Just starting out--3 days w/o alcohol

[Janaki]

Hello! Anyone here as old as I am? Just passed my 75th birthday. I didn't become addicted to alcohol until I retired 8 years ago. A friend gave me MWO, and it appeared to me as a light out of a dark tunnel. My doctor was impressed by the book, too. He prescribed Naltrexone--otherwise, I am following Ms. Jewell's program for weeks 1 through 4. Taking All One, Kudzu, Milk Thistle, Evening Primrose Oil, etc. At this time I don't feel a burning desire for alcohol, but I do find that I have little energy, have trouble concentrating, and am restless. I also forget things, and am downright crabby. Do any of you experience these problems during your first few days without alcohol?

[Kimberley]

Just starting out--3 days w/o alcohol

Hi Janaki
Nope not as old as you - in fact I'm less than half your age! but just wanted to welcome you to MWO. Yes during the first few days if you don't have bad withdrawals (sweasting, shaking etc) you are likely to have restlessness, anxiety, irritibilty and poor sleeping patterns. But the good news is that they pass the longer you go without alcohol! Within a week I find I get a sudden burst of energy. Hope you feel better soon,
K x

[angel77]

Just starting out--3 days w/o alcohol

Hi Janaki, Nope sorry can't say I am your age yet! Although, I wanted to welcome you I don't think age matters though, I only say this as I went to a AA meeting a few weeks ago and I was the youngest and only female there. As I sat and listened to each of the men tell their stories I could relate to all of them in some way. I guess, that is how it is here on MWO. Keep posting

Angel

[mollyka]

Just starting out--3 days w/o alcohol

Welcome Janaki, nope you have a few years on me too, but believe you me age is no barrier in this place. There are teenagers and everyone up from that and we all have the same stories, worries, woes. And yes like Sheri, Angel and Kim say already, those symptoms are the norm. and should shift after a few days, the sleep and the grumpiness take a bit longer - Maybe you're just like my hubs and grumpy anyway:H:H (only joking!) Good job coming here - keep reading and posting - it really helps
Molly

[Lillypond059]

Just starting out--3 days w/o alcohol

:welcome:janaki, whats the saying you are only as old as you feel,I'm 59 will be 60 in a few weeks, you have come to the right place, great advice help understanding and support here: well done for taking this step, wishing you all the best
Lillyx

[FancyC]

Just starting out--3 days w/o alcohol

Hello!
Just wanted to say welcome. I am new to posting here as well, although I lurked for close to 2 years before I finally made the first post. Good luck on your journey!

[Doggygirl]

Just starting out--3 days w/o alcohol

:welcome: and Happy Birthday! Psst. Most of us around here claim to be 29. (I'm 52 but don't tell anyone, OK?) I was always a heavy drinker but AL started really winning the game when I hit my 40's. It's great to finally be free.

I started out much like you are with the MWO book and supplements. I also utilized the hypnosis CD's and the diet / exercise recommendations. Along the way I have tweaked my program to be optimal for me, but you are starting in a really good place I think!

That craptactular feeling is something I experienced too, and I think is pretty common. Your body is going through a lot of changes right now. Hang in there - you will probably start to feel much better very soon. The important thing is to recognize "junkie thinking" that is sure to come, and don't let the mental lies convince you to drink. (things like "now I can have just one...." "now I can control it...look how good I did not drinking for a few days..." "look at that guy under the bridge...I'm not that bad....." "see, you can do a few days sober so lets have some drinks today and start AF over again tomorrow.... etc.)

The benefits of sobriety only come with....well.....sobriety.

Hang in there!

DG

[Janaki]

Just starting out--3 days w/o alcohol

:thanks:

--to all of you for your response and support. I'm still utterly lacking in energy and longing for my white wine. Still having trouble concentrating on anything I do, even reading--and I'm a book-a-holics. Also have periods when I'm crabby, and I find myself doing odd things I never did while downing all that wine. For instance, this morning I got a cup out for my coffee--and poured it into my cat's water dish instead! I thought I was going crazy. However, after reading all of your posts, I realize that all of these symptoms are the result of my body experiencing a dramatic change. I'm hanging in there, and now have more confidence that I will be feeling better in every way with the passing of each day free from boozing.

[Doggygirl]

Just starting out--3 days w/o alcohol

Janaki, before I started taking the MWO supplements, etc. I read a lot of posts here. At that time, many people were trying Topomax and reporting their experiences. Many described with Topa, a feeling of confusion or lack of coordination - stuff like that. They called it "Topa Dopa." I was amazed when I was NOT taking Topa, but experiencing some of that same stuff. I would reverse words in a sentence, do things like you describe putting coffee in the water dish or whatever. I called that "Topa Nopa." It DOES pass.

Expect to have some cravings even with the help of the Nal and supplements. If this were easy, there would be no need for My Way Out, AA, Alan Carr's Easy Way to Stop Drinking, Rational Recovery, 7 Weeks to Sobriety, etc. etc. The tools help, but at the end of the day it is still WORK. At least it was for me.

I found it helpful to distract myself with ACTIVE things (i.e. walking, closet cleaning, shopping, etc.) whenever possible rather than PASSIVE things (reading, watching TV, etc.). Seemed like the urges didn't stay with me as long with active stuff.

You can do this. Focus on one day at a time or even one minute at a time. If you stick with it and don't give in, you will get to the place where this gets easier that much faster.

Strength and hope,

DG