Need help to quit a 2 bottle of wine per night 'habit'/problem
Posted , 10 users are following.
Hey everyone I just came across this website and I'm very happy to have found it! I will attempt to keep this short. I am a 43 year old woman, single, live alone, and suffered a brain injury 5 1/2 years ago. This resulted in a new found severe panic disorder, agoraphobia, and situation adjustment disorder, as well as the regular pressure headaches, vertigo, insomnia, etc.. that are par for the course. During this time, my doc prescribed me a TONNE of medication. It wasn't until my pharmacist informed of the addictive properties of the benzodiazepines that I was being prescribed, and learning that what I was going through was panic, I decided to get off all the medication cold turkey...I went crazy for a month after that. Okay, all that to get to the problem. The only thing that really helped with the headaches, sleep, and panic was wine. Although I had been a wine drinker prior to, I never consumed more than a bottle on any given night (except for some weekends), and would suffer crazy hangovers if I had a bottle on a work day. I was off of work for two years following the accident, and during that time my wine habit increased from less than a bottle to two bottles a day. It has now been approximately 3 1/2 years of two bottles per day, and I'd say about 10 years of daily drinking, on average consuming approximately 1/2 to 1 bottle. I am now back at work (3 years), I love my job, I no longer experience daily ongoing panic, and I am really happy about where I am in my life. The issue however, is that I am petrified of quitting cold turkey and the severity of the effects. I have been vigilent in cutting down, and I'm averaging about 1 1/2 bottles (although some days more) without any serious effects other than some night sweats on some days. I never crave a drink during the day, and usually start around 5pm. I have Diazepam, Clonazepam, and Ativan (all 5 years old) in my 'emergency kit' from the days of panic, but even then I wouldn't take them and opted for 5 hours of guided meditation to get me through the day until I could have some wine which would calm me right down. Sorry, I've ran a little long...basically what I am looking for is some help. I want to quit drinking! I'm scared, and after spending a month last year looking at detox and rehab facilities, I really can't afford to go. Is it possible to quit at home? Any help anyone can provide on this forum would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance
By the way, yes, I talked about this with my GP last year...I was really proud because I had decreased my consumption to 3/4 -1 bottle daily. She yelled at me, told me I was an alcoholic, said I shouldn't even bother trying to quit and she couldn't help me unless I went to rehab. I haven't seen her since....and honestly, after such a good run, I think I went home that day and drank more than 2 bottles. So, the GP is out.
1 like, 29 replies
karen36196 Daisymay23
Posted
Change gp I'm under a program with addiction and they monitor me and told me not to go cold turkey tried that ended up in hospital all night it has to be gradually
Daisymay23 karen36196
Posted
Thanks Karen, I think that is exactly what I'll do.
sportyfiftysix Daisymay23
Posted
I am with you on this. I know exactly what you are talking about. Have you tried Naltrexone?
Hang in there.
CK
Daisymay23 sportyfiftysix
Posted
Nope, I looked into the Sinclair Method last year, and am definitely giving it some serious consideration. Have you done it?
sportyfiftysix Daisymay23
Posted
vickylou sportyfiftysix
Posted
Whilst I’ve not used TSM, but from what I’ve read and from listening to people who have, it’s not quite that simple. “Just take the pill that’s all you have to do. No willpower involved”. I think there’s a bit more to it than that.
?Excuse the pun, but the term “mindfulness” comes to mind. My understanding is you have to work with it, not just swallow a pill and you’re cured. Only my opinion, but that statement could give someone the wrong impression.
harriet67221 sportyfiftysix
Posted
Daisymay23 sportyfiftysix
Posted
Hey Sporty
So glad it is working for you, my only concern is that I really enjoy the 'deadening' feeling that the alcohol gives me to be able to sleep. If I don't get the 'effect' will I drink more?
Daisymay23 vickylou
Posted
Thank you for that response, as I think that will be one of the more challenging aspects. How do you do it?
Chesca27 sportyfiftysix
Posted
harriet67221 Chesca27
Posted
sportyfiftysix Chesca27
Posted
Hi Chesca,
i am not there yet. i really can't advise you on that, but I am glad you had a day that you decided not to drink. I am nowhere near that. Hopefully someone else can give you advice. Naltrexone does have side effects, but if it will eventually get me to be a normal drinker than I will take the side effects with a smile.
Hugs
vickylou Daisymay23
Posted
so sorry for not replying sooner, I’ve only just seen your message..
Ive never tried TSM so I can’t answer your question.
I took acamposate (campral) which is an anti craving drug and you don’t drink at all with it. Took it for about ten months and can honestly say after the first week, thoughts of alcohol and drinking disappear. It resets your brain not to crave alcohol.
I now drink socially, or at home with my husband. I no longer drink secretively alone and never touch spirits, apart from the odd brandy coffee.
Robin2015 Daisymay23
Posted
Daisymay23 Robin2015
Posted
Hey Robin,
I chec'ked out the C3 website, and will continue to do more digging. I'm really liking the idea of the Sinclair Method with Naltrexone.
Thanks,
Mel
Robin2015 Daisymay23
Posted