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Tapering off, and withdrawal questions....

Posted , 11 users are following.

Pinkfloyd
Pinkfloyd

Hi all, I'm new to this particular forum and thought I would introduce myself. I've posted a few times in the Sertraline section but I've recently reached a kind of breaking point with my drinking. 

A bit of backgroung first. I've been drinking every night for about 3-4 years (not great with dates). It started off as a bottle of wine a night, then a load of beer, then not so much, then more, then not so much and... You know how it goes.

Recently (in the last week) I've cut it down to 4 little bottles of beer per night (330ml, 5% stuff). I've tried to taper off before, with little success, but this time after seeing a counsellor and really exploring why I drink I feel better equipped mentally to follow through with this idea. 

My problem is this... Obviously the thought of the potential withdrawal is paralysingly frightening (as it has been for most of you, I'm guessing), and because of my severe anxiety I am super aware of every little thing my body feels. It's hard for me to distinguish between anxiety symptoms, and withdrawal symptoms. For example: shakiness, headaches, confusion and general 'out of it' feelings... 

I don't want to just say to myself 'oh it's just anxiety, I have nothing to worry about' (WHICH IS WHAT IVE BEEN TRAINING MY MIND TO DO) if the symptoms COULD be signs of severe withdrawal. Has anyone on here ever dealt with this combination of things? 

I don't really know what I was hoping to accomplish from this post (my minds a little scrambled right now). I think I just need this forum as a distraction and for some hope right now. 

3 likes, 44 replies

44 Replies

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  • rainbow2014
    rainbow2014 Pinkfloyd

    Posted

    Hello Pinkfloyd

    Yes, I like your name too . How are you feeling about things now ? Like yourself I am ( Or was as I like to say ) 2days sober again !! a night drinker. I work in the day then would normaly have a bottle of wine and more if I was daft enough to have more in the house, but usually one bottle. 

    A few weeks ago I went to the AA (first ever meeting) I went nine days sober without any meds. The first couple of days I woke up with the shivers, but nothing to get concerned about. I also noticed that I was a little clumsy ! again , nothing to worry about, infact it made me laugh because I normally would only do that drunk. I also noticed that my memory was not great, generally feeling abit scatty. Again I simply strugged it off and was just happy and proud that Iwas managing to stay sober. It was really testing at times but I was determined. When I got to day nine I went out for a meal with a couple of friends. I felt fantastic getting ready without a drink, looking brighter in the eyes etc. When we arrived at the place and sat down I actually felt a little drunk without drinking !!! Just more confident, happy , free and able to hold my own with my friends. Normally my social anxiety would kick in and I couldnt wait for that drink , although normally I would have had one at home. 

    Stupidly , even with having that feeling I shared half a bottle of wine ( as I wasnt driving) The second I took a sip I felt odd. Infact it made me anxious, hot, flustered etc. After half a glass of course I was back to being on a roll again and the following day I had a bottle, the day after I had one bottle then down to the shop to buy another. It was like I was making up for lost time.

    The next morning I woke up (after waking up several times in the night) My heart was pounding completely overtime, I had the runs, I felt so anxious.......This took me back to the feelings I had constantly with drinking. It was a good test for me . I know for sure that alcohol causes my anxiety. 

    I just want to say that with or without medication (whatever you decide), please just hang in there ! After a good few days, you will start to feel better and believe me you will. 

    I think you said you had been drinking for about five years like this ? I have for nearly twenty years and I can say , it only gets worse and the more time you may have on your hands the more you will feel tempted . Its great to cut back if you can but when you do go to nothing please just have trust that youll be ok and the benefits will shine !! 

    On bad days when you have cravings just think of the benefits and keep congratulating yourself 

    I'm not sure about AA as I feel abit pressured at this time but I must say that the info so far has been very helpful

    I go with the Just for today motto , so don't have a drink just for today 

    Plus , Do not pick up that first drink !! 

    Sorry to go on but I'm passionate about this now as going into day 3 tomorrow and feeling very positive after a very stressful afternoon  due to a family upset . I've overcome it and will wake up feeling brighter

    Good luck Pink Floyd x

    • Pinkfloyd
      Pinkfloyd rainbow2014

      Posted

      Well done for 3 days sober Rainbow smile That's a great achievement and like you say, it'll only get better from here. 

      I'm not technically 'sober' yet, but in my mind I've already quit. I just see the tapering off as a kind of formality. Tonight is my second night of drinking 3 little bottles... tomorrow I'll go down to 2.

      I felt okay during the day today. I was at work so my mind was occupied. Since being at home though I'm vary aware of my hands shaking, even though it is far from sever (just imagine a very slight vibrating when I pick something up). I am worried this will get worse though the closer I get to zero day. But like I said earlier, I think my anxiety is definitely making things worse. If I look hard enough for these symptoms I'll probably get them haha. 

