Another Day 1

Doing cold turkey really depends on the person. Some people really physically suffer from symptoms and others it is not too much of a problem, but the therapists gave you the right advice.

Hard cider probably equals that awful white cider that is cider in name only and just ethanol with flavours and sweeteners. Medication to wean you off is probably the best, willpower alone does not work for many.

Here's how I view the problem: If you can quit and don't relapse or only have minor relapses, then stick with what you're doing and maybe add in some social support from like-minded people, AA, SMART Recovery, LifeRing, etc. 

If the relapses get worse, then look at Medication Assisted Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder. The Sinclair Method is one form of MAT and I had very good luck with it. Have a look at this page under the heading for The Sinclair Method:

https://patient.info/forums/discuss/useful-resources-487627

I cut my drinking by over 95% using TSM and haven't felt any desire to accelerate on that for a year. 

I used to drink 7.5% cider and it was awful but did the trick. Good replies already. Try to stop but do seek support at the same time.

If you're trying to stop drinking, the cider in the closet is constantly calling out to you.

You can't make a start if there is drink in the house.

I am not an alcoholic - my partner is. She says you should pour it down the sink.

Not sure if she would do that, though!

All the best to you. You are certainly in the right place for support and advice.

Hi Haleigh, I am a long term daily drinker.  I reserve TSM for it I just keep failing - my back up plan. 

I have found tapering down easier than I thought it would be.  I dropped from 2 bottles of wine a day (20 units) to 18,16,14,12,10  so I had no sweats or shaking.  The only thing I had was and is tiredness as only a couple of hours sleep without alcohol to lull me.

I now have 2 units of wine Monday to Friday and have started bringing in Saturday also.  Sunday I still have a bottle in order to get some needed sleep.  I am happy with this unless my health dictates otherwise.  I feel and look much better, albeit tired, but worth it to know my poor insides are having a break (and I am back to driving again as no alcohol in my body next day).

What I do regarding having it in the house is I buy the tiny bottle (2 units) each day with my shopping, then I can't be tempted.  I also eat a couple of squares of dark chocolate after my 2 - wine after that tastes bad.  I am surprised at how well it has gone.

Whichever way you choose, you can get there and feel the benefit in both your body, mind and pocket.

Good luck and keep updating your decisions and progresses and if you fall, well just get back up.  It is your life and it is worth living - age is on  your side.

G.

Edit my first line on post.  "I reserve TSM for it  in case I just keep failing" - back up plan.

Dear Haleigh,

I definitely do not recommend you go cold turkey in the initial detoxification process as your body can go into severe shock if you have been drinking a lot. I am a binge drinker, but I do not drink everyday, though when Ive had, I have binged drinked for up to 5 days from the moment I wake up (to get the physical withdrawal symptoms away) until I fall asleep. After a few days I feel so sick I can't even stomach alcohol, so I have had to go cold turkey. If I do it at home I have always had valium to help me though the detox the first 2 days (which are hell!) but when I haven't had valium it has been hell, I have felt I could die, but I have had to go through it. When it has gotten so bad I have had to go to the hospital in 2 or 3 occasions and there they have the right medication and IV fluids to help with the withdrawals, can be expensive if you are not medically insured. I would try drinking chicken soup and bland vegetable pure to bring your Magnesium levels up, have lots of organic coconut water as it hydrates a lot more. In the pharmacy they sell electrolytes packages to mix with water, have those a few times day. I find apple juice helps to bring some of the sugar levels up (as alcohol contains lots of sugar too). Don't have acidic foods as it will only upset your stomach and give you nausea. If you can't have someone buy you green vegetable smoothies it will help as well bring your energy levels, magnesium and iron. Have a sip of your alcohol every hour and a half or 2 the first day of detox as it is the worst, but not more than a sip (if you dont have valium). If you do have Valium just stick with it and the food and healthy beverages. I wish I could tell you there is an easy way to detox but its not pleasant at all, these things just ease the pain a bit. In the long run please look into the medicine Selincro. I believe this could help you. I just started it, and though the side effects are not pleasant (at least not until your body gets used to the medicine) but it definitely removes any urge to drink alcohol. Send you lots of strength and remember you are not alone in this. Xx