Just getting started

[GotToQuit]

is it better to quit cold turkey or wean off gradually? Because I'm having a hard time with the physical symptoms and its only been 10 hours since my last drink
:new:

[Doggygirl]

Just getting started

Hi Got to quit. It looks like you are new here - :welcome: I'm not sure if you came across this thread: https://www.mywayout.org/community/f7...wal-13412.html It might help you decide if you should seek professional help or not.

All the best to you. Getting free of alcohol is not easy, but it sure is worth every bit of effort it takes!

DG

[BPleasant]

Just getting started

Do you normally drink round the clock? if so you may need to taper off. Don't make that your scapegoat though, and you would probably know if you are or not.

Keep posting, focus on writing how you are feeling and also where you want to go. How would you like your life to be?

Alcohol withdrawal: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
Alcohol withdrawal usually occurs in adults, but it may occur in teenagers or children as well. It can occur when a person who uses alcohol excessively suddenly stops drinking alcohol. Withdrawal usually occurs within 5 - 10 hours after the last drink, but it may occur up to 7 - 10 days later.

The following is generally considered excessive alcohol use:

* More than 15 drinks per week for men or 8 drinks per week for women
* More than 5 drinks per day for men or 4 drinks per day for women
* Habitual use of alcohol that disrupts a person's life and routines, regardless of amount consumed

In this definition, 1 drink has 12 grams of alcohol, and equals approximately 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of 90 proof spirits..

The more heavily you drink every day, the more likely you will develop alcohol withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking. The likelihood of developing severe withdrawal symptoms also increases if you have other medical problems.
Symptoms

Mild-to-moderate psychological symptoms:

* Jumpiness or nervousness
* Shakiness
* Anxiety
* Irritability or easy excitability
* Rapid emotional changes
* Depression
* Fatigue
* Difficulty thinking clearly
* Bad dreams

Mild-to-moderate physical symptoms:

* Headache -- general, pulsating
* Sweating -- especially the palms of the hands or the face
* Nausea and vomiting
* Loss of appetite
* Insomnia (sleeping difficulty)
* Pallor
* Rapid heart rate
* Eye pupils enlarged(dilated pupils)
* Clammy skin
* Tremor of the hands
* Involuntary, abnormal movements of the eyelids

Severe symptoms:

* Delirium tremens -- a state of confusion and visual hallucinations
* Agitation
* Fever
* Convulsions
* Black outs -- when the person forgets what happened during the drinking episode

Exams and Tests

The health care provider will check for:

* Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)
* Rapid breathing (tachypnea)
* Elevated temperature
* Abnormal eye movements
* Shaky hands
* General body shaking
* Abnormal heart rhythms
* Internal bleeding
* Liver failure
* Dehydration

A toxicology screen may be performed as well as other blood tests.
Treatment

The goals are to treat the immediate withdrawal symptoms, prevent complications, and begin long-term therapy to promote abstinence (no drinking at all).

The person will probably have to stay at the hospital for constant observation. This will include monitoring:

* Blood pressure
* Body temperature
* Breathing
* Heart rate
* Fluid and electrolyte levels (chemicals in the body such as sodium and potassium)

Many patients are given fluids or medications through a vein (IV).

Withdrawal symptoms may worsen rapidly and may quickly become life threatening. Drugs that depress the central nervous system (such as sedatives) may be needed to reduce symptoms, often in moderately large doses.

Treatment may involve placing the person in a a moderately sedated state for 1 week or more until withdrawal is complete. A class of medications known as the benzodiazepines are often useful in reducing a range of symptoms.

The health care provider will watch closely for signs of delirium tremens.

Hallucinations that occur without other symptoms or complications are uncommon. They are treated with hospitalization and antipsychotic medications as needed.

Testing and treatment for other medical problems associated with use of alcohol is necessary. Disorders related to the use of alcohol include:

* Alcoholic liver disease
* Blood clotting disorders
* Brain disorders such as Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome
* Heart disorders such as alcoholic cardiomyopathy
* Malnutrition
* Nerve damage ( alcoholic neuropathy )

A drying-out period is recommended after withdrawal is complete. No alcohol is allowed during this time. Permanent and lifelong abstinence from alcohol is the best treatment for those who have gone through withdrawal.

Rehabilitation for alcoholism is often recommended. This may include social support such as Alcoholics Anonymous, medications, and behavior therapy.
Support Groups

For additional resources, see alcoholism support group.
Outlook (Prognosis)

Alcohol withdrawal may range from a mild and uncomfortable disorder to a serious, life-threatening condition. Symptoms usually begin within 8-12 hours of the last drink. The symptoms peak in 48 - 72 hours and may persist for a week or more.

Symptoms such as sleep changes, rapid changes in mood, and fatigue may last for 3 - 12 months or more. If a person continues to drink excessively, they may develop many medical conditions such as liver and heart disease.

Most people who go through alcohol withdrawal make a full recovery. The long term outlook depends on how much organ damage has occurred and whether the person can stop drinking completely.