So I'm a binging alcoholic - I'll go for days, weeks, months without drinking, no problem, don't care - but as soon as I take one drink, I am pretty much not even on the planet for a few days.
I'm currently on a drunk and am afraid to stop because, in the past, going off a drunk has been really, really shitty. I once threw up for four days. Is there a way to not drink and still be at least functional? I know that there's a price to be paid for being drunk all the time, but am hoping that there's a way to be in withdrawal that means I can speak to other human beings.
Hi Lanky, withdrawal symptoms are no joke. It's a huge stress on your body and nervous system. Alcoholism is a progressive disease that kills people in a thousand different ways, often including suicide.
I was a maintainence drinker and a binge drinker (sort of) and the binging did the most damage, caused the worst withdrawal issues. I remember not be able to eat or sleep for like 3-4 days, crying a lot and feeling like my house was haunted and trying to possess me. scary stuff. I'm glad that I don't have to experience that any more. You only have to get sober once, and it's way easier to stay sober than to get sober.
Dean
-- Edited by StPeteDean on Friday 8th of May 2009 09:03:35 PM
The best way not to feel like that is to not drink in the first place. And ti IS possible. I used to drink like you are describing, so I know. And there is a way to have an awesome life without drinking. That is for certain. There are millions of alcoholics who are living proof, through getting and staying sober. When you "come to" after this one, try reaching out to AA. It can only help.
Joni
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~Your Higher Power has not given you a longing to do that which you have no ability to do.
Welcome to MIP, Otto. I know detoxing will be painful but hopefully you may only have to do it once if you get to A.A. & grab this program of recovery with both hands. There is a wonderful life after alcohol & you can live it 1Day@aTime. Attend meetings, make fellowship friends & reach out for help. You've a good chance of meeting others who have been where you are & can offer support through the worst of it. You're not alone & you will be loved & accepted at meetings no matter what state you're in. We will be glad to see your courage & desire to get well no matter how far down the scale you may be. I've seen many people come to meetings having even drank that day, with hands shaking & full of fear. There are many people in A.A. who have been sober awhile & can inspire you to keep your determination & to do whatever it takes to get sober. I'm wishing you well too & I hope you'll continue to reach for help everyday. Don't give in to it. You are worth your life, Danielle x
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Progress not perfection.. & Practice makes Progress!
To add a thought to what others have said, if you have a Schedule of Meetings, you might find some Newcombers Meetings, many there might be closer to the time they felt what you are going thru. Many times too, there is a wealth of people that have been there, a long time ago, usually a good mix.
Feel for what you are experiencing right now, raising your hand and asking for a Sponsor whether you are sober or not, might be a good idea. Another recovering Alcoholic that can just be there for you on a one to one basis, and help you to see your way through this. And with God's Help, it just might be the last time you ever have to go through this.
Step One, We admitting that we were Powerless over Alcohol, and our lives have become unmanagable. .
This is just a one day at a time Program, and the only requirement for Membership is the DESIRE to quit drinking.
Please stay in touch with us, and let us know how you are doing.
A Big Hug to You, Toni
-- Edited by toni baloney on Saturday 9th of May 2009 10:56:40 AM
Serious physical detox took me about a week. I wanted to drink water constantly. People kept telling me to keep sugar on hand because that would take cravings away. I had no stomach for sugar or anything else. I didn't eat at all unless someone made me for a couple of weeks. My concentration was busted for a bit longer. I almost got in several more accidents driving in that first 2 months because I couldn't pay attention to the road well...racing thoughts a lot....depression. It all became much smoother coming up on 60 days if I recall. The main point I wanted to make though is that I went to work each day and meetings. I did more than 90 meetings in 90 days...close to 130 I think. My whole first 2 months was consumed with only meetings and work. I am actually glad I didn't do detox or a halfway house (though I don't know if it's what I would recommend for anyone else). But...having gone through what I did...going to work on zero sleep, no food...detoxing, I never want to do that again. But I did do it. I guess my first gift of sobriety was losing my 50 pound rock hard alcohol gut. That was one of the most encouraging things that happened right away and I got "You look great!" like 50 times a day, so that distracted people from how shitty I actually felt.
Oh yeah...this is not pretty but...my back used to be covered in acne. I think this was from being dehydrated all the time and then sweating on top of it...and generally having not as good hygeine as I could have...So my skin cleared up completely too. Bottom line, alcohol does a body bad. Stopping does a lot for your appearance...at least it did for me.
-- Edited by pinkchip on Saturday 9th of May 2009 11:10:15 PM
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Keep coming back. It works if you work it. So work it. You're worth it!
And to get off the all about me thing...I am praying that you make it through this Otto. Your detox sounds almost worse because you don't drink for long/daily periods of time. I'm guessing it will be shorter though because of that.
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Keep coming back. It works if you work it. So work it. You're worth it!
Yeah, I'd say that alcohol is not your freind, lose it an make some new ones. AA, Detox, Rehab are all available to get the ball rolling, you won't regret it.
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Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned. ~Buddha
