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.
Keep up the good work everyone! 16 years old to 32, beer to scotch and back again. 3 to 5 a night and more on the weekends. Kids forced me to slow down and I kicked it all over a year ago cold turkey. Lost over 10 lbs of water retention weight in the first two weeks.
Funny thing is I have dreams about partying and wake up with a hangover in my dream and am so mad at myself. Then I really wake up and enjoy my life. Alcohol doesn’t have to be a way of life. Now that you’ve woke up enjoy your new way of life.
I’m currently on day 4, after several attempts before going cold turkey. I lasted a month earlier this year, but experienced a ton of insomnia, nightmares, hallucinations and vomiting -compounded by what I think was a bleeding ulcer. Psychotherapy can help – I had to stop to a layoff, but even a few sessions can help.
I can’t stress enough how important it is to see an addiction specialist. Mine found out I’m comorbid with bipolar disorder. Medication for that (lamictal) helps reduce cravings a lot, though the habitual “just one won’t hurt” thing came up. That always let right back to daily drinking and frequent binges. It led me to lose a girlfriend I loved daily and it took a few months, but not remembering 75% of the things we did, which was the motivation.
So far all I’ve had are the itching, diarrhea, nightmares. Insomnia and tremors I’m used to, had both long before I started drinking. Just take it a day at a time. Don’t blame yourself for times you failed before, they don’t matter. Forget that, focus on this this attempt; it will get better.
I am currently struggling with cutting down/quitting. I love my job, I love my family, and I want to quit drinking. I’ve been to the hospital and told them I’m an alcoholic. I’m going to a cardiologist next week. Tonight, I had to leave work early because my palpitations were so bad, I was dizzy, lightheaded and out of breath. I have a strong work ethic and it took me a half hour to decide I was useless at work until I could get it under control.
I know the reason I had issues was because I tried to cut down too quickly and the symptoms arose earlier than they would normally. I feel bad, because I left my co-worker to deal with the kitchen close that really takes two people to do. I’ve been to the hospital and confessed that I’m an alcoholic…all they did was a few tests and prescriptive valium to ‘take the edge off’. It doesn’t really help.
I’ve been an alcoholic for many years now and it’s gotten to a daily large consumption over the past couple of years. I want to quit or at least cut down to social amounts…but every time I try, this happens to me. So now I’m going to take the advice of this article and cut down slowly…something has to work!
Shelly – one day at a time. The secret is that you won’t drink in the now. Don’t even think about tomorrow or the future. You might drink tomorrow but not now. And not now, and not now.
Hi, My husband is 50, he has been a heavy drinker for most of his adult life. He has been drinking 12 to 18 beers daily for the past 15 years. He generally starts drinking at 4 pm and at 8pm he is pretty much done and passed out on the couch. On weeks ends he started at 11 or 12. He is also a smoker. Over the past few months he has been complaining frequently about pins and needles, circulation problems and ED.
Typically we didn’t go a day without fighting and always around the 3rd hour of drinking. A couple of weeks ago while walking he fell. Said his leg just gave in. Then a week later he had what I believe to be a TIA. Collapsed at around 7pm after about 8 beers. He couldn’t feel his legs or move them for about 2 hours. His body went into a spasm. He was in and out of consciousness. Could hardly talk.
We called ambulance, took him to the hospital. Ran all the tests. ECG, MRI, blood tests, X-rays, blood pressure etc. he was very dehydrated. Some minor inconsistencies, cholesterol Just slightly high and ECG had a warning of fascicular block. Doctors said it wasn’t a stroke or heart attack. But he said that it was most likely brought on by too many stimulants, alcohol, energy drinks, coffee and smoking. He stopped drinking immediately and that was 12 days ago.
He has had headaches, but not too severe and seems to sweat a little more. We are giving him cannabis oil twice daily (2 drops morning and 5 in the evening). He is very calm. He wishes for a beer, but shows no outward signs of any major discomfort or unusual behavior. I am hoping that it will continue with such ease but I am trying to learn as much as possible so that I can recognize problems he may be experiencing that may be associated with him coming off of the alcohol.
Can anyone confirm if it will become more difficult in the coming weeks/months or is the worst already over? Also let me know what I can do to make this as easy as possible for him. On a last note. The past 12 days have been amazing. I always knew that the drinking was a major influence on our marriage and triggered all the fighting, but I had no idea how bad it was until he stopped. He is so kind and so much happier.
We are no longer walking on egg shells and afraid to talk in case something we say gets taken the wrong way. Most of our fighting while he was drinking was sudden outbursts as if someone had literally Flipped a switch and he would go from happy to mad without any warning or reason. Thank you to everyone on this site. I have learnt a lot already. I look forward to hearing your advice.
Sally – the EASY part is the acute withdrawal symptoms. The hard part is keeping it going once the acute phase has passed. Given his length of drinking and possible health consequences (and psychological withdrawal), I would suggest an outpatient rehab program. They can monitor his vitals too.
Mine is quite the dilemma. I’ve been drinking heavily since I was 16 and am now 40. Probably good for 3 bottles of wine per day or more. My health is getting to be awful. The real problem in addition to my Alcoholism is that I am a wine maker and own a winery. I have Thousands of bottles of wine of my own and that I collect. I work as a consultant for other wineries and have days where I have to taste as much as 200 samples.
Starting my company has been very stressful and have found my self not spitting as much drinking more and more. Then I pour myself a glass whenever I want, because I can. My wife is amazing and has put up with a lot for the last 18 years even though drinking has caused most of our problems. She helps me run the business and has a part time job, but our winery is about 90% of our income.
Yesterday was the first day I only had 2 sips a client asked to try. Going to do a 10 day or so tapering, but really difficult with my situation. Don’t really know what to do after. I have my wife and wonderful employees I am responsible for their livelihoods. Going to make an appointment with my doctor GP who is aware of situation. Positive thoughts.
I quit drinking 2 months ago. I drank between 5-8 beers everyday for about 20 years. I decided it was time to stop as I had developed some digestive issues, meaning that my stomach seemed always upset. I wasn’t eating right, in fact, I had recently retired, and often enjoyed a beer with a bag of Cheetos for breakfast. Not a good way to begin the day, so I knew I had to do something.
I’m 55. I thought maybe my alcohol consumption might have a role in my issues, so I stopped drinking. I set a date on the calendar, and I quit cold turkey. After four days, I ended up in the ER with a huge spike in my blood pressure. My heart was beating out of my chest, I was nauseated, and thought I was having a heart attack. They did a ton of blood work and it was all perfect.
They could not determine what was wrong with me, but it wasn’t a heart attack. The fact that I had stopped drinking never entered my mind until my husband brought it up on the way home from the ER. I’m writing this to let everyone know it took a full 2 months for me to feel normal again. I even had issues with very low blood sugar, likely because I had no appetite. That has also resolved.
