Fatigue and aches when giving up / cutting down ??

[refreshingrain]

TLDR - Did you get this set of symptoms when stopping drinking - Fatigue, with Muscle Aches??

Hi everyone.
I started drinking too much a few years ago. Half a bottle of wine a night crept up to a bottle a night for years, and then 2020 and 2021 was probably the worst when I increased to 80 - 110 units a week every week and some days drank in the morning or during the day. Mild withdrawals at times - sweats, nausea, heartburn when not drinking, insomnia. Hated mornings.

This past 2 months I've tried to cut down. Previously it would be so difficult to manage one alcohol free night a week, but I first cut down to 8-10 units every other night, so 35 a week and did feel better for it. The past couple of weeks I've managed more alcohol free nights, and I've not drank for 5 days now. I am getting cravings but I am somehow managing not to go to the shop or order delivery. I am not quitting, but I am limiting myself to never go over 35 units a week again.

I am so tired and fatigued though. All I want to do is sleep. Got a very mild headache at times, and also strange achy leg, shoulder, and arms muscles, slightly strange taste in my mouth. Otherwise I feel fine and healthier.

Sorry for the long post, I just wanted to know if anyone else had the same set of symptoms - Fatigue, Slight headache, Limb aches and pains - or could I have a virus??

[Motherofcatsanddog]

Hi @refreshingrain . Well done for cutting down so much. I am on a very similar trajectory to you actually. Currently in a trough after riding that high peak for quite a while. I can attest to feeling very tired. I don't though feel achey, so maybe you could have a virus. Are you taking any supplements/vitamins? I understand that we've probably depleted our bodies of some important stuff because alcohol inhibits the uptake of certain vitamins. So could be that.

How are you feeling today? I've struggled to stay asleep, but overall I think the quality of sleep I am getting, when I get it, is much improved.

I've managed a few alcohol free days this week, which is great. I'm not taking it for granted that I can now suddenly moderate. To be honest, I don't know if it's possible. But I'm celebrating success when I can.

Hope you are feeling better. Here to chat if needed (this is actually my first post on here- long time lurker though).

[Battlecat98]

Hi, just wanted to say well done that is a huge decrease. I think your body is just getting used to dealing with less alcohol, heavy drinkers are often low in b vitamins, and, as these help release energy and assist woth cellular function it would make sense that you feel tired. Your body is trying to maintain its normal function with less reserves. It would be worth while taking b vitamins at the very least.