Loss of patience....
 

I am on day 5 of recovery. I haven’t had any major symptoms (shakes, chills, sweats, nausea, etc). My main problem has been lack of sleep – which seems to be improving with the medication my doctor prescribed a couple days ago.

But there is another thing going on that is really bothering me. I seem to have an extremely low level of patience the last few days….I’m irritable and I’m letting little things bother me too quickly (and too much). I’ve always been a very laid back person (my wife has accused me of being too laid back and easy going). But I seem to have gone to the other extreme the last couple days…and I hate the feeling.

I’m hoping and praying that this lack of patience is just a temporary part of the recovery process…has anyone had any experience with what I’m going through?

David,
Oh yes yes and did I say YES!? This will pass...honestly it will. Your nerves (quite literally) are raw and unaccustomed to functioning without alcohol. The lack of sleep is a symptom still of your withdrawl. I promise you, you will feel better, more calm, more centered, if you are gentle with yourself, and give it some time.

You are doing a good thing...it will feel physically and mentally rocky at first, but once you get through that, you'll feel better and better.

"The only way round, is through." - Robert Frost

:day6

^
^ What she said. :-)

Alcohol is just a symptom of the disease, David. Take away the bottle and I'm still an alcoholic, the behavior remains and requires attention and work. I use AA, the 12 Steps, a program of spirituality. You'll find something that works for you.

Ever seen anybody trying to stop smoking, the jokes they show on TV? It's all true and unfortunately it doesn't just affect nicotine addiction :)
You'll get through this, you are doing well and you will feel laid back again. But this time it will be a sober laid back feeling. Much much nicer. Keep going.
Have you tried breathing exercises when you feel your fuse is burning out? It might help.

Yes it will pass. The transition from altering your thinking & mood vs being cold turkey sober is hard.. Fight harder to balance your self out, try to read positive things to up lift you!

Hi David

You are doing so well. You can vent on here if you need to, we all understand what it is like but do get yourself to an AA meeting and get a phone number or two from the other alcoholics there. You need support from people who understand what you are going through. Trust me, it really helps to pick up the phone in a moment of need.


...and of course, ultimately the 12 steps help you to cope with life without the bottle.

Hi intention-

I actually went to my first AA meeting yesterday...it was rather eye-opening

Good for you David. Yes it is definitely an eye opener.


You have friends there :)

When I first quit my nerves were real bad and my patience was easily tested but as the others said this will pass and your wife will be back to complaining about you being too laid back as opposed to her complaining now about you being too uptight. :lmao

Very common David - it does pass - although anything you can do to recognize it, and manage it - like breathing exercises, relaxation etc - is great.

You may find this useful too...

Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) — Why we don’t get better immediately) Digital Dharma

You've gotten lots of good advice here, so I just want to say "Hi".