Jtmlk

Hello all
I've been browsing this site for months and have finally signed up. I am 46 and had alcohol issues for about 30 years. Have been seeing an alcohol counsellor and gave up two days ago.
I have researched all the dangers off detoxing cold turkey and know it's not the best option but I'm bored of drinking and hate who I've become. A medical inpatient detox would take months of continuing drinking.
So feeling a bit sweaty and have a headache plus I'm finding home life quite difficult but am determined to do it this time- one day at a time.
I'm likely to lose friends who are all drinking buddy's but it's time to be selfish and think about healing myself.

Anna

I'm glad you joined us.

Don't hesitate to call for medical help if you have any problems. I hope the detox goes well for you.

Findingtheway

Hello and welcome to SR. It's a wonderful place and has helped me immensely in my recovery.

I'm 14 months sober, and i check in here and read/interact on a daily basis it really has helped me.

What are you willing to do for your recovery? Have you considered AA?

Once again, welcome. Let us know how we can help.

Hevyn

Wonderful to meet you, jtmlk. Congrats on your 2 days off of it. Things are going to get so much better.

I drank over 30 yrs. too - I never imagined my life without it. I don't know what I was afraid of - it never made me happy or relaxed. I was anxious and miserable in the end. We don't need it - and it's great to be free.

emme99

Hi & Welcome Jtmlk

Carlotta

Welcome. I am glad you decided to "delurk" and will be joining us. You already know most of us LOL and you also know you will get plenty of support here.

waterlogged

Welcome i joined yesterday its good to talk stay strong

least

Welcome to the family. I hope the support here can help you get sober for good.

Jtmlk

Thank you everyone for your kind responses. I have thought about AA but note sure it's for me, that said I am going to an open sober recovery AA meeting next Monday and I see my normal alcohol group on Wednesday.
Starting to feel a bit weird- but having researched all the horrors of detoxing cold turkey it's likely my anxiety is playing a few games with me. It's 1am in the morning here in uk so better try to sleep.
Thanks again everyone

Impurrfect

Welcome to SR! I also lurked for months before signing up here.

I also suggest that you contact medical help if you have problems.

I'm glad you are keeping an open mind and reaching out for support. SR has been a huge part of my recovery, but I do think it helps to have some F2F support.

I hope you get a good night's rest.

Hugs and prayers,

Amy

Dee74

Hi and welcome Jtmlk

I know you're in the UK but usually detoxes are quick affairs, not 'months and months'....might you be mixing up detox and rehab?

If you feel worried or concerned at all do go see your Dr or the nearest hospital

D

Hevyn

Check in tomorrow & let us know how it's going, Jt.

Plure

Welcome! Yes those first few days can be rough, but you will get past them!

Jtmlk

Day 3 sober - slept for 13 hours last night. Dee- there is no funding in my area for rehab and they only fund one bed a week for detox so would have to go months on a waiting list. Except for a bit of a headache I feel ok just a bit on edge. I had no option but cold turkey due to my destructive way alcohol effects me. Only other thing is 3 days feels like its been 3 months.

Surrender2win

Welcome aboard Jtmlk... hang in there. Read and post often. There is always someone here to offer support and advice.

Btw... I'm on Day #3 too. Let's do this!

KateAZ

Hello Jtmlk and welcome. I am also 46 and a newer member here. On day 15, and working this one day at a time. Having this group has really helped me, and hopefully you'll find it useful too.

Jtmlk

Day 3- well done you - yup stay strong one day at a time

MikeM

Welcome! Thanks for posting!

You know, detox, especially after drinking for that long can be hard. But the physical detox only takes a week, if that. Probably shorter. Your body will expel all the toxins.

Drink enough water. Eat healthy if you can eat.

There is a risk to detoxing in your situation. If, at any time, you feel it's not quite right, call your doctor. Or 911 if necessary. For most people it doesn't come to that, but it's good to have a fail-safe.

One thing about detox is that it shows how badly you've been damaging your body. It can heal though.

Go through detox first. Post about anything any time when you feel the need to. And prepare for an acclimation period after the detox.

Btw, good choice that you ditched your drinking buddies. In time, it'll be time to make new friends!

ccam1973

Welcome aboard and congrats on day 3. The early days are rough, but you can do it. Just keep going and remember what you are fighting for. You can get your life back.

Glad you found us.

Jtmlk

This is a very supportive place- my mind is already telling me that maybe soon I will be able to drink socially though I know in my heart I can't . One day at a time - on a plus side I've just taken my blood pressure and it's nearly back to normal.