I’ve lost 16 pounds (that’s the best part) and while I wasn’t overweight, I look better overall I believe, due to not drinking. ALL of my digestive issues have resolved, and it was completely worth the misery. It got worse before it got better, but hang in there. It was worth it! One thing to add…the anxiety was horrible. That has also resolved.
It was very hard to keep telling myself that I would get better. That was probably the worst part. I’m determined to stay away from alcohol, and the best advice I can offer is if you are going through this, find something you are able to eat and eat it. I was pretty sick for about three weeks, but finally, it resolved. I just added this post because I realized I had left out the worst part, about the anxiety. Blessings to all
As ever, reading all these posts is a great help and insight into the danger of alcohol. I was drinking heavily, it got a bit out of control and I was in enormous fear that I was an alcoholic. So I stopped, experienced few withdrawals read this article and posts and quietly freaked. Things got better after just a few days and I realized I was near the edge but not suffering as many here have.
I have thought about this long and hard and reevaluated my life and impulses, and the inner drives behind my propensity to binge drink… vodka my choice of weapon. I looked my inner demon in the eyes and tracked down that voice of compulsion and having done so, I find myself in control. I am very, very lucky.
I think if I went through another 6 months of blindly drinking I would be very damaged and the physicality of it all would most probably be beyond my control. I have had s go of moderate drinking, and I find I am ok with it… as long as I’m ok with it. That’s the thing isn’t it: staying in control. I think that is ok and good to be very aware of it, as after all, we all stumble blindly on the path of life in anything if we have our eyes closed.
I think that is a ‘normal’ condition of life? Once again, after reading almost all of these posts again I am definitely lucky and relatively unscathed, and I wish this was the same for those of you who are suffering from the long term and drawn out effects of alcohol. I will keep checking in reading your posts and if I’m well offer support and solace, and if I’m not going do good I’ll do the same.
I have been a heavy drinker for over twenty years, I got gout so I stopped cold turkey for two days. I though I was going to die. I experienced all the withdrawal symptoms listed on this site. I didn’t know it was so dangerous. I all most passed out in WalMart. My heart was beating out my chest… I thought I was a goner. This site was very helpful. Thank you.
It has been nice to find this site and read your stories. I’m currently on day 5 of my fourth major withdrawal, so I certainly went in knowing what I was in for up ahead. I fall into the category of the “Heavy drinker” I suppose. That is to say, I would find myself bringing alcohol to work with me so I could slip out have a couple shots and not yet feel the symptoms kick in.
I had to have a drink every 2 or 3 hours before I’d feel nauseous and the hands would start shaking. Then go home after work, really hit the bottle hard and pass out, only to wake up 3-4 hours later at 4 in the morning. By then I was even to sober to go back to sleep, so I’d go downstairs and do it all over again before work started the next day. It was an endless cycle of misery that I couldn’t bring myself to leave.
Anyways, that’s my little story. Like I said I’m on day 5 of what is hopefully the last time. I wouldn’t wish the withdrawals that a several year, all day every day drinker feels on my worst enemy. That said, anyone who reads this, don’t let that detour you. I know it’s easy to hear it eventually gets better and you feel like yourself again. Well, I’m nowhere close to that yet, but I’ve made it in the past, and let me tell you it is worth the pain.
I started drinking at 16 years old, and despite some very nasty experiences of utter drunkenness, I always loved the stuff. Then came college, where drinking was socially very accepted, and it was not unusual to go out binge drinking every night. While at first 7-8 beers got me hammered, after several years of that, I required about a dozen high-alcohol pints to become buzzed. This persisted into the years after, until I met my beautiful wife, and binge drinking turned into something you only do sometimes in the weekends, or with friends some evenings here and there.
But then life changes. Friends go, children come, going out stops, and you “grow up”, gain responsibilities, full-time job, the ow-my-god-love-you-so-much butterflies also wither and die, and with this comes the boredom, the lack of free time, and the frustrations. Still loving to get buzzed more than ever, the opportunities are simply not there so much anymore, so you turn to having a glass of wine in front of the telly every evening. Then two. Then the whole bottle. The wife does not approve at all, as I tend to get a temper when drunk.
So you “promise” to drink less, to watch out, to not drink to the point of severe mood changes, slurred speech and stumbling around. And then the hiding starts. As she does not like me to drink an entire bottle, you buy your wine in gallon bags in cartons now, as it is easier to take a glass (or 8…) without someone noticing how much has been drunk. The bottles of liquor in the basement also become an interesting target, as you find dozens of reasons to quickly slip into the basement (change the clothes drier, pick up a bottle of milk, “ah forgot the milk, stupid me”), and have a quick sip straight from the bottle.
You even start to time your groceries: easier to replace empty bottles and wine bags unnoticed when the wife is at work. And I better get some glasses of wine in me before the wife comes home… “no honey I didn’t drink anything yet, must be my deodorant”. Wife goes take a shower, better quickly down some before she returns. Then the discomfort comes, both physical and mental. At that point I am down to half a gallon of wine a day, spiced with some generous gulps of liquor and beer, whatever was available, and every step out of the house with the family was joined by me wondering “where can we get a quick beer?” or “what excuse can I make up to get us into a restaurant or bar, so I can drink something”.
The first thought when going someplace (festival, family dinner, theater play, movie, anything…) is “yay I have a reason to drink”. Every misfortune, bad-mood-day, small accomplishment, became a reason to drink openly, I had a reason not to have to hide the drinking cause I was celebrating something or sad. Physically, you get used to the hangovers every morning, and driving to work still buzzed from the evening before. Small, nagging pain in the right abdomen which appeared months ago caused me to be anxious about liver problems, but hey, they didn’t get worse, and you get used to anything.
I developed shaky hands in the morning, afternoon panic attacks, slight agoraphobia, as all of a sudden I cannot have a long conversation with an unfamiliar person without freaking out, and high blood pressure and racing hearth in the morning. But that must all be due to my bad physical condition, or too much coffee, or lack of sleep, or… yeah right. I can tick off every box on the “if you show these symptoms, you might have an alcohol problem” lists, but still wasn’t convinced that there was a problem. I realized these things a couple of weeks ago, and that this was not normal.
I quit cold turkey 5 days ago, and have promised my wife to not touch a drop of alcohol for one month. I actually plan to quit altogether, but as my wife holds me to my promises, I want an option out. I removed every drop of alcohol from the house, and have told as many people as possible about these plans, so it is harder to back out or fail. But I am so pissed off right now, the slightest argument or wrongly phrased question gets me through the roof. I am also totally sleepy, but when I go to bed I can’t sleep, and see all kinds of colorful kaleidoscope things when I close my eyes.
