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Alcohol withdrawal symptoms

Posted , 5 users are following.

julie1971
julie1971

Hi I am 44 years old with 2 teenage daughters and am new to this forum and website.  I have suffered with depression and been on medication for over 10 years now.  I am currently on Sertraline 100 mg.. I have recently being diagnosed with generalised anxiety disorder aswell and suffer from panic attacks and low confidence/self esteem.  I have recently begun a course of CBT therapy which I am finding really helpful.  About 3 or 4 years ago I started drinking red wine and got into such a habit with it that I would be drinking 2 bottles 7 nights a week and I think my body just got that used to it that I didnt suffer hangovers.  I decided 3 and a half weeks ago that enough was enough and for mine and my familys sake I needed to stop drinking.  I since then have only drunk alcohol free lager.. But I am feeling very lethargic, having trouble sleeping, headaches and not much motivation to do anything other than what I have to.  I have been to the doctors today for blood tests, but from your experiences how long will it take my body to get over the effects of alcohol.  I dont want to start drinking again but am feeling really fed up.  Any advice will be much appreciated.

1 like, 11 replies

11 Replies

  • RHGB
    RHGB julie1971

    Posted

    It really depends on the person's genetic make up, how long they have been drinking and how much.

    Yours is actually quite light compared to most of us. When people drink a lot, then tend to stop eating or at least properly and they don't tend to take fluids to rehydrate themselves.

    You need to drink plenty fo fluids, that does not include non alcoholic beer. You need to try and eat heathily and aslo you should probably be taking thiamine and vitamin b compound strong. To help recouperate. Without seein the blood test results, it is hard to say.

  • sue08
    sue08 julie1971

    Posted

    I et where yourcoming from I have gone though the same thing, it took me about six weeks but.... it will pass smile

    Good luck to you and stay strong smile

    • sue08
      sue08

      Posted

      sorry my key board hates me sad
  • Robin2015
    Robin2015 julie1971

    Posted

    HI Julie

    How are you keeping? did you manage to stop drinking?? just wondering what your situation is now. All the best from Robin

    • julie1971
      julie1971 Robin2015

      Posted

      Hi Robin thank you for your reply... Ive been alcohol free now for 4 weeks and I'm ok but am finding it difficult.... although Im determined I'm not going to give up because I was drinking far too much and felt in a constant blur.. I need to do this for my health and my family.. I just feel really lethargic since stopping the wine and get frequent headaches.. hope you are OK x
    • RHGB
      RHGB julie1971

      Posted

      Your body and mind will still crave alcohol, not as in the first few days, where you really suffer, but just a constant niggling. It takes it awhile to adjust back. There are anti-craving medications available, but I don't think you have been a heavy enough drinker over a long enough period of time to warrant that.

      There are medications that you should be taking to help your body recover, so you are not lethargic etc. and you are probably lacking in some of those. Check when you get your blood results and don't rely on the doctor to be forthcoming, be prepared to ask him for them.

      In the mean time, keep rehydrated and healthy food, nothing in a box that goes in a microwave or oven, make things containing decent ingredients.

    • julie1971
      julie1971 RHGB

      Posted

      Thank you for your reply.. I know it's going to take time for my body to get back to normal but it's good to hear advice from people who have or are going through the same... hopefully my blood test results will be back this week so I can see if I need to take any vitamins etc... I can and will keep this going.. hope you are OK x
    • Robin2015
      Robin2015 julie1971

      Posted

      yes. thanks. 3 yrs and also very excessive drinking and blurred life and stopped due to my family. Sorted. I will think of you and try to give you COURAGE on your journey! Robin
  • sue08
    sue08 julie1971

    Posted

    I found in my blood work it was vit. B all of them were very low

    I have had relapses with drinking, I went to see doc and b 's are still very low... thought maybe I was one that could drink once in a while... mmm no

    now looking at joing a gym and stop smoking as well... I think its the only way for me... good luck to you smile will watch for updates smile 

    • RHGB
      RHGB sue08

      Posted

      So if vitamin B is low, do you take Thiamine B1 and Vitamin B compound strong?

      If not, why not, I'd wonder why my GP hadn't prescribed them. They don't need a prescription, they can be bought from most chemists and certainly H&B.

    • sue08
      sue08 RHGB

      Posted

      Yes I am taking a b complex  I have been for over a month. I go in for more blood work this next week, will see if its helped smile
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