new, in need of support

[Neddy Merrill]

new, in need of support

Hi Ash, I wish I had some words of wisdom or cleverness that I could dispense and make everything all better for you, but I don't. All I have is my heart and from the very bottom of it I wish you all the best and I hope that you hang in, hang around and get it all together. My thoughts are with you my friend.

Neddy Merrill

[witts end]

new, in need of support

keep it up ash_119

[some-dumbass]

new, in need of support

ash,

some links here:

MyWayOut: https://www.mywayout.org/community/f2...hol-34210.html

HAMS: How To Taper Off Alcohol

it is possible to taper off alcohol, using alcohol, but it can be dangerous, is generally pretty unpleasant & does require considerable willpower

if you do have the option to have a medically-assisted detox using benzodiazapines (diazepam, librium, etc.), it is generally much safer & considerably more comfortable

for what it's worth, I've done a couple of medical detoxes & numerous alcohol tapers

good luck & keep safe

SD

[little beagle]

new, in need of support

Ash my heart goes out to you. I know how it feels to badly want something out of your life. Feeling completely powerless.
Hang in there. I think the advice to have someone with you is sound. We all have experienced anxiety when we first quit. My detox was nowhere as intense as what you are going through. But it really helps anxiety to have someone with you that you trust.
Fight this thing like your life depends upon the outcome. It does my friend.
:k

[Darkest Diamond]

new, in need of support

How are you doing?

Hi Ash, how are you, have you finished your taper yet? Sending you good thoughts, DD

[ash_119]

new, in need of support

sorry for such a late update. it's been a rollercoaster, emotionally to say the least and i'm curious to hear how others have coped. so i finished the vodka taper for at least 8 days now with the help of the ativan. so that was a blessing in disguise to have those on hand.

the first day ak free i can't describe how relieved i felt that i didn't have to go to treatment, that i'd be able to start my antidepressants, that, it just felt like a new chapter. nothing could bring me down. fast forward to today and i'm having cravings like i can't describe, it's confusing. . not that i want to be drunk per se, but i am stressed and know it's a sure fire way to get the edge off. yes i can use the ativan for that. . . but there's something in my head that knows just a touch of vodka would do the job so well, and i'm rationalizing (please don't judge! lol) that since i've come so far, from drinking bottles and bottles, what's 1 shot b4 bed. now i haven't done it, but i have serious cravings.

i also feel very depressed. mind you i've already said i just started the lexapro as well, and that will take a min to kick in, but in the mean time i'm having Insane cravings. the only thing that helps is chewing ice, and i mean i've gone through gallons of ice the past 2 days, and something strange, chewing on plastic (not swallowing). i feel kind of embarrassed to admit that b/c i've Never had that urge before, but for some reason it's the smell of it is soothing and takes my mind of wanting to have a shot. i feel nuts. does anyone have any experiences? should i just stay the course? oh, and the thing is, the smell of vodka is not enticing for me right now, it's just i feel like tasting it would be a quicker way to take the edge of.

[Unwasted]

new, in need of support

Ash, just wanted to send you support.:l:l I'm not much help on the withdrawal symptoms or meds, but just wanted you to know I'm thinking of you and sending you healing vibes.

UN :lilheart:

[ash_119]

new, in need of support

very much appreciated UN

[halfway content]

new, in need of support

Hang in there, ash. I quit drinking vodka four months ago and experienced similar withdrawal symptoms. Propananol helped for the racing heart and SAMe helped with the depression.
Good luck to you. You can do it!

[3June2013]

new, in need of support

Ash I admire your resolve and your strength. You have taken on a challenge that will save your life. I strongly suggest you read all you can here and look for some of the books and videos you'll see suggested. I haven't tried the CDs but others highly recommend them too. How long are you AF now? Don't let the cravings win, ride them out and find ways to distract yourself. Are you eating? Sleeping? Have you told anyone you're close to? Keep us in the loop we want to help in any way we can.

[Darkest Diamond]

new, in need of support

A huge well done to you, tapering takes enormous discipline and control, I know as at times I did it before, sometimes successfully and sometimes not!