Alcohol Withdrawal Question

[MichGuy]

Hello all, I am 24 year old male that lives in the US.

I recently restarted drinking after about 2-3 months of being sober, and I want to stop once again, but I very scared of serious withdrawal symptoms. Last time I quit I did not have any symptoms, but not sure I drank as much as I am now.

For the last two weeks I have been drinking 1/3 -1/2 pint of liquor (70-92 proof) every night, with this last St. Patty's day weekend being a bit more heavy. I only drink at night, usually after 7pm, and do not drink at all during the day. I go to work and function well until evening. However, I have noticed that about 6pm the last couple days, I have been extra anxious until I start drinking. I have anxiety issues anyways, so that doesnt help.

It's been about 13 hours now since my last drink and my only real symptoms are a slight headache and a brain fog/dizzy feeling. Last night after I started to sober up I had a rough time falling asleep, and kept having crazy dreams that woke me up.

Right now my heart rate is normal, and my hands aren't shaking or anything. Should I expect this to get much worse over the next 24-48 hours?

I do have Xanax (RXd for my anxiety) that I rarely take (I dont ever mix the two), so I could use that if I needed to -- but I know Benzos can be harder to kick than alcohol, so I am wanting to avoid that and just cold turkey.

Think its safe after 2 weeks of drinking every night? Thanks for your time.

[Bettie]

Hi,

I'm not a medical expert but...I don't think you will get anything major. I don't think 2 weeks is enough to withdrawal, but like I said, I'm not an expert. If you're really concerned it might be best to speak to a doctor about stopping.

However, you haven't got dt's or anything like that and it's normal to have a bit of a headache when you're sobering up. Make sure you keep yourself hydrated though and avoid caffeine or fizzy drinks.

Stay relaxed and keep mentally occupied with other things. The worst thing you could do is to start drinking again!

I went sober cold turkey without any meds and although it was rough for the first 2-3 weeks, after I got settled into a routine it was pretty much fine. Best of luck with staying sober and keep us posted:)

[MichGuy]

Thanks for the reply. That's the kinda answer I was hoping for  . I am glad to hear that you were able to go sober on your own and stay that way, that is very encouraging to read!

I'm rounding the 20 hour mark, and so far so good -- and thankfully no new symptoms or anything. I'm able to eat and drink without issue. So here's to hoping and praying the next 24-48 hours are just as smooth!

[Bettie]

That's great and it sounds like you will be fine:)

However do keep sober....you've already proven that you can so keep at it. Alcohol and anxiety are a mix made in hell. It will worsen any anxiety that you have and in cases like mine, it is taking me over a year to get over it!

But keep up the good work

[camel]

Hey Mich, just wanted to see how you are doing with quitting? How are you feeling? Still sober?

[MichGuy]

  Thanks for the check up! I'm doing very well. Tomorrow will mark one week of being sober! I didn't really have any withdrawal symptoms to speak of, and I trashed all my booze. Unfortunately, I can't handle an occasional drink -- so out it goes!

My family and I have been MUCH happier the last six days, so I am hoping to keep it up.

[camel]

Hey Mich, that is great news!! Keep it up. It gets better and better

I am 11 months sober today actually and it was the best decision I have made. I have not had one sip in 11 months, I will not risk the occasional drink.

So glad you didn't have any withdrawals and that you and your family are so much happier. A true sign of things to come