I am so dizzy I feel (and look) more drunk than when actually drunk. I am constantly thirsty, and every non-alcoholic drink is so incredibly boring when compared to the real stuff. When I see the bottles of booze in the store, my stomach turns around because of the combined emotions of the urge to drink, and the realization that I HAVE to quit. It hasn’t even been a week yet, and I am already deadly afraid of the coming social interactions and festivities, which all involve copious amounts of alcohol.
I didn’t really have a point to make with this post, but it is nice to get this off my chest. I have not told this to anyone, and the extent of my alcohol problem is known only to me. I have found enormous positive energy from reading this article and the posts following it, and decided to write my story down and post it as well.
That was really great to read. I couldn’t agree more with your reasoning. You can be completely drunk, yet you feel more sober than ever. You plan out your next move, when can I sneak a drink…when can I keep myself from thinking of nothing else for just another hour. Alcoholism does so much incredible mental damage to you, but somehow your the only one who doesn’t see it.
So you get paranoid, and constantly wonder if the people around you are thinking to themselves, “Is this guy drunk”? At least that was one of my main problems. I work in a very close-knit atmosphere and am surrounded by people I know within arms distance at all times. It drove me mad trying to sell the sober guy and not knowing if they were buying.
Working on day 31 haven’t done this in probably 30 years. Proud of myself but the anxiety seems to get worse any suggestions? I am trying really hard.
Hi I have so enjoyed reading everyone’s comments. My fiancé is an alcoholic and 2 weeks ago he had to go to ER due to severe pain in his stomach. He was diagnosed with pancreatitis and admitted. They immediately started him on the CIWA protocol and was giving him Librium, Ativan, Valium for the detox and morphine for the pain. After 2 days he ended up in the ICU on an Ativan drip for 6 days.
It is 2 weeks now and he is still in the hospital he is on a psych floor now but severely de conditioned and sedated to the point where he cannot feed himself, walk or use the bathroom on his own. The doctors keep feeding him these benzodiazepines telling me he is still detoxing off alcohol due to confusion and hallucinations. Not to mention he is in restraints.
I am so scared this is not normal and feel the benzodiazepines are hurting him more than helping. He has detoxed before and had never had delirium tremors and was fine by 1 week. Could the doctors be confusing alcohol withdrawal for benzodiazepine overdosing? I am trying to trust the doctors but it is seeming never ending.
Now they want him to go to rehab for physical therapy when he gets better because he can no longer walk from being so over sedated and bedridden for 2 weeks. Has anyone ever had experience with this? I cannot believe he walked into the hospital a fully functional man and now he is a vegetable just laying in bed not able to do anything. Please comment if you have any advice and prayers please. Thank you in advance. ?
I have drank everyday for the last 10 years, I am 45 and always been a drinker since the first time I got into a pub at 14 years old. I was also a heavy smoker but managed to give up 5 years ago. I have now stopped drinking and am only in day 3 and feel really anxious the same feeling I had when I gave up smoking.
I have children and hold down a job, no one knows I have a problem not even my wife. I realized I had a problem when I started to hide my empty lager cans from the binmen as I was embarrassed by the amount of empties. I stay away a lot with work and my first thought before I get to the hotel is were to buy lager or spirits from! Well I am now finally admitting to myself that Moobs (man boobs) are not normal and nor is drinking everyday.
I run most days but today is the first day I will run without alcohol in my system. Hopefully in a few months my Moobs will shrink and I will run faster and longer!
I have been drinking heavily for years, especially the last 4, and I quit 2 weeks ago. Doing the meetings. Out of the list of withdrawal symptoms above, I have only one: The crawly bug feeling over my entire body. It happens all day long and it is getting really annoying. I keep telling myself that it will go away, but so far it is just getting worse. I should never have got this hooked in the first place. Going to stay strong as long as it takes.
Thanks for this helpful article. It provided me with some needed comfort during this hard time. I’m 32 years old. I have been abusing alcohol for past 6-8 years or so. Alcoholism runs in both sides of my family, as does depression and generalized anxiety disorder.
I began drinking wine to cope with career pressures and stress, and eventually, family/marital problems and then any sort of negative experience. The longest I’ve ever gone since being is 40 days about 4 years ago. Since then I’ve never been able to stop for more than about 2 weeks. I decided to quit for good 23 days ago after I got sick from drinking. I was planning to just dry out for a few days, but I took a hard look at my life and drinking pattern, and decided this was it, this was the end, for good.
An older friend and mentor had told me a year ago He could see that I was heading down he took at my age, which ended up as full-blown alcoholism, 100 drinks/week and a DUI in his early 60s. I’ve had family and friends die of this disease. I knew I had to deal with it now because it was getting exponentially harder and harder to control with each passing year.
I’m fortunate to not have suffered much physically from withdrawals, but psychologically it’s been torture. I had intense cravings for the first three weeks, along with irritability, mood swings, lethargy, and dysphoria. Little annoyances that I used to be able to ignore bothered me terribly. I just wanted to avoid people in general. I cried almost every night in bed because I missed drinking so much.
My psychiatrist prescribed me Wellbutrin in addition to my existing meds (Vyvanse and Lexapro) about a week ago. At the end of the third week, my irritability and cravings started to fade, but the lethargy worsened, and depression set in, the worst depression that I’ve experienced in the past few years. Yesterday, I cried every hour between 5pm and 10pm for no obvious reason.
The wine bottle was definitely my very best friend, and I miss wine like I’ve lost my best friend. But no matter how hard this is, I’m never going back to drinking, because I never want to relive the struggles of the last few weeks, and I know that if I start drinking again, it will only be harder to quit next time. I want my brain and body to heal from my poisoning it for almost a decade. I feel fortunate I was still able to stop without physical problems; the psychological have been hard enough for me.
I wish everyone else the best in their efforts to overcome this disease. You are not alone. Take care.
Man this is so helpful. Everything they mentioned in the article is happening to me right now. I fell in love this summer with a girl and she left like a couple of days ago. I was used to see her everyday and that led to the fact that I had to drink almost everyday heavy drinks to be able to last long in bed (men can relate lol). And after we would go out and I’ll drink more… so the last 3 days I’ve been experiencing so much pain, lack of appetite, nausea, insomnia, depression, mood swings, most of the symptoms they mentioned in this article.
I’m going through the pain of her leaving, so I wasn’t sure if it was the alcohol or her but I guess her leaving kind of increased the symptoms. I’m glad to see that so many went through this. I was tripping it could be something worse and I hope it’s not the case. Guys we all love to drink and have a good time but lately I’ve made very bad decisions that could not only ruin my life but someone else as well.
