Hello, I have been drinking for years... almost 22, in fact. Sometimes more than others, but more and more until I finally heard all of the words that my wife had said to me over the past 10 years (I think that used to be referred to as a moment of clarity). I suddenly realized that it was time to make a change. For the past couple of years I have been drinking 3, 4 sometimes 5 nights a week and for the past two months almost every night. I started off with light beer in the early years, actually quite drinking for a year because the hangovers became debilitating in my early 20's, then discovered that better beer did not have the same effect as the light beer. So, I started drinking again, more and more frequently. Began looking for higher alcohol content beers so I wouldn't have quite as many bottles, started brewing my own - that lasted for a couple of years, but then I began drinking too much to keep the homebrew kegs full. Over the past two months I've had 8-12, 5-7% alcohol beers per night (maybe 4 or 5 nights with no beer). Anyhow, this is all background to get to what I'm dealing with now and ask if it is common. Last week (before I stopped drinking) I started to notice some muscle twitching (thinking this may have to do with my prostate). My last beer was almost 5 days ago. The first day didn't seem much different than a typical hangover with the muscle twitching, the second day I started feeling tired, mild headache and some muscle twitches. The third and fourth days I was in a fog, headache, tired, anxious, scared, no appetite, nauseous, muscle weakness, more twitching throughout my body(technically referred to as a fasiculation, not a strong contraction, but a "flutter" in different muscles). I felt great for an hour of the fourth day, then became entirely exhausted and slept for nearly 12 hours. Woke up feeling dizzy, disoriented and weak. As the day has progressed, I have been up and down, in and out of lucidity. Feeling ok at the moment, but not expecting it to last. Anyone else currently going through this? Anyone remember feeling this way? Is this normal!?!?!? I've never experienced this before, but I've also never been at the tail end of such a long bender. Appreciate any input and would conisder it enormously helpful. I've read about some of these symptoms on different web-sites, but would like a personal connection on the matter. Thanks!
Do be advised that it will get worse and worse, and the amount of alcohol you need will get bigger and bigger, until your health starts to fail.
You say you want to make a change. I assume this means you're going to stop entirely. If so, good for you. Now that you're about done detoxing, it's time to start figuring out why you drank so much in the first place and how to keep from starting again. AA can help with this.
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Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's, and unto God that which is God's.
Thanks for the link ZZWorld. After reading some of those stories, I guess I am somewhat fortunate that this hasn't been worse. Realizing that it may become worse, but grateful to be getting away from it. I am definitely ready to recover and thanks for the tip to look into what got me there in the first place.
Well, my initial thought was, "I no longer drink, so I'll just do whatever." I am now thinking that not having a plan is the same as planning to fail, so I'm going to look into options. I would prefer to go at this on-line instead of face to face.
Many people hesitate doing it face to face or going to AA. It's understandable to be nervous or to wonder what people will think. But believe me, drinking is a common problem, and not everyone with a drinking problem is a hobo or somebody who will steal your watch. AA is full of doctors, lawyers, soccer moms, all types of people. Heck, I'm an engineer with a family and a nice house in the suburbs.
You don't have to give a name. I used a pseudonym my first few times. Everyone understands. Many meetings are big enough that nobody will notice you're new. Others are smaller. Just google it for your town ad you'll probably find a bunch, and at least a few that you're comfortable with. And you can come and go and nobody will pressure you. Here's a pretty good link:
Alternatively, talk to your doctor and maybe he / she can get you into some type of outpatient program a few nights a week where you can learn about the issue and how to start handling it. These are usually covered by insurance, and if they are not, most will work out payment plans.
Take this seriously though. Don't go back, do whatever is necessary. It never ends well.
Most people will tell you it feels like getting a whole new life when you learn to live sober.
-- Edited by zzworldontheweb on Friday 11th of February 2011 09:58:28 PM
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Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's, and unto God that which is God's.
LOL! It isn't the hobo thing, it is the doctor thing: I will be one of them. Was hoping that I could keep this under wraps, but gave it up... Going to a meeting tomorrow morning (far from home and practice for now). Appreciate your taking the time to communicate.
