Most people would agree that on occasion, consumption of alcohol in moderation is fine and may actually yield some health benefits. However, when consumption of alcohol becomes chronic and spirals out of control, it can really take a toll on both physical and mental health. Alcohol itself works by increasing the effects of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. Increases in GABA activity are linked to relaxation and depression of the nervous system.
Alcohol also decreases glutamate, which is an excitatory neurotransmitter – this causes our functioning to further slow while under the influence. To a certain extent, alcohol also can increase levels of dopamine – a neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of pleasure and reward. A majority of people can have a good time drinking on occasion with friends and/or family. However, some people become addicted to the psychological response that occurs when they drink.
Individuals who drink often may put themselves at risk for health problems as well as other risky situations such as drunk driving. People who drink often and utilize alcohol to the point that it negatively affects family functioning, work-related tasks, and/or their personal life are said to suffer from alcohol “abuse.” On the other hand, people who struggle with “alcoholism” are said to be physically dependent on it to the point that it is considered a chronic disease. Once an individual with alcoholism begins drinking, they are not able to stop.
The problem for most heavy drinkers is that when they try to kick their drinking habit, they experience an array of uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can be very severe and in some cases, downright dangerous. If you are going through withdrawal from alcohol or are considering it, be sure to know how to properly taper as well as the possible symptoms that you may experience.
Factors that influence Alcohol withdrawal
There are many factors that will influence the difficulty of alcohol withdrawal as well as how long it lasts. Various factors that play an important role in withdrawal include: the time span over which you used alcohol, amount you typically consume, tolerance, whether you have an addiction, how quickly you withdraw, as well as other individual factors.
1. Time Span
Over how many years did you drink? Someone who has been drinking consistently every day for 10 years is likely going to have a much tougher time kicking the habit than a college kid who drank heavily for 1 year. In general, the longer and more consistently you have been drinking, the greater your tolerance is likely to be.
Additionally when you drink every day for years, it becomes ingrained almost as an innate habit that is even tougher to drop as alcohol has become part of your physiology. It is easier for your body to get used to functioning without alcohol when you only used it for a short period of time.
Long term users must gradually wean themselves down in quantity so that their body and brain can adapt to functioning with less alcohol until they have finally become sober.
2. Amount consumed / Tolerance
How much alcohol do you consume? Those who have been binge drinking daily for a year may have a very difficult time kicking the habit if they have a high tolerance. The amount of alcohol that you consume on a consistent basis will have great influence on your level of tolerance.
Obviously someone who doesn’t drink much will have a low tolerance, whereas someone who consistently consumes large quantities is likely to have a large tolerance. Individuals with higher tolerances are likely to experience more severe withdrawal symptoms when they quit.
3. Addiction / Dependency
Are you addicted to drinking alcohol? In some cases people become addicted to alcohol because it makes them feel good, takes away anxiety, lowers stress, and allows them to feel more carefree. Many people who become addicted drink so much that they develop a dependency on the alcohol for everyday functioning.
If you are addicted, withdrawal may be extremely difficult because you may constantly crave the alcohol and/or emotional component of relaxation that drinking provides. If you consider yourself an alcoholic or suffer from alcohol addiction, you may want to seek help from an addiction specialist and/or psychotherapist. Without proper help you may not make it successfully through withdrawal.
4. Cold Turkey vs. Tapering
If you have been using alcohol heavily, it is never recommended to simply quit “cold turkey.” Quitting cold turkey is widely regarded as a dangerous move for the simple fact that it can trigger seizures and other dangerous side effects. In order to avoid seizures and minimize withdrawal symptoms, it is important to gradually taper off of alcohol. Those who quit cold turkey or taper too quickly will likely experience significantly more severe withdrawal symptoms.
In order to successfully taper off of alcohol, it is best to come up with some sort of tapering protocol based on how much you currently drink (e.g. your tolerance). On average it is recommended to reduce your alcohol consumption by about 2 drinks per day until you are down to zero. So if you start at 30 drinks a day, cut down to 28 drinks your second day, 26 your third day, etc. – until you have reached zero.
Although you may be highly motivated to kick your drinking habit and function sober, it is recommended to avoid trying to taper too quickly. If you have been drinking consistently, you should not be making drastic cuts in the amount of alcohol you drink daily. People who drop from 25 drinks per day to 10 drinks then 0 drinks are going to likely end up with very debilitating withdrawal symptoms – some of which may be dangerous.
If you haven’t been drinking a lot and have only been drinking for short periods of time, you may be able to get away with a cold turkey withdrawal. With that said, you should know whether you have been drinking lightly enough to warrant a cold turkey withdrawal. If at any time you feel as though you are tapering too quickly, make adjustments and slow down the amount you cut and/or how quickly you do it.
5. Individual Factors
Individual factors play an important role in determining how successful someone is with their withdrawal as well as how a person copes with symptoms. Having healthy habits, good social support, and a productive environment can go a long way in helping a person make it through withdrawal. Without adequate support and proper environment, withdrawal symptoms can be more distracting and tougher to deal with.
- Physiology: Everyone is unique and will react differently to the process of withdrawal. Some people are more psychologically resilient and less sensitive to withdrawals than others. Your nervous system and the way your individual body responds to the withdrawal may be different than that of someone else.
- Habits: Do you have supportive habits to help you through withdrawal? Or do you have other addictions and bad habits that are tough to break. Individuals that are caught up in a string of bad habits may have a tough time quitting alcohol and dealing with symptoms. Â For example, someone who has healthy dietary, exercise, and sleep habits may experience quicker recovery than others.
- Environment: Your environment can play a role in determining the difficulty of withdrawal. If you live in a safe, positive environment, it is thought that withdrawal will be easier to handle. People that live in a rougher environment are going to likely face greater difficulty in withdrawal. If lots of other people around you in your environment drink, it may be tougher to quit and you may get less support.
- Social Support: Do you have good social support? People with a more supportive social network may have an easier time getting through difficult withdrawal symptoms. If you have someone around to talk to who will support you when you are experiencing difficult withdrawal effects, it may help you with coping as opposed to someone without good social support.
- Other drugs: Are you using any other drugs? In some cases other drugs may make the withdrawal process easier. If you are working with your doctor and have been prescribed medications to help ease the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, they may actually help. On the other hand, if you are using illicit drugs to deal with alcohol withdrawal, you are essentially just shifting the addiction to a new substance.
- Personality: Do you have a naturally addictive personality? People who have addictive personalities may have a tougher time making it through alcohol withdrawal. Individuals who have more carefree non-addictive personalities will likely have an easier time making it through withdrawal.
- Coping mechanism: Many people use alcohol as a coping mechanism for stressors and/or to deal with life. People that are using alcohol to make it through a rough time in life may have a tougher time quitting because they are essentially using it as a drug to mask a deeper underlying issue. If you are using it as a crutch or coping mechanism, it is advised to seek some sort of therapy to help address other problems.
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms: List of Possibilities
Below is a list of possible symptoms that you may experience upon withdrawing from alcohol. Understand that you may not experience every symptom listed below and the severity of these symptoms is largely based on individual circumstances. One person may experience nearly every symptom listed below, while another may have a relatively mild withdrawal and only have to deal with a few symptoms.
- Agitation: Many people feel agitated during the first few weeks of withdrawal. The agitation may last much longer than a few weeks in some cases. Do your best to manage this feeling by getting some light exercise and/or practicing relaxation exercises.
- Anger: Many individuals experience anger to the point of rage during withdrawal from alcohol. This anger is typically a result of our inability to relax and in part due to the fact that the brain is sensitive during withdrawal. Neurotransmitter levels have not recovered to baseline and this may make you more prone to anger outbursts.
- Anxiety: The amount of anxiety people experience from alcohol withdrawal can be extreme. This may be due to changes in neurotransmitter levels (specifically GABA) as a result of extensive alcohol use. Additionally consistent alcohol abuse can diminish our natural ability to relax because the brain has become reliant on the alcohol to induce relaxation. Over time, your brain and nervous system will recover, but be prepared to deal with some anxiety during withdrawal.
- Appetite loss: A large percentage of people will notice that their appetite changes during alcohol withdrawal. If you notice that you are lacking appetite, understand that it’s merely a withdrawal symptom. Over time as your body resets itself, your appetite should come back.
- Blood pressure increases: In some cases people experience hypertension (high blood pressure) when they stop consuming alcohol. If you know that your blood pressure could be problematic, consult a doctor and discuss what can be done to manage this symptom. They may suggest taking something like Clonidine – which can help control blood pressure and may take an edge off of other symptoms.
- Confusion: You may experience severe confusion when you initially stop drinking alcohol. This confusion is in part due to neurotransmitter changes, but also due to the array of other psychological symptoms such as poor concentration and memory functioning during withdrawal.
- Concentration problems: It is very common to experience foggy thinking and lack of concentration when you withdraw from alcohol. It may seem impossible to focus on schoolwork and/or job-related tasks. Do your best to tough out the lack of concentration and do what you can to get through each day. The brain will eventually recover and you’ll be able to concentrate again – it just may take some time.
- Cravings: Although many people that quit drinking alcohol are mentally determined to do so, it can be difficult to deal with cravings that arise during withdrawal. Some people experience such extreme cravings that they have a difficult time gradually tapering off of alcohol and or becoming fully sober. Do your best to deal with any cravings by getting rid of all excess alcohol once you have fully tapered yourself down.
- Crying spells: The depression that people experience during alcohol withdrawal can be debilitating. This may lead people to feel hopeless and inevitably breakdown and cry. If you find yourself crying often during withdrawal, just know that you will eventually experience emotional recovery.
- Delirium tremens: People experience major fluctuations in nervous system functioning during alcohol withdrawal. This is a more common symptom in people who drink large amounts of alcohol every single day for months. It also is more likely to affect individuals who have had an alcohol habit for many years. Essentially this is a psychotic state in which an alcoholic experiences tremors (shakes), anxiety, feels disoriented, and can possibly hallucinate.
- Depression: Do you feel severely depressed now that you have stopped drinking? This is relatively normal and is in part due to neurotransmitter changes in the brain. As your brainwave functioning and neurotransmitters reestablish homeostasis, your mood should lift. Keep in mind that you may feel depressed for awhile, most people don’t recover overnight.
- Depersonalization: If you feel unlike your natural self and/or almost like a zombie, just know that this is another possible withdrawal symptom. This is caused by changes in brain functioning and can actually be exacerbated by anxiety. Do your best to keep the faith that you will eventually feel normal again because you will.
- Dilated pupils: You may notice that your pupils become enlarged and dilated when you withdraw. While drinking, most people experience pupil constriction due to the depressant effect it has on the nervous system. When you come off of alcohol your nervous system elicits the opposite response and pupils dilate.
- Dizziness: A very common symptom to experience during withdrawal is that of dizziness. You may feel dizzy to the point of vertigo and/or feel as if you have a difficult time maintaining balance. The dizziness can be uncomfortable, but it will eventually lessen and eventually stop over time.
- Fatigue: Don’t be surprised if you feel so tired that you cannot get out of bed in the morning. If you have been using alcohol for a long time, you may feel weak and tired. Your body and brain are likely completely drained of energy and will need some rest to function soberly.
- Fever: Some individuals experience spikes in body temperature when they stop drinking and become sick. Most people that get fevers will only have “low grade” fevers, but it is possible to run higher fevers as well.
- Hallucinations: Some people actually experience psychotic symptoms when they withdraw from alcohol. This can include hallucinations, which are regarded as seeing and/or hearing things that aren’t based in reality. Most people do not hallucinate when they stop drinking, but it is possible for more chronic, long-term alcoholics.
- Headache: Another very obvious symptom that people experience is that of headaches. Even short-term drinkers experience various degrees of headaches when they stop drinking. You may experience light headaches and/or something more severe like a migraine. These will eventually go away with proper rest as time passes.
- Heart palpitations: The symptom of palpitations can be somewhat alarming to a person who has never experienced them before. These are basically feelings that your heart is pounding especially loudly and/or racing. If you react to these with anxiety and panic, they will likely become more severe. As your anxiety subsides and your body relaxes again, these will diminish.
- Insomnia: Some people drink alcohol because it depresses the nervous system and helps them fall asleep. During withdrawal not only are many people anxious, they experience significant changes in sleep patterns – which can inevitably lead to insomnia. Just know that it is very normal to experience insomnia when you withdraw. Your sleep pattern should correct itself over time.
