D122y

Let me ask the question up front...then ask again at the end...

Can a person quit booze without any medication?

I haven't had any booze in 109 days.

My strength and stamina are up. I deal with people great.

I still sort of suck at driving sober, if that makes any sense, but it is getting better.

I am medication free.

Is it possible to continue med free after quiting booze?

ItWillBeWorthIt

Most definitively... many people do it. If in doubt you should visit your doctor with any concerns.
What is your concern about driving?

entropy1964

Hi D
I would think unless you had a dual diagnosis you wouldn't need meds. My goal is to be substance free (well except for caffeine). Detox meds are pretty typical but most don't need them longer than two weeks and probably the usual time period is five days. They are very addictive and he!! to detox from, I understand.
I'm curious, what prompted the question?

Axiom

Congrats on 109 days!

You can definitely live alcohol free with out medication. Some people medicate other issues that may have lead to them abusing alcohol (e.g.anxiety) but you certainly don't have to in order to remain sober.

If you are feeling like you may need to medicate you should go speak with a Dr. Be sure you're completely honest with health care providers about your addiction(s).

Again, congratulations! Be good to yourself. You made it through the first bit but you are still in early sobriety.

D122y

Thanks for the help. The reason I asked was because it seemed many here were on them.

My driving problem is being anxious. When I first quit, every bump, shadow, passing car, seemed to.stress me.

It gets better everyday though.

Advice on my driving issue please.

The websites I went to said...practice...

ScottFromWI

I have anxiety too even in extended sobriety, and my goal has been to deal with it without meds. So far therapy and work in the mindfulness/meditation has been pretty succesful. Have you ever seen a counselor or therapist?

sleepie

That's my goal, I am tapering off of valium.
Will be glad to be free of it all... it's no easy road but I hope it is worth it.
Though if one needs a medicine or a synthetic brain chemical absolutely no wrong in that many people do and seeing to your mental health is a priority, I know it leads to drinking for many of here as in self medicating.

D122y

Thanks.

I have been to a therapist once, it was required when I retired from the military. Since I did not have to see her again I guess I was ok....VA therapy. Like workman's comp.

Honestly, I don't think I need a therapist. I am better than 109 days ago. Also, it could jeopardize my job if I went.

Until i feel the need, if ever, to let my boss know my situation, you and my family are my outlets. Mostly you all.

I manage stress ok. I don't feel like I am off keel or lost.

Any time I have a question, I ask here, or Google it. I really don't trust doctors n e way. Just going to medicate me if I went. I have heard so many horror stories.

TroyW

This probably won't help any, but I used to be a pretty horrible / anxious driver. Then I went landscaping, and ended up driving a truck and trailer around the city for about 6 months. By the end, I was able to back that trailer up within 2 inches of where I wanted it, and was a far better driver in my little car.

As for medication, personally I'm against it altogether, unless it's absolutely necessary (eg. blood pressure meds, insulin, etc.). Then again, I don't even like taking aspirin, let alone something strong like SSRIs. I prefer my immune system to naturally learn how to handle things.

Congrats on 109 days though. Awesome achievement!

Time2Rise

Did someone tell you that you need medication to get and stay sober? If so, it's not true. Millions of people get sober without medication and stay sober without medication.

letitgo

Driving in vegas gave me anxiety too. People are crazy there.

I would see a doc if you think you need meds to address an issue. Love the home crawling avatar. Take care.

PurpleKnight

Definitely possible!!

Great job on 109 Days!!