My Starting OUT

[RitaNow]

I had my last drink around 3 pm on Friday Afternoon July 29. I am officially 2 days AF. I took the nicotine patch off on Thursday July 28 at 10 pm - so am officially 3 days NF. (My last "smoke" was on June 30th.) I just want to have a "time" stamp of these dates and times - lest I never forget how (blankety blankety ^%$^ hard this is to do - and somehow fall back into this cycle!)

I must be crazy to stop both of these addictive habits at the same time ... but I just can't seem to separate the two. I bounce back from one to the other - but always have to have one going. So they both have gotta go. PERIOD.

Where am I right now? Scared. But hopeful. Hoping to gain knowledge and wisdom from ya'all. I feel like total crap the last 3 days ... but hopeful to just get PAST the "danger zone" with withdrawal. By 7 days I should be out of the woods for that ... right? Then can just focus on recovery rather than the "withdrawal"? Advice for the first 7 days needed!!!

[jessie]

My Starting OUT

Hi RitaNow,

Drink as much water with lemon, diluted fruit juices and light soups as you can. The sooner your body eliminates all the toxins, the better. Use supplements as alcohol depletes the levels in your body. Milkthistle is especially good. Exercise or go for long walks.

You don't mention how much or for how long you drank. Professional help is always recommended if it's possible. Withdrawal can be dangerous. The first 5 days are normally the worse - by day 7 you should be out of the woods. Do you have anyone to support you?

Cling to the believe that you can beat these monsters.

Keep reading and let us know how you are doing.

[RitaNow]

My Starting OUT

Thanks Jessie -

I've been drinking about 4 to 8 Brews (Beers) per day for about 2 years ... with a few days AF here and there and one 30 day stretch of AF last September. Mostly drink from Morning until early afternoon - as this is my "evening" - with my work schedule. It's strange cuz - my habit has become that I'd rather drink between 9 am and 2 pm than in the evening. Bizzar.

I've been taking some general supplements the past few days (the herb valerian root to keep me calm, a multi vitamin, etc). Looking through this info I can see I need to read the book and get a more solid plan for supplements!

My biggest issues right now are: Insomina, Stomach issues (including distention of the belly), general aggitation, and a slight "ping" of a head ache here and there.

Thanks for pressing for more. I don't really have a lot of support system. Kind of own my own.

[Queenbug]

My Starting OUT

Hya...Welcome..just dashing out but wanted to say that all of the above helped me...plus L-Glutamin supplement seems to smooth out the cravings a bit...good luck, stay strong and close to the boards...that really helped me...catch you later, have a good day x

[JackieClaire]

My Starting OUT

:welcome: Rita

Good advice you've already been given by Jessie so just thought I'd add my hellos and give you the link to the tool box.

Masses of advice in the link below.

https://www.mywayout.org/community/f1...box-27556.html

The insomnia is a devil to deal with and it does pass, same with the stomach issues. Remember your poor body has been used to a load of alcohol most days so it's just adjusting to your new AF life.

As for the agitation try and stay away from caffeinated drinks like coffee and diet coke.

Glad you've found us. Keep posting and keep reading. There's support here 24/7.

J x
:l

[RitaNow]

My Starting OUT

Thanks for the replys! Nice to feel like I'm not alone!

[Lavande]

My Starting OUT

Hi RitaNow,

Welcome to MWO, this is a good place!
Reading the book & using the tools in the Tool box to make a plan is a great way to get started

Please feel free to drop in the Newbies Nest thread for more support.
You can do this!

Wishing you the best!

Lav

[cmhguy3]

My Starting OUT

Welcome! Glad you found us.

[damo180]

My Starting OUT

Welcome Rita,

I would advise just exploring the site as often as possible, reading, asking questions.

Do whatever it takes to stay AF, go for a walk, exercise as much as you can.

The first few days can be quite tough bit gets easier in time, and the benefits of not drinking alcohol are amazing.

Hope you keep going and stick with us.

All the very best.

Damo in Dublin

[Turnagain]

My Starting OUT

Hi Rita -

Like you, I HAD to ditch both beer and smokes at the same time. I don't think it's crazy. For me, it's the ONLY way I could see beating both addictions since they are physiologically and psychologically intertwined.

I am now on Day 10. The first few days were rough. I just felt very, very tired. The supplements do help with the cravings. Do read up about doing the necessary biochemical repair. I found a lot of guidance using the book, Seven Weeks to Sobriety by Joan Matthews Larson. There is quite a bit of info from her book on the web:

Biochemical Traps

I have been following a whole food diet for quite some time. Ironic...since I was pouring poison down my throat nightly and inhaling toxins into my lungs to the tune of a pack a day. I'm pretty sure I would've been much worse off if I had not been eating good foods - at least when I did eat. Many drinkers neglect their nutrition.