- Irritability: Withdrawal from alcohol can lead to irritability as a result of changes in GABA functioning. When you have adequate GABA, you are able to keep calm and don’t get bothered by minor things. Insufficient GABA can lead a person to feel irritable and unable to stay calm.
- Itching: Some people have reported that they experience intensely itchy skin during withdrawal. The itch can feel almost like a rash in regards to severity and/or like bugs crawling all over the skin. The cause of this isn’t fully understood but one theory suggests that it’s the result of the central nervous system reactivating itself via nerve endings after being numbed by the alcohol for an extended period.
- Joint pain: Do you feel pain in your joints now that you are going through withdrawal? This is especially common and largely due to the fact that alcohol can numb any sensations of pain. Additionally your body may have been in a drunken stupor for such a long time that reactivation of joint functioning causes some minor aches.
- Mood swings: Most people can expect some sort of mood swings during their withdrawal. One minute you may feel deeply depressed and hopeless, the next you may be optimistic about the withdrawal process. Understand that changes in mood such as feelings of anger, sadness, apathy, anxiety, etc. will all gradually stabilize.
- Muscle weakness: A lot of people who drink consistently don’t get adequate exercise. Heavy drinking and minimal exercise is a recipe for muscle weakness. Your muscles may have actually become weaker due to lack of exercise and stagnation during the period in which you drank heavily. The weakness is also in part due to your body adapting to the detoxification process.
- Nausea: If you feel really nauseated during the first few weeks of withdrawal, this is pretty normal. The nausea may become intense at times and lead to vomiting. It may be difficult to work through this symptom, but eventually you will recover.
- Nightmares: A lot of people end up having to deal with nightmares, bad dreams, and crazy dreams when they stop drinking. The nightmares may be caused by poor sleep quality and the brain attempting to function sober again.
- Panic attacks: Some people experience such intense anxiety that it escalates to a panic attack. Â Panic attacks are caused by intense surges of uncontrollable anxiety. Â These are thought to be caused by disruptions with GABA neurotransmitter levels; when they drop, it’s easy for panic to set in. Â If you notice yourself experiencing panic, it is advised to practice relaxation techniques as they will calm the nervous system and promote desensitization to environmental triggers.
- Seizures: One of the dangers associated with rapid withdrawal or quitting alcohol “cold turkey” after extensive usage is that of seizures. If you quit cold turkey, you may not have adequate GABA in the brain to inhibit electrical activity. The electrical activity may spike, which could lead to a seizure. Seizures are more common in long-term alcoholics and/or people who have withdrawn from alcohol many times.
- Sleep disturbances: In addition to experiencing general insomnia, your entire sleep cycle may be thrown off schedule. You may be unable to sleep at night, but may feel tired during the day. Additionally you may fall asleep and not be able to stay asleep for a long period of time. For long term drinkers it may take over a month for your sleep cycle to correct itself.
- Suicidal thinking: The depression, anxiety, and panic that can set in during withdrawal can take a major psychological toll. If at any point you feel suicidal, recognize that although you feel crappy, you will eventually feel better. If you are unable to cope with this feeling, seek out a professional therapist. Typically as time passes, your emotions will stabilize and you’ll feel less depressed.
- Sweating: Most people notice heavy night sweats when they are going through detoxification from alcohol. With that said, you may also sweat profusely throughout the day. The amount you sweat should gradually lessen and normalize within a few weeks.
- Tremors: You may notice that your hands and/or other body parts constantly shake. Shaking is a symptom that many heavy drinkers experience during the tapering process and after they have had their last drink. Recognize that this symptom may be very uncomfortable, but it should subside over time.
- Vomiting: Most individuals who drink a lot can attest to feeling flu-like symptoms when they stop using alcohol. One of the symptoms that people experience is that of vomiting. Consider taking something like Pepto-Bismol to calm your stomach. Additionally make sure that you are drinking plenty of water as vomiting can lead to dehydration.
Note: While certain symptoms may be noticeable during the “tapering” process, a majority will emerge after alcohol has been fully cleared from your body.  For further information about how alcohol is metabolized and the rate by which it is eliminated, read the article: “How long does alcohol stay in your system?”
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms: How long do they last?
There is no exact predictable timeline that can be universally followed for withdrawal from alcohol. Although many people may experience most intense symptoms within the first few days of withdrawal (the acute phase), some end up dealing with severe withdrawal symptoms for weeks and in other cases months since their last drink (post-acute phase). The severity of symptoms as well as the duration of withdrawal will largely depend on individual circumstances.
Individuals who are naturally less sensitive to withdrawal and have a supportive environment may recover at a quicker rate than people who are highly sensitive to withdrawal symptoms. Additionally someone who has been drinking heavily for years and is withdrawing may experience much more intense and longer-lasting symptoms, compared to someone who was only drinking for a couple months. It is important to understand that the withdrawal process is a highly unique and individualized based on many personal factors.
Some people may only end up experiencing intense symptoms for a few weeks and gradually improve, while others don’t notice any symptoms until they have been off of alcohol for a few weeks. Some people report pretty intense withdrawal symptoms for up to 6 weeks after their last drink, while other people end up going through protracted withdrawals that last up to 3 months. As a rule of thumb for any major withdrawal, I always recommend giving yourself 90 days before reevaluating how you feel and your symptoms.
Although it can be difficult to wait a full 3 months, a majority of people will be able to notice significant improvement after this duration of time. By waiting 90 days you have given your nervous system more time to adapt to sober functioning and you will likely be able to recognize some clear improvements in your recovery compared to the first couple weeks of withdrawal. Keep in mind that in some cases, protracted withdrawal symptoms can last up to a full year.
In the meantime, make sure that you don’t get caught up in how long the symptoms are going to last, rather take the time to focus on recovery. Take things one day at a time and if necessary, one hour at a time in the early phases of withdrawal. One tough hour may seem like a marathon, but you will survive and eventually experience full recovery. Each day try to focus on doing healthy things for yourself like eating good foods, staying hydrated, resting, getting good sleep, staying productive as possible, talking with friends, and consider some light exercise.
If you are currently dealing with alcohol withdrawal symptoms and/or have already survived alcohol withdrawal, feel free to share your experience in the comments section below. By sharing your experience, you may give someone else some encouragement and/or hope that they need in order to make it through this challenge.
I stopped drinking 22 days ago, and I’m still having sudden bursts of crying spells and debilitating depression… I thought I’d feel better not worse! But, this article explained why and also shed light for me that I’m not alone in experiencing this! Thanks.
Kate, today is my 22nd day of no drinking! I was doing very well until a week ago and then started feeling like crud! Mostly body aches and no appetite! And yes this article and everyone’s replies on here are so helpful. You can do this! I am sending you strength! I wish for you peace. And like me, just know in the end we will feel so much better! Blessings to you!
A wonderful article on the subject and valuable contribution from readers. Thanks! I am 60. Been drinking quite heavily for about 30 years. Since last two years, a bottle has been lasting just about three days. Been regular on work, fully functional civil and family life, in general a happy go lucky life so far except some mood changes occasionally. Drinking might have had effect on health but not on work and family or law.
However, off late I started having pain below right rib cage, more so when lying on right side, intolerant pain on right side while getting up from bed or chair, sometimes pain traveling to even left side as if tightening of a muscle. An medical examination showed just about OK status SGOT/SGPT with a fatty and slightly enlarged liver. That was six months back.
I have now been off drinks for about 1.5 to 2 months without any withdrawal symptoms. (Oh, yes just forgot to mention that I had a seizure, during day time (I have drinks only between 8-10 PM at night) resultant fall, head injury, small concussion and hemorrhage last Nov, resulting into dizziness, loss of memory, headache, disorientation, delirium, feeling of as if my brain is moving anti clock wise inside my head (which it still does), tiredness, loss of appetite and general feel of not being well. I was on medication for some time, now off other medicines, except for depression which occurred after the fall).
I am now off drinks last three days, no withdrawals symptoms as on earlier occasions of abstinence from liquor. No craving for drinks, or any problems. On reading this article, since I had a fall as well, I was just wondering whether I should consult an hematologist and neuro surgeon or neuro physician again (I had consulted neuros after the fall). More so since post this pain, I am cold turkey of leaving drinking! Incidentally, I am diabetic and have blood pressure for last ten years.
Valuable suggestions are solicited, thanks in advance for your time to go through this. May God bless you and your family with health and happiness!
All of the above, and then some. Go figure. 47, large bottle of wine daily with the occasional 3 day binge of constant consumption. I’ve lost track, but approx 12-15 years, maybe more. Get your vitamin D levels checked. Low D can cause structural pain, chest, bone and joint. Take a good vitamin B complex supplement, daily. Multiple vitamin daily. Eat well and consistently, every 3 hours. Not junk, prepackaged, or take away. I’ve centered on a lower carb (complex only), protein and vegetable base with lots of water.
Supplement with a combo 20 oz SoBe Lifewater pure via sweetened, 2.5 tbsp psyllium husk, and 3 probiotic capsules drink mix for the jacked digestion. Typically I’m avoiding sugar, but if I am feeling particularly awful I’ve found a bit of pasta (simple refined) or rice with a sauce to be a good pick me up to get past the moment. EXTREME fatigue is my personal nemesis. Some headaches. Panic attacks have been controlled with a benzodiazapem, smallest dosage.
I drank “normally” over a holiday weekend, finishing a 5 litre wine box in 3 days. Returned home and drank a solid 36 hours. Then had to work. First time I ever felt “done” with this habit. Truly done. Day 3. So far I sleep, eat, hydrate and work. The only things I truly believe in at this moment is the nutritional support, rest, and the attempt to move forward accordingly. Keep trying everyone, I’ll do the same.
I’m currently experiencing a bloated stomach. I’m still drinking but have cut back to just a couple of drinks a day although I did drink heavily before. I just had a liver and blood test about 2 months ago which they said were normal so I don’t think its that. Any other ideas of why I’m bloating now, and had anyone else experienced this? Thanks.
I experience this every time I have tried to write in the past and it’s been the single greatest physiological impediment for me to quit. However, with patience (it’s a good 4-6 month committed process), rigid dietary control and adding in some supplements you can move past it and end up healthier than the average non-drinker, even. It’s most likely gut dysbiosis or basically out-of-whack good organisms.
Many people who stop drinking then become dependent on sugar or processed foods which keeps the bad guys happy so your gut doesn’t hurt but ultimately that makes us sicker. A high-quality, 50+ billion organisms per pill – not from places like GMC or etc but from Whole Foods and the like – twice or thrice a day with a diet of high quality protein at each meal 3oz is enough (heals gut lining) and vegetables.
No fruit except for a few berries, no deep-fried or battered fried foods, no sweeteners of any kind including artificial, adding in meditation or daily walks to decrease gut stress chemicals, and reading up on healing from gut dysbiosis can really turn this around. Like I said it’s a process, but for those of us who have this aspect of our alcoholic illness, it’s a life saver!! Good luck and congrats!!
I go back and read this article and all comments. All of your comments, the article it self are so helpful. I am just past week 3 of quitting cold turkey after drinking 2 bottles of wine or many shots of whiskey or vodka every evening (functioning very well during the day) I thank God I haven’t had severe withdrawals but I have had major dizziness and nausea, sleepless nights being very touchy, etc.
I know it’s going to take time but I have a wonderful supportive family and this time total determination to stay sober. That’s right, this isn’t my first rodeo but will be my last. This is the best site I have found and go back and read article and all comments. Thank you all for your comments you all have helped me I hope I have helped someone even just a little. Hugs
I quit drinking cold turkey twelve weeks ago. I was a moderate-heavy-extreme drinker for nine years. I had thought I escaped with no *intense* detox period, as I have only been suffering from depression, anxiety, insomnia, little-to-no appetite and maybe some mild shaking (versus seizures, vomiting, heart palpitations and/or hallucinations). However, in the last week I have been experiencing migraines that have put me out of commission for an entire day at a time, vertigo to the extent of being unable to stand, severe nausea (sans vomit) and literal hot flashes where I sweat profusely unexpectedly. Could this be related to my sobriety so long after the commencement?
I’m I day 6 and still feel like death, 35, have been drinking for 3 years not too bad but then it went to a glass a week to a glass a night… To two glasses a night to weekends where a bottle + a night would do.
