Day Two - thirty hours into my detox
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Glasgow, Scotland
Posts: 324
Day Two - thirty hours into my detox
I am thirty hours into my detox. Yesterday was horrendous as I suffered several panic attacks and felt anxious all day, however I medicated with 20 mg of diazepam (valium) which took the edge of the torment. Today I am feeling much better, but already had a brief anxiety attack.
I have ordered magnesium, b vitamins and omega 3 which should be delivered today. Is there anything else I can do? If I stick with this, I should be three months' sober on New Year's Day, which is a nice albeit unintended consequence and something to work towards.
I have ordered magnesium, b vitamins and omega 3 which should be delivered today. Is there anything else I can do? If I stick with this, I should be three months' sober on New Year's Day, which is a nice albeit unintended consequence and something to work towards.
Administrator
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 211,416
Hi Auchieshuggle
A few things I learned from years of detox - keep hydrated, try to do normal familiar things to get through the day, and listen to your body - don't be afraid to call for help if you need it
Beyond that - by our rules the only medical advice we can really give you here is to see your doctor if you're concerned or the anxiety gets debilitating.
I know you're in Scotland and the NHS is not great - but it's still the best advice.
All the best,
D
A few things I learned from years of detox - keep hydrated, try to do normal familiar things to get through the day, and listen to your body - don't be afraid to call for help if you need it
Beyond that - by our rules the only medical advice we can really give you here is to see your doctor if you're concerned or the anxiety gets debilitating.
I know you're in Scotland and the NHS is not great - but it's still the best advice.
All the best,
D
Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 652
Congratulations on Day 2.
I like your forward plan too. What a nice thought - 3 months sober for NY.
It sounds like you have it covered pretty well. In the first few weeks, I cut myself a break and allowed myself to watch box sets to unwind and went out for walks (I got myself out of the city and into the countryside which somehow reduced my anxiety). Sounds daft but drinking lots of water really helped too - I was getting headaches to start but found lots of water helped that.
I think you are onto a win with your plan and great attitude!
I like your forward plan too. What a nice thought - 3 months sober for NY.
It sounds like you have it covered pretty well. In the first few weeks, I cut myself a break and allowed myself to watch box sets to unwind and went out for walks (I got myself out of the city and into the countryside which somehow reduced my anxiety). Sounds daft but drinking lots of water really helped too - I was getting headaches to start but found lots of water helped that.
I think you are onto a win with your plan and great attitude!
Guest
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 8,674
Glad you are posting- I had a terrible experience detoxing; I tell this around here a lot, as I went cold turkey. Which brings me to -
Is the valium doctor prescribed- and for you not another person? I made a commitment to be completely honest with all drs, do what they said, and not anything else, re meds, my drinking, everything.
NY and future dates are awesome to think about being sober to enjoy. BUT I couldn't think much about turning 40 sober that Aug when I was on day two in Feb.
Dee and others said it best- take care of yourself. Whatever you do, don't drink.
Glad you are here.
Is the valium doctor prescribed- and for you not another person? I made a commitment to be completely honest with all drs, do what they said, and not anything else, re meds, my drinking, everything.
NY and future dates are awesome to think about being sober to enjoy. BUT I couldn't think much about turning 40 sober that Aug when I was on day two in Feb.
Dee and others said it best- take care of yourself. Whatever you do, don't drink.
Glad you are here.
bona fido dog-lover
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: SF Bay area, CA
Posts: 99,772
Get medical help if you need it. Lots of fluids and easy food like soup and/or crackers, toast, rice. Whatever you do - don't drink if you feel bad. That will just prolong the withdrawal.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Glasgow, Scotland
Posts: 324
Thank you to everybody who has replied.
I had my last drink at 03:30 on Tuesday 1 October, after waking up following a binge and drinking the remnants of the bottles I had left, as well as a can of beer I found. I promised myself I would do Sober For October and so remember feeling bad as I had lasted just 3.5 hours!
However, as I type it is now 12:20 here on Friday 4 October, and I haven't touched a drop. Neither have I smoked a cigarette. However, I am still anxious and was going to leave the house to get some food and cleaning materials, but had a heart palpitation (more of a heart 'flutter') which elicited a panic attack. Is this normal, still? I know everybody suffers differently, but I worry that this is a symptom of an underlying heart condition or something serious. I daren't bother my GP again, as I have bugged him enough during the last couple of days - I have a sick note for work and extra diazepam.
I have reduced my diazepam consumption: Tuesday (20 mg), Wednesday (10 mg) and yesterday just 5 mg. Today I have also taken 5 mg.
