Is this normal?
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 3
Is this normal?
Hello. I was a moderate to heavy drinker for about 4 years and have been sober now for 16 days. I've been exercising and eating well during this time. At this point I expected to still be anxious and have difficulties sleeping, among other mental issues, but is the weakness and dizziness supposed to last this long? And if it is, when does it begin to improve? I have ongoing anxiety issues to begin with and my worrying about whether the weakness is normal or due to something else is only making things worse!
-Kate
-Kate
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Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: London.
Posts: 54
First of all well done on the 16 days.
As to what is 'normal' well nothing is really. Thats the point
My own advice would be to go and see your Doctor. Alcohol can mask all sorts of things, both physical and mental because ultimately its just a pain-killer. Take it away and you still have the underlying issues that you were drinking on.
But use this period of sobriety to get to the real issues. Nobody just drinks excessively for nothing. Drinking has to have had a purpose at some stage and in my (limited) experience its almost always as a form of pain killer. Now you have to deal with the reasons why you drank.
Good luck and keep on coming back here.
As to what is 'normal' well nothing is really. Thats the point
My own advice would be to go and see your Doctor. Alcohol can mask all sorts of things, both physical and mental because ultimately its just a pain-killer. Take it away and you still have the underlying issues that you were drinking on.
But use this period of sobriety to get to the real issues. Nobody just drinks excessively for nothing. Drinking has to have had a purpose at some stage and in my (limited) experience its almost always as a form of pain killer. Now you have to deal with the reasons why you drank.
Good luck and keep on coming back here.
Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: northern michigan. not the U.P.
Posts: 15,281
Originally Posted by Dee74 
hi Kate
I think any sort of weakness of dizziness should be checked out - it's probably nothing, but it's best to be safe
D
I think any sort of weakness of dizziness should be checked out - it's probably nothing, but it's best to be safe
D
the alcohol could have been masking some health problems. please take dee's advise and see a doctor.
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 3
Thanks for the advice and encouragement. I did actually see a doctor a few weeks back although I didn't talk about the alcohol. They did an exam and blood work and everything came back normal. I was definitely using the alcohol in part to numb my anxiety and depression so perhaps I'll consider going to a psychologist at long last.
Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,393
Good job on your sobriety journey! Check out PAWS post acute withdrawal symptoms. Also, alcohol is a depressant. It's hard to tell because it seems to make you feel better because you are craving it (while drinking). The further I got away from it, the less my depression and anxiety. Also I use urge surfing. Google it. It is a way of relaxing thru anxiety. It helps me avoid panic attacks and gets easier as you go along. I haven't had any panic attacks for over a year. This helped me alot. Keep going! You are doing great!
Member
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Lakeside, Ca
Posts: 10,208
Originally Posted by Markinside
I have ongoing anxiety issues to begin with and my worrying about whether the weakness is normal or due to something else is only making things worse!
-Kate
I wouldn't worry too much at such an early time in your recovery
most issues clear up in a month or two
if not
see your doctor again and tell them about the drinking problem
and your desire to be and stay sober
Mountainman
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Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: CAPE COD, MA
Posts: 1,020
Originally Posted by Cormat
First of all well done on the 16 days.
As to what is 'normal' well nothing is really. Thats the point
My own advice would be to go and see your Doctor. Alcohol can mask all sorts of things, both physical and mental because ultimately its just a pain-killer. Take it away and you still have the underlying issues that you were drinking on.
But use this period of sobriety to get to the real issues. Nobody just drinks excessively for nothing. Drinking has to have had a purpose at some stage and in my (limited) experience its almost always as a form of pain killer. Now you have to deal with the reasons why you drank.
Good luck and keep on coming back here.
As to what is 'normal' well nothing is really. Thats the point
My own advice would be to go and see your Doctor. Alcohol can mask all sorts of things, both physical and mental because ultimately its just a pain-killer. Take it away and you still have the underlying issues that you were drinking on.
But use this period of sobriety to get to the real issues. Nobody just drinks excessively for nothing. Drinking has to have had a purpose at some stage and in my (limited) experience its almost always as a form of pain killer. Now you have to deal with the reasons why you drank.
Good luck and keep on coming back here.
Brace yourself and don't run away. The reasons most alcoholics drink is to escape from OUR FEELINGS!~ And there are so many we need to work on and become comfortable in our own skin as we progress. BE WELL
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