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Alcohol support

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Original poster

Drinking WAY too much and need to detox - any shared experiences?

351 replies

TimeToStop · 31/01/2021 05:40

I'm a daily drinker and have been for absolutely years. Since the start of lockdown 1 I've gone from drinking around half a bottle of wine or a couple of beers a day to now drinking 1/4 bottle of spirits, a bottle of wine and maybe also a few beers. Because I drink all the time, I don't get drunk any more, it's a steady drip feed of alcohol through the day. My sleep is appalling; up around 4/5 am after 3 hours sleep and then I need to have my first drink to steady the withdrawal.

I'm supposed to be working from home but I'm really beginning to fail in that and I am desperate to stop. I stopped in February 2019 for 3 months - it was sort of enforced as I was very unwell and in hospital for 3 weeks with an ovarian abscess. I felt so much better. Since then it crept up from a beer at the end of the day to where I am now.

I've spoken to my GP and been put in contact with my local drug and alcohol service as I'm drinking too much to safely stop on my own now. I'm scheduled to do a community detox on February 8th and I wondered if anybody here has done this and what it's like? I'm so nervous about it.

OP posts:
Original poster
TimeToStop · 04/02/2021 09:23

speakout yes, I've read about this and how dangerous it can be. I'm worried about seizures even with the detox meds.

OP posts:
Original poster
TimeToStop · 04/02/2021 09:24

Thank you VoldermortsKitten I'm so keen to get it done now.

OP posts:
OhioOhioOhio · 05/02/2021 06:46

I really hope it goes well op
.

Original poster
TimeToStop · 05/02/2021 08:54

Thank you so much ... counting down the hours now really. I know it's going to be rough but I want to get on with it anyway xxx

OP posts:
OhioOhioOhio · 05/02/2021 12:11

It won't be more rough than living the rest of your life like that. Honestly. You'll feel reborn.

Original poster
TimeToStop · 05/02/2021 12:32

Yes, a few people have said to me that if I can get through the day feeling like this, it can't be much worse!

OP posts:
OhioOhioOhio · 05/02/2021 18:33

When do you start your treatment?

cricketmum84 · 05/02/2021 19:03

Good luck for Monday OP.
I am also drinking far too much and have just had a dodgy liver function blood test result today. I am slowly cutting down over the next few weeks as GP had advised against stopping completely straight away.

I can't tell you enough how disabling long term heavy drinking is. I now have potential diabetes and neuropathy that could have been caused by drinking too much or could have been caused by the excess blood sugars. I cannot walk without support and i Have no feeling in my ankles and feet. I need pushing up the stairs to bed, come downstairs on my arse and need helping on and off the loo. At 36. My amazing husband had to flannel wash me this morning because I can't stand in the shower. I'm praying it's going to be reversible.

Address this before you get in my state!

Original poster
TimeToStop · 05/02/2021 21:56

OhioOhioOhio Monday morning.

cricketmum84 so sorry to hear that. I was offered the chance of trying to gradually cut down but I've tried that before and I'm not up to it. I'd like to say I had the willpower and self-control, but I don't. I really hope you feel better soon.

OP posts:
OhioOhioOhio · 05/02/2021 23:00

Well a week from now you will have achieved it. Focus on one week from now.

JCBluebell · 05/02/2021 23:17

OP, i think seizures are what we all fear most in this situation. I know that was the case for me. It's only natural to fear the worst. But, with the meds and following the guidance, you're greatly reducing the likelihood of having serious symptoms. Just try to use your concerns to help you stay vigalent and keep yourself as safe as possible. Plenty of fluids and nourishing food will help to protect you, even if you don't feel like it. But try not to overthink it all and get yourself too anxious as that will make your symptoms seem worse. I know you are finding it hard to sleep, but the more rest you can get the better. Hopefully the medication will help with that. I've noticed that when i am very tired, i occasionally get some visual disturbances a bit like i had when going through withdrawals, which makes me think maybe sleep deprivation is a big contributing factor in withdrawal symptoms.
It's great that you won't be alone. Your partner will be there to keep an eye on you. My worst time coming off alcohol, i was alone for several days and the only person who knew what was happening was 150 miles away. I would not recommend that scenario! I really hope you find it's not as awful an experience as you're imagining. Monday will come and go. As will Tuesday and Wednesday. Before you know it, 2 weeks will have passed and you'll be steaming ahead.
Cricketmum84, what a tough time you're having. It sounds very difficult for you. I really hope things start to improve for you soon.

JCBluebell · 06/02/2021 00:03

Ps. Steaming ahead might have been a bad choice of words!! You know what i mean though. Cooking with gas!

Blessex · 07/02/2021 07:37

Good luck @TimeToStop. We will be with you. I just did dry jan as was drinking too much and am now trying to keep it going through feb. Let us know how you are going Flowers

Original poster
TimeToStop · 07/02/2021 08:43

Thanks so much. I'm feeling a little apprehensive but also like I really just want to get on with it now. Last drink, hopefully forever, will be at 9pm tonight.

OP posts:
Frouby · 07/02/2021 08:52

Op I just want to wish the very best of luck for tomorrow. This time next week the hardest bit, the most intense bit will be over. Flowers

Original poster
TimeToStop · 07/02/2021 09:07

Thanks Frouby I was just thinking about this time next week. I wonder how I'll be feeling then ...

OP posts:
Blessex · 07/02/2021 09:47

@TimeToStop you will be feeling a little more back in control. Not through the woods but like you are starting the second half of your life. We are killing ourselves slowly. We have no other choice. Keep checking in and we will try and pull you through to the better rest of your life Flowers

Original poster
TimeToStop · 07/02/2021 10:01

Ah, thank you, Blessex.

OP posts:
JCBluebell · 07/02/2021 11:09

Good luck OP. We are all rooting for you. You can do it. X

Original poster
TimeToStop · 07/02/2021 12:13

JCBluebell that's very kind of you. xxx

OP posts:
Nat6999 · 07/02/2021 12:40

If you do everything the alcohol people tell you to the chances of seizures are very small. You will be breathalysed every time your worker comes & you mustn't have had a drink or your detox will be stopped. Once you are over the detox period you can be offered drugs to stop the cravings or drugs to make it very unpleasant if you do drink. You are very lucky to be offered a community detox, due to funding reduction many drinkers don't get the chance of one. Have they given you Vitamin B complex & Thiamin to take? Make sure you take them to protect your brain due to the withdrawal process.

Onwardsandupwardswego · 07/02/2021 18:31

Good luck. X

iamyourequal · 07/02/2021 19:47

@TimeToStop. I’ve read your thread and just want to wish you all the best for your new life which starts tomorrow!! Remember there is lots of great support on here, including the thread for those who has stopped completely for good which is very inspiring. It will be tough but you know you can do this. Flowers

OhioOhioOhio · 07/02/2021 20:44

Welcome to your new life op. Not long now. Whatever next week brings it won't be worse than what you'd have to endure by not embracing your detox. I hope it goes well.

Drybird2020 · 08/02/2021 00:47

Good luck tomorrow and this week! Xx