still scared of withdrawals

[letgolaughing]

still scared of withdrawals

in bed with my computer and my pellegrino now. 1 beer, one glass of wine later.
i have a headache though. 3rd one in 2 days. i NEVER get headaches(unless i've had too much to drink!)
so what's up with that.

[Dolly Sunshine]

still scared of withdrawals

Pellegrino rocks. I've had a headache for 3 days I think it's sinuses.

[eight days a week]

still scared of withdrawals

Dolly Sunshine;795718 wrote: How much were you drinking? I think as posted 4 at the most would not lead to brain damage nor need tapering.

It doesn't matter how much I was drinking, does it, as I wasn't talking about me? The point is that I was told by specialist alcohol professionals here in the UK that going cold turkey even from small daily amounts carries a risk.

[letgolaughing]

still scared of withdrawals

if even small daily amounts carries a risk, how will i ever stop completely? even if i taper it is going to be daily, even if i get down to 1 drink a night. how long do i need to do that to avoid severe withdrawals? ugh. now, i'm discouraged.

[Dolly Sunshine]

still scared of withdrawals

eight days a week;795730 wrote: It doesn't matter how much I was drinking, does it, as I wasn't talking about me? The point is that I was told by specialist alcohol professionals here in the UK that going cold turkey even from small daily amounts carries a risk.

Ok...no need to get hostile I just never heard of anyone drinking at the most 4 drinks a day having seizures nor brain damage. Good luck to you.

[Jackie M]

still scared of withdrawals

Lgl-
The headaches may just be stress related. I know I have made myself physically ill from overthinking everything.
I think you will be amazed at how much the anxiety lessens once the alcohol is out of your system.
Jackie M

[Dolly Sunshine]

still scared of withdrawals

eight days a week;795730 wrote: It doesn't matter how much I was drinking, does it, as I wasn't talking about me? The point is that I was told by specialist alcohol professionals here in the UK that going cold turkey even from small daily amounts carries a risk.

Way to freak out the original poster. Please post something to collaborate your statement.

[letgolaughing]

still scared of withdrawals

jackie..i think you are right. i've seen my anxiety worsen over the years and i really believe it is from drinking everynight. i have a feeling in my gut that says, when i am able to be AF more days then not, that my anxiety won't be as bad.
like i will be stronger, if that makes sense.

good night all
xo

[Cinders]

still scared of withdrawals

LetGo,

I have done inhouse detox, too. Several times.

I usually err on the side of caution regarding withdrawals. However, the amount you are drinking is very little.

Why don't you try one day AF? See if you get the symptoms of withdrawals? If you do, shakes, sweats, tremors, etc, take a half a glass of wine and go lie down.

If you don't get those symptoms, you are ready to start your new AF life.

Cindi

[beatle]

still scared of withdrawals

Do not be discouraged!

I know this: you will not have a problem.

As I said, I have a lot of personal research and experience behind me. No, I am not a doctor. (Maybe you should consult a doctor, by the way, if you are feeling so anxious about this.)

At this point, I am starting to think you ARE using the scary spectre to rationalise your drinking and keep you from stopping.

If you really can taper the way you have scheduled it -- REALLY you are going to be FINE!!!! You will not have severe withdrawal.

Stop your excuses. You are so within the safe zone that most of us would like to have been when we stopped.

[Dolly Sunshine]

still scared of withdrawals

The anxiety is so much less when you stop. It's amazing. Again good luck to you and take care.

[eight days a week]

still scared of withdrawals

letgolaughing;795731 wrote: if even small daily amounts carries a risk, how will i ever stop completely? even if i taper it is going to be daily, even if i get down to 1 drink a night. how long do i need to do that to avoid severe withdrawals? ugh. now, i'm discouraged.
The advice here in the UK (both private and public) is that between 48-72 hours is the most dangerous period for a daily drinker. So I'd say taper, get down to what you can, start having a day off here and there, increase it to two when you feel able, and in a few weeks or a month or two it'll be three, and before you know it it'll be three plus days and you'll be safe and sound

Dolly Sunshine;795732 wrote: Ok...no need to get hostile I just never heard of anyone drinking at the most 4 drinks a day having seizures nor brain damage. Good luck to you.

I wasn't hostile in any way, I merely stated facts as they've been presented to me. I've been treated by experts who have seen people suffering brain damage and seizures at less than four drinks a day who have gone cold turkey.

[Dolly Sunshine]

still scared of withdrawals

I'm not going to make it a pissing match. The way I read it was it was 4 at the most usually 2. I have also been treated by experts and I don't think weeks nor months are needed here. All it does is prolong things.

[eight days a week]

still scared of withdrawals

Dolly Sunshine;795745 wrote: I'm not going to make it a pissing match. The way I read it was it was 4 at the most usually 2. I have also been treated by experts and I don't think weeks nor months are needed here. All it does is prolong things.

You don't think weeks or even a few months are worthwhile tackling an alcohol addiction problem? I see.

P.S. The 'pissing match' is all in your own mind. Hope you win (seeing as you're the only competitor).

[Sheepish]

still scared of withdrawals

Hi LetGo
I do not think there is any need to prolong your anxiety- which is what you would be doing. Your tapering schedule is more than reasonable. There would be no reason to extend your taper beyond a week or so-- and even that seems excessive IMHO. Your drinking as described is not to the extent that some folks here would consider excessive. (As Dolly said- some would call that moderating) However, Your drinking is affecting your life and you want to change-that is wonderful. Try and work through your fear- which is what I am reading more than anything else in your posts. I believe you will be fine as well- possibly more comfortable doing a small taper, however, it is something you would need to stick to....can you? I think it is great that you came here...
Best Wishes
-Sheep