When we finally make that decision to sober up and find a means of support we often feel just as lost at having made that decision. We fear sobriety, for afterall how the hell are we supposed to have a good time now? What becomes of those drinking buddies and what do I tell them? How am I going to feel if I just quit after all those years of drinking? Where will I find support? How long until I feel better? Does it get better? Is it really that hard? Can I do this deal? Who is going to listen and understand me now? Will my relationships be restored? How am I going to learn to have fun? What am I supposed to do with all that time on my hands now sober? Will my health get better? How come it takes so long? Why can't I sleep, eat, concentrate? Why are my emotions running rampant, I just want to cry and crawl in a hole and die, sobriety was supposed to be good?
We've all been there, we've all experienced the majority of those feelings and emotions, we want immediate gratification and immediate answers but it takes time, that vary's individually, all of the above vary's from person to person, but the cool thing is, you don't have to do it alone, and take comfort we know how your feeling.
Some ride high on that pink cloud for months on end, then bam, crash and burn it seems. The early days can be beautiful and peaceful or they can be horrendous, torture, tough, that's up to you how you want to approach it.
But never question that quitting is the right thing, it really does get better!
Copyright 2006, Quitting: What to Expect, CKing in progress.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
Withdrawal
Withdrawal symptoms vary depending on how much and how often you drank.
The best advice is to consult with a doctor when your ready to quit. Quite often they can prescribe medication on a very temporary basis to get through the early days.
However, because we're prideful, shameful and don't want to go that route, many cold turkey it alone, not wise, but people do it.
Many not all experience from mild to severe symptoms, again depends on your use.
Shakiness
Sleeplessness
Loss of Appetite
Muscle cramping (especially at night in the legs)
Anxiety and Nervousness are the most common symptoms.
Signs you need to get to the emergency room:
Heart palpatations
Fainting
Vomitting or Diahrea for more then 3 days
Seizures
DT's (delerium tremons, hallucinations, the feeling of bugs crawling on you)
The major physical symptoms usually last 3-5 days.
Alcohol withdrawal can be fatal, it's best to consult with a doctor, but should you decide to go it alone, have a friend or family member stay with you during that first critical week.
As mentioned, withdrawal can be mild to severe or none at all. So take good care of yourself, if under a doctors supervision follow his/her advice!
Drink plenty of fluids that you can handle, avoid caffeine, take multivitamins and break your meals up into small portions several times a day, eat protein before bed to help with sleep.
And never question during this time of discomfort you made the right choice!
Copyright 2006, Quitting: What to Expect, CKing in progress.
Post a Comment