I’m a tough guy but I realized how much it hurts to expose someone especially that matters to you. So please let’s not say that we’ll stop to drink but let’s be more careful and moderate in the way we do it. I appreciate y’all and I hope my message will inspire some the way yours did. Thank you. ☺
I am choosing not to drink today. I am on day #2. I have been a fairly heavy binge drinker for 22 years now, usually a 12 pack and a few shots within 6 hours at 130 lbs. I always thought I was a fairly functional alcoholic, now that reality is setting in I am realizing that the withdrawals are so much worse than I ever thought they would be. The worst so far is the shakes, anxiety, night sweats, nightmares and insomnia.
This too shall pass though right? I’m thinking that it is going to take longer to detox that I was hoping now that I am starting to see the repercussions of my actions. I will be attending my 1st A.A. meeting tomorrow with my sponsor. Has anybody else had luck attending meetings and getting help through A.A.? Good luck to everyone else going through what I am right now! Much love.
Day 4 of not drinking and I’m feeling agitated and emotional. I am snapping at my wife and kids for stupid silly things and when I finish ranting at them I feel sad and humiliated that I did it in the first place. I know I have to persevere and fight to move forward and stay sober and be a better man.
26 years I’ve drank virtually everyday and never thought I could go 4 hours without drinking, never mind 4 days… but reading the comments and finding inspiration from what has been written gives me the willpower to push upward and onward. Thanks guys.
To heavy drinkers/alcoholics: DO NOT TRY TO QUIT ON YOUR OWN, COLD TURKEY! PLEASE GO TO A MEDICAL DETOX FACILITY WHERE YOUR SYMPTOMS CAN BE MONITORED AND MANAGED PROPERLY! PLEASE! YOU CAN DIE FROM WITHDRAWAL!!!
I have sweats for about an hour every morning and sometimes around 5 pm. I quit drinking–except for a glass of wine–5 weeks ago after drinking about 12 ounces of vodka every day for 30 years. How long will I have the sweats?
Have spent the past hour or so reading literally every comment on here, has helped my anxiety out a tonne, which has got to be the absolute worst symptom I’ve had, terrifying, overwhelming. Just hell. Am 24 now and have been drinking heavily since I was about 19. Four cans of beer a day soon turned into half a bottle of vodka/ hard spirit, then an entire bottle. I could literally get through 75cl – 1L of hard drink a day and no one would suspect a thing.
Though I’ve had sober periods here and there, have decided it’s now or never I sort this pitiful addiction out, I’ve had many if not all of the symptoms people have mentioned as well. The most startling to me now is the occasional dull pain in my chest I’m getting one week after my last proper drink. It’s reassuring to see at least others have experienced this as well and it should subside and improve along with everything else in the next few days/ weeks/ months/ how ever long it takes.
Regardless, lesson learned the hard way, praying it’s not too late to reverse the damage and that I can heal, and wish the best to everyone here! My exposure to alcohol may not be quite as severe as some people’s; but have sure been to hell and back a couple of times now. The chest pains, the horrible anxiety, the night sweats, the gory, vivid nightmares that’ll wake you up just as you’re about to fall asleep with a heart-rate that’s through the roof. F*** all of it, single handedly the most terrifying experience of my life so far, and again; hope I can make a full recovery as many of you already have/ are trying to do.
Thank you everyone for the reassurance!
This was very helpful because it explained a lot of symptoms that were not mentioned on any other site. Symptoms that I’m experiencing like itching and joint pain (my knee). All of this is very strange to me because I have always been a moderate weekend lite beer drinker and have always observed moderation but about six months ago it was like a ‘switch’ went off. I’ve haven’t had anything to drink for a month and am going to wait until all symptoms disappear.
I’m really new to this and it has been hard to adjust so I was wondering what would happen if I started drinking again, say in like three months, after all the symptoms disappeared? I know the human body is a miraculous thing and can heal itself. And like I said I don’t really consider myself a heavy drinker but would I have to go through withdrawal all over again even if I only had a few beers? Thanks in advance.
I have been drinking only for 8 years (when I was 18), and drinking increased from then to about 20 years old, at age 20/21 I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism of which I’m on medication for. I still drink a fair amount sometimes 3-4 other times 5-6 pints. Been having counseling for mild to moderate depression the last 4 months and that started to eat away about 2 years prior to that point mainly through signing on at the job centre for like the third or fourth time. The job climate in retail is going down hill rapidly but that is a different issue.
Apart from the tightness of finding new paid work and trying to stay relevant is really hard for most of us. Can’t believe all of this has happened early-ish in my life, as well as others I know. panic attacks have occurred, rare suicidal thoughts but always dismissing the actual action of it. The whole life system is to blame, but hey ho try and get by and improve only to jump through more hurdles if any. I have never gotten over the fact as a kid life was more enjoyable for me back then, but once a certain age we should enjoy, but can’t as much.
I’m improving slightly apparently to my counsellor, haven’t got too long left for sessions, one tomorrow after about a month off, possibly 2-3 more but thought to share this. Met up with a friend out of my area every now and then, someone else I know is moderate to high depressed and depends what day he has had to meet up. Drinking occasionally makes us feel worse, time someone sorts the world system out.
Longtime beer drinker and anxiety sufferer. Spent the last 6 years drinking 4-6 pints a night rather than running (like I would have in the past). My anxiety took over after some marital issues, medical issues and stress at work. Found peace at the bar each night to calm my nerves. Over the past 6 months it has stopped working though, and I’ve developed severe palpitations.
Finally 2 weeks ago I had enough of this disgusting, bloated, lazy, drunk of a person I’d become and quit cold turkey. I’m on day 16 and feeling pretty good. Didn’t have any headaches, shakiness, insomnia or nausea. Cravings have been minimal. The palps and anxiety are still pretty awful though. Wondering how long they will last.
Two things that I’ve learned that might help: I pulled out the running shoes and logged 60 miles in the last 16 days that has helped tremendously. At the times I would normally be hitting the bar – I ran instead. Also taking .5mg of klonopin each night for the anxiety – that’s helping the sleep.
Happy to report I ventured into the belly of the beast today (my favorite bar) to meet my favorite drinking buddy. I downed 4 pints of sparkling water and never looked back. Didn’t crave a beer at all. Hoping these palps and anxiety subside soon. Strength to all those in the middle of the battle as well.
Good for you Lloyd. That’s a very good start indeed. BUT… if you’re an alcoholic, your will power alone will fail. This is not my opinion. This is my experience having spent 10 years trying to quit both alcohol and drugs. My name is CJ. I did exactly what you’ve done — quit on my own BC I was convinced I could. I often managed to put together 30 days, sometimes 60 days, even 3-4 months of sobriety together. But some ‘event’ (good or bad) would trigger the obsession to get loaded.
