withdrawals

[SuperBernie]

ok so yesterday was day 1 of being AF. Today - i've experienced a headache (which is kinda lingering), clammy palms and a little bit of sweating. I'm guessing this is the beginning of withdrawals. What more should I expect? It must depend on the amount I had been drinking and the length of time as well, right?

[JimBeam911]

withdrawals

It's different for everyone. At my worst, I have experienced the following for the amount of time listed below:

Shakes (24 hours)
Sweating (24 hours)
Severe Anxiety (48 hours)
Rapid Pulse (48 hours)
Insomnia (5 days)

There are of course some additional symptoms you might experience, some mild, some worse, depending on how much and for how long you've been drinking. However, my advice is NOT to start reading up on withdrawal symptoms online. By doing so, it gets easier to start imagining new symptoms or fearing the worst. Just be patient and ride it out. If you don't develop any severe symptoms in the first 48 hours, chances are you'll get through it without any major complications.

[Lavande]

withdrawals

Bernie,

Please be sure to keep yourself well hydrated wit lots of water, tea, etc. Your body has been dehydrated by AL.
Eat something healthy, rest, just take care of yourself.
If you think you may need medical intervention go to the ER.
Do you have anyone you can call for support?

Wishing you the best!

[SuperBernie]

withdrawals

Thanks guys. I do have someone to call for support. and i definitely will head to the ER if i start feeling weird. here we go facing the weekend... I have no PC at home so i could log on. (

talk to you guys on Monday.

[allswell]

withdrawals

Insomnia and anxiety were what I experienced when quiting on 1/3/10. Like JB said it lasts about two days, the insomnia for me lasted about 9 days. Going through it certainly was not fun but had to be done. The past two months clean and sober have been unbelievable.

[Doggygirl]

withdrawals

Hang in there Bernie. I know the symptoms you are feeling are uncomfortable. THIS WILL GET BETTER. Lav's suggestion about keeping plenty of fluids (water is GREAT) going in and some good quality food is a great one. I also like what Jim Beam suggested about riding it out, calling for help if needed, and not letting your mind get carried away imagining things to be worse than they are. (thank you JB - good point!)

YOU CAN DO THIS. Do you have something to do this weekend? Movies to watch? Books to read? Someone you can call to talk to?

Keep in mind that by just getting these initial days out of the way once and for all, you minimize your discomfort by NOT having to go through this over and over.

Take good care of yourself,

DG

[hillsidetime]

withdrawals

You can do it Bernie, hold fast. For me the headaches were the worst. Exercise can help if you feel up to it, healthy nutrition is important. Also I take normal vitamin D and Omega Oils (from any drug store) and this seems to help with the sleeping - and the bi-product is that they are good for your health too, and all natural.
Hill

[overittoday]

withdrawals

Hi SBeanie,
I always think of withdrawls no worse then a bad hangover...(that also depends on how much you drank). It also gives me strength over the withdrawal period...how many times did we put ourselves through bad hang overs? with me it was many - so if i can ride through a hungover than i can certainl ride through withdrawal smptoms.

I personally didnt shake and my sleeping was ok i had a headache that lasted 7 days. I drank one bottle of red a night and loads more on the weekends.

Drink lots of water, take the supplements and get lots of rest and treat yourself kindly.