Hi guys I'm suffering serious depression and anxiety due to alcohol withdrawal.
Up to this week I have been drinking four litres of whiskey a week minimum and that's not including nights out.
Just joined the forum and wanting to find likeminded people in the same boat as myself and get some advice
Well done on getting to day three. Me also. What symptoms have you experienced?
Instead of feeling depressed why not try feeling proud that you're three days in and you've acknowledge you have a problem?
Very true Vicky I am proud and have a new found determination to succeed now after so many failed attempts. Are you using any methods to curb the urge to drink
To be honest... I got a cold which inhibited me drinking and kicked off the withdrawal process but I didn't realise how dangerous cold turkey actually was. I'm going to my GP in the morning as my sweating is out of control and my BPM is 110 even when I'm not moving about!
So far I've just been drinking litres and litres of water and lucozade. How about you? Any side effects/advise?
Wow well first of all well done for hitting day 3 of sobriety. That is a hell of a lot of whisky to be drinking. You say you’re withdrawing.. are you doing this under doctor supervision?
What meds are you taking? I’ve managed Day 3 ... 3 times now, this is my forever day 3, I’ll never drink again, I can say that in full confidence because If I drink again I’ll probably die very quickly afterwards and that is definitely not going to happen to me.
Day 3 I remember well, it’s still not sleeping, feeling anxious, still leaning over to pick up the drink that is usually perched beside you. It’s boring and emotional and strange. I’m not going to lie, the sleep thing is the last thing that gets back on track.. I’m 2 years sober and still have strange sleep behaviour.
I know it’s difficult but try not to obsess about being depressed.. focus on the good you are doing for yourself. You’re saving your life.. it’s huge, be proud of yourself. If you have kids think about the extra years they are gaining by you doing this.
I’m not one for taking pills personally but if you do, speak to your doctor about getting some short term sleeping pills.
If you are able, be more active, go to the gym, go for a run, wear yourself out before bed, don’t take any stimulants.. tea coffee etc
If you are going to AA try and get to an evening meeting.. every day if you can initially, I always used to leave a meeting feeling quite good about myself.
Stay in here and talk to people , you will see bits of yourself in most people’s stories
Good luck, you are doing fantastic.. keep it up x
You've made a start and should be proud of yourself! That's a lot of whisky - I was getting through half a litre a day most days. I even drank it while eating and there was always a glass available when I was outside. I found counting the consecutive sober days helped but had to start again usually. BUT, it can be done! I'm 10 years, 10 months and 25 days sober now and still counting. I still get tempted at times but the thought of going back to zero has stopped me so far. I was lucky to be able to manage without medication etc, but I've read that there are successful treatments. You can do this. I have had a lot of support from this site when I've wanted to have a small drink, just to see if I could stop at one. The advice was always DON'T!
Hi there cormac well done keep going, I haven't managed a day yet it's not an excuse but I have a huge amount of stress at the moment. I have a doctor's appointments in 2 weeks and go to talk to her about the Sinclair method there have been lots of people on this forum who have used it with great success. Have a look it seems to have a different approach with use of meds good luck
Wow well done on 10 years and counting John!
What a great reply Chantelle! Well done for2 years sober. Robin
Sinclair Method is great
Well done Cormac. Three days sober is a great start. Keep trying. Robin
I have the same issue. up to 1 liter or 1/2 gallon a day for maybe 11 years.
I eventually had to seek a doctor's attention because nothing else worked. This doctor understood that I can not go to rehab and that there were favorable opportunities.
My biggest thing is that I can not stop cold turkey or I'll land myself in the hospital, I was told that quitting smoking would be easier for me.
When my liver doctor told me that my liver is reversible, he also said, "You say your happy alone.... some people go to church to keep from being alone or they stay at home and hide in their addiction to avoid being alone. If you want God, go get him. If you think your truly happy being alone, then let your addiction go. After a year, I'll believe you."
This was hard to take in. But considering how bull-headed I am, the competition is on.
I started seeing how long I can go without drinking.
I made it 1 1/2 weeks then broke. Drank solid for a week, went 3 then broke again.
I could go on.
My biggest thing before my actual TRUE help is to find out my weak points and triggers.
I hope this helps!
I'm the same biker jools, 2 court appearances over next month drinking and fighting. The anxiety at the minute is terrible especially with these hanging over me. Maybe I've picked the wrong time to stop. When is the right time though....
thanks John I know that the longer I go the more I will lose by drinking, congrats on the ten year mark. Did Ye quit cold turkey ?
Thank you Chantelle,
I'm currently taking Valium to stop anxiety but It doesn't seem to be working. I got a few hrs sleep last night but was in the horrors.
The main reason I'm stopping drinking is because I've started to realise that everyone can see that I'm an alcoholic except me. The withdrawals I'm going through physically and mentally are scary and a real eye opener
Hi Vicky
hope you are well. Valium and Gatorade along with meal shakes are what I'm taking. Still struggling hard with dts anxiety and lack of sleep but definitely get some Valium
Thanks for that taisha, that's exactly what I do quit for a week or get to maybe ten days the break and drink harder and heavier than ever. When I hit that sweet spot I'm on fire at work and with my friends but then that one that put me mad will have me at home chugging down bourbon. It's got to the stage where I can't hold s job down at all so life is just completely out of control
Yes. I suddenly decided I didn't want any more and threw what was in my glass out the window. No planning ahead for the big day, it just was a spur of the moment thing. I enjoyed the lack of hangovers and appreciated my food, I became more tolerant and nicer to people, especially to my long suffering wife. No withdrawal symptoms. But stopping suddenly can be dangerous I've read, so best to talk to your doctor I think. Good luck. You will get lots of support here.
Still sober Cormac? Just checking. Weekends are tempting and time off work 😁
Sinclair Method sure is great Robin and I would highly recommend it to anyone struggling with alcohol.Hope you are ok and enjoying life ! 😁