And I’d be back at the liquor store or at my pain doc’s office. Alcoholism has NOTHING to do with drinking or drugs. It’s all about self-centered thinking. And it doesn’t go away. But there is a recipe that works to combat the crazy. I know because it’s working for me. And I drank (and did a sh-tload of drugs — mostly opiates and benzos) for 39 years. Today — I have 15 months of continuous sobriety. I did it with AA, connecting with other alcoholics, being of service, and practicing the Steps. It works. Good luck. -CJ
Thank you everyone for sharing your stories. Me? 67. I’m a functioning alcoholic. I’m an account exec for a major aerospace contractor. Up until 7 days ago, I would drink close to a pint of 100 proof vodka every evening for years. Throughout my life, I’ve been able to start and stop drinking whenever I wanted… so I kept telling myself. Heck, I kicked meth in my 40s by myself, I can kick this too.
I too would often awake early mornings with a pounding, racing heart. Hell, I knew why, so I just increased my BP medicine before I went to sleep each night. But, time’s not on my side. I can’t keep doing this or I risk a stroke or worse… and I don’t want to live the rest of my life talking out of the side of my mouth with one side of my body paralyzed unable to function normal and dependent on others… I had to finally quit.
I’m determined, but I am having withdrawal symptoms; thus, the reason for my to find and visit this site… it’s been helpful. Wish me luck, but I’m going to see this through. Thanks.
Drinking more and more regularly and heavily since 1982. Joined local AA September 1995, but continued to binge on regular basis. Great group, focused on 12 steps, not a personal gabfest which I have encountered on the rare occasions I have been to meetings in the past. Now 23 days sober after a 2-week long binge when I decided enough is enough.
My basic strategy has been to declare alcohol as my mortal enemy that has cost me greatly in the past (and not just financially). I went cold turkey without any support. Probably not the most sensible thing to do, but I’m glad to report I’m still in the land of the living. Let me share my experience of the past 23 days.
Days 1 & 2: horrendous hand and arm tremors, vomiting regularly, so dizzy I needed support to stand and could barely walk to the toilet to throw up.
Days 3 – 5: Dizziness, tremors subsiding, but feeling like I was about to fall over when I walked. Barely able to stand up in the shower.
Unable to sleep the entire time. Minor visual hallucinations. MAJOR audial hallucinations. Whenever I turned on an electric fan(home blow heater or heater in the car, a chorus of voices would begin to sing harmonies. Sometimes whole verses of song were comprehensible.
Night of day 6: Went to bed at 3am. No sleep, arms and legs jerking uncontrollably, pulse racing then slowing and sometimes stopping intermittently. Clearly a mild seizure.
Thought to myself: My arms and leg muscles are reacting to out of control brain activity. My heart is a muscle reacting to out of control brain activity. Am I going to die tonight?! This is why detox without medical support is not a great idea. I got off lightly.
Now day 23. Hand tremors progressively subsiding (would no longer be noticeable to anyone else). Skin itching like crazy the past 3 days. Joints aching. Sleeping wonderfully well the past 2 weeks (asleep as soon as head hits pillow and no less than 8 hours a night). No dizziness. No nausea. Thinking, mood and motivation much improved. Energy returning.
SO:
Downside:
Going it alone brings the possibility of seizure and/or Delirium Tremens (both potentially deadly). Even stroke.
Upsides:
1. A reinforcement of AA Step One. ‘I am powerless over alcohol’. The only solution is no alcohol. As someone pointed out in an earlier post, ‘one drink is too many and 1,000 drinks is not enough’.
2. Having readjusted my thinking of alcohol, I have made some sweeping changes to my life.
– AA’s fundamental ethos is that you must place yourself in the care of your higher power (God as you conceive him – not necessarily as religions preach). Not much of a one for abrogating responsibility or asking for help, I have found it easier to establish MY higher power and open a dialogue on terms I can deal with. I’m not asking my higher power to relieve me of my burden; I’m asking it to support me in my resolve to battle the bottle. Much more satisfactory from my POV.
– I am astounded just how rarely I have though of alcohol over the past 23 days. The desire and incessant craving are perhaps only submerged, but the rationalisation (I’ll be more focused / less stressed / less agitated) is under my control; it’s not managing me. Consider this: you can have an army of counsellors advising you how to make changes, and if you’re like me, you might head straight to the local bottle shop after a session. THE ONLY MEANINGFUL AND PERMANENT CHANGE COMES FROM WITHIN. YA GOTTA BE COMMITTED 110%.
– I’ve made serious changes to my diet. After 30 years of drinking, my blood must be running acid and my body burning up with inflammation. I am now focused on eating foods that fight inflammation and restore a desirable state of alkalinity.
OK: AA is working for me, but I’ve found myself in a group that I can get a lot out of of. If you want to go that way, you may have to do some searching.
Diet is working for me. It will likely work for you too if you can go without Big Macs and Cokey Cola. And keep in mind: REAL CHANGE COMES FROM WITHIN.
Thank you!
Hi guys I am 23 years old. For the past 5 years or so I was drinking every night, usually around 1-2 bottles of wine but mainly about a bottle and a bit to a half a night. I am petrified I have ruined my liver and have cirrhosis. :( I have bad anxiety which is why I started in the first place. But now it’s been a vicious cycle because I would drink to feel better but then I worry about my liver all the time.
Honestly is it enough to have damaged it and has any female drunk more and for longer than me? Please help. Btw forgot to mention I’ve cut down drastically :) … I sometimes go a few weeks now without a drink but usually just drink on weekends which is a LOT healthier than every night however I’m going to cut it out completely at some point.
The liver is a miraculous organ and is the only one that can heal itself. You need to cut back drastically, which it seems like you’ve done, or quit all together. I would consult your doctor and have your liver levels checked just for peace of mind. Good luck!
Reading all these comments have been super helpful. I’m 20- I did my first round of inpatient detox at age 17 only to relapse right after my 18th birthday. The past year I have had a fifth of liquor every evening before going to bed and I am currently 28 hours sober. Feeling okay – more nerves that I could possibly have a seizure – but no shaking just sweats.
I know it is time to quit, and regret not going to the ER sooner. Although needed this, this detox was not planned- was in the ER last night for unrelated issue and needed to be on pain medication. Got home and was way too afraid to take a drink after being prescribed pain meds. Hopefully I can make this a successful end to this madness that is alcoholism.
Hi, I am 90 days sober. After 15 years of drinking and heavy the last 5. I feel so much better and happier and not tempted. I also had a scare with my liver so that really opened my eyes. I want to live free of alcohol. It was tough with the symptoms and this website really helped and all your comments.
