Oh Man I Am in Trouble!
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Posts: 7
Oh Man I Am in Trouble!
Hello All:
I've always been a bit of a drinker. But I think I just fell into the deep end of the pool. I am in the last two weeks experiencing, for the first time, withdrawal symptoms over and above your average hangover. I am for the first time feeling the desire to keep a constant low level bac. I need help. I need to stop. But OMG the sweats, the soaking stinking sweats and anxiety, the absolute inability to sit still, to concentrate. I've crossed the line, and I am terrified.
I've always been a bit of a drinker. But I think I just fell into the deep end of the pool. I am in the last two weeks experiencing, for the first time, withdrawal symptoms over and above your average hangover. I am for the first time feeling the desire to keep a constant low level bac. I need help. I need to stop. But OMG the sweats, the soaking stinking sweats and anxiety, the absolute inability to sit still, to concentrate. I've crossed the line, and I am terrified.
Administrator
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Dancing in the Light
Posts: 61,465
Yes, it is a very scary time when you recognize that your drinking is out of control and you know you need to stop. Have faith that you can do this.
If you're ready to stop drinking, we're here to offer support.
If you're ready to stop drinking, we're here to offer support.
Community Greeter
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Upstate New York
Posts: 51,522
Welcome oephaelia! I remember how that felt - and I can never go back there again.
I'm sorry for your misery, but be glad you're acknowledging what needs to happen. Some never see what alcohol is doing to their lives. It took me a long time to admit I had no control over myself once it was in my system. It's such a relief to be free of it. You can do it.
I'm sorry for your misery, but be glad you're acknowledging what needs to happen. Some never see what alcohol is doing to their lives. It took me a long time to admit I had no control over myself once it was in my system. It's such a relief to be free of it. You can do it.
bona fido dog-lover
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: SF Bay area, CA
Posts: 99,756
I would suggest seeing your doctor for help in getting safely, and more comfortably, thru withdrawal. And remember, the physical symptoms only last a few days. It takes a while to learn to live sober, but it's worth the effort. I've been sober over five years and don't regret a minute of it. 
I hope the support here can help you get sober for good.
I hope the support here can help you get sober for good.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Posts: 7
Thank you so much for your kind responses. What tipped me over into daily drinking was a family suicide. Not an excuse, just an explanation, maybe, I don't know anymore, I can't trust my own judgment. But I have no support. I have a hard time asking for help, and have to keep matters on the down low because of my situation. I feel like I will die though if I self detox, but am hoping that it has not been so long that this is impossible. But the withdrawals are so strong that I have even more respect for those of you who went through this than a did before, and that is saying something. What should I expect? 
Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: MN
Posts: 8,704
Originally Posted by Oephaelia 
Thank you so much for your kind responses. What tipped me over into daily drinking was a family suicide. Not an excuse, just an explanation, maybe, I don't know anymore, I can't trust my own judgment. But I have no support. I have a hard time asking for help, and have to keep matters on the down low because of my situation. I feel like I will die though if I self detox, but am hoping that it has not been so long that this is impossible. But the withdrawals are so strong that I have even more respect for those of you who went through this than a did before, and that is saying something. What should I expect?
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Posts: 7
All respect, I am hesitant to see my doctor because certain people have access to my medical records. I am on a benzo for chronic anxiety but haven't taken it as prescribed for months (which may have got me here, I don't know) so I am now taking it so I don't start convulsing. I know this is going to be hard. I just had no idea!
Member
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: California
Posts: 1,914
Could you see someone other than your normal doctor?
If you can find someone that specializes in chemical dependency they may be able to help you with some prescriptions so you can safely self detox, if that's what's best for you.
Better to be safe than sorry!
If you can find someone that specializes in chemical dependency they may be able to help you with some prescriptions so you can safely self detox, if that's what's best for you.
Better to be safe than sorry!
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Posts: 7
I know you are right, Site. The people who get medical records employ me. I need to pay out of pocket, and that is OK, if that is what it takes. I can't live like this. I don't want to live like this.
Member
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: California
Posts: 1,914
Well good for you. I'm sorry you're in that situation, but what matters most now is your health and taking care of yourself the best you can.
Paying out of pocket sucks, but if it saves your life than it'll be worth it
Paying out of pocket sucks, but if it saves your life than it'll be worth it
Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Posts: 174
Ditto here. I got exactly the same 2 weeks ago.
Same as you, I'd always been a drinker, had been trying for a while to quit, was largely successful at that after New Years Eve aside from a couple of slip ups in Feb and one in Jan.
But then after Songkran (Thai new year) in Chiang Mai, 2 weeks ago, I got the same; malodorous sweats, heart rate increasing, panic attacks and suchlike.
It was hands down the scariest thing I'd ever experienced. The sure sign that I wasn't just an 'alcohol dependent', I was definitely an alcoholic, that if I didn't manage to stop, I was facing death at some point over the next year or so at the latest.
Let's just try to put it behind us - I know right, easier said than done. Just focus on your better condition as your health re-stabilises itself - which it will over the next couple of days or so.
Just make sure to drink LOTS of water, orange juice, and make sure you eat something, even if you don't feel like it. Something with vitamins in, ideally.
Same as you, I'd always been a drinker, had been trying for a while to quit, was largely successful at that after New Years Eve aside from a couple of slip ups in Feb and one in Jan.
But then after Songkran (Thai new year) in Chiang Mai, 2 weeks ago, I got the same; malodorous sweats, heart rate increasing, panic attacks and suchlike.
It was hands down the scariest thing I'd ever experienced. The sure sign that I wasn't just an 'alcohol dependent', I was definitely an alcoholic, that if I didn't manage to stop, I was facing death at some point over the next year or so at the latest.
Let's just try to put it behind us - I know right, easier said than done. Just focus on your better condition as your health re-stabilises itself - which it will over the next couple of days or so.
Just make sure to drink LOTS of water, orange juice, and make sure you eat something, even if you don't feel like it. Something with vitamins in, ideally.
Member
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Georgia
Posts: 576
Oephaelia , the first 2 weeks is a heck of a ride...Hang on tight...If you can manage to schedule some off time and\or downtime , that would be the time to do it..You'll make it just fine..It's just a weird feeling...
Member
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: Lakeside, Ca
Posts: 10,208
Originally Posted by Oephaelia
the sweats, the soaking stinking sweats and anxiety, the absolute inability to sit still, to concentrate. I've crossed the line, and I am terrified.
Now, how do we approach and be rid of this problem ?
Let's make a list and put together what I call
My Sober Tool Belt
Mountainman
Adventurer
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Tuxedo Park, NY
Posts: 1,101
I went through awful withdrawal in early January and never want to live that horror again. I went to the er just to be safe when things got rough, it cost me a bunch of money but it was well spent.
I can't be sure of how you will feel but more than likely the physical symptoms will only last ten days or so. I wish you the best and am here with you.
I can't be sure of how you will feel but more than likely the physical symptoms will only last ten days or so. I wish you the best and am here with you.
Member
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: West Tn
Posts: 3,043
Glad you are here, Ophelia.
I don't want to repeat what you are presently enduring.
And you don't have to do it again.
Please stay with it - it is the best thing you can do for yourself.
It was with me.
I don't want to repeat what you are presently enduring.
And you don't have to do it again.
Please stay with it - it is the best thing you can do for yourself.
It was with me.
Member
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Kansas
Posts: 139
I hear you on the withdrawal. I would love to see a doctor but I honestly dont have time as I am traveling the next two weeks. I am hoping I can keep them under control. I dont have anxiety or racing heart, but dang the night sweats & insomnia.
Lets do this together!
Lets do this together!
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