Eleni58

Today, there is no more tapering. I had one drink last night and stopped after 23.5 hours of not drinking. My boyfriend is on his way home and I am going to the doctor to get meds to help me through this. At 11:00 p.m. tonight will be 24 hours since I had a drink. Today is the FIRST day of the rest of my life -- on the road to recovery! Pray for me and wish me luck!

Notmyrealname

Good job! Congratulations are in order.

Try to keep busy during the first couple of weeks, it's a little weird with all the excess free time

least

Good for you for giving up drinking. I quit over three years ago and don't miss it one bit. Just stay sober no matter what and treat yourself well: good food, rest, and moderate exercise. You'll soon be feeling good again.

Eleni58

Well, doctor cancelled appt. Refusing to prescribe me meds. Said if I get too bad, to just go to ER. What a crock!

ReadyAtLast

The first few days can be lousy but you'll get through it. Docs are very reluctant to prescribe meds as they can beaddictive in themselves and just replacing one addiction with another. It's just something to be got through unfortunately but you can make it easier on yourself. For me, I found lots of water, vitamins, regular eating and ice cream plus hanging round SR. Congrats on quitting-it really does get better

Eleni58

Thanks, but the reason I am scared is my doctor KNOWS my history--heavy daily drinker for 13 years. Doctor cannot predict whether my body will go into shock or not once I get past 24 hours without a drink.

Vodwat

i've had the same thing happen to me but in retrospect i'm glad the doctor held firm.

ScottFromWI

You'd be surprised what doctors can predict - that's why they are doctors! Having said that, you may look back at this and find that it's for the best. Addiction can take on many forms, and some go from abusing alcohol right into abusing the very drugs they are prescribed to help with quitting.

Detox symptoms are not pleasant to be sure, but the majority of them will be gone within a few days.

Be safe and definitely do seek immediate attention if something doesn't feel right. I had a massive panic attack and thought I was literally having a heart attack on day 2 once and went to the ER. I ended up being fine, but it's better to be safe than sorry.

Eleni58

Scott, I am from Wisconsin too! Well, my boyfriend should be home shortly. It's going to be a long night, but I can do this!!! I have come this far in my tapering. There is NO going back. I will keep you posted!

Let go and Let God!

Lightning Bug

wishing you a safe and quick withdrawal and a big fat hello to sobriety!

TexasMichael

Congratulations Eleni58!

Good food, vitamins, and lots of liquids will help take some of the edge off.

Green tea is very relaxing.

There are some night time teas to help with sleep.

Anything sweet like chocolate or ice cream will satisfy some of the cravings.

Good Luck!

Dee74

I'm glad you're making this decision Eleni

Like Scott said don't hesitate to seek help if you think you need it, but I have faith you'll be ok

D

Hevyn

Proud of you Eleni. Your life will be so much better being clear headed - not foggy or numb. Once this stage is over, you'll begin to feel so much better & the healing can begin. You never have to go through this again.

Eleni58

UPDATE: I did it! I got through the hump--almost 2 days without drinking. No major withdrawal symptoms other than insomnia and no cravings! I am truly blessed!