I did it cold turkey with my doctors help. I did not do AA as it was not for me but read some books and they are a good group. I have the support of friends and family. Good luck to all of you and if I can do it you can. God bless.
I drink almost 3 litters of wine every 24 hours. I now have gastritis. I’m on day 3 of trying to taper off. I’m down to about 16 glasses per day. I’ve hit a point where it’s hard to go any lower without intense anxiety. I’m going to keep pushing through this. I feel like I need to take a leave of absence from work to be successful at this. I work at a bar. My goal is to cut down 2 to 3 drinks a day. Any insight?
So thankful that I found this website. Have not had a drink for two months now and frequently wake up with a headache, so tired I could sleep all the time, night sweats and weird dreams. I have depression issues anyway but today really bummed. So, long story short, this is normal withdrawal? The article mentioned to wait for 3 months and maybe a year to reset all of our body sensors. Thanks again for the insight.
Hi I’m Tony and I just wanted to say that these stories are really inspiring. I have been drinking heavily for over 15 years. I have noticed that it has become much worse in the last few years. It’s got to the stage where I need to have a drink in the morning just to try and stop the shaking. The amounts vary and whilst I can go a day or 2 without, once I have the first drink I cannot stop.
I’ve tried to stop many times before,and suffered most of the symptoms above,including seeing things. It’s ruined a lot of my relationships, and my health and finances have suffered greatly. It’s so bad that my work colleagues know I’m a big drinker and I’ve become the standard joke. I think that from reading the posts above quitting is possible and it’s just making that step to be free from the grip of the booze. So I wanted to say thank you.
Hi. I am brand new to the no-more-alcohol scene. I just returned from vacation a few days ago, during which time I realized that things had reached the point where I felt I had a problem. By most people’s standards, I have never drank a lot. However, the amount was too much for me personally and my comfort level. I’ve come to realize that it’s an individual assessment.
I also realized that I had crossed into some dangerous territory — drinking alcohol while taking some pretty potent antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications. My wake-up moment came as I was vomiting in the hotel toilet all night after taking my meds after a heavy day of drinking. Needless to say, my last day of vacation was anything but that.
Since my wake-up call, I have been incredibly tired, and the idea (not to mention the taste) of alcohol makes me nauseated. I am going cold turkey because I wasn’t drinking a horribly heavy amount each day and had only been drinking heavily (again, my perspective) for about 3.5 years. I am currently experiencing the nausea, extreme fatigue, and lack of appetite that folks have mentioned. My heart goes out to everyone who has experienced worse withdrawal symptoms.
I started drinking during an incredibly bad period in my life, and without realizing it, it became a daily habit. When I realized this, I was horribly ashamed. Alcoholism runs deeply in my family; the notion that I thought I was impervious to it was foolish — I truly never thought I would ever walk that line.
Been drinking 1-2 days a week for 12 years. On day 17 of being sober. Last stretch over 10 days was 8 years ago. Feel good, only withdrawal symptoms are the cravings to get buzzed. Staying strong though. I need to make a change in my life.
Thanks for all the inspiring stories guys! I’ve been reading them all day, on and off. I just had a question: Did anybody else get sinus pressure and pain in their face and tension headaches while quitting? Thanks in advance!
Hello, I think this is my 3rd post here. The comments are very helpful. I did well at first. Sober for a month. Then on a biz trip. Then, well I’ll only do it for a few days and smoke cigarettes. As someone else said here, I have to quit both. So I stopped and started, rinse and repeat. I just can’t do rehab, I’d probably lose my job.
And as it is, I have a great job, don’t worry about bills, and Im OK at work. But as much as I think I can drink a but any emotional set back, sends me back. No one around me knows of my struggles. Based on the comments here, many of us don’t display any symptoms. I tried AA once, not for me. I couldn’t relate to the member stories and I felt it had a religious spin.
Just venting… as I seemed to not have a question. Just keep coming here to hear your stories.
First off I’d like to thank all of you and the creators of this site for your comments and encouragement. Tomorrow 06/21 @ 6:00pm will be a year. It seems though I’ll actually have to wait until 06/22 since someone snuck in another day for Leap Year. Well that doesn’t bother me too much as I don’t even think about drinking any more.
I (against the suggestions) of the authors of this site quit cold turkey and man that was quite a ride. I have experienced all of the symptoms here but thanks to the Lord, He pulled me through this. I drank way too much for way too long and I let it get the better of me. Some of you are probably wondering how I feel. Well, everyone is going to heal at different rates and to be honest with you, I’m not 100% yet but I’m certainly getting there.
My worst symptoms were extremely dizziness and feeling weak. Although I run & workout I can’t begin to explain how weak I felt. This may be caused by damage to my heart muscle but it is almost back. I want you to know you’re in my prayers and heart. If I can do it, you sure can too! Keep the faith and you’ll be OK.
This is hard. I’m 70, never really drank until joining marketing/sales environment where ‘work hard play hard’ was the way it was. Drinks on expenses, and a company shop where the wine was heavily discounted – and that was back in the 1980’s. I didn’t question it – and (very scary) would drive home (with windows wide open) – no drink drive warnings etc in those days.
Added to which – I loved it – became very good selecting wines and whiskey, and that is how the years of my drinking began. It made me happy, even when the hangovers were a nuisance rather than a warning. Over the years as life took me through some traumatic episodes, the amount I drank depended on where I was on that journey. Some days – nothing, I never drank until the evening and had a successful career, surviving redundancies and marriage breakdowns.
Nothing related to drinking I’m relieved to admit! I did try AA once after one awful hangover – actually following a GP visit when I owned up to drinking too much and he suggested I try to cut down! Anyway the group attendance requirement just couldn’t work, and I just couldn’t relate in anyway to the stories or the situations that the others spoke of. I felt like a fraud – the amount and frequency of my drinking was so much less.
That’s the truth. I have fibromyalgia and arthritis and as much as it’s made life difficult, the pain is eased with evening drink. 24/7 pain is actually exhausting and depressing, without the debilitating awkwardness it brings. GPs & rheumatologist have been great. I’ve tried different pain relief meds over the years too, plus operations on one knee, one foot (I now have titanium in it!) and one shoulder – and yes – I still enjoy life – well, sort of!
So after another flare-up of my stuff – brought on by stress as it usually is, I had a half-hearted eureka moment – I must live without the booze. That’s the first time I’ve ever referred to drink in those terms – so what brought me to this site this morning? This is day 4 – I couldn’t stop crying yesterday, I’ve a headache without blaming drink, and I’m so weak, but after the weekend I suffered that in itself was to be expected.
OK – so what should I expect if I go cold turkey? That’s the reason for my Google – and WOW – I’m so thankful I found this site with all your encouraging, clear and honest submissions. Thank you all – and this site for me has been a gift! I don’t know how I’ll manage – but I’m going to give it a go. After all, at 70 I might as well take up a new project!
