Robzoloft

Hello All- I am currently at 72 hours since the last drink........most of the severe withdrawal stuff has passed but I was wondering if anybody could relate with the following symptoms a couple days out from last use..
1. severe anxiety
2. depression...bad mood swings....feeling overwhelmed emotionally..paranoia
3. irritation and anger
4. extreme lethargy
5. feelings of impending doom...fear of dying
6. physically based anxiety also...breathing issues,chest pain,headache
7. absolute loss of appetite...indigestion..nausea
8. sleeping problems
That'll do for now...really, is this at all normal? I went at it pretty hard for pretty long...I'm just looking for an idea how long I might feel this bad and what to expect

Thanks

Jomey

Hey Rob - I think that all sounds pretty normal, but I am no expert. Read back through some of the other threads that have titles similar to yours...Either Carol or Anna (can't remember which wise one it is) usually posts with a link that explains PAWS, an alcohol withdrawal syndrome. Very informative. You can try searching for info. on it on the internet if you can't find the link. Others will be along soon with more info for you. Hang in there, friend. 72 hours is HUGE! Hugs, J

Anna

I think most of that sounds fairly typical. I actually got my appetite back almost as soon as I stopped drinking, after having little appetite while I was drinking. Did you talk to your dr before you stopped drinking? He might be able to answer some of those questions.

Taking5

PAWS is Post-acute Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome. What you are experiencing in Acute Alcohol Withdrawals.

I had all the symptoms you mentioned plus high blood pressure, hot and cold sweats, the shakes, mild convulsions, and probably some more I am forgetting about.

However this can be deadly. Chest pains are serious. People die from Alcohol withdrawal, more so than any other drug. The DTs have a 35% mortality rate if not treated. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delerium_tremens

So get your rear to the ER if you are experiencing this.

Surlyredhead

72 hours is still detoxing, I was feeling everything you listed in the beginning, some lasted longer than others. It will get better, but I agree, if it severe, a visit to the ER may be necessary.

NOMOMERLOTMAMMA

I felt like crap and acted completely crazy for two weeks.

Hang in there, it does get better!!! 72 hours is wonderful!

newtosobriety

Hello Rob,


Congratulations on 72 hours! I had pretty much what you are describing when I first quit drinking. What got to me was the severe insomnia that I experienced my first few weeks caused by the anxieties! Anyway I'm only saying this because I would like you to know that it definitely gets better with time.

Hang in there IT DOES GET BETTER!!

CarolD

Here is the PAWS link...

http://www.tlctx.com/ar_pages/paw_part1.htm

However...if you are having chest pains
you need a medical opinion...ASAP

There are so many variables when one de toxes
it's always wise to see a doctor.

Keep sober and safe too...

barb dwyer

it gets better.

anything else?

oh yeah - HANG IN - we're here!

Justme57

Yep! this too will pass!

I felt like that for a few months, but you DO need to see a Doc re your chest pains, just in case .

One day at a time you can do this !

HUGX
Leigh

Empty Cartridge

I didn't really move in my first three days. I just sat at my desk and drink water and Boost protein drink, in between puking.

Yep, you are experiencing the worst. So, it does get better.

I have gotten to where I have almost no physical cravings whatsoever. It's all mental now.

Pilgrim

Hi Robz.

Good advice here.

Carol also has a "what to expect" page when you are stopping.

Well done on your sober time so far. It gets better physically. Try to remember how you are feeling. You will forget later. Keep this post in your favourites. I still get mental blackouts sometimes when I can't remember how bad it was.

Thanks for the reminder EC. O God. All the water. Non stop. I couldn't get enough. I was a nervous wreck.

I went to a health food shop and they gave me stuff to speed up the process. I never took it. The idea that it might intensify the effects frightened me to death.

We never have to go through that again. Hang tite hun.

Aa_vark

Welcome,

Yup, pretty normal, but like others have said, be careful about the chest pains... You might want to go see a doctor, about that.

Oh, yes, it definately gets better, and you never have to drink again,.

Oh, the water is very good for you right now, and so is sugar... It can help with cravings...

Get yourself to some meetings, as soon as you feel up to it,.

Be well,

A

barb dwyer

you know - EC got me thinking - it was in fact over a week before I remember experiencing anything physical ... I was that far gone. other than shakes. I shoook ... for a couple of months. off and on.

the thing I remember most - is joint pain. it felt like I had broken glass in every joint.