1. Community
  2. Mental health
  3. Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol Addiction & Detox'

Posted , 8 users are following.

Pongo22
Pongo22

I've drunk all my adult life, apart from six months in prison nineteen years ago, I've been to the pub pretty much every night.

However I've never been an all day drinker, just enough pints at the end of the night to finish off the da, and I've always worked full time..

I started getting dependency syptoms about twelve years ago (especeally if I kicked the arse out of it), so I cut down and got on top of my habit.

I've just been through a weeks detox, I finally capitulated because the pins and needles in my hands were becoming unbearable.

My question is; my problem has always been the fact that I had to drink every night so that I could sleep and breaking that habbit seems to me to be the issue but the health workers at the clinic say I can never drink again as and I quote "one is too many and a thousand is not enough" but that has never really been the issue for me and I don't see why I can't in the future, drink on occassion as long as it is not on a regular basis.

Anyone else had a similar experience, or have any input?      

0 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • WendellA22
    WendellA22 Pongo22

    Posted

    Hi Pongo22-

    Well good job on not drinking for a week, that's a great place to start for sure. When it comes to alcohol addiction it seems it comes in all different shapes and sizes for everyone. The reality it that you are truly the only person who knows if you can handle drinking in the future. I always say to everyone before I tell my story, that I am not a professional, but can tell you my experience. Before I finally gave up alcohol for good I tried every different way possible to justify my drinking. I have a job, never had a DUI, never been arrested....and the list goes on and on....and there were times I could drink in moderation and then there were times that I couldn't. More times than not though I couldn't. When I was able to pull off drinking in moderation it always felt like work. I had to work at only having two glasses of wine or three, but it was always on my mind. When I started noticing physical withdrawals from the absence of alcohol I started taking an honest inventory of my life. I realized that everything I did involved drinking: my friends, dinners, work functions and certainly all social events. Alcohol turned me into, more times than not, someone I was ashamed of or embarrassed by. I became a liar for covering from hangovers and trying to make excuses for missing functions. I decided to quit for my health and to be someone I was proud to be. That's my own personal experience. I had to detox when I quit for good. It was one of the toughest things I did. I really got to know the extent of my addiction going through the physical withdrawals for they wer brutal. I hope you find you what is right for you and wish you nothing but success and luck. I hope my story helps you find that. Wendy :-)

  • PaulJTurner1964
    PaulJTurner1964 Pongo22

    Posted

    Google 'The Sinclair Method', Pongo. This is the most successful treatment method in the world today and it does NOT involve remaining abstinent. It is also the ONLY method by which you would be able to drink without it eventually getting out of hand again.
    • Pongo22
      Pongo22 PaulJTurner1964

      Posted

      Okay I will look into it thanks, but is it a drug, cult or con'? I'm wairry of anything that sounds too easy, if you know what I mean?  
    • PaulJTurner1964
      PaulJTurner1964 Pongo22

      Posted

      It is an approved medical treatment. The drug used, Nalmefene is approved for use on the NHS. It has a 78% success rate. There is a LOT of information online but, unfortunately, it has not been adopted widely yet.
  • Misssy2
    Misssy2 Pongo22

    Posted

    If drinking is affecting your life, your job,  your relationships...than there is a problem.

    Its up to you to measure how much impact drinking has on you...and up to you if you want to stop completely.

    The fact you went thru "detox" signals a problem for me....just because we don't drink during the day does not mean we are not alcoholic.

    If alcohol is something you NEED for sleep...that seems like a habitual problem for you.

    You will know if it is a problem if you keep experimenting with stopping...if you are unable to stop and be comfortable it signals a problem to me sad

  • alittleofwhat
    alittleofwhat Pongo22

    Posted

    I'm new here, just acknowledging to myself that my drinking behaviour is becoming a concern. I have finally faced the number of units that I drink per night - between 5 and 7. I drink slowly, never get drunk only happy or if I go too fast muzzy headed and then I stop. I never black out. I never have a hangover from drinking at home, only if I'm out with friends and "lose track". But on the other hand my number of units per night is steadily increasing over the years.

    I am alcohol dependent, in that I seem unable to have a night off alcohol unless there is a really good reason, like I am doing a long drive. The prospect of doing without my evening whisky and wine seems entirely possible in the morning, but after four oclock seems unrealistic, and by 6, unless there is a very good reason, I give in! I love how I feel after the first few sips, how my cares dwindle, how I can sit and relax. It feels like a reward. I would hate to give it up completely - it is one of my greatest pleasures - so somehow I have to get it under control...

    It has started with counting the units and telling a couple of people... I am relating to you, Pongo, because you are an evening drinker like me and it has not affected your work or family to any great extent. I don't want never to drink again and couldn't bear someone to tell me what to do - I have to find a way to limit my consumption by myself.

     

    • Robin2015
      Robin2015 alittleofwhat

      Posted

      great that you are concerned before this becomes an immense problem. You admit to driking every night but not as much as some. It still indicates a problem and it is best to try for one or two night off driking IF you can. let us know how you are keeping.

       

  • susan60053
    susan60053 Pongo22

    Posted

    Hi. Any one who can help ? Maybe Paul, Richard or Joanne. I identify  with  Pongo22 with some of the symptoms mainly the  Pins an Needles all over my boby particularly my face and hands also cramps in my legs-unbearable! Not had a day off wine for weeks now (always tomorrow) It's alli think about-where are the next 4 or 5 bottles coming from. I just cannot this time break the cycle. Had perfect blood results back from Docttor yesterday (unbelievable) So is my nervous system shot ?? Anybody have any answers? Have made appointment with my Key worker for next week bit then i might be too drunk to go. Hope Ihave some replies.
    • PaulJTurner1964
      PaulJTurner1964 susan60053

      Posted

      You need an alcohol detox, Susan, is there any possibility of that from the people you are seeing?

      Thiamine deficiency may be causing your pins and needles. Often, GPs will prescribe Thiamine but, as haevy drinking depletes thiamine, it would have more effect as part of a detox. You can buy thiamine over the counter but, like I say, you will find its effectiveness limited while still drinking heavily.

      I should add that thiamine deficiency is the main cause of alcohol related dementia. I'm sure you are ok at this stage but don't allow it to go on longterm.

    • susan60053
      susan60053 PaulJTurner1964

      Posted

      Thank you for your quick reply. I do need a detox , normally do it myself with the help of Thiamine and vitamin B Strong plus Diazapan occasiionally .I have all the ammunition!Just getting my brain in gear to do it. My Key Worker is from Turning Point (my best friend) they are so busy- it takes weeks to arrange a Home Detox unfortunatlely do not have the funds to go Private (shame) Have also tried the Sinclair Method bought the D V D and the book (one little pill) tried Selincro - felt like a Zombie for 2 months while taking it. One more query- why am I sweating so much during the night ?I do'nt sleep constantly showering and changing my bed. Then I start to smell so degrading. Must add I have a lovely Husband (only drinks COKE) How much longer does he have to put up with an Alcoholic. Why is it so Addictive?
Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.