I went cold turkey, my head won’t stop pounding and the dizziness is horrible.
Trying to do it on my own, but battling a lot in a constant bad mood and my husband can’t really understand. I’m a bit scared with the constant pain… Not sure what to do.
I am on day 3 of a taper. I drank 12-14 whiskey shots a night for the last 2 years. I haven’t slept really at all. But, I am not delirious. I am a bit scatter brained but I have been drinking a ton of Gatorade and taking lots of B vitamins. The B12 and B8, I can tell are the most effective. It is hard because my body temperature changes so much.
But, when that gets crazy I drink a little to bring my body temp back to normal. Lots of blowing my nose. Sitting in the sauna at the gym helped a lot. The mild exercise helps a lot. But, rehydrating myself and putting vitamins back in my system has been the most helpful. This may not be easy, but this time I am quitting for real. I just miss sleep.
I’m 27 years old and have been drinking for about 4 years. I would go through about 2 bottles of vodka a week. It got to the point where all I thought about was when I would get my next drink. If I wasn’t able to I would get anxious. It also started affecting my friends and family because I couldn’t remember important things they would say. I just started tapering off a few days ago.
I’ve been super nauseous, vomiting, shaking, tired, and bad anxiety. I almost get sick just thinking about my next drink. But as I’ve read going cold turkey doesn’t seem like the right fit for me. I know it has only been a few days but I am hoping it will get better. Taking it one day at a time! Thanks for all the comments and advice. It gives me hope for the future, that I can and will overcome this addiction!
I have been drinking 7-12 drinks every day for 8 years. I quit 3 weeks ago. In the first few days I had dry mouth, some intense cravings, nightmares and dizzyness. These are fading now. I feel better than I have done in a long time. For some reason almost overnight my attitude to alcohol changed. You won’t do it unless your mind is in the right place. Some tips:
– stay hydrated and eat well, I can’t stress this enough!
– keep busy
– stay away from bars and shops that sell alcohol
– get support from a couple of people that are close to you
– remind yourself regularly of the benefits
There is no point thinking weeks or months ahead. Take it one day at a time and eventually everything will fall into place.
Mike, thank you for the advice! I am 21 days free from alcohol. I quit cold turkey and have been doing well. I found this arrival as I was wondering why my body and joints are hurting. Now I know why. At least I now know it is normal. Just one day at a time for me. I can’t wait to get some energy back. So much to do around my place and no energy to do it. I think one of the most irritating thing for me is now you go to grocery store, drugstores, any store, and there is the hard alcohol staring me in the face.
My mouth starts to water and I have a hard time not wanting a drink! But the want to quit is stronger than the want to drink! I try very hard to not go anywhere by myself so I don’t give in. Anyway to all you out there trying to quit alcohol, I send you strength! You can do it as I can do it too. Love to you all! Now off to spend time with the grandchildren who helps keep me grounded! Just knowing I need to be around a long time to be with my family is helping!
Good article. After drinking 1-2 bottles of wine a night for the last 3 1/2 years, I finally got fed up with the hangovers, shaking hands, weight gain, and the financial cost. The blackouts were also scary and got me into some dangerous situations. I’m only on day 2, quitting cold turkey, but I have consulted with my doctor and an addiction counselor who are ready to assist medically should I have bad withdrawal symptoms.
So far, so good. This is completely different from other times I tried to quit or taper. The difference this time is I feel extremely motivated. I absolutely never want to drink again. I’m tired and have a little headache and minor anxiety, but it’s manageable. I hope it doesn’t get worse. I really want to make it.
Hi, I have been drinking for 25 years in varying degrees, but every day. I am on my 3rd day after drinking 1-2 bottles of wine nightly. Fully functional, work full time, in a very unhappy, unsatisfying marriage. I decided it was time to get my head on straight so I can make some sound decisions in my life.
No major withdrawals physically, take a sleeping pill at night and want to get rid of all of this booze weight, 25 lbs. I don’t have anyone to talk to so it’s been tough and this site is a gift!
Barb, your story is like mine. I can, given your relationship challenges, assume that you’ve struggled on again off gain. Me too. I’m trying to consider it more of a lifestyle change. Like in earlier posts, for me one drink is never enough, but it only takes one swallow and without much thought a bottle of wine is gone while I silently fold laundry or do dishes.
Like you, I want to quit. I want to feel good again, I want to have a good night of sleep and not feel guilty for avoiding my family while I promote my booze breath. I’ve started my own gold star on the calendar program. Hopefully, the gold stars will be more frequent. For now, I’m consoling myself that the two glasses of wine I had two days ago was then. This is now. Good luck to you and to me too.
Today is my 8th day sober. I’m still dealing with night sweats, and last night I wanted to drink very badly. Early this morning it seems as if the anxiety/ panic attacks have set in. I keep worrying about finances, obligations, etc. In a way as if I can’t overcome obstacles. This makes me want to drink, but I know that drinking will only throw me into a depression as I would feel like a failure for not being able to go clean… again.
I’m 44 years old, and I really can’t remember a time that I haven’t been drinking heavily since my late teens. I know my liver is compromised… The doc told me to not drink any alcohol for 30 days, and go back for more blood work. That was about 60 days ago, and I’ve yet to be able to stay sober for 30. I’m really, really trying to do it this time. Its finally caught up to me. I just hope it’s not too late.
I’m a 25 year old male, drinking heavily for 6-7 years now. I made the decision to start a sober lifestyle after going on a 4 day bender. The withdrawal symptoms are awful. Does anyone have any advice to help curb these symptoms? I’m willing to do or try just about anything with the exception of the taper method. I am 100% done with alcohol… Thank you for your advice.
Valerian root supplements help, especially at bed time. Melatonin may also help with sleep. I have also found a very useful tea from Celestial Seaonings: Tension Tamer.
I am 28 years old, drank pretty much daily for the last 9-10 years, quit cold turkey exactly 30 days ago. I felt perfectly fine for the first week or two, then the extreme anxiety creeped in. Ive been dealing with that and a general feeling of just being… off. I feel kind of lightheaded most the days, random headaches and I’ve been dealing with some sort of throat infection. I’m scared to death of cirrhosis even though I don’t have any signs or symptoms, I know symptoms might not even show when you do have it.
That coupled with already having issues with depression and anxiety are making things tough but I have zero interest in having another drink. I’m just taking it one day at a time and hoping these things will eventually pass. It wasn’t easy to quit, I felt I needed alcohol to feel normal, but now I see what its done to me and enough is enough!
How much were you drinking and what were you drinking? Thanks for sharing.
I am on day 18 of not drinking and over the last few days have experienced some very strange symptoms. I have been drinking every day since my husband died from brain cancer 6 years ago. In the week maybe a few beers or a bottle of wine in the evening and then lots more of beer, wine and spirits every weekend. I didn’t really think I was drinking excessively but obviously my body is struggling without the alcohol.
A few days ago I had a very strange sensation pass through my head and then couldn’t walk properly and last night whilst I was teaching my yoga class I just felt weird as if I didn’t know what was going to happen to me – it was very scary and horrible – could this really be down to quitting alcohol??? Has anyone else had similar things going on???
I’m 30 years old and have been drinking heavily for the past 5 years. I would drink about 12-15 beers a night, spent a ton of money, ruined relationships and even had a bad fall which caused me a concussion. I decided to quit the drinking and haven’t drank in 5 days which is definitely hard for me considering the amount I would drink daily. I have been experiencing anxiety, itching at night, confusion and depression. I am trying to stay positive and active to keep my mind off the drinking.
It’s definitely hard to do but I’m staying strong. Unfortunately, I am not someone who can just have a couple drinks and be satisfied for the night. I am the type of person who drinks until there is no more beer left or until I pass out. I’m just hoping to stay strong and it definitely helps to read other peoples comments to know I am not alone in this struggle. I am looking forward to a sober life and eventually starting a family.
Day One. How pathetic! And, right this second, I desperately want to get blotto. I really just want to give up on the rest of the day and go buy some wine. Why? Because for years I have resorted to alcohol to cope with life’s disappointments, big and small. It helps so to know that I’m not alone in dealing with this, and I appreciate all the honest comments posted here. So I guess I should contribute.
I’m 56 and have been a heavy drinker for about 20 years. I think it was the growing pressure of a busy family life, small kids and long working days that started it. Really, a perfect family life, but all the time feeling stressed and somehow dissatisfied with everything. Being prone to depression since teenage years only made things worse. Originally it was what seemed a normal level of consumption of beer and/or wine in the evenings, more at the weekends.
By 2005 a half-bottle of whisky a day or bottle of wine, and these days closer to two. Or start with a strong beer, then wine. A bottle of cheap fruity punch at 21% ABV goes down SO well. These days I don’t buy bottles of wine, I buy boxes. I circulate the different supermarkets to avoid being seen too often in one. To avoid looking like a complete wino, I always feel like I have to buy other food items. All very expensive.
I firmly believe that I have been an alcoholic for years, but sometimes wondered whether I was being overdramatic. Funny thing is, despite friends and family knowing my levels of consumption, they don’t seem to be overly concerned. Sure, they worry about me, particularly because I get so depressed and regularly hide away for two or three days in my room, but nobody has ever suggested that I’ve lost control and should get help. They just say I should ‘keep an eye on it’.
I’ve been divorced for six years and, of course, I see how much my drinking was to blame. Normal frustrations in a marriage made worse with habitual resorting to drink and the ott emotions that go with it. I have never been a violent person but I will admit to outbursts of anger which I am truly ashamed of. I also blame my drinking for my current state of unemployment. My constant state of angst caused me to get fed up with my job and I have quit twice in the last 18 months.
I have truly shot myself in the foot, because I had a great job with one of the ‘top 20 best companies in the world to work for’ and was set up for the rest of my working life, and I blew it. I quit for no good reason other than feeling fed up. You have no idea how sick I feel about this now and how much regret I have. And being at home all day, as you can imagine, does not help. I am totally free to get drunk whenever I want and I frequently do. All it takes is for me to feel some slight disappointment about something and off I go.
I don’t think I am as bad a case as many of the other people here, which almost makes it worse, because I can still function. I am in good physical shape for a man of my age. How strange that I should give attention to exercise and diet, yet spoil it with excessive booze! Usually I don’t drink until evening, but by 6pm I start needing that first drink to mitigate that awful sense of melancholy that descends like a dark cloud as each day comes to an end.
I don’t know what it is: I feel so bored with life and everything. I feel almost no pleasure from ANYTHING and am only “happy in the haze of a drunken hour” as Morrissey so eloquently put it! Booze is a brief escape into fantasy and just imagining a different life somewhere else. Watching YouTube videos until 3am. This, of course, results in the next day being lost. No horrible hangover, just feeling yuk. Don’t get up until lunchtime, realise I won’t get anything else done today, so potter about for a couple of hours and then decide I might as well go back to bed and finish off that last litre.
I’ve given up on maintaining my home properly and get away with doing the bare minimum. No pride or desire or dreams anymore. Can sometimes manage three or four days without a drink, tops. Upon restarting, I drink more to make up for it! I realize that I need to focus on personal development. I have used chronic self-pity as an excuse to continue drinking as if I have no other options in life.
It’s ridiculous because I know I could be at least three times as productive as I am now. I feel a complete failure in life, and yet I have a certain pride in knowing that, when I put my mind to something, I usually manage to achieve it. It’s helping to write this, and I have started a folder of notes to read and re-read as a motivation to quit. I know I need to keep my mind occupied with positive stuff, and eat properly and exercise.
I have started to panic now about finding a job and that really adds to the pressure. Yet I have decided to focus on just ONE THING: Quitting alcohol altogether. I don’t think I’m so bad that I will experience awful physiological withdrawal symptoms, just the discomfort of abstaining, which is the hardest part by a long way. What scares me is the awful emptiness of being sober. Right now, my mind and body and soul feel, not pain, but an awful dull ache. Unfortunately, suffering such bad, regular depression makes the future still bleak, but I have to believe I can feel better than this if I quit drinking.
I have read up as much as I can about the long-term effects of alcoholism on the body and, while I don’t think my liver is under threat right now, I really believe that my mind and thinking have become severely affected: I am chronically sad and depressed. I HAVE to believe that my neurotransmitters are all screwed and that only by staying off drink and allowing them to fix will I start to feel better. Sorry it was life story, but thanks for reading.
