Alcohol withdrawal risks
Posted , 7 users are following.
Hi all,
I'll be happy to get some advice regarding alcohol withdrawal according to my condition, and if it's risky for me to try to do it on my own.
So, I've been drinking beers regularly for about the past 3-4 years. Usually 3 to 6 beers a day (500ml each), and occasionally more during the weekend (with some other stronger beverages). But during the week it's usually only beers.
I would like to stop drinking for a while or at least reduce the amount, so my question is, should I be concerned about the alcohol withdrawal symptoms?
I'm a healthy 35 year old man, (but don't do exorcise too often to be honest...), and a smoker.
I need to point out that I'm able to not drink if I have anything important to do during the day, like meetings, driving or anything like that (at least until night time when I feel like having a beer), so I don't feel like an alcoholic in that sense, but still concerned about the side effects of quitting cold turkey.
Really really appreciate any advice or tips you can give me.
Thank you so much!
0 likes, 17 replies
Pearman Gini2018
Posted
You will of course have the urges and and mild withdrawal symptoms.
Gini2018 Pearman
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Guest Gini2018
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OK point blank !! DO NOT attempt withdrawal on your own without medical intervention i did go to my doctor who wasn't helpful At all.. He told me to just stop drinking which I did. Locked myself in my room with water and crackers for 3 days and went to hell and back. I felt fine for about a week and then all I can remember from then is being in hospital where I spent 7 weeks. After the right detox and brain scans I was diagnosed with Korsakoff's syndrome! I wouldn't wish it on anyone but you need the right meds first and foremost and really push and push for the right treatment loads of people with alcohol problems don't get the right help or advice and it's awful. You can save yourself but please don't even try detox on your own it does kill !!!! If your doctor doesn't listen change doctor but do not detox yourself !!! I always tell myself life IS worth it ! It isn't easy but trust me there is hope !! Stay well ok and get your life back !! X
Gini2018 Guest
Posted
Thank you so much for your honest answer friend!
I hope you're doing well now and are healthy!
As I understand from your answer the lack of vitamins, (vitamins B right?) or other medications cause you that problem?
Personally I prefer not to take any medication unless it's vitamins if necessary, but yeah most of the doctors here will suggest you to just stop drinking or see a rehab center.
And was your situation similar to mine regarding alcohol consumption?
(if you don't mind me asking)
Thank you!
Guest Gini2018
Posted
jason_97037 Gini2018
Posted
At the amount your drinking, I'm pretty comfortable saying your ok on your own. Maybe taper down over a few days. Disclaimer!!- I'm NOT a doctor. For what it's worth I am an alcoholic and know all to well the hell of withdraw. See a doc if you have any doubts.
Gini2018 jason_97037
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jason_97037 Gini2018
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Was thinking after i posted... maybe before you get rid of the alcohol, try to go a day or 2. If you don't get the shakes, extreme anxiety, extreme craving, you're pry safe. If you do, best to talk to a doc. There are short term meds to help you through it without having to go to detox. And other meds like naltrexone that can help greatly in achieving the goals you stated in your original post, quit or cut back.
Robin2015 jason_97037
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gwen45436 Gini2018
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H Gini, I have tapered down from 20 units of wine daily to 2 over the last several months. My doc just referred me on to alcohol recovery. When I said I was worried about stopping cold turkey she looked at me blankly. I said I knew about the risk of seizures and dt's etc. She had a think and then said oh yes you are probably right - err derrrrr !
Cutting out in one go is so not advisable When I cut and did 50% first time to 10 units it was too quick. Felt spaced out and lost my way home walking one day and I have lived in the area for over 35 years!!
Did it slowly by 2 every few nights with no bother. Now I am racking up 2 a night (small) Monday to Saturday and am ok with that. But I must say that I am still uneasy to do without any at all - still nervous of withdrawing. I do have Diazepam which I have had a pack for years in case of panic attacks but not as yet had one so don't know the effect, but I know they are sometimes given if you want to come off on your own to reduce risks.
It sounds like you could be a candidate for tapering successfully and then probably stopping every other night or so. And you do end up looking and feeling so much better and that gives you a real kick too keep doing it.
All the best and good luck it does sound like you already have this in the bag.
G.
jason_97037 gwen45436
Posted
Again, not a doctor, and we're talking about possibly dangerous medications now! But from my experience, a good dose of diazepam (10mg) a few times a day will prevent or lessen the worst effects of withdrawing (anxiety, seizure, DT) and get you through the first few days. After that, I think the risk of very serious side effects is much less. DO NOT MIX alcohol and benzos (Diazepam) unless advised by your doc. Even small amounts of each together can lead to blackout and other very serious issues. Taken alone diazepam can make you very tired. I wouldn't advise much more than laying on the couch.
Exercise can work miracles. After a good 30 jog, or even walk, the withdrawal symptoms can be drastically better. I will guarantee you it will speed up the time it takes you to get back to normal feeling.
I can relate to your experience from going cold turkey and being spaced out! The anxiety is the real killer for me, but when I have been in the first few days of withdrawing in the past, any time my brain suddenly needs to act, such as someone asking a simple question or trying to remember directions to a place I've been 1000 times, or tasks I comlete every day at work, my mind would just go blank! It's a little scary. But if you can get through those first few days it will all slowly normalize again.
Guest jason_97037
Posted
How are you coping now ? Have you had any brain scans ? I had several scans just to confirm Korsakoff's syndrome as at the time not even specialists could put a diagnosis in place hence the 7 weeks spent in hospital. After week 5 it was spotted and proper meds given thank god !
Gini2018 jason_97037
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Gini2018 gwen45436
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mikeyrayer Gini2018
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I've been consuming 60-70 units a week for a few years and maybe 30-40 units for 20 years prior to that.
I recently took a week off the booze just to see if I could do it. I could and it was easier than I was expecting. The only withdrawal symptom I had was a mild headache for 2 days. I imagine the experience is different for everyone which is why a forum is a good place to get a consensus.
Robin2015 mikeyrayer
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Gini2018 mikeyrayer
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