give medical advice here - so keep in mind that all we can do is give support in situations like these and perhaps tell you our experiences.

I myself was completely blindsided by withdrawal seizures. I would not wish them on my worst enemy. You gotta be careful so that doesn't happen to you. Of course, those seizures got me into rehab. But first I signed up for 1-2 days of detox and then after a short wait I was 22 days in the center. Best thing that ever happened to me.

Telling you to "cut down" at home seems like silly advice. It's like telling someone who is in terrible debt to apply for another credit card so they can buy groceries. In the end, it's only going to be worse. The only way out of this is to go into the ER on a stretcher (like me) or to bite the bullet and do the heavy lifting that's required in early recovery.

The best bet for you would be to go to a detox center and get help to stop drinking with medical assistance. It will take 24-48 hours max, and you'll be monitored and evaluated before release. You'll receive medication to combat any withdrawals and be supervised the entire time. It's not the most simple process in the world but options exist and are used every day. Where do you think the local county brings people that are found passed out on the street? Public detox centers don't have a real high-brow crowd but they are affordable and available and better than nothing.

The problem with that recommendation, is that you probably will immediately want to toss that idea out the window. Plus, we've already told you that quitting cold turkey is dangerous, so your alcoholic mind is going to say "see, I am taking care of my health by continuing to drink". We have so many justifications for sticking with alcohol, and I just can't give you another one.

So I suggest you go to detox. Sounds scary, I'm sure you never thought you'd do it. Neither did we. You'll be happier in the long run if you start this journey on the right foot. Good luck and welcome!

MrLee

Thanks, bigsombrero. But I had read about detox help given in emergency rooms on this and other forums. But my hospital just sent me home without doing anything. And they even sort of mocked me: "You're not even shaking! You look fine!" So, what sounded like a good thing to do based on things I've read here and elsewhere, didn't work where I live, or at least at that Catholic hospital.

But I'll look what detox options are here, thanks again.

FLCamper

This might be a good time to establish a relationship with a good primary care Dr. Mine knows my history and is very supportive and helpful. He/she can give you a once over and make some recommendations.
Whatever you decide to do, keep coming here. There is a lot of good advice that can help you on your road to recovery.

2muchpain

Mr. Lee, very sorry to hear about your experience in the emergency room I had a similar experience. I think their training in alcoholism is somewhat limited. As others have said, best bet is to talk to a doctor. He will probably prescribe meds to help with the withdrawals. I don't want to scare you, but withdrawals is nothing to mess with. A better option might be to admit yourself into a detox asap. With some detox centers, all you have to do is make a call and go in for an interview. If I was in your situation, I'd start calling tomorrow. They have heard your story before and won't mock you. Besides, going into a detox center gets you out of your drinking environment. Trust me, it's a whole lot easier than sitting at home trying to cut down on your own. Good luck. John

MrLee

Thanks so much, 2muchpain.

But what ER said appears to be true. All my vital signs were fine. I wasn't shaking and I did look fine. But I wasn't feeling fine... And compared to a lot of the testimonies written here and that evaluation chart that's out there, my symptoms are apparently mild. So, I'm confused...

And after searching online tonight, it doesn't look like there is a detox center in town that just does detox, even though I live in a decent-sized Indiana city. Though I did just now find a rehab center that looks promising. Hope that works out.

Thanks again!

2muchpain

A few things you stood out to me. First, you are trying to control your drinking but it seems up and down. Second, you are very concerned about your drinking. I am one of those people that have experienced severe withdrawals, but it didn't start out that way. I used to compare myself to others and felt well, I'm not that bad. Well now I am. My point is you can end up like me and others on this site, and it sneaks up on you quickly. I hope you follow up and any help that you can get, and do it quickly. Take the step. John

MrLee

Thanks again for the help, everyone.

I think the way I phrased my OP was misleading to many. It looks like it sounded like I was just "one of those deniers."

But I did go to ER already. I drove there myself. I didn't wait until it was me on a stretcher.

And I'm comparing my new symptoms with accounts here and with the Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment of Alcohol Scale.

As I wrote later, after an internet search, it looks like I have very, very few options here. No detox center in town, looks like. And my ER experience was very mysterious, as if they didn't want to tell me my options, and instead wanted to just funnel me into a particular rehab center that I knew nothing about.

Well, at least I feel better now. Hope tomorrow morning is similar.

2muchpain

MrLee
I don't think your OP sounded like you were in denial at all. You were actively looking into what options you had and looking for ideas on how to deal with your drinking. To me a person looking for options is not in denial. A person with a ton of excuses is. Do you plan on looking into that rehab center?
Glad you are feeling better. Hope it continues. John

Soberwolf

Welcome to SR nice to meet you