That about says everything perfectly. Thank you.
Awesome comment. Thanks, it helps to know none of us are alone.
Xavier, your story broke my heart to know all of the debilitating emotional pain you’re in, and that very spirit has broken. I can relate more then you will ever know. Please please see your doctor and show him what you wrote, he or she will understand even if they’re not alcoholics, but on a human level and hopefully provide treatment, some sort of action.
You need to ask for help of a medical professional so that these demons and evil negative thoughts don’t consume one tiny bit more of you. I’m an alcoholic, sober 3 days (10th try). 40 yrs old and fringing half my life away. Each time withdrawal is worse, like knocking on deaths door louder and louder while screaming for God to help me!!!
I’m doing something different this time. I’m getting help from my doctor, therapist, and AA and writing to a person that needs help on this blog for the first time, you. Please ask for help and accept it. All my love and support. I’m with you! xo
Thanks for your comment it was like reading my own life story. I’m on day three of no alcohol, and I’m feeling so dizzy, and a dull headache. Never felt this way before when I’ve had a couple of days off the booze, but I want to feel normal again after abusing my body all these years, I just hope I can make it, doing cold turkey, this page has given me hope. Thanks to everyone’s comments, when I feel low I will come back and read them again.
I have been drinking mostly vodka for about 10 years. Within the last 6 months, I was up to 50 shots/day. I realized that this was incredibly dangerous. I never knew I drank that much until I started a taper. I was able to get down to 30 shots, but very uncomfortable. 2 & 1/2 weeks ago I went to an inpatient detox. 13 hours of groups a day, bedrooms locked at 6:30 am and only reopened at 9 PM. I stayed 5 days.
I felt OK until about one week later and developed extreme fatigue, aches and low grade fevers, which I still have. I am glad I found this article. It allows me to worry a little less about dreadful things that might still happen to my liver. I don’t drink anymore and I never will again. I don’t miss it and I don’t crave it. I hate that I allowed a substance to dominate me for so long.
Interesting seeing the different number of units consumed, years of consumption and age groups… Going on 55 and the easy 4 Coronas today will be my last, ‘fingers crossed’ Those 4 beers were left from last nights 18 pack. Primarily a beer man but everything aside from Scotch & Absinthe will do nicely. Been drinking pretty hard since around 20 years old… Country boy from Oregon going to keg parties, smoking pot and many other drugs.
A number of car accidents, 1 in 1997 that put me in the ICU for several weeks with a coma with the uncertain chance of living. You can’t stop me… Kept on drinking although a little wiser about driving… Hard working contractor I continued to drink myself into oblivion. I see some say 18 beers a day, sounds about right although I would mix it up on occasion. Took some work in Dubai thinking it to be an escape being a Muslim country, ha ha.
I never drank more as all the expats are from the UK and drink exceptionally hard.. I ended up with alcohol induced pnemonia and a 10 day hospital stay… Left the UAE and when back in the States quit booze and cigs cold for 9 months, while all 9 months weight training and exercising. In the best shape of my life and no memory of it being rough in reference to withdrawals etc.. I slipped however a year and a half ago.
A wine here a beer there and back to a 12 pack after work and finding excuses to get out early to get my drink on… Anyway some new stuff going on as I continue to feel problems with my digestive system. Saw a gastro had a full work up elevated liver enzymes, pre-diabetic with fatty liver. Anyway not a day went by aside for 9 months, hospital stays and tonight where I wasn’t drunk at bedtime 30+ years and shutting her down for good. Almost forgot ‘Fingers Crossed’ was not drunk at bed time.
Stopped drinking 6 weeks ago. My mind is much clearer but I am so exhausted all the time, I hope the constant tiredness and constant low mood lifts.
Me too. I drank 4-6 beers on most nights for about 30 years, so I am glad to be feeling better already, but wish I had a little energy. Funny, I always exercised when I was drinking. A lot of times I was depressed, so I am working on my low mood with a therapist, since alcohol was my medication for that.
Dave… I too was drinking about 4-8 beers every night for 10-15 years. I am on my 5th day and feel normal thank god. When did you start experiencing a lack of energy? Right away or weeks after? How long have you been sober?
I just wanted to thank everyone for the excellent article and comments. It’s only lunchtime and I’ve already thrown back a few drinks because I *needed* them. Also, a few years ago, it became possible for me to work from home. That didn’t help a bit! I’m 55 and had unrelated surgery a couple weeks ago. Many nurses noted it was difficult to find a vein on me (dehydrated) when attempting to insert an IV or any needle.
To my surprise, I coped with those 3 days okay for the most part, but then I had pain meds going on. Anyway, I’ve been drinking a LOT each day for what seems forever. I copied a quote I loved here into Word, made it big/bold, and taped to the bottom of my monitor. A gentle but effective taper begins tomorrow (I promise). Thanks again and Happy Independence Day to those here in the USA.
I’m on day 63 of sobriety. I’m 61 years old. Was drinking 1/3 to 1/2 bottle of whiskey per night. Very high functioning during the day. Been drinking something to help me sleep since I was 17. Guess I’m lucky after reading the article above. I went cold turkey. Was jittery for three days. Took Valerian root and xanax for a few days but then stopped. Just finally got mad about it. Trying to quit is just a game. Like the person said above, you have to want to quit worse than you want to drink. When you get to that point you just do it, you don’t try to do it. Thank God I got to that place. Hope my liver has some time left in it.
Thank you for writing this article! I’ve been drinking for 20 years now, but in the last few years, I’ve been averaging 18 (16oz) cans of beer a day (if a British pint is 20 ounces, that’s a little over 14 pints a day). I recently hit a financial crisis and the logical decision (maybe it was subconscious) was to get rid of everything non-essential – like beer. I started on 29 June by having only one in the morning and I had three more at 10 pm and was experiencing heavy withdrawal symptoms before I even made it to lunch time.
The next day was worse. I didn’t have any beer, but it didn’t matter. I couldn’t eat or drink anything, even water, without vomiting shortly after. That night is when I found your article and found out that quitting cold turkey is not the way to go. Now, on the beginning of the third day, I feel a little better. I haven’t eaten anything yet, but I’ve had some water and keeping it down.
I’m wondering if I should still try tapering, or should I just continue with the cold turkey if I continue to see improvement today. I have a doctor’s appointment, but it’s not for two weeks. Something has to happen between now and then… Again, thank you for the article! At least now I know this is normal.
Been drinking since 18. I’m in my 50s. Had times in my life when I have stopped. Its been 7 days since my last drink. Little headache and taking naps. Doing this on my own. I want to do this so bad to see who I can become with out drinking. Wish you all well and thank you for your words and encouragement.
After being a heavy duty beer drinker for close to 16 years, about 6 months ago I started doing two or 3 shots with my first couple of beers to speed up the “calm”. I quit cold turkey last Saturday at 4 PM and had a terrible flu since about Monday with temps above 101. I found this article a few minutes ago because at 4 PM today, all of my symptoms vanished and I honestly feel great. Just waiting to find out what boogeyman comes next!
After 20 years of drinking and the last 5 very hard drinking I went to a detox clinic for 6 days. I could not do it myself as I have tried several times. I would suggest anyone who is a heavy problem drinker go to a detox and then outpatient support. I am on day 8 of my last drink and my symptoms are incredible itching and hard time sleeping. I can’t wait for it all to stop, but after reading all your posts I realize I am just starting.
Had the horrid itches too. Been drinking heavily for years and my liver in bad shape. I’m over 40yrs old, way under 50yrs young. Quit for over 40 days but a big family blow up drew me back in to the booze, hate it. I WAS a whole new person – happy and healthy. Relationships were SO much better, compliments on how much better I looked…things were good. My 2nd try at self rehab I awoke on the 5th day and I was truly ready to rip my arms, legs and torso off. I itched SO bad, so I’ve slammed some beer this AM and truly hate myself. I was aiming for at least 2 months.
50 year young energetic male. Drank continuously for 35 yrs or so. Went to detox center for 7 months, stayed dry for 1 year. Again started but not daily for 3 – 4 days continuously without limit, till almost blackout. Experienced many of these symptoms, some of time but almost ALWAYS – NAUSEA & SEVERE VOMITING lasting 1 – 2 days. This time too vomiting 1st 2 days, loss of appetite, complete sleepless for last 3 days, dizziness and slight hallucinations.
My 1st Q: Are these hallucinations & dizziness are part of withdrawal or lack of sleep? When will I get sleep? I am having acute pain on left side of neck up to start of shoulder. And right shoulder down to shoulder blade ending in the back; one can say right upper back. Is it possibly withdrawal symptoms because I haven’t read these anywhere? Could any alcoholic friend or medical person please clarify what I am experiencing?
I have been drinking again for about five years. Basically average between a third to a half of a fifth nightly. No drinking before evening. Probably average 5 nights a week. It is having a profound effect on me – a few hours of sleep and then I wake with a racing heartbeat and panic and that’s it for the night. I had open heart surgery six months ago and was alcohol free for a month, albeit on everything from morphine to fentanyl to oxycodone during recovery.
Started back and was right back on the treadmill. I also have been taking Xanax for 12 years and have a very high tolerance. I’m not capable of tapering on the booze. Once I start I can’t stop until it’s way too much. I quit cold turkey ten days ago. Still taking the Xanax. Blood pressure, which I take medication for, has been up. Difficulty sleeping, headaches, nausea. The difficult thing is the incredible fatigue. I almost literally can’t get up and move around although I go to work every day.
I don’t think I can handle doing anything about the Xanax right now because of my stress level and I feel like not drinking is all I can handle at the moment. I had to defend a lawsuit that went on 11 years and cost me $400,000 to defend. The expenses also cost me my business. I won, plus won multiple counter suits against the plaintiff, but it forced me into a bankruptcy that has been open for 7 years now. I also have a genetic form of very aggressive wet macular degeneration.
I’ve lost my vision in one eye and they estimate I have a year or two of functional vision left in my other. Don’t mean to whine but life is kind of intense these days. I’m 61. Have had the disease since 27. Ironically the year I decided to stop drinking, which I did for 28 years until a few years ago. 28 years of sobriety and threw it away…. At any rate, I’m hanging on. I don’t think I can take months of this fatigue and the business I’m working in is closing. I have to work. Sob story over. I can’t share this with anyone so dumped it on you guys.
You have so many stressors, I admire you for having the courage to quit again. Deal with the Xanax thing once you have been sober for a while. One day at a time. I wish you every success.
Thank you all for your encouraging words and thank you to the author of this article. It was clear, concise and worded in such a way that helped me understand better, my symptoms and why. I began drinking around fifteen years ago socially. About 5 years ago heavily. I am functional, i.e.. job, but home life suffers because when I came home, I hit the drinks. I found myself easily irritated and irrational in my thought processes.
(Hmmm) I initially started with having beers and a few mixed drinks on the weekends, but that turned to a pint of vodka a day for about 2 years. I did admit myself in for a detox program last summer and stayed for 11 days. The first three days were very difficult. I could not walk well and shook uncontrollably. Things got better by the forth day as I could exercise and write legibly.
Like a light switch suddenly turned on, day 6 clarity struck like a train. It was immediate and I felt great. That in itself was amazing. Yes it was non stop meetings, but if there was one thing about it, I could not drink and that controlled environment assisted me in recovery. I did relapse, not to the heavy extent that I previously partook, but never the less began again. I did just now quit cold turkey and am ending my third day.
(I do not recommend quitting cold turkey if you are drinking heavily). This time is easier, but I still have symptoms. Insomnia, night sweats and a crazy itching sensation all over my body. I am feeling irritable, but this will pass. May good fortune and better health accompany you on your will and success in slaying this dragon.
You guys, you guys!!! I can’t stress how critically important it is–especially for some of us long-term or constant binge drinkers–that you DO NOT GO COLD TURKEY. Tapering is the first step, but tapering is very hard because you’re essentially doing it on your own, and its easy to relapse. A detox program takes about 7 days and there are in – and out-patient available (so you can keep working, etc).
If you go to the ER a doctor can prescribe drugs that make withdrawal symptoms much easier, and safer, to beat, not to mention monitor you for risk of seizures/convulsions/thiamine deficiency. Alcohol withdrawal substitution is a REAL thing and NOT to be messed with. Also, the more frequently you try to go cold turkey, relapse, and try again, the greater your risk of SEVERE alcohol withdrawal syndrome, including seizures and death.
