H20

Hey y'all. Incredible site you've got here!

I stumbled across this forum while searching for information on alcohol detox.

I'm in my late 20's. I've got friends, I'm a happy guy, my whole life is ahead of me and all of that wonderful stuff -- but every time I stop drinking within 24-48 hours I have panic attacks and end up in the ER. I've been drinking "socially" for a few years and drinking on a daily basis to fall asleep for about 8 months. I realize I have a problem, I realize that I will never drink again (and as of today, there's nothing wrong with that in my opinion -- I HATE DRINKING, I am so fed up with it and it does nothing for me) I realize that I have an addictive personality but most importantly, that there are underlying issues I need to face on an emotional level. I have been in therapy for years and have really turned my life around but I simply can't stop drinking without withdrawal symptoms freaking me out.

I'm about to do an inpatient detox (three weeks) and I'm a little terrified and don't know what to expect. I've never done this before.

I read some of your stories about detoxing but I still don't really understand if you just quit cold turkey all alone or if you were being supervised and on medication. It's confusing because it seems that a supervised detox with benzo's, barbiturates and anti-convulsion meds there wouldn't be any serious withdrawal symptoms and the whole thing should go smoothly (for the most part) but I've read a lot of pretty harrowing stories here.

If anyone has gone through a medically supervised detox and can offer some information about what to expect I will be eternally grateful. This has been such a nerve wracking month for me and I want to start this new chapter of my life without being stressed out and confused.

Thanks in advance and I hope I posted this in the right place. If my post is somewhat out of line or something I apologize.

Thanks,
H20

nandm

to SR. Glad you found us.

My experience with the anxiety and panic attacks in early sobriety was that the program of AA helped me a lot through those times. That situational anxiety did get better with time as I learned the tools to help me deal with it and slowly was able to get my life more manageable.

I am sure other programs work in a similar way. There is a list of recovery programs under the Alcoholism section of these forums. Here is the link: http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...formation.html I encourage you to give one of them a try.

As far as detox goes I really do not have any suggestions as I did it on my own. Not necessarily the best way or the right way to do it.

Again welcome to SR.

Anna

Hi and Welcome!

I detoxed on my own too, so I can't offer any help on that.

I'm glad you've decided to stop drinking.

mubu

Hi H2O,

Welcome! I stopped drinking ten days ago on my own. I had a four day long migraine and nauseau which caused me two trips to the doctor and they gave me shots for the migraine and nausea. Started feeling better around day five. I too was a social drinker for many years, and the past two-three years my nightly glass of wine turned into a bottle, sometimes a large one. So far this site has been my lifeline.

I think I may try a meeting this week. Good luck with the inpatient rehab. I will be thinking about you.

CarolD

I'm really pleased you are heading into a sober future....and hope your inpatient time will be a learning experience....

I had no idea that de toxing from alcohol was a medical issue ..so I did mine alone..tho a knowledgeable friend checked up on me for 3 days.

In order to keep my sobriety moving ahead...I committed to AA...and it works great for me...

Welcome to SR...

artsoul

Welcome! Congratulations on your decision to get sober! Are you going to a facility that offers medical detox? (It sounds like it from your post). Some rehabs are set up to do detox, while others will send you to a hospital if the withdrawals are bad.

Either way, it will be much easier than doing it on your own. A lot of the problems come from people trying to detox at home and then realizing they're in serious trouble.

I recommend writing down some questions and calling the treatment center you'll be going to. I think they would be glad to talk to you and tell you a little bit about what to expect.

Hope you stick around - this is a great place for support!

Dee74

Welcome to SR H20

I'm really glad you're doing an inpatient detox - I didn't and I'm still dealing with the legacies of doing it on my own.

I'm sure it's a pretty daunting prospect from where you are but I really wish I'd done it.

Best of luck

D