kage007

I'm two days sober after 14 years of fairly hard drinking. For the last two years it's been 10 or more 16oz beers a night. I've been gearing up to this for a few months, taking a night or two off here and there, with no bad effects.

I've been doing a lot of reading and I never realized the risks of detoxing. I feel fine, better than I would if I had drank last night even. Is it possible to come off alcohol without all the scary side effects? Have any of you done it?

Jezzi

I have never detoxed without a medical check up just to be on the safe side. I have read that for some people they don't get withdrawal symptoms until day 4 or 5. Would it be possible to make an appt to be checked out? It would probably help ease your paranoia as well.

My dr also prescribed a benzo on a tapering schedule which helps a lot with the anxiety. It might be worth looking into.

Mummyto2

I have never had help detoxing, apart from feeling low and crap I have been ok, although I will say everyone is different and it may be better to see a doctor, good luck

sugarbear1

Medical help will ease your discomfort.

MidnightRider

Other than discomfort .. I had no scary side effects. The worst part though was my brain feeling "fizzy fuzzy" for a while. But that happened after detoxing.

thomas11

Its very possible you may not experience any withdrawals and that's fine. Try not to create "symptoms" that are not there. Just stay the course. If you start feeling unwell, it might be wise to visit the doc. Eat and stay hydrated if possible.

D122y

I still have some paranoid feelings at over 2 years sober.

It started out so horrible, I struggled mentally several times a day. I would be exhausted. I didn't drink, it got better.

Thanks.

incognition

It's always best to see a medical professional before attempting to detox from heavy drinking. It's relatively rare, but some people can have serious withdrawals that necessitate medical intervention, and it's always best to be safe. I never did this myself because I had a prescription for a benzodiazepine, which is what they usually give you to negate the worst withdrawal symptoms.

kage007

Thanks for all the replies. If I do start to experience symptoms, I will go to the doctor. I'm going to try to stop worrying and count my blessings. Thank you all!

Forward12

It varies from person to person, but most can come off with some uncomfortable symptoms, but can get through it. If things do start to go south, be sure to head to the docs right away.

thomas11

Great attitude, your blessings come with sobriety. You can do it.

Dee74

Hi Kage

I detoxed at all points from no discomfort at all to nearly dying over the course of 20 years.

Keeping an eye on yourself and a drs number handy is a good precaution

welcome aboard

D