Yes, you can die from your well-meaning cold turkey attempt. Please get help with quitting, even if it’s just family/friends checking up on you and helping you with tapering.
I withdrew cold turkey, I couldn’t move or speak the first day (similar to an infant) then I got a burst of energy and tired to run out of the house and was screaming bloody murder. Second day was like the first but I could move slightly more and had major hallucinations and voices in my head, third day was like the second just less, tremors, confusion, actually not being able to speak or form words. My brain wouldn’t work.
Also I had no memory and keeps trying to ask the same question that was just answered. I had a seizure yesterday. I feared for my life experiencing paranoia. I have not yet slept and the scares me to the I made my BF drive very far at 3 am only to have to turn around. He told it’s getting stressful and difficult to put up with the episodes of rage and fear. Guys I feel like I am dying and lost myself. I’m only 22 and I don’t know what to do. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Dear Caroline. It sounds as though you’re having delirium tremens, the DT’s. Can you access help from an addiction specialist or a charity who cares for the needs of alcoholics perhaps with the help of your doctor? ‘Cold Turkey’ is not always the best way to deal with alcohol addiction. It is often best to taper or have medical support to get you through the first weeks of withdrawal.
This approach will reduce the severity of your symptoms, also reduce the risk of relapse and will keep you physically and psychologically safe. From your comment I feel that you are going through a terrible time, I really feel for you and would suggest you seek proper professional help. I stopped drinking 6 weeks ago after drinking heavily every day for 11 years but it was made possible due to tapering for a month beforehand then a short course of benzodiazepines.
I was also lucky to have peer support from a government funded organisation in Scotland, counselling to help me deal with the issues which caused me to drink and other help to keep me busy and active these last 6 weeks. I wish you the best.
Caroline, You absolutely we’re experiencing delirium tremens which is extremely dangerous. This is due to the excitotoxicity of glutamate which is a chemical in your brain which is inhibited by alcohol, but is produced in large quantities as a “rebound effect” when you stop drinking. GABA also plays a role. Delirium tremens are FATAL in approximately 25% of cases when not treated. I hope you got through your episode but if you are ever in this situation again you need to seek medical attention. Tapering or using benzodiazepines to ease the withdrawal are the normal methods, although in some cases a patient is temporarily placed into a medically induced coma.
Kelly A. I am experiencing everything you wrote. About three weeks ago I was tapering off alcohol and went my first full day totally without. I had been in some pain for a few days, but the next morning I was in such severe pain I went to the hospital and had all of the tests (EKG, blood, chest x-ray, CT…) which all came back good. That was a relief since I had pneumonia in January and was very concerned. They gave me lidocaine patches and pain medicine for the severe muscle pain in my shoulder and back.
I immediately felt better. Unfortunately I began drinking again a few days after that incident and continued through our vacation week and the holiday weekend. I stopped on Monday night. I immediately experienced the same physical pain and tried the patches and pain medication without success this time. I was determined to make it cold-turkey. I made it until Thursday night and just couldn’t take the pain anymore. My husband got me a beer and it helped. I went to bed and woke up in agony again on Friday with extreme guilt that I had that beer.
I have been sleeping, but am so tired and my body is in such pain that I just know that I can’t deal with this. I feel like it was better to drink than to feel like this, but I want to get OFF the alcohol in the worst way. I knew I could make a few days of this, but I don’t think I can make weeks of this. I am so proud of you for going 3 months!!!! I WISH I was 3 months in…I’m on the worst roller-coaster ride of my life, both physically and psychologically/emotionally.
My therapist told me to taper off the last time and since I went back to drinking, I convinced myself (against his advice again this time) to go cold-turkey. I am not convinced that I can do it, but I have to make sure I don’t fall back into drinking again and that scares me to death. I wish I knew how long this will take…having that BIG UNKNOWN out in front of me is so terrifying. All of you on this thread are giving me hope for recovery and the strength to keep up the fight. Thank you.
For the muscle pain, take magnesium, try for magnesium sulfate, Sisu is a great brand. Alcohol depletes the electrolytes, and I’ve found that the magnesium (I take approx 1000mg-1500mg a day) helps incredibly with the muscle pain. Try it in the evening at home (can be a bit of a laxative), I take it every 3-4 hrs, and it helps me immensely!
This has been the most recent post on this subject that I have found…thank you to everyone who has been replying. It really helps those who are in desperation feel much better. In a few days, it will be 3 months without alcohol. I am 30, female, and would drink 4-6 drinks every day. I have had most all of the aforementioned symptoms. At month 3, I am dealing with what I believe is anxiety. Really, I have had lots of pain in the chest area, some in the back, some in the neck, arm numbness.
I have been to the Dr. for it all and everything has come back with good results. I have had blood tests, ultrasound, EKG, Echo, Neurological tests, all good. But I am still having weird pain issues, and I am really tired of going to the doctor, but it’s really bothering me. Like I still feel that something is severely wrong with me. I have been short of breath for the last couple of weeks, and I am trying to determine whether or not it’s anxiety. So my question is, has anyone else gone through this type of anxiety after quitting? I am at 3 months and expected it gone by now.
Mostly anxiety can be over come with your own mind. Not for me. I take velerian root at night to sleep and like to keep it on me if I’m feeling anxious during the day. Drinking water helps. Usually dehydration is the first cause, even if you’ve not been drinking. Just know that your body is used to something that you’re not giving it. Like the secret vitamin of your life.
Give it time and try essential oils or all natural remedies. It’s hard. But I know that I can’t function the other way so I’ll put up with all the other crap. I went to the doctor last year and I was so sick that I messed up my liver, kidneys, my whole stomach. She put me on a proton pump inhibitor and it got better. I feel like the anxiety was stemmed from the other reactions from stopping drinking. I’m all about Valerian root and St john’s wort.
Exactly the same as you. I can not understand what it is apart from the details of the article above. I have not given up but stopped drinking daily and only drinking 2-3 nights a week and drinking a normal amount like two glasses of wine etc, and with food. I think the feelings are still historical. I get tension headaches. Anxiety, pounding racing heart. I’ve had eye tests, blood tests, usualy blood pressure is good when I test. I’m active! I hope it subsides but feel that I need to do more on the sleep, relaxation and recovery. It doesn’t seem like a quick fix. How long does the tiredness and anxiety last?!
Kelly: Serious, spasmodic (?) chest pain is typical of pancreatitis – the pancreas gets overloaded with harmful enzymes, and can virtually shut down. I had it twice over the last 12 years, with a gap (alcohol-free) of about two years. As a male, the pain I described as being (what I imagined)
as female birth pain agony – “never to be gone through again”… Until the next time of course!
Caused by ethylene excess, as the doctors say. Curiously, the latter also ask (even male) sufferers “… Can you only get a little pain relief while curled up in the foetal position? Pancreatitis is often fatal, and should never be ignored after rehabilitation. A rewarding site is this one – I’m amazed at the level of literacy/home truths to be found here…
Hello friends! I am 23 years old have been drinking on/off since I was 18. At first, drinking wasn’t so bad and I did it every day with friends or by myself. Mostly by myself which is never good. But recently I would stop after binges. My typical binge is like 4 to 5 days of non stop alcohol in my system. Not good for work. And my withdraws were never too bad, I never experienced seizures or tremors before but they always caused me a lot of discomfort.
I am writing this at 3 in the morning because I can’t sleep. I’ve been having a lot of weird crazy dreams tonight and afraid to go back to sleep. But I’m keeping my fluids up and I’m committed to do better. Hopefully I’ll level out somewhere, it’s usually only in the couple of days after that it’s tough. I stopped 2 1/2 days ago. Believe in yourself and keep living. The struggle is real for all of us. Good night.
Great article and good comments. I am A 38-year-old male. I have been drinking with varying levels of intensity for 20 years. I could always “not have a drink” for a day or two so I always told myself that I was in control. I have recently cleared up my diet and started exercising and was told that giving up alcohol for a few weeks was a great way to jumpstart my fitness goals. Now at about four days in I am starting to struggle with sleep, sweating and general fuzziness.
After reading this article I believe that I am an alcoholic and just didn’t realize it. I generally drink between one and six beers a day depending on mood and social environment. On occasion however, I will pick up a handle of rum or vodka and almost without me realizing it it’s gone in well under a week. While I don’t have any interest in attending Alcoholics Anonymous or other support groups, this article has been very helpful. Thanks again and good luck to all!
Thanks for the comments. I’ve been drinking heavily for the last 7 years. Usually a pint of vodka/day (about 11 drinks). Then last week, I suddenly woke up with severe foot pain. I made nothing of it, thinking I banged it on something. Oddly, it just in my toes, but all toes on both feet. Yesterday, I realized it might be nerve damage – and might be permanent. Scared me senseless.
I had a liver ultrasound and function test and while the doctor said it certainly abnormal, nothing was completely out there. Anyhow, I’m hoping if my liver and blood weren’t terribly messed up, things couldn’t have that far south. I quit cold turkey (yes against the advice here, but didn’t see these tips) yesterday and lots of vertigo today. Had to brace my self on whatever I could find while moving around the house. Also, feeling quite tired. No tremors yet, but that seems like a couple of days out from what I read here.
Thanks for sharing Jeff. Your duration and consumption sounds a lot like me. I’m 41 with an 8 and a 4 year old. I’ve drank every night for the last 7 years. I had a 4 day stretch in November 2014 when I was in the hospital and couldn’t drink. I was fine. Once I got out I was right back at it. I drink to deal with a struggling marriage. Yesterday, 5/25/15 was first night without drink. Fever, night sweats, and trouble going to sleep were my demons last night. I exercise daily so I hope this will help. Reading this article and these comments gives me hope.
I drank heavy like pint of scotch every night for 10 years. Quit for couple of days and started again including tapering to all possible methods out there. Finally I figured out how to successfully quit. Bought a heart rate gadget and planned 4 days out and 3 days in and started measuring vitals and stats day by day including BP. I was bit irate but nothing major.
Now over 2 weeks did not even feel any symptoms. Was tempted to visit bar couple of times and pushed the thought by looking at the gadget. I did not want to let go the feel better self and it went away. I must tell you this is after reading Dr. Susan Beck’s Mindfulness and Dr. Henry Young’s Reinventing Yourself and mentally changing myself before quitting with planned rehearsals. Same books are used for therapy.
I do not feel I have quit. I feel I do not need it. My gadget definitely provided positive enforcement by showing quick progress every day I think these combinations were the key for me. Breathing before sleeping and glass of milk helps a lot to sleep better. To summarize, educate, prepare, rehearse, find a reward gadget and taking high ground instead of fighting it helped me.
Its been almost three months. In a binge drinker. I would go out one night, innocently, say the pub, or an afternoon with friends and then drink for two weeks after that, by the end, being dunk 24 hrs, blacking out, waking up not remembering things but knowing I’d hurt friends and missing watches. Then I’d be if for the next two weeks, all the acute withdrawal, intense depression, intense fatigue, nausea, headaches, night sweats, extreme guilt and regret, constant anxiety, loss of appetite, weakness.
When I was younger, these would only last a couple of days and then I’d feel terrific for two weeks – and then go to the pub. The time between binges has grown to about two months. I realize now that it is not the acute withdrawal that kills me, it’s the lasting and chronic fatigue afterward. Like I said, not going on to three months, completely fuzzy like a ghost (depersonalized I think they call it) and so tired everyday, I could just cry.
There are no words just how debilitating it is. I have to think about walking to the fridge for hours beforehand, I go out only when I HAVE to, I can stay in bed for days. And it is psychologically painful. Excruciating. I can’t stand the dysphoria. Everything is just blah. I can’t concentrate long enough to read. I used to run 10kms a week when I was drinking. I fainted the last time I tried it and have not tried again since.
This was the years ago. I want to make at least a year. It just feels like I’m never going to be the same again. I liked having fun and being with people. Now it’s a chore. It’s a chore to be worth people, it’s a chore to wake up and get out of bed, it’s a chore to laugh. I don’t know if I’ll ever be ‘normal’ again but I will not drink this year. That’s all I have.
