If i dont drink for a day or two, i feel fine in myself and start to feel my energy coming back, but every now and then i suddenly go very dizzy and either nearly fall over or i start to panic. Is this a normal side effect of not drinking? And is there anything i can do to stop these dizzy spells or ease them? Apart the obvious, not drinking in the first place.
I am trying to finda counsellor to help with my drinking, and am trying things like meditation, however it's very early days and I'm struggling.
What is the pattern of your drinking Kristina? How many days are you drinking for before you have those two days without drinking? It is certainly not a side effect of NOT drinking but could be due to withdrawal from alcohol.
It can be anything from 3-10 days of drinking 2 bottles of wine a day. Then i stop for a few days and that's when i experience these dizzy spells. They just happen so quickly and i normally have to sit down for a while after.
Hi Kristina , i used to get spells like that when i stopped drinking for a few days- especially after a heavy session over a few days - i asked a Dr about it years later and he reckoned it was probably related to my blood presure - i hope this is of some help to you Kristina -
I also had spells like that. For me it was caused from high blood preasure and high sugar levels ( I also drand about 2 large bottles of wine a day)
Since I had my last drink about 8 weeks ago they have stoped, and now my levels are back to normal
So hang in there it is all worth it 
Thank you guys you've all been really helpful!
I've wwondered if I should see my doctor, if it's worth it. I'm already seeking counselling privately, aa isn't for me, so not sure if they will habe anything to offer me. Any advice? Any is appreciated
The dizziness is a physical symptom that won't be helped by counselling. Yes, best to see your GP.
I would guess that it is the transition from drinking to not drinking which is causing a problem.
AA isn't for everyone, although I wouldn't criticise it as it helps a lot of people. Not all alcohol counselling is based on the AA 12 Steps model so hopefully you can find something which suits you better.
Yes i know the dizzy spells won't be helped by counselling, and wouldn't criticise aa as i know people who it still helps today. It's just not for me.
Thank you for your help.
Hi kristina! I agree with sue, sugar levels etc, it will pass after a few weeks of not drinking. Like you I used to drink 2 bottles of wine and more eventually. Your body is ridding itself of poison so just stick with it. Wine is very high in sugar so replace with sweet drinke, chocs, sweets, fruit etc. it will replace the sugar craving at the beginning. Good luck you...Caroline
Thank you very much, I'll definitely try that x
And don't forget to take Thiamine and B Vitamins..very important. Ask your doctor. Best wishes, Caroline
Hi Kristina, Indeed these dizzy spells are a symptom of alcohol withdrawal. Please see your GP as soon as you can and I encourage you to be upfront with him/her. When my doctor or anyone else for that matter, would ask how much I drank I'd say 'Oh a couple of drinks per week usually on a Friday after work'. HA...I should have been saying...'I get drunk at least 5 times a week!' These doctors usually know of programs that are out there. Even your counsellor might know. The Alcohol Anonymous program has worked for me for that past 15 years so I hope you can find something that works for you. Many good wishes and nave give up...life without alcohol is pretty AMAZING!!
Thank you very much for your reply. I'll see my doctor as soon as i can and will write down how much i drink in case i can't say it, i normally say the same as you used to, one or two glasses a week.
It sounds so silly but a life without alcohol terrifies me, even though deep down i know I'll be happier without it.
I know what you mean Kristina. The thought of life without alcohol IS indeed daunting!! But what I learned early in my AA meetings is to think about being alcohol free only TODAY. We can stay sober for just ONE day!! Tomorrow is tomorrow so think about just today. Apologies for being so repetitive but that's how it was drilled in to me!!! (I'm a slowwwww learner) 😊 Plse stay tuned to this forum....there's so much great information and support. Be kind to yourself ! 🌻
I have had the same, Kristina. When you drink, your body compensates in weird ways. If your central nervous system is soaked in alcohol for long enough, it will adapt. When you come off it you will feel vertigo.. along with other things. Have you had anxiety, tremors, or seizures?
I'm just re-starting sobriety. I have been having dizzy spells like you describe. I was thinking it was because I was drinking hard alcohol rather than beer or wine. How did it work out for you?
I can totally relate to the fear of letting alcohol go...unsure of what will happen (other than I know in a few days I will want to try to practice controlling it yet again...endless hamster cage for the past 21 years. UG.
would love an update.
How are you? I would encourage you to see a psychiatrist as soon as possibe and make up a comprehensive treatment plan for alcohol dependence. Although at times it may feel like a struggle, you're by no means alone.
You words of years ago resonate with me today and were a real pick me up. I’m struggling with the dizziness and fatigue but refusing the alcohol quick fix. It’s really hard!
Hi,
I'm just starting on the road to alcohol freedom. Finding it very hard. Ive been drinking bottle of red wine every night for over a year or more. I was doing some research, I came across this thread on this forum. I was wondering how you are getting on. Have you quit alcohol... did your dizzy symptoms finally stop. ?? I've stopped only 6 days ago. But been having dizzy spells 2/3 days.Headaches almost like a hangover. I fell into trap of having 3 glasses of wine again last night, thinking I'd feel better. But alas today I feel worse, bad idea. Really would like to change my drinking habits.Not sure I want to totally stop altogether, but i realise I may have to stop for a while before I can think about introducing periodic social drinking. Any help & advice appreciated.
Hi Kristina
I think the best course of action would be to abstain from alcohol as you obviously manage but visit your doctor for advice.
this thing with addiction is that we as humans are our own worst enemy we abuse our body's and wonder why we feel ill or strange.
when I have up alcohol I felt crap for months then amazing ,you can't believe how great you feel and look.
but I have up . two bottles of wine a day is wrecking your body and you will get worse symptoms than dizzy spells eventually!! sorry to sound harsh but own your problem and do something about it..i wish you well and hope things turn round for you x