here again..

[eta909]

Alcohol has been a big problem in my life and continues to be, I fear loosing what I have worked so hard to earn, my withdraws are so severe some days I can't even be around people, coworkers, family, it used to help me cope with problems and quickly became the problem, I can't wait to see a day where this is all behind me.. prayers to anyone going through the same ordeal...

[Pam]

Hi eta909. . .
You're in the right place.
You need to consider if it's safe to detox at home or with medical assistance.
It's not easy . . . however, on the other side is the daily work to maintain
your sobriety. Please share your progress, read the posts regarding detox, etc.
ask questions or share. The members of the forum are here to provide encouragement
and advice.

Take care of yourself and let us know how you're doing.

PT

[Deleted]

Hey Eta,
I know exactly what you are talking about. I have trouble going to do the weekly shopping without alcohol. I managed to rationalise today how stupid I am being about this. I know it seems like alcohol is helping with the problem, but in the long run the problems alcohol causes far outway the temporary benefit that we thought we were getting from it. Are you talking about detox problems or just problems coping without alcohol? If so, you may need a detox medically. If not, stick around as there is lots of helpful advice on here.

[eta909]

Thanks pt and slim kim, I was talking about problems detoxing, I usually used to drink more when I had problems with it, obviously that turned into a bigger problem, but yea the worst for me is anxiety, the feeling that people can see your illness, it's not a good feeling, hoping to get past this once again and start on a new road..

[quitat54]

Hi Eta

Early withdrawals are though, anxiety, shakes, the feeling of doom... all very unpleasant and unsettling.  But once you get through the initial stage it gets better. It is not easy, but it is doable. It all depends on your commitment to stay sober. You have to put the hard work early on, there is no way around it.

J

[hourbyhour]

Most of the time, your coworkers and friends have long ago figured out you have a problem. Heck, for some alcoholics, the drinker themselves is the last person to realize they have a problem!

As others have noted, detox isn't easy, but you can pull through it if you try. I know I was really self conscious about my shakes (even each day when I drank). I was OK, but the second I though somebody was watching, I would start to shake like a leaf.

Some people complain of anxiety/bad dreams. If you have trouble sleeping, you might wish to take some benadryl (or generic equivalent) to help you sleep.

Good luck!

[gwampa69]

Hi Eta

I understand where you are coming from about detox symptoms. Its a tough period to go through. One that I failed at several times often opting for the bottle to eliminate the discomfort and shakes. Of course the trouble with that is the reset you put your body and mind through. Only to try again.. Depending upon several factors including your own alcohol use/abuse history, physiology etc., alcohol withdrawal can be severe and even life threatening. Sometimes a medically monitored process is recommended and the safest bet. For the rest of us who can't or won't go that route, having someone to watch over you is a good idea. My experience in the end was shakes, sweats, heart palpitations (uggh), insomnia and awful headaches. I came to the forum in this condition. Try to rest as much as possible, keep hydrated and pay attention to your body. Fortunately, the physical withdrawal symptoms should dissipate in a few days. That's how it was for me anyway. Try to take it slow and easy. Like many, you've put your body through a lot. This sobriety thing is a process.

Hope you stick around and good luck.      

[Sam]

Detox is the path to to recovery, there is no way around it, you must go through it. It is painful, inconvenient and can be dangerous. The good news is it doesn't last very long and there are medications to ease the experience like Librium for example. Talk to your doctor and be honest about how much you drank and for how long so he/she can treat you accordingly.

Research PAWS that is your next step to deal with. Recovery ain't easy, but well worth it once you go through the initial pain and start your new life.

Sam

[eta909]

Thanks so much everyone, I'm feeling alot better today, still feeling a little fatigued and anxious, but not as much, but I've gone through this countless times, the real battle begins on my time off, when your surrounded by the nemisis, I guess it's self control over everything, as everything else it's a work in progress, thank you all so much for your concerns and words, it is all greatly appreciated, I will be back here for information and as a reminder that it is time for a change, God bless and take care..

[Pam]

You're going to be just fine.
PT

[hourbyhour]

Also as you go through this, remind yourself that many people tend to feel that each detox gets worse and worse, so it is wise to get through this one.

Yes, the time off can be rough, but I have always found things to do. You will also feel good that you can go out and do things in the afternoon (versus having to plan all chores in the morning because you will be too drunk to be out by the afternoon/evening).

If you get really bored, tally up how much you drink and how much you are saving by not drinking. That will be an eye opener if you haven't.

[eta909]

Thanks, that's crazy, I thought I was the only one who would do that, passing out early and waking up crazy hours of the night, I would miss out on so much, that's also a great idea, I can imagine how much I would save if I didn't blow money on booze, thanks again friends..

[achilles1957]

Hi Eta,
You're definitely not the only one to do that.. some days I'd do everything in the morning...shop, cook dinner, clean, then drink for the rest of the day, often not remembering anything after about 4pm. I'd wake up in the early hours, full of self-loathing, devoid of anything resembling my true self, a stranger ... I'd once again allowed alcohol back into my life, believing myself to be cured..oh the ego of it all !!
I continued to try and make alcohol "work" for me the way it had in the past. Fighting a futile battle to prove that I could control it. I no longer want to control it, I no longer believe that there is anything good or real in a bottle, it is no longer in my life nor my mind. I guess I've accepted that alcohol and I cannot coexist, the battle is over.

I hope you're feeling better today. Try and keep busy on the weekend, focus on your body/soul healing itself..as well as your wallet !! ;-)

We need to love ourselves, to know that we deserve a life without poison, an authentic journey without self-sabotage. Life can be difficult without adding such an unnecessary danger, no more "risky business" for me.

Take care for today,

Jenn