Hi, Kenny, like you I am on month 3. Since stopping the fatigue has been awful, the cravings and thought of drinking along with the chronic IBS have diminished but the fatigue and headaches are worse then when I drunk! Seems unfair don’t it? All I wanna do is sleep when really I would rather be exercising. The knowledge of PAWS though is what’s keeping me going, whereas before I just thought I was too weak to stop. Good luck and keep going!
I am greatly pleased with this article though I had spent years of counselling, rehabilitation and detoxification. I drank heavily from my childhood 35 years now and had to face almost all the symptoms stated above. Having had the knowledge of 12 steps of AA/NA I still relapsed 7 times and detoxified every time. After 7th relapsed, I could stay sober for just a month long which is my short sober period than other relapses.
Just a day ago, I vomited lot due to excessive mix drinks then other days of 6-7 bottles of beer. I am again suffering all the symptoms badly. I am frustrated now and trying not to visit hospital or call a sponsor this time. I know this is not right and could let to danger extent but will try myself with the weapons I got on my rehabilitation and relapse courses. Thanks for the article. Just For Today: One more Bottle is End to Me. Hugs to all my fellowships!
Great article. Well, it’s a tough business being human eh? I’ve got the itches, sore kidneys and back and irregular urination going. I’ve had a few periods of not drinking lately as gout has kicked in after binging. I’m in a 5-6 day stretch now and just been through a really strange conversation in my head whether to go get s bottle of vodka or not and ease through it.
I decided it was a really bad idea. I almost went out to get a bottle 10 minutes ago when reading about ‘tapering’ then I came across ‘kindling’ and that just made me go cold all over. The mind is worse than the body and that’s saying something. I am scared: I’m frightened I’ve done my liver or kidneys in. I had been drinking vodka heavily for months and well it has taken a toll and I hope I haven’t damaged myself. I’ve read you can recover, if you stop… that’s where I am, fearful more than hopeful, but am hoping all will be ok.
I’m really scared of life without drink and I’m scared of life with drink! What if I don’t stop wanting it? Something good that seems to be happening is that I’m in control of not purchasing alcohol… in listening to my better self, and I’m proud of that. But!!! I have to really watch the insidious side of my thinking patterns that lurks in and tries to convince myself to go and buy a bottle.
Wow, that has got to be the weirdest thing going on at the moment for me, besides the itching. Can someone talk to me about it? Are you having the same internal dialogue? One thing I want to say; and I’m not trying to have s go at anyone writing in because I think you are all awesome rave people – but I do want to say that when someone is drinking and writing, the spelling and auto correct mistakes really go out the window etc.
I know this from looking at my own drunk texting I’ve inflicted on people. Have a look people, it might help you put that drink down as you’re writing and reading about not drinking. Much love.
Good article. I am 42 and have either been drunk, drinking, thinking about my next drink, or hung-over or withdrawing from alcohol almost every waking moment of my adult life. I used to just have hangovers, but for the last eight years or so, I get terrible withdrawal symptoms whenever I stop (usually cold turkey). Sometimes I stop because I want to, sometimes it’s because I run out of alcohol (beer, wine, liquor, anything). I have all the symptoms described in the article, and others. It’s always intensely physically uncomfortable, even painful; and psychologically terrifying.
The worst part (the acute phase, as the article puts it) for me is only about 2 and a half to 3 days, then I’m just a little uncomfortable for a few more days. Having said that, I usually only hold out for about a week before having another. As it happens, I had my last drink a week ago, and this time it feels different. I have no desire to drink right now and I wouldn’t even take a sip if someone set a drink in front of me (usually I’m obsessed with trying to NOT think about drinking). I hope this is a good sign.
Been drinking for almost 20 years. The last couple years daily. Beer drinker. Rare occasions hard liquor. Been sober and doing cold turkey for the last 10 days. Before that 13 days. So in the last 3 & 1/2 weeks only drank one day. No huge withdrawals, but noticing a headache coming on around day 10. Should I consult a physician?
This really helped. I have been a heavy drinker for 15 years. Went from beer to wine to vodka to rum. A lot of it. I’m currently detoxing and could not understand why I’m itching all over. Last drink was last night, but I thought I should just quit? Shaking like crazy, any suggestions?
Heather – Stay sober and the itching will go away – drink lots of water, eat well (no junk, sugar, caffeine or processed foods) and take walks every day. It takes time to pass, but it Will pass.
I have experienced all of the symptoms described in the article as well. The most terrifying was when I got a severe panic attack and was so convinced that I was having a heart attack that I had to go to the ER, where they discovered severe dehydration and vitamin deficiencies following a 3-day bender. They prescribed me Ativan, which has been helpful when I feel anxiety coming on…
That said, it’s a habit-forming medication, so you do have to be careful with it. A more natural approach I’ve found is this calming magnesium drink that comes in powder form and you simply mix with hot or cold water. I’ve found it very soothing and effective! Right now I’m still experiencing weird nerve sensations, but as everyone has said, they will subside… Good luck to everyone, and thank you for all the encouraging and brave shares. :-)
26 year old female/drinking everyday since 19. 8-18 drinks a day. This was a wonderful article, probably one of the best I’ve read. I actually read words of hope for myself friends. Have not started on the sober journey yet, but have been mulling it over for a few months now. Thank you for your comment Paul, you are absolutely right when you said you have to want to quit more than wanting to drink, that really hit home for me… Good luck to everyone and keep the faith and hope going for yourself.
I’m so scared of stopping. I’m a 30 year old man who’s been heavily drinking since 14. I found this website whilst having a beer and watching tv. I use alcohol for everything in my life. I can’t go shopping, get my hair cut, chat to new people without booze. The thing that scares me is who I’m going to be without drink. I hold down a job got good friends but this has got such a hold on me I’m in danger of losing it all. Take care. And it’s so nice to find a website with people in the same boat.
Almost identical circumstances except I had a much longer drinking career. Could not imagine how people could go shopping without drinking, or anything for that matter, and would even drink more before going out drinking. I now know it was a cycle, neverending, of getting buzzed and planning on how to keep the buzz which almost always involved a beer in the morning and one or more every hour depending on the circumstances of the day.
It’s been three weeks and I am able to realize the hold this cycle had on me and can’t believe how good it is to feel good. I did stumble into AA and can say that it worked for me. I had to admit that I had no control over alcohol and that I couldn’t drink like normal people. It was a hard pill to swallow but wouldn’t go back for the world, you can do this!
I am also on day 3. Heavy vodka drinker. Been through many of these detoxes. What helps is an AA meeting. When I’m going to my meetings, I feel so good. It’s just I’m a single mom and I work a lot and daughter has lots of activities. So when I start skipping meetings, I get weak and I relapse. Then I go back into AA. You can say AA doesn’t work, but it has taken me from a dying heavy daily drinker that relapses every once in awhile over last 3 years.
Ed, you can stop drinking and you should. I am 36 and have been drinking since 16, I am now 36 days sober and really starting to enjoy my life again. I went to a 28 day treatment center, best thing I ever did in my life. I was scared as *$%&, didn’t think I could do it either, but I did it and I am finally getting myself back.
You can too and you will meet so many new wonderful friends that care about you and want to be there for you. What do you have to lose, blackouts, hangovers and poor decisions, give it a try, you won’t regret it. It will be scary at first and you won’t feel good but that goes away and when the fog clears it becomes a beautiful thing.
I was in the same boat. 24 years old and I’ve drank every night since I was 19, and in the last couple of years I was polishing off 1/2 of a bottle of whiskey every night and a six pack of heavy beer. Over the last year I’ve tried to quit a few times but I’ve failed because I made the mistake of not forgiving myself after I slip up. This time around I think it’s really for good.
I’ve been mostly sober for a month which is a big deal. I’ve made mistakes, I’ve had a couple of Saturday’s where I’ve gone out and gotten trashed but the huge difference is I’ve had the willpower to just suffer through the hangover the next day and not pick up the bottle again. Every time I’ve relapsed in the past it’s because I slip once, and I feel so terrible about it I go back to drinking to turn that feeling off.
This month hasn’t been easy, some days I’ve felt great and other days I’ve felt like I was going crazy; depressed, fatigued, like there is something wrong with me. It helps to read these articles to know that I’m not dying, just recovering. I just make a point to write down all of the good things; waking up with a clear mind, being able to exercise, my skin looks better, I’m losing weight without even trying, and I feel like I’m slowly starting to be able to actually experience life.
I’ve learned that I thought I was drinking to enjoy things, but in doing so I was just forgetting everything. Nothing will happen until you just start, it’s both the hardest thing I’ve ever done and the most amazing thing I’ve ever done. I wake up every day feeling so proud of myself.
Kelci, I am not judging you. Be honest with yourself for your own recovery. Don’t judge yourself for a slip, but don’t fool yourself into thinking you are sober. If you drink heavily on Saturday nights (enough to “get trashed”), you still are drinking.
I have been drinking daily around twelve beers for thirty years. Last May, I spent 28 days in a private rehab and could not tolerate the boot-camp attitude, 12 step repetition, endless group sessions and no answer to addiction other than to attend AA meetings. I relapsed soon after leaving and things soon got out of control again. Someone gave me a book called BEAT THE BOOZE which has a line in it: “ULTIMATELY, VICTORY DEPENDS PRIMARILY ON ONE THING; YOU MUST WANT TO OVERCOME YOUR DRINK PROBLEM MORE THAN YOU WANT TO DRINK.” This idea got me sober and keeps the cravings under control and the mental strength to weather the withdrawal symptoms.
Wow, wonderful article. Thanks to all of you for adding your comments and feelings, as it’s a big help to me right now. (I’m done with alcohol), I do think I want to quit more than I want that glass of wine.
Thank you for that quote. I’m on day two and doing ok but my heart feels like it’s pounding out of my chest. I saved a copy of your post to re-read when I’m feeling weak! -T
I am on day two. Just few off the handle completely (at nothing really) and now feel heart palpitations, cold and headachy. I didn’t think I had a drink problem but realized that drinking a bottle of wine a day (more at weekends) is not actually ‘normal’. The shaky fretful symptoms I am having make it clear to me that I have a problem. I am determined to remain sober. I want my life back. I want my body back (not the overweight unfit blob I have become). I want me back.
I think I am going to have to get to know myself again. Me sober is going to be an eye opener. What do people do with all that time,where you aren’t getting drunk, drunk or passed out drunk, hungover or shopping for drink in anticipation of the never-ending (but now ended) cycle? I can’t believe how sucked in by drinking I was.
Kate, I couldn’t agree with you more! I want to get to know myself again! I want me back! I want to feel clear and together in my brain, I want my intuition back, I want my energy back. I am done with blackouts, blurry brain, guilty feelings and bad conscious. I stopped cold turkey, 3 weeks ago, after too many years of drinking 1-2 bottles of wine every second day or so, and often much more at weekends.
I haven’t really had any withdrawal symptoms, except light headaches and no appetite and I have actually been enjoying my soberness, feeling like all high spirited and positive, until today. Today I got hit by a wave of emotions, anger, irritation to the extreme, feeling all dizzy and a bad headache. And to day was the first time since I stopped that I wanted a drink. So I sad down and started reading all of the comments in here, and you cannot imagine how much it helps! Thank you all.
Thank you so much for this article, this is day 15 for me and I thought I was going crazy and being a hypochondriac. I went to detox for 6 days (was forced) due to alcohol poisoning. It’s the best thing that happened to me because I tried tapering and I’d do ok for a few days and be right back where I was. I was drinking anywhere between a fifth and a half gallon of vodka a day, it started four years ago going out once a month, then every couple weeks, to a couple times a week, to staying home and drinking all day everyday (that part started about 9 months ago).
Anyhow for the past week since getting out of detox I have had severe daily headaches, panic attacks, (about had a melt down in Walmart), crying, irritable, can’t sleep, depressed, every part of my body aches, can’t concentrate, forgetful, and just feel so on edge! I feel like I’m losing my mind so reading this and knowing it’s normal help because nothing feels normal right now! I saw someone else post about feeling like things are unreal. I had stated that I felt that I’d been feel that way to my boyfriend the other day and he looked at me like I grew a unicorn horn so it’s good to know it’s not just me.
Same… Exactly the same. This helps me so much. Thank you.
I’m 29 years old and I have been battling this disease for about 4 years now, I know it’s only been 4 years but I’ve wasted so much money, so much valuable time, so much potential relation time just to have a drink or down a bottle of Jack in a day. I’m only on day 1 of this withdrawal. It’s okay so far, but I know from the past experiences trying to quit/taper off.
