In Need of Support
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 15
In Need of Support
Hi everyone,
I am starting off my first day of sobriety (yet again). I am a 21 year old college student that began binge drinking along side the rest of the college students out there. Unfortunately, I haven't reacted the same way as others. I finally realized I was an alcoholic when I spent 4 weeks drinking a bottle of vodka morning to night. I went to a detox center, and ever since then I have been going back and forth with binges. 1 week of drinking morning to night, 1 week of complete sobriety, etc.
I keep thinking that I can control the drinking. Thinking that I am only 21 years old, I should be able to drink normally like the rest of my friends. Yet the night ends, and everyone wakes up the next morning to a normal life, yet I am reaching for the next drink.
Currently, I have been on a week binge since st. patricks day, and I'm quitting cold turkey yet again. The withdrawals are so horrible... I have no idea why I keep putting myself through this misery! And to make the anxiety even worse... I have a presentation for one of my classes this evening. I get nervous public speaking normally... but with the anxiety and shakes I have now it is just going to be a disaster!
Is there anything I can do to help speed up this withdrawal process? The other times I quit I just drank a TON of water, exercised profusely, swam, went in the hot tub, vitamins. Are there any other good tips of trying to make this processes more comfortable??
I am starting off my first day of sobriety (yet again). I am a 21 year old college student that began binge drinking along side the rest of the college students out there. Unfortunately, I haven't reacted the same way as others. I finally realized I was an alcoholic when I spent 4 weeks drinking a bottle of vodka morning to night. I went to a detox center, and ever since then I have been going back and forth with binges. 1 week of drinking morning to night, 1 week of complete sobriety, etc.
I keep thinking that I can control the drinking. Thinking that I am only 21 years old, I should be able to drink normally like the rest of my friends. Yet the night ends, and everyone wakes up the next morning to a normal life, yet I am reaching for the next drink.
Currently, I have been on a week binge since st. patricks day, and I'm quitting cold turkey yet again. The withdrawals are so horrible... I have no idea why I keep putting myself through this misery! And to make the anxiety even worse... I have a presentation for one of my classes this evening. I get nervous public speaking normally... but with the anxiety and shakes I have now it is just going to be a disaster!
Is there anything I can do to help speed up this withdrawal process? The other times I quit I just drank a TON of water, exercised profusely, swam, went in the hot tub, vitamins. Are there any other good tips of trying to make this processes more comfortable??
Administrator
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Dancing in the Light
Posts: 61,491
Hi,
Detoxing from alcohol can be very dangerous, so you should talk to your dr before detoxing.
I don't think anything can speed up the process. It's just a question of your body trying to get the toxins out of its system.
Take care of yourself!
Detoxing from alcohol can be very dangerous, so you should talk to your dr before detoxing.
I don't think anything can speed up the process. It's just a question of your body trying to get the toxins out of its system.
Take care of yourself!
I got nothin'
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: My house.
Posts: 4,890
Hello, 88. Welcome to SR.
I'm not sure there are ways you can make it more comfortable, maybe you could give your doctor a call? Please, please be safe while detoxing. Here is a link to the sticky at the top of the Alcoholism forum: http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...at-we-did.html
I'm not sure there are ways you can make it more comfortable, maybe you could give your doctor a call? Please, please be safe while detoxing. Here is a link to the sticky at the top of the Alcoholism forum: http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...at-we-did.html
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 15
I went to a detox center after my 4 week binge, but my relapses after that I was able to safely detox on my own. Those other relapses were periods of a week of drinking. I am now starting day 1 after only a week of binge drinking and I know I will be safe, it is just so uncomfortable.
member
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,433
As others have stated, please consult your doctor as withdrawal can be dangerous.
Stay hydrated, avoid caffeine. Get as much rest as possible.
And keep this in mind: "yo-yo" binge drinking is extremely dangerous, each successive withdrawal is usually worse than the previous one. I'm not trying to scare you, this is a medical fact that you should keep in mind.
