Mekratrig

The reason I ask, I'm a retread, became an alkie in my 20's & early 30's, stopped March 1981 in a inpatient program, stayed sober for over 24 years, relapsed June 2005, went back on Antabuse February 17, so I've got 26 days today.

Not that my memory can be trusted, but it seemed like it only took 4 or 5 days to get through most physical withdrawal symptoms before. Maybe I've done some permanent damage now (or maybe just because I'm a lot older), but this time, they seem to be sticking around a lot longer.

The tremors are mostly gone, but I'm still getting twitches, spasms, and muscle cramps. Although they've diminished somewhat, I still get night sweats, and wake up with soaked bedclothes. In addition, I'm very unsteady and uncoordinated now, so much so, I went back to the doctor after the first week and told her I felt tipsy, like I'd had a couple of drinks on an empty stomach. Her theory was that it could have been because during the first two weeks the Antabuse dosage is doubled. The unsteadiness has diminished but not gone away.

Is it normal for detox to take this long during middle age, or should I be concerned that I'm still experiencing physical symptoms after almost a month? How long can I expect before all the symtoms disappear?

Anna

You really need to talk to your dr about your symptoms again.

It could be that some of your symptoms are due to the Antabuse? I have no idea.

Jersey Nonny

Hmmmmn...up until two years ago, I was able to walk (with the aid of a cane). Now, I'm severely arthritic, wheelchair bound in a nursing home...but, I still have over 28 years of continuous sobriety. Hate to disillusion you...but, with age, comes a lot of things I didn't have before, and alcohol has nothing to do with it!

Detox normally takes about five days...if your doctor is well-acquainted with alcoholism, you'll just have to trust her. Otherwise, change doctors. But, keep us posted on your progress.

nandm

I am with Anna, those are good questions for your doctor.

Here is a website on PAWS (Post Acute Withdrawl Syndrome).
Post Acute Withdrawl - Relapse Prevention Specialists - TLC The Living Center
It might also help provide some of the information you are seeking as far as how long detox and the symptoms may last. Definately discuss what is going with your doctor as he is the most qualified to diagnose what is really going on.