I am finally starting to sleep through most of the night. When I was drinking, I slept fitfully and had drenching night sweats. The intensity and frequency of the sweats - day and night - are also diminishing. About a half an hour before I want to go to sleep - I take Valerian, melatonin and L-tryptophan. It's just delicious to drift into a peaceful slumber.

My depression lifted on the second or third day...it was like feeling the sun in my soul after being locked someplace dark for years.

Perhaps what helped me the most in the early days is sticking close to the fine folks here at this forum. It is still a crucial lifeline for me now. Wisdom, practical advice and compassion are offered generously.

I've also gone AF for long stretches before, but I was trying to do it on my own. This time, I believe is different. I have found strength here that I did not know I had.

I'm glad you're reaching out, too, Rita...

[Turnagain]

My Starting OUT

Oh - Forgot to say...one of the other things I did differently this time was to do something to 'reward' myself for quitting the road to death.

With the money I saved from the first 7 days of not smoking and drinking, I bought myself a beautiful dinnerplate dahlia (the pix in my avatar) and I made a $100 dollar donation to the local homeless shelter. I still had money leftover to open a new savings account. Every week I plan to put $150 into it. In twelve months time, I will have $7,800.

I'm not sure what I'll do with that yet, but whatever it is, it will be better than pouring it down my throat or sucking it in my lungs.

[winetowater]

My Starting OUT

Hi Rita,

I am on day 5 AF and I had been drinking about 2 bottles of white wine every night for almost three years. My only withdrawal symptoms have been extreme irritability (which lessened significantly after day 3) and some insomnia. Today I can honestly say I felt great - a bit tired, but better than I've felt since I can remember. I have been absolutely glued to this site -- reading non-stop and posting quite a bit too. The people here are amazing; it's been the greatest blessing and kept me totally centered and focused. Hang in there - you can do it, sister!

[RitaNow]

My Starting OUT

I now know what my missing "ingredient" has been in moving this forward ... YOU GUYS! I couldn't wait to get back on the site tonight! I love all the suggestions and am already adding up how much money I'll be saving between the drinking and smoking savings!

I am doing a bit better. Still feel very bloated and gassy :eeks: (just having to keep it "real" here ... as you never know when someone can say ... YES that's normal!). M'sy head is feeling clearer. My thoughts are seeming more like "ME". I took my dog out tonight for a walk and really looked around and felt like I'd just waken up from a coma. I was thinking ... oh my gosh ... this is my life ... and I've been missing it. It made me cry.

I had quit drinking for a year and a half once. I really felt like I had it down. ONE night blunder and It's taken me 2 years to stop again. This time I really feel like I hit bottom. Last time I felt I would hit bottom soon but wasn't there. NOW I am at the bottom. I have ruined my health, ruined my career, damaged relationships, and have never looked so bad. So - here I am .... all of me. Admitting that I am so addicted to alcohol (and nicotine) that it's changed who I am at the core. I'm going to find me back. There ... that's my cleansing for tonight.

I am feeling like the nico withdrawal is leveling out (however craving lots of sugar ... need to take the Glut!) I feel like I still have several days to go with the AL withdrawal. Kinds of an emotional and physical purge going on.

So here's to wrapping another AF/NF day. Day #4
Thanks ya'll .... hope you each had a great day.:h

[FlyAway]

My Starting OUT

Good going Rita. No sense in focusing on what's passed, focus on the fabulous life you're going to have from now on!

[RitaNow]

My Starting OUT

Day # 11 Nico Free
Day # 10 AL Free

This whole process for me has been "complicated" because of a medical condition I've been dealing with and had to be on a strong does of CoritoSteroids for about 10 days. I went off "cold turkey" not realizing how AWFUL that was going to be! So for the past week - I have no idea how many of my symptoms have been because of early AL or NIC withdrawal -- or if it's the steroid withdrawal. All I know this past week has been the most hellashious of my recent memory! IF the memories of this week don't keep me from EVER picking up a drink or cig --- I am truly a STUPID person! What a nightmere. My stomach has been so distended, hurts, burns, full, uggggg. I have gained at least 15 pounds of water weight. I have been ravishing hungry - but with a bloated tummy that can't fit any food. The distressing - burning gas, the hot gut burn, the headache that feels like fire. The metal taste in my mouth, the toxic feel of having a chemical cruising through my body. It's just been horrid. I realize that most of these symptoms are the steroid wd - but could have the AL/NIC made them worse?

Anyhow - The Dr. says the Steroid should be out of my system in another week. Hoping and praying this week is better than last. But no matter how it is ... I will not drink and I will not allow NIC into my body!