I’m on day 7. I got completely trashed on memorial weekend. Hardly remember anything about it! started drinking 5 years ago after never drinking my whole life and quickly became an alcoholic. I was drinking a 5th of vodka a day or more at one point. This is the longest I’ve abstained from drinking (besides the times I was incarcerated due to alcohol).
I’m starting to feel like my old self again and it feels great! I thought I was dying a few days ago. The withdrawal was horrendous and I had to deal with my daughters graduation thru it. It was so hard! I almost went to the hospital because it was soooo bad. The worst part was the nausea and feeling so fatigued. I slept horribly and had nightmares when I did sleep.
Woke up sweating in the middle of the night. The last 2 nights I’ve slept pretty well. I’ve had a headache since I stopped that I hope with go away soon. I also had bouts of depression and crying episodes. At one point I just wanted to die rather than deal with it all.
But yesterday, day 6, I actually went to the movies and today I’m feeling a bit fatigued and tired with a headache still, but the horrible nausea is gone! So hoping I can keep this up. I’m the type that will think I can be like a normal person and drink occasionally, but it never turns out like that.
It is so very helpful and encouraging to read these posts. I know now that I am not alone in my struggle with alcohol abuse. On day five of not drinking right now. This is probably the umpteenth time I have put alcohol away from my life. I think maybe I am lucky because I have not experienced any of the major withdrawal symptoms.
Only some anxiety and some sleep pattern changes. I consider myself to be an alcoholic and I am doing my best to leave it behind. It is not fun anymore. I am very OCD and at times it has been hard to not drink. Drink for a month then stop for few weeks. Then drink again because I think I am ok with it.
This is a deception I am putting on myself. It is very hard for me to break habits but I am determined to end this one. Thanks to all who have posted here and know that it gives some encouragement to all who read them. Don’t give up – recovery is possible!
Hey there – thanks for the article. 2nd attempt at sobriety. Just nearing my 5th day in. My habit of drinking: up to 6 beers/day for the past 18mo. I weigh about 83lbs – yah I’m pretty tiny. Not a lot of food intake and barely any water. The symptoms I’ve observed: Sleeping issues of course, day 1 & 2 I only had 6hrs of sleep total. Sleeping at 2am and waking up at 5am.
Day 3, a little bit of shakiness but not much, I was irritable day 4 – terribly and had a hard time concentrating. Today, day 5, I feel like I’m overheated in a 71degree (F) home. I shouldn’t be. I think I’m running a temp. I also have had a headache the 2nd half of the day. I’ve been drinking water and I ate (bean burritos) so I don’t think I’m necessarily dehydrated or hungry.
I believe the headache and temp is from withdrawal. I’ll take a couple more headache pills. Early today (I’m highly politically involved given that I’m american and its election season) I came across some videos that upset me and I immediately wanted to drink. Thankfully I didn’t. I ate, had more water and calmed myself down and zoned out with a favorite tv show and napped.
I have ZERO sugar in my house and I know that lack of sugar can be an issue during early days of sobriety. I guess in preparation for day 6 and onward I should get some Sprite (it’s my go-to for pop… it comes in a can and it helped me kick the beer can habit during my first stint). As I was reading the article I caught myself continuously trying to find a reason to drink.
The idea of tapering and having a safe intro into sobriety was almost convincing me to pick up a beer with the possible falsehood of avoiding a dangerous withdrawal scenario. I wish the article gave more specifics on if you weigh this much and intake this much you are at this much risk (based on general medical studies). That’s probably an unreasonable request for a broad article and I’m sure the obvious go-to advice is – go see your GP.
Well, I don’t have insurance, not a lot of money and I live in america so I’ve had to stop seeing my doc because we don’t have universal healthcare. I’m now only guessing that these symptoms are just minor and not an intro into anything more severe upcoming. My concern is to avoid panic attacks and seizures, but primarily the former.
Reason being is that I’ve had attacks in the past 2 years. I’m hoping that if I was going to have a panic attack or seizure that it would’ve happened by now but I know from previous therapy sessions during my first sobriety stint that withdrawal can get worse even weeks into sobriety – equally as noted by some long-time sober contributors to this thread.
Anyway, I just wanted to provide some medical information here – a comparison of my intake / body weight / regularity and what symptoms I’m going through as others have. Everyone, stay safe and comfortable and whatever you do – just tell yourself the storm will pass.
Only 2 days since my drinking break. I drink about 5 days a week. Sometimes half a bottle of wine, sometimes a bottle and 10 drinks if I go out all night. I have always exercised 3 to 5 times a week so I look healthy. This has been a hindrance to me quitting. This has been a lifestyle for 8 years.
Before that I was sober for 17 years. I quit cold turkey before with sone slip ups at the beginning. Now I have a goal. 6 pack abs in 6 weeks. It’s lame but clear and when I look in the mirror I can see the possibility. So under 10% fat is the actual goal. Now I am at about 12 or 13 %. The point is a clear goal got me through last night.
Night time is the worst. The craving is my biggest symptom and when it hits is late at night when I’m hungry. So I drink tea and water and have a healthy snack to avoid the guilt of eating crap. I feel that guilt is a trigger to just give in and have a drink. The reasoning is why I’ve not already screwed up.
Poor sleep and odd sleep habits are the other major symptoms. As well as irritation agitation and anxiety about work money social life. Today is another day. I think if I have some success in controlling other positive habits like eating well and exercising I will have more success in cutting back on my drinking.
This is my goal not quitting at least for now. 6 weeks no drinking. Then I’ll decide the next goal. Quitting drinking forever I just cant imagine right now. I have a camping trip to go to in 6 weeks so that is the reward.
I haven’t had a drink of alcohol for about 7.5 months. I was intrigued to see if my mental state and self esteem would improve, and if anxiety would diminish. The result thus far? It fluctuates. I enjoy waking up each day having not binged on booze the night before. I’m am all or nothing kind of a guy. Cigarettes, alcohol.
When I drank, I really drank. For 20 years this went on. I remember clearly the day I decided to stop. I’m just sort of sick of it. And I’ve not been tempted ever since. I used to love heading into a bottle shop and stick up for the night. Little did I know it was a sad situation. I’m was sociable, but I’d pretty much always take a few home to drink. Alone. Before bed. I was averaging 6-12 beers a night. For the greater part of 20 years.
I could still function. In fact, sometimes I really enjoyed functioning the next day after a binge session. Having not done that for nearly 8 months, now I look for the joy in life. I’m more aware of my surroundings I guess. But the big thing, the constant thing, is when I reflect on my relationship, and it was most definitely a relationship, with alcohol. Nowadays, I’m a lot quieter.
