Withdrawals

[Momtrac83]

I stopped drinking 3 days ago and have had some really bad withdrawal symptoms. I was violently sick to the point I couldn't turn over in bed without throwing up for 2 days. I can't eat properly. Iv had ellusinations. I feel dizzy. The shaking has gone. But sweating at night is still there. I had a horrible burning in my chest last night. I'm taking acamprosate tablets. But how long will these withdrawal symptoms last. I really don't want to go back to where I was.

@Momtrac83 - first of all - well done on getting this far. 3 - 4 days is usually the acute phase of withdrawal. So you should be passing the worst of it so please take Hope in that and keep going.

I am a binge drinker and get horrible withdrawals but by day 3 I’m usually about 90% normal physically- the mental anguish goes on longer.

drink as much water as you can and maybe take something like rennie as the burning in your chest may be gastric irritation from the drinking/vomiting.

just keep going on with the recovery. I really think you are getting past the worst of it. 🤞💕

I promise you are over the worst. Please phone AA and ask for someone to come and see you. They will absolutely help. The only way from here is up I promise.

You can do it - I imagine it feels like hell now. If I may ask, how much have you gone to nothing from?

Iv gone from drinking 2 half bottles of wisky. Then to 4 high strength lagers. Then nothing.

That's amazing. Trust me. You. An only start to feel better from now. However remember that when you start to feel human again you will forget how bad you feel now and the temptation will be there to drink. That's why I suggested AA. Honestly they will support you and it's anonymous

How are you doing this eve op

It is a very bad idea to wean yourself off alcohol without medical assistance. Alcohol withdrawal can easily be fatal and you're describing some of the symptoms of withdrawal. Please get medical attention quickly.

Going through alcohol withdrawal is very very dangerous. You were at the risk of seizures or even death. You have been very silly and should have either accessed some support or done a drink down plan.

I'm feeling alot better now. Iv eaten and managed to keep it down. The dizziness has gone. I hoping that tonight will be a better night's sleep.

Oh @Momtrac83

It's really good to make this choice for yourself
However , what you are doing is really dangerous
We use a diazepam titration over a period of 5-7 days , with symptomatics for your head , stomach and bowels
You may need some thiamine / pabrinex ?
It's not too late to ask for help , please get in touch to get ongoing support
Keep up the good work lovely 😊

as PP have said yes it is dangerous, but I'm glad the willingness to stop is there

have you let anyone close to you know? in case of aforementioned dangerous side effects?

I cannot emphasise this enough. I stopped too suddenly, many years ago, had hallucinations followed by a massive seizure and could easily have died had I not been found. Please seek medical assistance. Even some people within AA are not aware of the dangers of going from daily drinking to nothing, because plenty of them have been able to do that with only minor withdrawals. George Best didn't actually ever experience full on DTs.

God that was dangerous OP. Withdrawals can literally kill. Having seen my friend have a seizure in the street and end up being rushed to hospital covered in blood after fitting and whacking her head repeatedly off the pavement, I cannot emphasise this enough.

Just as info (for you and anyone else who might be reading this and considering stopping) acamprosate is usually offered as part of a medically managed detox but it's librium you need to control the withdrawals. You should also be taking thiamine as a PP said. I would really suggest going to your GP even if you feel like youre over the worst of it to get the meds and support that you need.

I would also seek support from a group like AA or SMART recovery (not everyone gets on with the AA approach - SMART recovery is a bit less regimented). Good luck OP x