Feeling worried
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2018
Posts: 3
Feeling worried
Hiya, I've made the decision to quit tomorrow. Today I told my employers that I am an alcoholic and that I will be visiting my Doctor tomorrow. However the last time I did this around 10 years ago, he was rubbish - had no idea. Who knows what Doctor I will get tomorrow.
Main thing I am concerned about is withdrawal symptoms. Previous ones have involved night sweats; sweating in general; some shakiness and headaches. But I am drinking far more than I ever did now. If the Doctor tomorrow says tapered detox at home then I know I won't manage. I have to go cold turkey. At the end of the day I'm an alcoholic who can't control her drinking - how am I meant to reduce my intake??
Is there anything the Doctor can prescribe? I'm UK by the way. The likelihood of being referred to a detox centre is slim. I have to do this at home, cold turkey, by myself. Any thoughts/advice would be appreciated - including what to say to the Doctor!!
Thanks
Main thing I am concerned about is withdrawal symptoms. Previous ones have involved night sweats; sweating in general; some shakiness and headaches. But I am drinking far more than I ever did now. If the Doctor tomorrow says tapered detox at home then I know I won't manage. I have to go cold turkey. At the end of the day I'm an alcoholic who can't control her drinking - how am I meant to reduce my intake??
Is there anything the Doctor can prescribe? I'm UK by the way. The likelihood of being referred to a detox centre is slim. I have to do this at home, cold turkey, by myself. Any thoughts/advice would be appreciated - including what to say to the Doctor!!
Thanks
Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 2,872
Good for you for taking such a bold step to get sober, I know you can do it as you sound really motivated.
I went through detox cold turkey many times before I got sober.
Don't mean to scare you, but some bad things can happen.
But you can do it!
I believe there are drugs they can give you to help.
As for the doctor, be brutally honest. Discuss your fears about everything. Don't worry, they've heard it all before.
Wishing I had some words of wisdom, but I'm sending you my beat.
I went through detox cold turkey many times before I got sober.
Don't mean to scare you, but some bad things can happen.
But you can do it!
I believe there are drugs they can give you to help.
As for the doctor, be brutally honest. Discuss your fears about everything. Don't worry, they've heard it all before.
Wishing I had some words of wisdom, but I'm sending you my beat.
bona fido dog-lover
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: SF Bay area, CA
Posts: 99,759
Welcome! 
In the US doctors often prescribe a short course of benzos to reduce anxiety and the risk of seizures. I understand that in the UK, doctors don't usually do that, but advise tapering. I hope you can find a way to get sober for good.
I would just tell the doctor that you can't taper cause you can't control your intake. Physical withdrawal only lasts a few days. Ask for meds that can help for the first few days.
In the US doctors often prescribe a short course of benzos to reduce anxiety and the risk of seizures. I understand that in the UK, doctors don't usually do that, but advise tapering. I hope you can find a way to get sober for good. I would just tell the doctor that you can't taper cause you can't control your intake. Physical withdrawal only lasts a few days. Ask for meds that can help for the first few days.
Administrator
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 211,373
Hi Rosie - welcome
I'm glad you're quitting.
Our rules mean we can't give medical advice like what meds to take- everyone's circumstances are different, and your doctor is the best person to know what meds might be suitable for you.
The only thing I can suggest is what the others have - be brutally honest and really let them know how scared you are that you won't be able to taper. I hope they can help you, or at least ease your mind on your concerns
D
I'm glad you're quitting.
Is there anything the Doctor can prescribe?
The only thing I can suggest is what the others have - be brutally honest and really let them know how scared you are that you won't be able to taper. I hope they can help you, or at least ease your mind on your concerns
D
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