Congratulations on choosing sobriety
Stay hydrated, avoid caffeine. Get as much rest as possible.
And keep this in mind: "yo-yo" binge drinking is extremely dangerous, each successive withdrawal is usually worse than the previous one. I'm not trying to scare you, this is a medical fact that you should keep in mind.
Congratulations on choosing sobriety
Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: PA
Posts: 102
Welcome muwell! 
It is nice to see someone in my situation. I am a 22 year old college student at a large university, known for its partying. I suggest you read my story and see how dangerous it can be to WD from alcohol. http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...-age-22-a.html
Like the person said above, each WD is usually worse and worse than before, known as kindling. Binge drinking was my thing...I could go for weeks without drinking, normally did not drink on weekdays but once I started sometimes I would not stop for weeks.
Drinking tons of water, vitamins, excercise, etc.. are all good but the night I went to the hospital I told them I was drinking gallons of water all day and my sodium levels were actually pretty much nonexistant in my body because of overhydrating and water poisoning, I probably went through 3 gallons in a few hours.
If you have any questions feel free to ask or PM me. Today is only day 15 for me but it feels great, I feel so much more confident, outgoing, happy, able to take on challenges, etc...Have been going to AA meetings since my brain and body started functioning right again and they have been godsend.
It is nice to see someone in my situation. I am a 22 year old college student at a large university, known for its partying. I suggest you read my story and see how dangerous it can be to WD from alcohol. http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...-age-22-a.html
Like the person said above, each WD is usually worse and worse than before, known as kindling. Binge drinking was my thing...I could go for weeks without drinking, normally did not drink on weekdays but once I started sometimes I would not stop for weeks.
Drinking tons of water, vitamins, excercise, etc.. are all good but the night I went to the hospital I told them I was drinking gallons of water all day and my sodium levels were actually pretty much nonexistant in my body because of overhydrating and water poisoning, I probably went through 3 gallons in a few hours.
If you have any questions feel free to ask or PM me. Today is only day 15 for me but it feels great, I feel so much more confident, outgoing, happy, able to take on challenges, etc...Have been going to AA meetings since my brain and body started functioning right again and they have been godsend.
bona fido dog-lover
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: SF Bay area, CA
Posts: 99,772
Chamomile tea is helpful in relieving anxiety. Lots of water, juice. B vitamins are good because alcohol depletes the body's B vitamins.
WD does feel horrible, but just keep in mind you never have to do this again if you stop drinking. I too used to relapse constantly and would always ask myself "why"? Why did I continue to punish myself like that?
Don't beat yourself up over yesterday when all you have is today. Do'nt drink for today. STay sober today. The WD will go away in a few days and you never have to go thru them again.
Welcome!:ghug3
WD does feel horrible, but just keep in mind you never have to do this again if you stop drinking. I too used to relapse constantly and would always ask myself "why"? Why did I continue to punish myself like that?
Don't beat yourself up over yesterday when all you have is today. Do'nt drink for today. STay sober today. The WD will go away in a few days and you never have to go thru them again.
Welcome!:ghug3
Forward we go...side by side-Rest In Peace
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Serene In Dixie
Posts: 36,740
Good to see you again....
I had to want to quit more than I wanted to drink
before I actually stopped drinking.
Do you have that sense of desperation
that is often the key for sobriety?
I had to want to quit more than I wanted to drink
before I actually stopped drinking.
Do you have that sense of desperation
that is often the key for sobriety?
Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Ohio
Posts: 602
Hi there,
Welcome to SR
I'm only on day 5 here and can't offer much advice...but I do want to give you my support.
Others on here have plenty of knowledge and will be able to help you with what you need to know. So, keep coming back...do a lot of reading and post anytime you want.
We're here for you my friend.
I'll see you around, just hang in there.
Hugs of support coming your way :ghug3
XOXO
Welcome to SR
I'm only on day 5 here and can't offer much advice...but I do want to give you my support.
Others on here have plenty of knowledge and will be able to help you with what you need to know. So, keep coming back...do a lot of reading and post anytime you want.
