Gotta quit
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Tennessee
Posts: 100
Gotta quit
Hi everyone! I came across these forums two days ago when I decided I needed to make a change. It's been good to read of others experiences.
A little about me:
Up until 5 years ago, I rarely drank. I was however, a habitual pot smoker and occasional user of other chemicals. Finishing grad school and the ensuing job hunt led me to quit using so that I could pass drug tests. I filled the gap with drinking almost immediately. I've been fairly controlled with my drinking over the years. I rarely drank during the day. My drinking time was at 8:00 sharp, at which point I would drink till going to bed. Every night I would have anywhere from 6 to 15 units of gin or whiskey. This has gone on for 4-5 years.
I am tired of being perpetually hung over at work. I'm ashamed and tired of what I've put my daughter through over the last few years. I know that I need to quit now before I get in too deep.
I quit for 10 days in the summer of 2009. The withdrawals were not too bad. The main thing I experienced was flu like symptoms on the 3rd day which kept me in bed most of the day.
Well, now I've stopped again. Today is day 3 without. So far, things have gone fairly well. In fact, yesterday at work I felt energized after not drinking the night before. I got a little foggy and tense in the evening, and am feeling the same this morning. I'm anxious to get over the next few days, especially after reading some of the withdrawal experiences some of you have posted.
Anyway, I just wanted to introduce myself and publicly acknowledge my need to leave alcohol behind.
phytoman
A little about me:
Up until 5 years ago, I rarely drank. I was however, a habitual pot smoker and occasional user of other chemicals. Finishing grad school and the ensuing job hunt led me to quit using so that I could pass drug tests. I filled the gap with drinking almost immediately. I've been fairly controlled with my drinking over the years. I rarely drank during the day. My drinking time was at 8:00 sharp, at which point I would drink till going to bed. Every night I would have anywhere from 6 to 15 units of gin or whiskey. This has gone on for 4-5 years.
I am tired of being perpetually hung over at work. I'm ashamed and tired of what I've put my daughter through over the last few years. I know that I need to quit now before I get in too deep.
I quit for 10 days in the summer of 2009. The withdrawals were not too bad. The main thing I experienced was flu like symptoms on the 3rd day which kept me in bed most of the day.
Well, now I've stopped again. Today is day 3 without. So far, things have gone fairly well. In fact, yesterday at work I felt energized after not drinking the night before. I got a little foggy and tense in the evening, and am feeling the same this morning. I'm anxious to get over the next few days, especially after reading some of the withdrawal experiences some of you have posted.
Anyway, I just wanted to introduce myself and publicly acknowledge my need to leave alcohol behind.
phytoman
31/10/10
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 241
Welcome Phytoman - lovely post.
I am going through similar mild symptoms: foggy mind - clear mind - happy - sad - feeling fluey - waking up a lot during the night (my body seems to need to learn that sleep and passing out are similar but not the same)...
I quit smoking pot about 9 years ago and that's when I started drinking...
Vee
I am going through similar mild symptoms: foggy mind - clear mind - happy - sad - feeling fluey - waking up a lot during the night (my body seems to need to learn that sleep and passing out are similar but not the same)...
I quit smoking pot about 9 years ago and that's when I started drinking...
Vee
Member
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Lost
Posts: 65
Welcome phytoman!
My detox experience has been a little worse than yours. I'm almost done with day 4, and I've had everything from sweats to jitters- nightmares to nausea.
I'm feeling slightly better today, and actually able to think (although, I'm still a bit disconnected).
I'm happy for you, that you've chosen a path to sobriety. Check in often. There are many gracious people here willing to listen and help you when we can.
My detox experience has been a little worse than yours. I'm almost done with day 4, and I've had everything from sweats to jitters- nightmares to nausea.
I'm feeling slightly better today, and actually able to think (although, I'm still a bit disconnected).
I'm happy for you, that you've chosen a path to sobriety. Check in often. There are many gracious people here willing to listen and help you when we can.
Administrator
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 211,445
Hi phytoman
Detox comes in many shapes and sizes, so try not to worry too much.
Just remember that you should always call for medical assistance if you feel badly or are worried about anything - or you just want to put your mind at rest
It helped me immeasurably in the early days to stay connected here too
Welcome to SR.
D
Detox comes in many shapes and sizes, so try not to worry too much.
Just remember that you should always call for medical assistance if you feel badly or are worried about anything - or you just want to put your mind at rest
It helped me immeasurably in the early days to stay connected here too
Welcome to SR.
D
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Tennessee
Posts: 100
Thanks for the welcome everybody!
I am now going through my 3rd night without drinking. I've got some brain fog going on, and I have been having some motor tics, but nothing too serious. I am confident that I can get through the next few days. I still have concerns that I can make the change long-term. I need to figure out some strategies....
I am now going through my 3rd night without drinking. I've got some brain fog going on, and I have been having some motor tics, but nothing too serious. I am confident that I can get through the next few days. I still have concerns that I can make the change long-term. I need to figure out some strategies....
SR Fan
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 7,910
Glad you're here, phytoman, and congrats on your decision to stop drinking. It's a little scary at first, but those mornings without a hangover kept me going (and posting/reading everyday on this forum). Lots of people use AA meetings, books on alcoholism, or other programs, as well as inpatient or outpatient treatment. So there are many options.
Hope to see you around - we're all in this thing together!
Hope to see you around - we're all in this thing together!
Re-Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Posts: 7,583
Welcome phytoman.
Congrats on the 3 days! Detox as we all know is the worst part.
For me dealing without drinking "long term" isn't quite accurate. In my mind, I have closed the door on that other life with alcohol. Permanently, with the help of my family and friends here and in the offline world. Permanently is good! Alcohol abue? Been there, seen it, done it, got the T-shirt and the chips . . . time to move on, with a smile on my face and a light heart.
Congrats on the 3 days! Detox as we all know is the worst part.
For me dealing without drinking "long term" isn't quite accurate. In my mind, I have closed the door on that other life with alcohol. Permanently, with the help of my family and friends here and in the offline world. Permanently is good! Alcohol abue? Been there, seen it, done it, got the T-shirt and the chips . . . time to move on, with a smile on my face and a light heart.
Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 711
Yeah - it's not fun in the early stages waking up that way. That fogginess will pass before you know it. You stated earlier before about having confidence. I keyed in on that because it's a good tool for you in recovery. You need plenty of tools in your toolbox my friend. I'm glad you are on day #4 and I promise the weirdness will move along. Hang in there - I'm thankful for your post today. Keep coming back here as much as you need to.
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