Cold Turkey no choice

Posted , 8 users are following.

Hello, this my first post here, I have just started my quest for not drinking, only on my first three days and have been drinking on and off for the past 20 years. 

Things came too a head  Sunday 15th April, when i hit the pub on one of my benders got and past out did not remember anything about weekend, over the three days of none stop i lost a lot of good friends. So now time to kick alcohol out of my life.

I have chosen cold turkey not through choice but because i do not have the money too drop myself down slowly.

Ok that said i am struggling at the moment but i know it is the right thing for me, I have been here before but this time i am doing it for me and me alone not just too please other people. I need too do this as at 63 i may not get another chance to do so.

I will keep posting on my progress in the weeks and months ahead, and very encourage by some of the posts i read before joining.

Thank you   

1 like, 12 replies

12 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi Colin,

    Welcome, it was good to read your post earlier, inspiring - great to read you have made such a positive decision and the hardest few steps. Yes, keep us updated - will be good to read about your progress, don't beat yourself up though if you have a bad day, just remember your post here and commitment to yourself.

    Were you drinking daily? If so, have you had any withdrawal symptoms?

    Personally it's still early days for me, I have been a attending a local alcohol recovery service, committed to a program. I'm weening off, it's going to take a couple of months at least but after years of abuse, I have to tell myself to be patient and see out what's ahead rather than rushing to quickly. Touch frustrating but hopefully lots of hope for the future.

    Best wishes, Rob

    • Posted

      Yes drinking every day 4-5 pints shorts after that no idea, my latest 3 day really excessive binge cost me £250 in 3 day's, plus losing a very good friend.

      I am positive but experiencing very bad shakes nausea, lack of concentration, anger beating myself up, insomnia, guilt on not knowing what i did over the weekend, drink was in control.     

    • Posted

      The first two days are usually the worst and really bad ones. Your symptoms are normal for cold turkey. Going to bed and lying down is the best way to make it more comfortable. Take some orange squash or similar soft drink to sip, not gulp.

      Try not to get up or move around too much. A sick bucket by the bed may come in handy.

    • Posted

      I wasn’t the only one who needed a sick bucket by the bed then
    • Posted

      everything you’re experiencing sounds quite normal. Been there myself many times years ago.

      By day 3 you should be over the worst physically. Mentally used to take me ages, the guilt and insomnia being the worst.

    • Posted

      I meant to say well done and look forward to your progress reports
  • Posted

    Have you seen your GP? I think others are more experienced and knowledgable that me, I am sure people here will give positive and informative replies. Can I just say be careful, there are health risks with going stopping straight away - if you are receiving bad withdrawals and if it's been daily usage for some time. Keep an eye on that.

    Well done with the positive attitude.

    • Posted

      No not seen GP but have phoned for advice as heart rate was peeking, 138bpm and yes i do understand the risk i am taking, but with no more money i do not have a choice, besides in my eye's it is too early to go back too pub or in off licence  to buy beer if i did have the money.

      There is one contributory factor i have serious Mental Health Problems. 

    • Posted

      Not so good went to doc's and was admitted to hospital alcohol unit, i am getting there should be out by the end of next week, my heart rate peaked to a dangerous level, maybe cold turkey was not a good idea for me????  

    • Posted

      Hi Colin, me too in respect to mental health problems. I know the alcohol abuse is a symptom, not addressing underlying stuff yet, it's lonely stuff. I read your post that you're in hospital, I hope care is shown to you and maybe small steps are possible. Steps, it sounds complete rubbish when you are suffering with the effects of the abuse and mental health afflictions. It's all I have though, just a step. You're not alone, keep posting if and when you can, people are looking out for your updates. Best wishes 

  • Posted

    Colin you are in the best place to restart your journey.  I, like many other posters, were concerned for your cold turkey route, at least now you can detox in a safe, controlled environment with medics. Keep posting. 

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