We're here for you my friend.
I'll see you around, just hang in there.
Hugs of support coming your way :ghug3
XOXO
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 15
Yes I definitely have a sense of desperation. I have no desire at all to drink today, all I want to do is just feel better and get over these withdrawals. It is so scary being so young and alone with all of this. I still just can't understand why I keep putting myself through this horrible process of binge drinking and then dealing with the withdrawals for the next 3 days. After my last relapse was when i started going to AA meetings. People were so kind and hopeful and loving to me, but now after relapsing again I am scared to tell them the truth. I feel like I have let them all down. I am so ashamed.
Psalm 118:24
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: ILLINOIS
Posts: 15,203
lunarlovelunar
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 674
muwel88~ :ghug3 Welcome, I am so glad that you came here and that you have a serious desire to get sober. I agree with the others..seeing a doc is the best way to handle w/ds. It seems from your post that you are trying to understand your drinking behavior.....
I wish I had a dollar for every time I wondered why I was drinking while I was drinking. I wish someone would have told me what I am gonna share with you. It really was for me inconsequential why I drank. There would be for me no understanding until I had some sober time on my hands. I spent a long time trying to figure out my drinking instead of quitting first and asking questions later. It may not be the same for you but I wish someone would have advised me to "quit now, questions later". I wish you the best, take care of you, go to the meetings if they help and maybe look into seeing a counselor....
You can do this..... :ghug3
I still just can't understand why I keep putting myself through this horrible process of binge drinking and then dealing with the withdrawals for the next 3 days.
You can do this..... :ghug3
Member
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,141
Originally Posted by muwel88 
Yes I definitely have a sense of desperation. I have no desire at all to drink today, all I want to do is just feel better and get over these withdrawals. It is so scary being so young and alone with all of this. I still just can't understand why I keep putting myself through this horrible process of binge drinking and then dealing with the withdrawals for the next 3 days. After my last relapse was when i started going to AA meetings. People were so kind and hopeful and loving to me, but now after relapsing again I am scared to tell them the truth. I feel like I have let them all down. I am so ashamed.
As to feeling like you've let people down, worry more about letting yourself down than other people. I've been in AA before and, personally, I don't want to know the people who would judge me. I prefer the ones who are accepting of me, warts and all. I hope your presentation went ok tonight.
It's time to change!
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: lake tahoe
Posts: 1,025
Sweetie....
I feel you.... as so many others here do!!!! YOU are getting this at a very early age, thank God! For YOU there are sooooo many resources available.... life has not passed you by---nor for any of us----yet.
Please, and I say this emphatically....... draw on the help that is there in your life! If you seek........... YOU WILL FIND. Keep posting! We care and we'll be here for YOU!
I feel you.... as so many others here do!!!! YOU are getting this at a very early age, thank God! For YOU there are sooooo many resources available.... life has not passed you by---nor for any of us----yet.
Please, and I say this emphatically....... draw on the help that is there in your life! If you seek........... YOU WILL FIND. Keep posting! We care and we'll be here for YOU!
It's time to change!
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: lake tahoe
Posts: 1,025
Sweetie,
Physically what you may go thru/or are going thru ...... may need medical assistance. If you choose to not go that route.... I can say assuredly say that it gets worse... never better in the life of an alkie or addict. Not to give you the "doom and gloom" outlook on things.... but I DO KNOW what it is I am speaking about..... IT WILL GET WORSE IN TIME... AND THAT COULD BE SOONER THAN LATER.....even for a youngster as YOU!
Physically what you may go thru/or are going thru ...... may need medical assistance. If you choose to not go that route.... I can say assuredly say that it gets worse... never better in the life of an alkie or addict. Not to give you the "doom and gloom" outlook on things.... but I DO KNOW what it is I am speaking about..... IT WILL GET WORSE IN TIME... AND THAT COULD BE SOONER THAN LATER.....even for a youngster as YOU!
Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: CA desert
Posts: 1,599
Welcome!
The first few days are always a bit*h, but you have found a great place for support and encouragement that may help you over the hump. Keep checking in and let us know how you are.