      Thanks for your encouraging words. It's really nice to hear of your success. Keep at it smile 

    • RHGB
      RHGB rainbow2014

      Posted

      'I also noticed that my memory was not great, generally feeling abit scatty.'

      You need to take thiamine tablets. You don't need a prescription for them. They will help your memory and cognitive skills.

    • rainbow2014
      rainbow2014 RHGB

      Posted

      Thanks RHGB , thats a great help . I will get some tomorrow. Also, I'm making an app with my Doc for Naltrexone. After feeling a little bullied and pressured and very much put in a box by the AA I have done more research tonight. I've found many people that feel brainwashed etc and I am beginning to feel my mind is going crazy with things they are telling me plus I've been very offended too . I'm being told this that and the other when they don't know anything about me. Infact one person made me feel terrible about my grown up chidren that really upset me. I'm a very good mum and my kids and I have a fantastic and very understanding relationship. I was horrified. I don't need this in my life when I'm trying hard . I'm not going back !! Sorry if I've offended anyone with my comments tonight , its just my personal opinion.

      Thanks for listening to that outburst RHGB lol 

      Good night 

    • Pinkfloyd
      Pinkfloyd rainbow2014

      Posted

      I was actually considering going to an AA meeting, but I'm not so sure. I get that it works for some people, but I really can't see myself getting anything out of it. I don't like the attitude a lot of them have towards recovery. 

      I think I can do it myself, like you are doing. It'll just take some willpower. 

       

    • RHGB
      RHGB rainbow2014

      Posted

      I wouldn't touch the AA myself, but that is just my personal view.

      Definitely get the thiamine, if you Google 'alcohol thiamine memory', you will see it is pretty standard thing, not some old wive's tale. You should take it every day, it has no side effects being a vitamin.

      If you were to go into hospital it would be one of the first things that they give you. Even when I was with my psychiatrist at the stroke rehab hospital, whose job it was to just check me over as one of my final outpatient appontments, to see that didn't have any problems, said to me I hope your taking thiamine for your brain, as you're drinking and not eating very well.

    • Pinkfloyd
      Pinkfloyd RHGB

      Posted

      That's sound advice, thankyou. 

      I will see if I can buy a liquid or chewable form from my local health shop.

      Just out of curiousity, what is your opinion on multivitamins? I was considering buying some to help me through the first few days after my final drink. I took some for a month before and didn't notice much difference other than an upset stomach, but I've read they can be helpful to restore vitamin levels if you're quitting the booze. 

    • RHGB
      RHGB Pinkfloyd

      Posted

      If you eat reasonably well, and by that I mean, some vegetables, the odd bit of fruit and make some meals (nothing complicated) instead of always buying boxed microwave/oven ready meals, then you should get all the vitamins you need from your diet, unless you have an illness, pregnant etc.

      That said, alcohol kills vitamin B, it just trashes it. Secondly, it prevents your body from producing it and thirdly when you drink too much, you get a lot of your calories from alcohol, so don't end up eating properly.

      If you were to have a prolonged stay in hospital (as I have had) for alcohol consumption, the three vitamins they will give you are; Thiamine, Vitamin B compound/complex and Folic Acid (technically it isn't a vitamin, but very similar).

      If you could only have one, then it would be Thiamine. I don't believe it is available in liquid or chewable format, but from memory the tablets aren't big and I don't see any reason why you couldn't cut them in half if you have trouble swallowing.

      All vitamins mentioned above, are available from chemists and a well known high st health shop (UK).

    • ADEfree
      ADEfree Pinkfloyd

      Posted

      I've found the really strong b (1000's of % over RDA) compounds and multivitamins make me tired and listless after a few days. First day they're great, next day meh, 3rd day, ugh. Might not affect you like that, but keep an eye out for it.
    • Robin2015
      Robin2015 rainbow2014

      Posted

      fully agree with "do not have that first drink" motto and had more than 20yrs or drinking. Best of luck to Rainbow and Pink Floyd! Robin
    • rainbow2014
      rainbow2014 RHGB

      Posted

      Thanks RHGB

      Very helpful info. Have a good day

    • rainbow2014
      rainbow2014 Pinkfloyd

      Posted

      I wish you luck Pinkfloyd ! I found out it wasnt for me very early . Thats not to say it doesnt work for others. I personally like to be in total control of myself and will definitely not be spoken at about certain matters with people assuming and summing up my life with no prior knowledge. Let us know how you get on . I'm sending out positive thoughts for you smile 

      Its a beautiful day here. I hope you too have some sunshine.

      Think happy and I need to get out that CD lol 

      Take care smile 

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