Horrible symptoms after reducing alcohol??

[granniescookbook]

I've recently reduced alcohol by tapering. It was quite a sharp taper though. I drink because I have really severe PTSD. It was always a bottle a night for years but this past year it got up to 2-3 bottles a day I was drinking.

I constantly felt awful. Nausea, racing heart, panic attacks, shaking, sweating whenever the alcohol left my system. And swelling and achy lower legs and hands. Not to mention the guilt and fear of being found out, I'm sure some people have noticed.

So I went straight from 3 bottles a day to 1 bottle the next day and then half a bottle each night and I've stuck at that. I don't feel ready to stop completely but I've started PTSD treatment and I've got a support worker now so hopefully I'll be able to stop completely. I'm determined not to increase again.

I'm not sure if I'm lacking vitamins or something but I'm so so tired and achy and a bit breathless at times. I'm fatigued all the time.

I'm trying to practice coping mechanisms that aren't alcohol. I'm just so tired and achy all the time..

[Magic1231]

I'm in a similar boat to you. That's awesome what you're doing, like you I was on one bottle of wine a day then over this year increased it to 2/3.
Also, trying to cut back a lot. But havent fully stopped.
How are you feeling now?xxx

[GeidiPrimes]

Hi OP, you're doing really well, and I'm glad you have therapy in place for your PTSD because whatever we're attempting to medicate away will still be there.

Ask your GP to prescribe thiamine and vit B Strong Compound because ethanol hinders the body's ability to absorb it, so you'll probably be depleted.

Are you prescribed antidepressants? If not, this is worth some consideration (again, substances are an attempt at self medication).

Good luck!

[SparklingLime]

Under a medically supervised detox you would be given thiamine (B1) to protect your brain and nervous system.

[semideponent]

OP, it sounds like you're doing an amazing job of sticking with it and finding support you need to address the underlying trauma.

Some suggestions for being your body's best friend...B vitamins might help, as might milk thistle. Fruit juice too. And with the tired acheyness - soluble magnesium (I recommend Voost brand) and epsom salt baths can do a lot to ease things.

Prepping for night sweats is another thing you could do (spare Pjs & big towel to spread on the bed put ready for if you wake up drenched).

Peter Levine has some online demonstrations of self-soothing techniques like tapping, which can be used to re-regulate. I sometimes just put each hand round the opposite upper arm, and rub my thumbs up and down as an unobtrusive self-soothing mechanism if I'm feeling anxious while with other people.

Different things help different people, so I'd love to hear your thoughts.

[jessstan2]

That's quite normal. Drink plenty of water (& milk if you like it), try to eat some decent food and rest. You'll be OK in a couple of weeks.

Well done you. You'll feel so much better when you've packed in the drink for good.

[Einszwei]

Contact your GP. They will be able to give advice and monitor your health.

It is fantastic that you are taking the steps to reduce your alcohol intake. Well done!

[Stuckhere2021]

HI @granniescookbook - I was drinking heavily as well although more having benders than every day. My muscles and joints have been so painful for about a year. I am overweight but even still - it was the all over body aching that was a killer. I read that there are a few things that excess alcohol can do to contribute to this. 1.) it makes you produce lactic acid which causes muscle pain and cramps 2). your electrolytes may be wonky as alcohol seriously dehydrates you - this can cause joint/bone pain or make existing pain (eg arthritis) worse. 3). it interferes with your gut bacteria making your immune system less effective and you more likely to pick up infection 4). alcohol itself is an inflammatory agent so may cause inflammation of joints and muscles.

I'm not a doctor but I would say continue to taper slowly but drink loads of water and take vitamins, especially B vitamins. Exercise lightly. Sit with your feet up for the swelling and NEVER cross your legs.

You are doing amazing. Keep at it and you will feel the benefits soon I'm sure.

[goldenlady25]

No idea what to suggest but well done!
Are you taking vitamins ?
Sorry can't help further