You are not alone here, for there are many others your age that are experiencing the same kind of dissatisfaction and frustration associated with alcohol abuse. As nicki said, it only gets worse with time. Hopefully you can change this now, and enjoy many great years of life without the booze continuing to make you miserable.
The first few days are always a bit*h, but you have found a great place for support and encouragement that may help you over the hump. Keep checking in and let us know how you are.
You are not alone here, for there are many others your age that are experiencing the same kind of dissatisfaction and frustration associated with alcohol abuse. As nicki said, it only gets worse with time. Hopefully you can change this now, and enjoy many great years of life without the booze continuing to make you miserable.
Member
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: LA - Lower Alabama
Posts: 5,068
Muwel88,
Welcome.
In AA we do not shoot our wounded. Just go back and tell them what happened. The rooms are full of people who have relapsed. You will be welcomed back with open arms, trust me.
Also, a lot of people have said that withdrawals can be dangerous. I am not going to sugar coat it, withdrawals can be DEADLY. As in FATAL.
Alcohol has the highest mortality rate from acute withdrawal of any drug, 7 times as lethal as opiate withdrawal. Do not f$%# around, get your ass to a Dr., preferably an addictions specialist.
Keep posting, there is a lot of good support here.
Welcome.
In AA we do not shoot our wounded. Just go back and tell them what happened. The rooms are full of people who have relapsed. You will be welcomed back with open arms, trust me.
Also, a lot of people have said that withdrawals can be dangerous. I am not going to sugar coat it, withdrawals can be DEADLY. As in FATAL.
Alcohol has the highest mortality rate from acute withdrawal of any drug, 7 times as lethal as opiate withdrawal. Do not f$%# around, get your ass to a Dr., preferably an addictions specialist.
Keep posting, there is a lot of good support here.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 15
Thank you for all of the replies! I just got done with my presentation and was a little shaky in the voice, but I got through it and am feeling a lot less anxiety now that it is out of the way. It has almost been about 24 hours sober, and my withdrawal symptoms are not too bad. I feel like most of my anxiety is just the constant thinking and beating myself up about getting into another binge. I am so ashamed of my alcoholism, it really gets to my head.
As for the rest of the night I plan to just read, watch movies, and relax. Along with drinking a ton of water. I hope that tomorrow my weakness and shakiness will be better than it was today.
I am going to an AA meeting at 6 am to start the day off right.
I love the mental and physical feeling of being sober, it just sucks you have to get over this huge hurdle of feeling like crap for a couple of days.
I hope that I will be able to sleep tonight.
As for the rest of the night I plan to just read, watch movies, and relax. Along with drinking a ton of water. I hope that tomorrow my weakness and shakiness will be better than it was today.
I am going to an AA meeting at 6 am to start the day off right.
I love the mental and physical feeling of being sober, it just sucks you have to get over this huge hurdle of feeling like crap for a couple of days.
I hope that I will be able to sleep tonight.
Follow Directions!
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Fredericksburg, Va.
Posts: 9,730
I have never heard of anything that sped up withdrawals.
Please see a doctor, I can tell you this, every withdrawal is worse, and people die from detoxing on thier own, some die even under medical supervision.
One of the reasons binge drinkers have such horrible detoxs is because they detox so many times, I had to be medically detoxed, but I was a daily drinker and had stayed basically drunk for the last 5 years of my drinking.
See a doctor please.
After you get sober this time why not check out AA on your campus, I know of no campus that does not have an AA group. You are not alone unless you choose to be.
Please see a doctor, I can tell you this, every withdrawal is worse, and people die from detoxing on thier own, some die even under medical supervision.
One of the reasons binge drinkers have such horrible detoxs is because they detox so many times, I had to be medically detoxed, but I was a daily drinker and had stayed basically drunk for the last 5 years of my drinking.
See a doctor please.
After you get sober this time why not check out AA on your campus, I know of no campus that does not have an AA group. You are not alone unless you choose to be.
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