Online it does suggest withdrawal can take five days. It also suggests there can be withdrawal from nicotine too.
What's everybody's thoughts? I am scared, but also excited at having done this so far.
I had my last drink at 03:30 on Tuesday 1 October, after waking up following a binge and drinking the remnants of the bottles I had left, as well as a can of beer I found. I promised myself I would do Sober For October and so remember feeling bad as I had lasted just 3.5 hours!
However, as I type it is now 12:20 here on Friday 4 October, and I haven't touched a drop. Neither have I smoked a cigarette. However, I am still anxious and was going to leave the house to get some food and cleaning materials, but had a heart palpitation (more of a heart 'flutter') which elicited a panic attack. Is this normal, still? I know everybody suffers differently, but I worry that this is a symptom of an underlying heart condition or something serious. I daren't bother my GP again, as I have bugged him enough during the last couple of days - I have a sick note for work and extra diazepam.
I have reduced my diazepam consumption: Tuesday (20 mg), Wednesday (10 mg) and yesterday just 5 mg. Today I have also taken 5 mg.
Online it does suggest withdrawal can take five days. It also suggests there can be withdrawal from nicotine too.
What's everybody's thoughts? I am scared, but also excited at having done this so far.
Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 25,373
I had a lot of anxiety and physical symptoms like you are describing...mine lasted a while.
The anxiety and nervous system disruption lasted a lot longer than a week - it was many months, although it became more manageable after about nine-ten days.
I took walks outside, ate good nutritious food on a schedule, listened to quiet instrumental music online, and stayed away from contentious people.
This helped me a lot:
Quiet Box - Box Breathing
The anxiety and nervous system disruption lasted a lot longer than a week - it was many months, although it became more manageable after about nine-ten days.
I took walks outside, ate good nutritious food on a schedule, listened to quiet instrumental music online, and stayed away from contentious people.
This helped me a lot:
Quiet Box - Box Breathing
Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 652
I am glad you are still with us Auchieshuggle. You are really going for this! I enjoy reading your courage.
I remember struggling with nervousness when I stopped smoking. Your GP is there to help but if you don't want to go in again then I think you could probably have a chat with the NHS helpline and get their advice?
Great that you have a plan with the benzo's but remember its not a race. I am probably going against the grain here but I think that it's ok to do whatever you need to do to stay alcohol-free and functioning with the support of your GP.
I remember struggling with nervousness when I stopped smoking. Your GP is there to help but if you don't want to go in again then I think you could probably have a chat with the NHS helpline and get their advice?
Great that you have a plan with the benzo's but remember its not a race. I am probably going against the grain here but I think that it's ok to do whatever you need to do to stay alcohol-free and functioning with the support of your GP.
Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Toronto
Posts: 3,195
I don't envy you right now. I went through detoxing last month and the anxiety attacks were unbearable. I had a full-blown panic attack during an AA meeting and had to leave. I probably should have stayed out of public places.
I need to remind the horrible detoxes I've had every time I am tempted to have that first drink because that drink invariably turns into an expensive week long bender.
I need to remind the horrible detoxes I've had every time I am tempted to have that first drink because that drink invariably turns into an expensive week long bender.
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Glasgow, Scotland
Posts: 324
Originally Posted by Wastinglife 
I don't envy you right now. I went through detoxing last month and the anxiety attacks were unbearable. I had a full-blown panic attack during an AA meeting and had to leave. I probably should have stayed out of public places.
I need to remind the horrible detoxes I've had every time I am tempted to have that first drink because that drink invariably turns into an expensive week long bender.
I need to remind the horrible detoxes I've had every time I am tempted to have that first drink because that drink invariably turns into an expensive week long bender.
Thanks for your reply. It's reassuring to know this happens to other people.
Originally Posted by biminiblue
I had a lot of anxiety and physical symptoms like you are describing...mine lasted a while.
The anxiety and nervous system disruption lasted a lot longer than a week - it was many months, although it became more manageable after about nine-ten days.
I took walks outside, ate good nutritious food on a schedule, listened to quiet instrumental music online, and stayed away from contentious people.
This helped me a lot:
Quiet Box - Box Breathing
The anxiety and nervous system disruption lasted a lot longer than a week - it was many months, although it became more manageable after about nine-ten days.
I took walks outside, ate good nutritious food on a schedule, listened to quiet instrumental music online, and stayed away from contentious people.
This helped me a lot:
Quiet Box - Box Breathing
Originally Posted by Lucinda2
I am glad you are still with us Auchieshuggle. You are really going for this! I enjoy reading your courage.
