Quiting drinking

smokngunslinger · Newbie

Quiting drinking

rrib · Senior Member

When I stopped drinking I sought the help of a psychologist. He insisted I see my medical doctor even though I wasn't having the symptoms you are.

I went anyway since I really was ready to stop.

I'm sure he sent me to the doc to prevent complications from DTs (Delirium tremens). This is a serious and potentially life threatening condition brought on from sudden alcohol withdrawl. Please seek the help of a doctor and detox under medical supervision.

smokngunslinger · Newbie

I've sought out a couple of other forums and have gotten the same response...I just don't have money to seek out medical help, nor the funds to go to a rehab or detox facility. Just hoping there is a medication I could buy to detox myself.

rrib · Senior Member

The website aa.org has a section titled How to Find A.A. Meetings. For the U.S. and Canada there are 'hotline' phone numbers listed.

If you call the number closest to your area, they can help you find A.A. meetings near you.

The hotline may also have information about which public hospital in your area that has a detox ward.

Plan 'B' would be to make sure you're not alone for the 1st few days so in the event you actaully have a seizure someone can call for help.

From wikipedia:

In the U.S., fewer than about 50% to 60% of alcoholics will develop any significant withdrawal symptoms upon cessation of alcohol intake, and of these, only 5% of cases of acute ethanol withdrawal progress to DT.

Good Luck.

Frodo · MIP Old Timer

The more seizures you have had the more dangerous it becomes the next time. See a doctor. Don't do it alone. I know it might be hard money wise but it's a very serious thing.

SoberSteve · MIP Old Timer

Most urgent cares will bill you, at least here in oregon they did for me. Just be honest with them and most will try to work it out, I even had a inhouse detox take about $20 down and bill me the rest a couple years ago. It was nice because they had drs on staff to check the withdrawl symptoms. This disease is scary and fatal, please seek medical help.

Mr_David · MIP Old Timer

My suggestion, detoxify in a controlled setting instead of on your own. They can better serve you just in case something goes terribly wrong. May I also suggest an addiction counselor. Qualified professionals like substance abuse counselors are more equipped at handling situations like these and their expertise might help you make better decisions. Any supervisory setting - either through inpatient services or a qualified medical specialist -should do. Whatever you decide to do, Chad, take some precautionary measures first, and sort out the pros and cons before you proceed. Detoxifying is tough, so be careful and be safe.

-- Edited by Mr_David on Saturday 25th of February 2012 12:16:06 AM

Closer · Senior Member

Welcome!!! If you are experiencing seizures when getting sober I can only suggest you see a proffessional to get the best advice.

chester · Member

Drop a couple drinks a day

chester · Member

I was at a 40 0z a day. Then went to a 26er, then down to a micky and down to a 6 oz. Now done 7 days and no probs

John_Stal · Member

You need to get in to a professional detox program where you will be monitored.

smokngunslinger · Newbie

Thank you all for your feedback!! Unfortunately I don't have the resources to take time off work or be away from my family. If anyone knows of an alcohol withdrawl medication, please let me know!!

rrib · Senior Member

No, but the sooner you quit the sooner you'll be past it. A.A. meetings are free and occur all day and evenings in most places so no need to miss work.

As to serious health issues - if you are drinking enough to worry about withdrawl then you're also drinking enough to worry about alcohol poisoning.

Glad to hear you still can work and your family hasn't dumped you.

I went to my 1st A.A. meeting because I woke up one morning with the D.T.'s. I was shaking and sweating so bad .... I couldn't even hold on to a coffee cup and it scared me.

I called the hot-line number in the phone book. Someone called be back, asked if I'd already started drinking that day. When I answered 'no', they said to try not to drink today and they would come take me to an A.A. meeting. 7 o'clock that night I was still shaking and sweating and felt like shit but got through the day. After the 1st day it was better.

The best medication for being a drunk is to stop drinking.