Kaz73

I've just stumbled across this site in my search for info on how to kick alcohol for good. I'm off the the doctor tomorrow which I'm nervous about but excited as well. I have finally come to the conclusion that I can't have a healthy relationship with alcohol and just need to avoid it altogether. I hope I'm strong enough.

least

Welcome to SR! I'm glad you've decided to stop drinking. Living sober is really worth it. We offer support and information here. I hope we can help you as much as I've been helped.

Dee74

Welcome Kaz.

Many of us felt exactly the same way you are - wondering if we're strong enough
I reckon you are - after all we're not weak, we're addicted - there is a difference.

Again, good luck with the docs
D

NewBeginning010

to SR

Grace2

Welcome. I joined one week ago today and didn't imagine for one minute that I would be writing this today. I feel so well and motivated, thanks to this site. The support has been second to none. Please stick with it, because if I can do it, you can! xxx

Kmber2010

Welcome to SR. You will find plenty of information and tons of support. I am glad you are realizing now that there is no more dancing with the bottle. Took me a while to get that but now that I have.....I am embracing my sobriety. I physically and emotionally feel better then I have in years and I feel FREE!!!

Sobriety is amazing and so glad you are here.

Impurrfect

Welcome to SR!

Glad you're going to see the dr. Pleas be honest..a good dr. won't judge you, but can't help you if they don't know the truth. It's also pretty freeing to be honest

This IS a great place with a ton of support and ES&H (experience, strength and hope).

Hugs and prayers!

Amy

artsoul

Hi Kaz! You're doing a great thing for yourself by putting alcohol down. I'm glad you're seeing a doctor too. Very smart! Congratulations and hope to see you around. (We have a thread for people getting sober in May, so check us out!)

Norther

Welcome. Be honest with the doctor, something you may find difficult, as I did. I kept lying then correcting myself. In the end I did manage to be honest. It seems that active alkies sort of lie reflexively about the truth of their drinking. Honesty is big in recovery, likely in part in response to that habit. (Wandering, but I'll leave it in: you never know what might click)

Best of luck!

Kaz73

Thanks for the kind works everyone. I made it through day 1 but only managed a couple of hours sleep. I tossed and turned all night. Can anyone tell me how long that should last?

least

The physical withdrawal doesn't last more than a few days to a week. The anxiety and insomnia may last a bit longer. Good exercise before bedtime can help your sleep.

Dee74

I think most of us have sleeping issues to start with Kaz. Mention that to the Dr too
For me I got back into a good pattern gradually throughout the first week usually...

D

Anna

I'm glad you're taking care of yourself, Kaz!

ElegantlyWasted

Welcome... Stick around for awhile! Very smart starting with a visit to the Doc. Full disclosure if you can.

Kaz73

Thanks again everyone. Home from the doc and despite shedding a few tears it wasn't nearly as bad as I expected. She was very nice and has referred me to a counselling and treatment service. She has prescribed Valium to get me through these first days but I haven't filled the script yet. I've never taken Valium and it feels as though I would be swapping 1 drug for another.

InternetJunky

Welcome aboard! I too, am fairly new here and there is a ton of great people here. Enjoy your stay!

least

As long as you're taking it as prescribed and not for very long it should be ok. It's just to get you thru the anxiety at first and to reduce the risk of seizures.

InternetJunky

I agree. It will also help with the insomnia.

Dee74

I didn't use any drugs for the detox period, Kaz, but least is right - if you do decide to fill it, it will probably be a short duration yeah?

The referral is good news

D

WhiteWave

The two times I medically detoxed, I was given valium. I had never taken it before. It helped mellow out my heartrate a bit, which in turn helped with my blood pressure, which I'm sure also prevented seizures. I didn't feel anything in my head from it though, you know? No high or intoxication, no altered state at all - it seemed like it was doing the job the doctors said it would, quietly in the background.

Take it as prescribed, and though the next few days might still be pretty rough, the valium should help give you peace of mind that you're going to be okay. If you need to chant that mantra to yourself to feel better, then do it! "I'm going to be okay; I AM okay" etc..

Take care, and I wish you the best in recovery

Blessed be,
WW