I’m content with that. I’m am ambivert by nature of my personality. But I’d say I’m more introverted and shy than extroverted and loud. I had a bad experience recently, so I’ve been a bit down in the dumps this month. This article said crying was a symptom. Well, I’ve been doing that too. A lot of late, in fact. Overall, to be honest, I’ve been sad quite a lot since quitting.
Either I’m a naturally sad person and alcohol was numbing that, or I’m sad as a symptom of quitting, or both. But I haven’t gone back to it. Even when I’m in the darkest of mindsets, I seem to come out of it. I’ll finish with a very true common saying with reformed drinkers: “my worst day sober is better than my best day drunk”. Very true. And the reason for that? Control. Day at a time.
It’s really inspiring and eye opening and relieving to see all of these different stories everyone has shared, thankful to have found this forum. I’m 26 and have been drinking heavily to daily for going on 4 years. It started as a way to sleep while working night shift and led to a way to deal with anxiety around people and cope with being by myself a lot. Everything just feels better with a buzz you know?
I had a period of about a year to a year and a half of no drinking to an occasional drink only because I was working during the day and also didn’t have an ID and didn’t want to ask anyone to buy it for me. Once that was resolved I started again going through about a bottle of vodka every two weeks to a week to a few days. I have never told anyone how severe my drinking is.
My boyfriend noticed a couple of years ago but that was around the time I had to stop anyways so it worked out, but now I am back to my old habit, hiding bottles around the house, putting vodka in water bottles, taking out cash so it doesn’t show up on our bank statements, rotating stores so no one notices. I’ve recently tried tapering again, it’s been about a week and I feel okay I guess. I have had a few symptoms – dry mouth, night sweats, irritability, and a bit of chest pain which caused me to look up help with alcohol withdrawal, but I’m also dealing with a lot of stressful things going on in my life at the moment (quit my job, left my boyfriend because of reasons that are mostly my fault).
I was just wondering would it be better if I told someone in my life about my issues with alcohol? Would it benefit me at all to tell anyone? I’ve stopped before by myself, and so far so good on tapering off from drinking daily but I’m not sure whats next for me. Things are looking up both with job prospects and talking with my boyfriend, which helps but I’m just taking things one day at a time.
It depends if you have someone you can trust. Meaning someone who wont rub it in your face if you fail. I would try to take days off as a nest step as you taper. Say every other day. Then every 3rd day. Then just on weekends.
Have some goals like finding that new job. Exercise is a good way to keep busy and quell the anxiety. Even if its just long walks. Bring a camera or your dog or a friends fog or whatever. Have small attainabke goals for exercise. Keep a calendar of sobriety.
Just some suggestions.
Hi, Just read all your comments and they so ring true. I’m 40 and been drinking vodka every night with D Coke for far too long, anyhow last night was a wake up call, I had only two drinks last night due to exhaustion but in my sleep my arms and legs were jerking if that makes sense, so much so that it caused me to wake and I felt shaky, could this be the start?
Also tonight I have experienced whilst in bed what can only be described as a popping feeling in my legs mainly the left leg, I’m too scared to go to sleep in case I get the jerking feeling again. I googled about popping feeling etc and it can be a symptom of ME or ALS which is more serious and life expectancy is 3-5 years. I’m terrified by this thought and now scared to sleep, I have to be up in 5 hours.
So my Q is could it be withdrawal? It would seem to have only started last night which seems too soon. Or can it be something more serious?
Could be muscle spasms from dehydration. Drink more water try gator aide. Milk can also stop muscle spasms. But sounds like anxiety is your symptom. It’s probably nothing. Stop looking up symptoms online it will increase your anxiety. And the blue light of electronic devices increases anxiety and depression.
I couldn’t sleep do the itching!!! You can definitely say I have a serious alcohol problem as I’ve been in and out rehab and detoxes, so I’ve had my of these symptoms in the past. By this point I thought I had a fairly large amount of knowledge on such things, but had never realized itching was a symptom. Thanks for the info. Maybe now I can actually sleep!
Itching is not uncommon. Could be due to dehydration. Try drinking water and moisturizer. Could be because your brain and neurotransmitters are resetting.
Update from a few weeks ago. I stopped about 3 months ago. Had a few relapses. Off now mostly 3 weeks but had a bottle of wine a few days ago. Do you know what the relapses do? Make me feel like crap – as in not in control and sick the next day. It reinforces that I’ve made the right decision. Last week, before the wine day, I started to feel the extreme exhaustion you all discuss.
I didn’t have it before. I recalled I had a cocktail of vitamins and minerals I took last time. Trip to the drug store made me feel almost normal again. I still have issues focusing and decreased memory recall. I am not a doctor or medically trained. Your liver needs a fix and there is plenty of info out there to find.
Mostly it’s around depletion of vitamin Bs… most of them. Of course a doctor is best to help. I continue to lose weight. Am down 2 dress sizes already! If you all have anything that has helped to improve mental alertness, please share. Keep posting… it seems to work for many of us.
Exercise. Setting small attainable goals and reaching them in a simple measurable area gives that feeling of control and it has nothing to do with drinking.
You all are amazing!! Keep up the fight. We all deserve happiness and we can make it happen. Minute by minute and day by day. Baby steps…
Have been drinking about 100/150 units per week for nearly 10 years now. This is my second time trying to give up. The first time I lasted 1 month before I could not take it anymore and went back to kidding myself 1 a day will do. After about 3 weeks back on 8-10 pints a day, 3/4 bottle of wine and about 1/3 bottle of whiskey a day. Recognized I had a problem when on my 40th I got 16 bottles of whiskey and I drank the lot in just over 5 weeks on top of beer and wine.
I have all the symptoms mentioned above especially the depression and the suicidal thoughts. Only today did I break down in the car driving home from the tip and considered having an “accident”. My local GP is great to be honest. I take Acamprosate (stops the pleasure of alcohol working) and at the moment I am on a reducing dose of Chlordiazepoxide that seems to help.
The sleepless nights and the nightmares really do me in though. I can not sit down or relax at all and this drives me nuts. The withdrawal will in the end be worth it I know but it is so difficult. There is such a massive drive on different diseases all the time but the stigma of being an alcoholic is horrible. We all have something in common and together we can beat this disease.
Stay strong people. Much love and never stop trying to stop! Forgot to mention, I’ve not had a drink for 6 days now so not driving to the tip drunk or anything.
I have been drinking 6-8 (3-4 doubles) drinks a night for 10 years and quit cold turkey. I am on day 3 and have experienced no symptoms of withdrawal. Is there a chance I could still get them? I quit smoking cold turkey too and that was 6 years ago… so I know I am stubborn enough if I want it (I do) to never drink again. But the withdrawal part still scares me…