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Coming off alcohol

5 replies

NameChangedAnon · 31/05/2023 15:39

A close relative is an alcoholic, has admitted it, but for the last two years has been determined to beat it on his own, but unfortunately never seems to do it completely. When at his worst he drinks cheap whisky, morning till night, he has been hospitalised 3 times, he can come off it (but is ill with the withdrawal) but then thinks he can handle a few beers which then spirals back onto the whisky.

Most recent whisky binge was just last week, he seems to be off that (after being quite ill but managing it at home with family help) and is now onto a few beers at night (if that’s the truth - but he does seem better), what I want to know is, what’s the path to getting to no alcohol, can he just stop? I thought the physical withdrawals could be really harmful.

I am worried the few beers and him feeling better is just going to spiral into whisky drinking again and the cycle begins again.

He has agreed to go to addictions clinic next week and for family members to accompany him.

OP posts:
HelpfulJane · 31/05/2023 16:15

Hi 👋 recovering alcoholic myself coming up on 5 years sober.

For me it took getting sick with Pancreatitis to say that this was enough for me. That and talk therapy. It was hard but I made myself commit to stopping for good.

Also he may have to hit bottom completely before he really begins healing.

There is a great deal of support out there. But he has to really want to stop for good.

Best wishes to your friend. 🙏

Coyoacan · 31/05/2023 17:00

Only he can decide when to stop but meanwhile it would help if he supplemented with vitamin B as alcohol depletes vitamin B

NameChangedAnon · 01/06/2023 14:24

@HelpfulJane thank you for the advice and well done to you being 5 years sober! Not easy from what I’m seeing.

@Coyoacan thank you, I will get him onto that.

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theemmadilemma · 01/06/2023 14:30

If he has a physical dependance then yes, stopping quickly can cause seizures. If he's down to beers, and no longer dispalying withdrawal, then he's likely moved out of a danger zone.

However I would highly recommend he seek free NHS assistance.

You can in fact have a free (bar prescription costs) at home detox/rehab on the NHS.

You have to refer to your local substance abuse centre. Some will let you self refer, some may require Dr referal.

They should be able to offer support.

You can find them here www.nhs.uk/Service-Search/find-an-alcohol-addiction-service/location.

Avoid CGL they seem to direct to Detox UK who will charge. If you struggle to get free help, these can help: Dear Albert can help: www.dearalbert.co.uk/nhs-alcohol-detox/.

I did around 3 months counselling once a week prior and again after. 10 day at home detox with family support.

The medication made phyical withdrawal smooth and easy to the point I didn't have a single side effect.

I'll be 4 years sober in Sept.

NameChangedAnon · 01/06/2023 17:42

@theemmadilemma Thank you so much and well done to you getting sober. I can see from what he’s going through it’s not an easy thing to do.

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