I get so dizzy, irritable, unable to focus on anything and all I do is want to stay home in bed. I’m tired all the time. My eyes are drooping down to my mouth. I know it will get better, and I definitely want to improve. I know its messed with my brain in many ways. I can hear my self stuttering, I can hear my speech slurring occasionally without a drink and I’m embarrassed.
I just needed to write this out in hopes of helping my self to endure the next day, next week, month, or even years of withdrawal. I would like to check back in this article tomorrow or the next. It has really helped me out.
I relate to your story very much. About 4ish years ago I started drinking daily, and it escalated to where 1 bottle of wine wouldn’t cut it, and I’d drink another half bottle after that. I’m on day 3. (It’s after midnight so definitely have insomnia) I also am stuttering and stumbling over words. I cried today because I feel like my kids deserve a sober mom.
The only other feelings I had today were irritation and major apathy. I’m looking forward to these annoy symptoms to disappear! It’s been very encouraging to hear other people’s stories and not feel alone.
Day 10 for me, after drinking 4-8 glasses of wine/champagne for better part of 20 years. Experienced severe nausea yesterday and today, really tired and face breaking out in pimples, hard to sleep soundly. This too shall pass. I am shocked/amazed at what alcohol does to the body/ mind and how it adapts to the toxins we put into it.
Going through this withdrawal makes me realize how I have abused my mind/ body and taken for granted it’s wisdom and beauty. I have been meditating and praying and asking my mind/ body for forgiveness. Forgot to mention pretty severe dehydration, my mouth is dry as can be it’s pretty intense and I have been drinking tons of water but cannot quench my thirst and my skin feels so dry although I am breaking out…very weird.
Hi Susie, Thanks for posting! It is day 10 for me. I have been drinking heavily for about 10 years. My face is all broken out with a rash. I itch too! I think that my body is going into shock from lack of alcohol. I am tierd too. I am glad that you shared what you were going through, so I can hang in there.
How long have you been itching for I am having the same problem? Very bad itching, sweats, and trouble sleeping.
Hi Adam, I am on day 14 I also have very bad itching, sweats, and trouble sleeping. Hopefully it will stop soon, but I have loads more energy than I did when I drunk.
DAY 7 being sober… I am 45 yrs old father of 3 with a successful career… and have been drinking since HS. But only heavily for the last 8 yrs (mostly daily). I started drinking heavily when my sister committed suicide. It helped to numb the feelings I had and helped me sleep rather than deal with it all and the people around me.
After a period of time, drinking became a norm and I went through (2-3) 1.75 a week minimum. Started having liver pains, back pains, blackouts, sleepless nights, headaches and just the plain ability not get drunk anymore. Drinking started to become a chore… and I came to the realization that drinking isn’t fun anymore.
Went to the doctor and got some blood work done. I knew it, I so knew it… no surprise… my labs came back off the charts. I mean you cant live like a rock star this long without creating some battle wounds. So I quit cold turkey, along with smoking (cigarettes).
My Symptoms:
– Itching (OMG)…Face, neck, and scalp…to the point of swelling.
– Night sweats…cold and wet sheets… (JOY)
– Sleepless nights…no matter what time I go to bed… Whammoo HELLO 3AM!!
– Headaches
– Thirsty all of the time with dry mouth.
Doing all of this without letting anyone know. You know us drunks!!! If you tell someone than they will think you have a problem. Even my wife of 25 years doesn’t think I have a problem..and says “I have really never seen you drunk”. Just proves I am a good actor and great at being deceptive.
My long term goal is being made daily and changing hourly… But this is something that I have to do for myself. Everyday I wake up and say I made it to another day and that gives me hope to press on! Plus, I look at my girls and think… is this how I want them to remember me… always with a drink in my hand and night. (What kind of example am I setting for their future)???
Thank you everyone for your comments above!! Don’t give up the fight to find your true self…
I was drinking everyday (at least 8 glasses of wine). I hadn’t had a drink for 2months and felt great. Last week I had 4 glasses of wine in the night and the next day I was so depressed, crying, sucidal, terrbible anxiety. This is the 5th day after that episode and I still feel so depressed. What’s going on with me?
Rachel I believe you are experiencing “kindling”. To my understanding, that’s when a person quits cold turkey without tapering and goes back to drinking again. The smallest amount of alcohol could trigger bad withdrawal symptoms.
What you are experiencing is a natural reaction to being poisoned by alcohol. Ever see a dog get hold of a toad or some antifreeze? Same difference. Ciggy smokers don’t cough. They adapted to that poison. ALCOHOL. I drank a fifth a day or better since 1978 and thanks to a good doc, some Xanax, Buspirone and I dietitian I seem pretty much good to go after only 3 weeks. One of your main issues in mineral depletion. CoQ10, Magnesium, Potassium, Zinc, Iodine.
Get a good blood workup and tell the doc you’re an alkie. FIRST THING. He’ll know what to look for and get you on the right track. Don’t just go buy a bunch of nonsense at SuperDrug Inc. The blood work tells you what you need and the doc tells you how much(approx). The diet change is the other 50%. Better direct from food but damn near impossible after long term poison exposure. Eventually zero supplements will be needed. Just good food.
After 10 years of daily drinking, I quit cold turkey after a bad fall. I wish I’d read this article first. For the first few weeks I splayed my arms against the pantry doors where I used to keep the wine at 5:00, praying not to buy more. It was several months until I could go to the grocery store without my cart swerving to the alcohol section. That was 3 yrs ago.
I am 32 years old and have drank daily since I was 18. I am sober now, but trying to sober up. I’ve had seizures 2 times, both times landing me in the hospital. Hopefully I stay sober this time, with the help of a 12 step program. They don’t teach you how to not drink, they teach you how to live life.
Day 5 after drinking hard and heavy for 38 years and a recent 18-month binge of daily drinking of a minimal of twelve a day. Saw a GP after a vacation of blackouts, swollen ankles (subsided), one dark urine and dehydration. GP gave me BP pills as mine shot up (both systolic and diastolic) to 160/110 and a blood workup. So high BP, lightheaded and dizzy everyday, diarrhea, dry mouth, feeling cold, spontaneous crying.
Did not taper. Have tried a few times in the past, including AA, but never had withdrawal symptoms before. Thanks for the article. It’s the first one that summarized with clarity and brevity what one might experience. I hope for an end soon to the withdrawals but, given my history and recent binging… I’m not optimistic. Thanks again.
Thanks for your comment Chris. From the age of 19 to 44 I drank about 8 oz of whisky per night, nearly every night, more on the weekends. I quit completely for 5 years and restarted at age 49 as a moderate drinker. For the last 20 years I have drank about 4 to 5 oz. of whisky a night, every night. Due to surgery and health issues I quit completely three months ago. I am still experiencing the dizziness and coldness and increased blood pressure you did, as well as brain fog, derealization (feeling unreal, sometimes like in a dream, sometimes like I’m on Mars) and fatigue. It’s good to know these are natural effects of quitting alcohol. I do hope I will eventually regain my energy levels and feel like my old self. But if I don’t I’ll have to learn to live with it. I guess after running on jet fuel for 45 years, there has got to be an effect when you start running on water.
All and everything symptoms wise – this is an excellent thread, helps to go back and read daily… And BTW Bob, yes I experience that daily, but good to know along with me there is life on Mars, look me up!!? (2.5 months and going).
Chris, Stay optimistic! Making it through five sober days is well worth it. I made the decision to become independent on July 4-independence day after years of daily drinking. I have experienced extreme fatigue which has been difficult to manage. I would rather battle fatigue than wonder what I did the night before or wonder where all my money went. It’s worth it, Chris. I feel great as a non drinker. I don’t ever want to go back to that life. Hang in there!
I’m on month five of complete abstinence after drinking heavy and daily for the past 40 years. I’m experiencing many of these symptoms still. Especially the fatigue. I’m hopeful that I improve and am happy with my sober state. This article helps a lot. -Mike
I binge drank heavily for thirty nine years and have been sober for twenty months. I still feel fatigue at times. Does anyone know if daily headaches I experience are at all normal?
Thanks for sharing Matt. I’m an alcoholic, I quit drinking on November 7th, 2014. I’ve felt pretty much “normal” with few or little withdrawal symptoms until today, mainly trouble sleeping and anxiety. All of a sudden out of nowhere, I started balling my eyes out, I was so embarrassed, I didn’t know what to do. I found reading this article gave me focus and helped calm me down, it helped me understand the emotion. Thanks for the read.
Great article. I’ve been drinking fairly heavily (8-12 pints a day) for the last few years and have struggled with the withdrawal which has often given symptoms you wouldn’t necessarily expect like dizziness, fatigue, up to weeks/months after quitting. As it said above everybody is different and will experience it in different ways. Good to read an article that goes a little deeper into it, as with me I wasn’t sure what was happening to my mind, body and soul. Sure enough things seem to be getting better slowly but surely, give it a few months and just keep going.
This post was very helpful, although it didn’t directly answer my question. It did however show that withdrawals can vary in time lengths. As for my story I started drinking once a week on Saturday night, and limited it to 5-6 shots. Just enough to to have a strong buzz. This went on for 6 months to a year then turned into many times a week and later to every day of the week. The amounts changed to, from 5-6 to 8-12.
The last 3 times I drank, (where I had 12 shots within 30min) the next day I would wake up with a racing heart. While I’ve never been super healthy, this shocked me and caused me to change my life for good. As a side thought, as I would be drinking fm everyday, I would research all sorts of alcoholic symptoms to understand the dangers and then try to quit. This never worked, in fact it wasn’t till I started to see, what I viewed as serious symptoms that I started to change.
I had just about every symptom you read about from withdrawal, and I had only gone from the night before till the next night of not drinking. And this was before I started to get strange chest feelings. So the withdrawals that started first when I decided to quit were increased heart rate, all sorts of odd chest sensations, pressure behind my left shoulder blade, and center of the back. Not to forget crazy strong anxiety, shakiness, depression, and disturbed sleep.
The feelings would come on strong, and then trigger the anxiety, it felt like I was about to have a heart attack of sorts, almost a state of not having pain, but feeling like something bad was about to happen. The good news is nothing did. This went on for a week, and it actually helped to out my mind at ease knowing the types of symptoms to expect, and that it would simply take time.
The day’s turned into weeks, and then months. I started to notice that I was listing weight also, (which I had struggled for years to do) and this gave me something strong to focus on in the process. As I started to lose weight and would encounter small panic attacks and chest sensations, I would make deliberate diet changes. Quitting alcohol became easy to quit do I added soda to that list.
After 25 years of drinking that everyday, I quit it for the first time too, and the weight had kept coming off. I later added a time to stop eating at night by, and started going to the park everyday to take some photos of wildlife. This disguised me actually exercising for over an hour a day 6 days a week. So at this point where am I going with the story?
The point is, it’s scary at first when you find something you didn’t expect to happen. And by some research you can learn what to expect and focus on small improvements as you progress. What helped me with anxiety is i would notice that the day before, (as crazy as it seemed, nothing serious actually happened) and then calm down with that in mind. As the days turned into weeks and months, that helped the most.
It’s all scary at first, and I did it without anyone to be there with me. So if I can do it, so can you. Since I’ve stopped drinking Booze, I’ve lost 37lbs, and have forever found out how to raise or lower my weight. That in itself was worth the starting and quoting of drinking for me. So one powerful Lesson out of all this? Look for the good that comes as a result of the challenges you face today.
Take it literally one moment at a time, one day at a time, one month at a time. This sort of change needs to be life long, small and repeated over and over each day. In closing, the thing that I use to help me to never drink again for the rest of my life is this. All those horrible symptoms I had, all the panic, the scary moments, the pain, will return as soon as I pick up drinking again, for in that moment of starting I know I will again someday have to quit and to make matters worse, the symptoms will be even more evil and deadly.
Maybe I wouldn’t have a second chance, but if I start again, I’ll be doomed to face all the symptoms intensified. We all know that you can’t live and drink alcohol, without it affecting the body, and because of that, one will always be faced with quitting if you start again. This piece of truth helps keep me grounded by all the hell that is alcohol withdrawal, and the simple fact is you avoid it all by not ever starting. I pray this helps, and gives you in the midst of the storm hope to move forward one day at a time.