I remember struggling with nervousness when I stopped smoking. Your GP is there to help but if you don't want to go in again then I think you could probably have a chat with the NHS helpline and get their advice?
Great that you have a plan with the benzo's but remember its not a race. I am probably going against the grain here but I think that it's ok to do whatever you need to do to stay alcohol-free and functioning with the support of your GP.
I remember struggling with nervousness when I stopped smoking. Your GP is there to help but if you don't want to go in again then I think you could probably have a chat with the NHS helpline and get their advice?
Great that you have a plan with the benzo's but remember its not a race. I am probably going against the grain here but I think that it's ok to do whatever you need to do to stay alcohol-free and functioning with the support of your GP.
Member
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Christchurch, NZ
Posts: 517
The body will physically clear out all the alcohol in roughly 24 hours. So technically, you are detoxed and you are sober.
From here on in, it's the mental struggle that begins and this is the crucial part.
What are you going to do ? Go it alone, basically go it alone with cyber support, attend therapy, join AA, join another sober type program, join AA and take the steps ?
Studies show the best chance of success is with peer support in a face to face scenario.
From here on in, it's the mental struggle that begins and this is the crucial part.
What are you going to do ? Go it alone, basically go it alone with cyber support, attend therapy, join AA, join another sober type program, join AA and take the steps ?
Studies show the best chance of success is with peer support in a face to face scenario.
Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Warwick RI
Posts: 1,276
My personal opinion is you are withdrawing from everything! And I wouldn't withdraw from the benzo until...you were good with the cig and the alcohol....if it were me.....
The anxiety for me...after I drink a binge (week at a time)….the anxiety takes a full 2 weeks to subside for ME.....its horrendous and relentless....but today I have 15 days and finally I didn't have to take my benzo till 2pm...all previous days I had to take one early in day around 10am and then at 2...and then at bed.
Now it is in the afternoon and at bed...and I feel much better....Alcohol especially as you get older...wreaks havoc on anxiety.
The anxiety for me...after I drink a binge (week at a time)….the anxiety takes a full 2 weeks to subside for ME.....its horrendous and relentless....but today I have 15 days and finally I didn't have to take my benzo till 2pm...all previous days I had to take one early in day around 10am and then at 2...and then at bed.
Now it is in the afternoon and at bed...and I feel much better....Alcohol especially as you get older...wreaks havoc on anxiety.
Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 652
Originally Posted by Auchieshuggle
The only reason I am not smoking is the fear of having a heart attack! Though really I have got to continue with it, especially now I have come this far. I think the nicotine withdrawal definitely adds to it. Thanks for your reply.
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Glasgow, Scotland
Posts: 324
Originally Posted by Derringer
The body will physically clear out all the alcohol in roughly 24 hours. So technically, you are detoxed and you are sober.
From here on in, it's the mental struggle that begins and this is the crucial part.
What are you going to do ? Go it alone, basically go it alone with cyber support, attend therapy, join AA, join another sober type program, join AA and take the steps ?
Studies show the best chance of success is with peer support in a face to face scenario.
From here on in, it's the mental struggle that begins and this is the crucial part.
What are you going to do ? Go it alone, basically go it alone with cyber support, attend therapy, join AA, join another sober type program, join AA and take the steps ?
Studies show the best chance of success is with peer support in a face to face scenario.
I understand your point, though. I'm going to go for cyber support, therapy and AA! I am in the fortunate position to have all of those resources at my disposal, so I might as well utilise them all.
Thanks again for your reply.
Originally Posted by Misssy2
My personal opinion is you are withdrawing from everything! And I wouldn't withdraw from the benzo until...you were good with the cig and the alcohol....if it were me.....
The anxiety for me...after I drink a binge (week at a time)….the anxiety takes a full 2 weeks to subside for ME.....its horrendous and relentless....but today I have 15 days and finally I didn't have to take my benzo till 2pm...all previous days I had to take one early in day around 10am and then at 2...and then at bed.
Now it is in the afternoon and at bed...and I feel much better....Alcohol especially as you get older...wreaks havoc on anxiety.
The anxiety for me...after I drink a binge (week at a time)….the anxiety takes a full 2 weeks to subside for ME.....its horrendous and relentless....but today I have 15 days and finally I didn't have to take my benzo till 2pm...all previous days I had to take one early in day around 10am and then at 2...and then at bed.
Now it is in the afternoon and at bed...and I feel much better....Alcohol especially as you get older...wreaks havoc on anxiety.
Thanks again for your input.
Originally Posted by Lucinda2
But even if the nicotine withdrawal is adding to it right now you are going to feel totally great when you come out the other side.
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