Thanks, that’s my story to the T. Just to hear it like that has me on a different outlook, given I’m going through it now. Good and bad 3 days.
Thank you so much for sharing. I’m on day six, exact same symptoms as you but I’m so afraid of them I’ve been in the hospital twice for an EKG. EKGs all came back normal (three times), but I’m concerned about long term heart damage. I’m only thirty. Did you ever end up getting your heart checked out? Thanks for sharing.
The withdraw will make your heart race, I am 31 and after heavy drinking was the first time my blood pressure was ever high. You have to try to keep your mind off of it, and keep yourself active and busy, I know it’s easier said than done but hang in there. Don’t push yourself, maybe go for a walk or something easy, get out of your own head and don’t hyper-focus on the weird stuff your body and brain is trying to do to convince you to get alcohol in your body.
I started drinking at 15 and rapidly became a big drinker and eventually a drug abuser. All through school and university I continued to drink to a ridiculous degree until I collapsed with the heart condition called cardiomyopathy, which in those days was hard to treat and I nearly died. The doctors eventually sent me home and said be very careful, no heavy exercise, no alcohol.
I got sick of sitting on the couch and decided to try and get tip. I didn’t tell the doctors but I stated by waling down the driveway and back and eventually tried jogging. My heart jumped all over the place but I persisted and eventually ran marathons, did Iron Man and all kinds of crazy stuff. When I was 40 I went back to the doctors and all the symptoms had gone and I got full clearance.
Now I was a bit crazy to do it without the doctors and wouldn’t advise that. I didn’t drink for many years and had a successful career. Sadly later I started to drink again UP TO FOUR BOTTLES OF RED WINE A DAY, CRAZY STUFF! But I have stopped, with the help of my GP and I feel great. I have no desire to drink again, am 66 so need to get on and enjoy what time I have left, it’s never too late.
Anybody can stop if they want it bad enough and they find the right way for them. Don’t be convinced to drink by social pressure, that’s caused by people who have the same problem but won’t admit. Don’t be hard on yourself or embarrassed about it – everyone will know anyway. Good luck and stick with it, it’s very worth it. It’s your journey so take ownership of it and be well.
In the end you got into it probably through bad circumstance, genetic predisposition, a number of bad things – but put all that aside. Time to take care of yourself and look forward not backward. Regards, JOHN (NEW ZEALAND). Sober!
Thank you John for your story. I’ve been heavily drinking for about 10 years and have recently (3 days ago) decided to quit for good. It’s a tough road at the moment but comforting to see all the comments left here for advice and encouragement.
Funny thing – a New Zealander actually started me on this path in January. He was traveling the states and our paths crossed. What an amazing man with an incredible story. He said the same thing to me – take time to care for yourself and look forward, not backward. Thank you for reiterating the point.
Thank you.
Hi. This is just the most mind blowing thing I’ve read in a long time. I’m hungover reading this and I’m now at the point of stopping drinking after about 23 years. I’ve talked about doing it for some time but didn’t fool myself into believing I could go cold turkey. I had to prove it to myself that nothing would change unless I changed my attitude towards booze and life in general.
I suppose it doesn’t help being Irish. Yeah I know that’s a stereotype but it’s true. Anyway I always get to a point of being healthy and positive and I think that I can go for drink and this time it will be different. It never is. I think it was Einstein who said that madness is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a change. I didn’t know who will read this, and yes I am rambling, but thanks for writing this. Good luck.
Hey Kevin, I’m Irish too. (Live in US). I think it’s in our blood to want to have the warm glow of liquor flowing in our veins. To all the rest of you on this thread, I hope you are still visiting and listening… Quitting alcohol is the hardest, most irritating mind-screw you will ever face. And that’s just the first few days.
Depending on how much your normal consumption was, you will sweat, have palpitations, shake, cry, vomit, yell at everyone for any reason, and lay in the bed at night and wonder why the hell you just didn’t have a drink. And that’s just to first week or so. And THEN… the exhaustion. The desire to sleep and sleep becomes so strong and you have no clue why you’re ready for bed as soon as the sun sets, and anything requiring any amount of labor is just too much to deal with, so you just go to bed.
I know, you’re wondering why I’m going on and on of the misery in giving up alcohol… But THEN… one morning, (it was about day 33 for me) you have a bit more energy. The black circles under your eyes are gone. Your skin is tighter, younger-looking. Your breath doesn’t melt the paint off the wall any longer. You didn’t yell at your kids for being noisy or complain that someone drank all the damn coffee.
You pants were a little looser. You appreciated the smell of the neighbors freshly mown grass without complaining about how he was running his damn mower so early in the day. You go for a walk. You scratch the dogs belly. You plan a vacation. You read a good book. You actually have a conversation.
YOU FEEL GOOD. You. Feel. Good. It won’t be overnight, and it won’t be fun. But there IS a great reward at the end of the road. Go try and amaze yourself… I bet you can.
Wow! Beautifully said!
This must be my mantra. I will try and read it everyday. Today is day 1. Heavy drinker for last 30 years. I gave up last year for 4 months after everything spiraled out of control. But gradually got back to drinking everyday. I decided yesterday I had to stop again. Hopeful!
Christine, Exactly what I needed to hear this morning. Thanks!
Thank you, Christine. You just got me through a moment.
This sounds great to me! I’m 29 and have been drinking heavily for 8 years. By heavily I mean 15-20 beers per night or more, or maybe just a full bottle of high proof liquor. I’ve never tried to quit probably because I was in denial. I’m on day 5 and man is this rough!
I want to take my life back even though my habits haven’t affected my work life. I did pick smoking back up but it has really helped me through to this point. I know it’s trading one habit for the other but I’m trying to keep it to a minimum to get through this worse part of withdrawal.
I have always had an addictive personality but I am looking to trade the bad things for good things. I’m looking for new positive hobbies aside from drinking til I black out. Reading the stories of others has really helped me cope with this. Thank you guys.
Thank you all. A lot of what I’ve read over the last day or two was focused on people drinking for a couple years. For me it’s been 20 years. Jack Daniels. about four or five drinks a night. Didn’t know anything about how severe the symptoms could be stopping cold turkey. Sunday I stopped (five days ago), as I really felt sick and pain in my liver.
I’ve got the basketball stomach and I know I’ve done damage. I’ve read after a few years the liver does a good job regenerating, so I hope I caught it in time to where I can heal and live normally someday. No drastic withdrawal symptoms for me – nausea for the last few days and totally exhausted. Really drained. All I want is sleep.
It scares me that with few symptoms that after a few weeks, more bad stuff can happen, which sucks cuz I really didn’t have many major symptoms, and was hoping things would just get better day by day. The thought that a few weeks from now I could have a seizure scares me. But I don’t want to go back to drinking just to try and ween myself properly. I feel like I got through the tough part with it being five days clean now.
But in reading of others who have drank heavily for many years and they are okay gives me hope. Aside of the loss of appetite and being so, so tired, I feel way better than I have in a long time. I really appreciate seeing others who have had success, and even moreso, others who have hit the bottle so hard like me having such success.
You all have made it easier for me to cope. Thank you and please keep active in these comments letting us know your progress over time. It is an inspiration.
Thomas, I’m at 56 days sober after drinking for 45 years Its worth it so far. People are starting to tell me I’m happier. I certainly sleep better. I used to dread going to bed at night and drank vodka until I passed out. If I woke up too soon, I would drink some more to knock myself back down.
Now, I literally sleep 8-10 hours a night. The first week is so hard. The first month is so long. This second month is almost worth the effort so far. Can’t wait to see what the third month brings!
I try to always remind myself that a thousand drinks is never enough, but one drink is too many. Stay strong man.
Thanks Ben, that saying does help a lot! I will chant this every day.
Thank you so much for your story and advice! 33 years old and have drank 8-13 beers a night/day for the last 5 years… Before that it was 2-3 bottles of wine… For how many years??? I can’t even remember! My memory is blurred… I have 3 children. The only time I stopped drinking is when I was pregnant and throughout there first year of fun/on.
The quilt I feel is indescribable… Why didn’t I stop? I wished every morning I wouldn’t drink today. Come 4-5 the crave was there. Eventually the crave was at 10-11am. All the symptoms you describe I had.. Still having! I’d say the night sweats are the worst. Waking up literally drenched. I don’t know what the final straw has been.
I think I was drunk when it happened but enough is enough. Each day that goes by the more ups and downs and flash backs.. Looking at kids with absolute heartbreak that there mum was a functioning alcoholic. But wish it was so different… I’m have high happy emotions most of the time right now.
No blurriness from the night before. Excited feelings I Keeps me going that I no it can only get better. If I feel like this now only 13 days sober. How great will I feel in a year. I can only hope. I’ve done it all alone… Not told a soul. The quilt and embarrassment has been a secret for years.
Alcohol has me. I don’t know how I let it happen… It was a terrible choice as a coping mechanism. I will take each day and hope it works. Enjoy the kids.. Life and my crazy mind to its fullest. I tried for years. Reading group chats. Silent on my own hoping it would give me strength. Maybe it’s worked… 13 days sober and counting. Thank you.
Keep it up. You are doing a great job! Stay strong. It will be worth it.
Natalie, I have the same situation. Didn’t tell anyone I quit, I live alone, part time with my daughter but she really hasn’t seen the bad stuff. For me, it was drinking from midnight while she was asleep til about 4 am every night. I was a functioning drunk, never had any bad consequences. no drunk driving, no fighting with anyone, it really just enhanced my mood.
But it made the days so much worse trying to get through them all, and then repeat the process the next night. I really don’t have any cravings yet (I think I scared myself away from drinking for the time being). After 20 years, you’d think my withdrawal and cravings would have been awful.
Maybe I’m getting off lucky, or maybe the worst is yet to come for me. All I know is for now, I feel better and hoping it can continue forward. Hoping the same for you. Hoping the best for you, and please keep us updated on how you are doing.
Hi Natalie – While all of these messages have helped me, yours spoke to me the loudest. I have 3 boys and have drank wine every night for the last 5-6 years. Lately it’s been about 2 bottles, going into work dizzy and hung over – but nobody ever knew. I was very good at masking my hangovers. I sure felt them though!
And every morning, I would chastise and berate myself for doing that, and then, around 3ish, I would know I was going to get some more wine for that night. Sometimes I could go a few days – Sun through Wed or Thursday. But then, I would have some, and then off I went through the weekend! My kids are 12-14 & 15 and while I tell myself that they didn’t notice, or didn’t mind, I’m sure they noticed.
Especially when Mommy was ‘sick’ on the weekends and couldn’t do anything with them. So today is only day 3, and usually I know I’ll have some more wine on the weekend. But I went without last weekend, just to see if I could. And I did! But then, started on Tuesday… But I’ve been having heart palpitations for the last 2 days.
I know I’m poisoning myself. I’m literally killing myself and barely surviving through the days. This is not who I want to be. So while I do have friends that enjoy wine and we joke about it, I haven’t told anyone I’m quitting. If I told anyone I’ve quit, they would wonder why have I quit?
Am I an alcoholic? I may be. But until I’ve got a handle on it, I can’t tell anyone. I do feel a bit better, more clear headed anyway. I feel a bit detached from my emotions though, and I’m glad to read that’s normal. I’ve not been sleeping, but I’m exhausted. Just keep on, keeping on. Thank you.
Thank You!!!
Well, that was a great read. It’s really helping me, cause I quit three days ago and I suddenly got real dizzy. So I’m dizzy to the point where I feel like I’m going to fall down all the time. Can’t take a shower. Can barely fix something to eat, or simply use the restroom. Will the dizziness go away?
Leslie – I was reading these comments and found yours… gosh I’m glad it’s not just me! I stopped six days ago and I feel like I am a robot with no emotion except lots of nausea and dizziness. Stupid me thought I had an inner ear infection. I’d love to check in with you occasionally to see how you’re doing… and hope we both get over this hateful vertigo!
I get this too! So you’re definitely not alone. I also get the heart palpitations… Scary but I know it’s necessary…
Thank you, Bryan, for talking about the odd chest pains. I have been experiencing persistent twinges and spasms throughout my chest since I stopped drinking a month ago. They really spike my anxiety, and I never would have associated them with going cold turkey until I came across your post. Our withdrawal seems very similar. I pray for your success at staying off the drink. Now, if only I was allowed to sleep fourteen hours a day, things would be even better!