Addiction, Recovery Forum - Some Advice -- Mild Alcohol Withdrawal

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Q: Some Advice -- Mild Alcohol Withdrawal

asked by: Saoshyant on April 28th, 2004

New User

Greetings,

i'm a 28 year-old male, with a not-unusual-for-my-age history of alcohol use over the past 5 years (around 5-7 drinks 1-3 times a week). I also have, twice in the past, suffered from bouts of anxiety disorder, and infquent problems sleeping. Problem is, I have a tendancy to drink in response to problems sleeping, to stave off the problem continuing for more than one night.

Recently, in response to problems sleeping, work stress, stress from moving, and quitting-smoking stress (on the patch for two months--so far very successful) I responded by having 4-6 drinks every night for almost four weeks. During the last week of this episode, I started having problems with waking too early--a not uncommon occurence with alcohol abuse, certainly compunded by the summer months bringing early-morning sunlight streaming into my room. I stopped the drinking for three nights, had some mild insomnia, then had drinks both nights over the weekend, and then have not had drinks over the past two nights, and have no plans to have any until i'm sure it's safe to do so.

I have had problems sleeping over the past two nights; my mind is way too overactive as I lay down, I finally fall asleep after about an hour, and then awake four-to-five hours later and am unable to get back to sleep (i have dealt with the sunlight problems [thick curtains]). As well, I had problems with an unusual amount of sweating both nights.

Doing a little reading, it occured to me that i'm going through mild alcohol withdrawal.

My question in this -- have I ruined drinking permanently for myself? I have no intention of going back to drinking in response to stress ever again (as I get older i'm realizing how dangerous that kind of pattern is), but don't want to have to abstain for the rest of my life. I don't think i'm alcoholic (i don't have any problems not drinking for extended periods of time, no problem stopping drinking after i've had a couple, no issues with relationships, work, or responsibilities due to alcohol), but when I go out to a club or a party, I want to be able to have a few and not worry about insomnia and sweats for days afterwards.

Does anyone have any thoughts/advice on this problem? I have a work function coming up -- it will be five days since my last drink -- and would like to be able to have a few without having problems for days afterwards.

If anyone has any questions, i'll be monitoring the thread and can supply answers.

Thanks!

Replies(5)

Farrow

replied on April 28th, 2004

New User

I don't know if this helps but.. Think about honestly with yourself? Do you know yourself to be well discplined as to not fall into the pattern again? I know for me.. I'd love to go out right now w/ my friend and have a couple of beers - I just don't trust that I won't slide. It's too easy for me to do that. If you are in doubt - then maybe you shouldn't. I find the more I don' t drink, the more motivated I am to find joy elsewhere - I also feel proud that I can do w/out - your friends will be admiring you.

Good luck no matter what your decision.

Jen

fasholafay

replied on April 28th, 2004

New User

I once asked someone the very questions you are asking and they told me that if you have to question yourself or others as to maybe having a problem with alcohol you generally do have a problem with alcohol!!! At least you are recognizing it and so there is a chance you can do something about it before it cost you. My nephew just totally lost his lexus and has his drivers license suspended for a year ;not to mention all the money its costing him---he is 28 years old and he had no car insurance !! Thats what a problem with drinking can do to you. Fasholafay

zilbucks

replied on May 1st, 2004

Experienced User

I agree with the above posts, if you are truly questioning yourself as to whether or not you have a problem with alcohol, chances are that you just might. It's true that with any drug, when its been in your system long enough, and you stop, your body detoxes, becasue the levels are not as consistent- once you reintroduce (alcohol) some of the symptoms / most of detox go away. People who suffer from anxiety/ insomnia( which I do) shouldn't drink alcohol. I used to rely on alcohol as a sedative for my insomnia and what not, but alot of times it would do the opposite. I'd pass out for a few hours, then bolt out of bed and be wired. People who have insomnia, anixiety have sensitive systems- if you've ever taken a caffeine pill, or drink a few cokes or coffee, you might notice you get heart palpitations(anxiety) or that the caffeine pill doesn't wear off for a day(insomnia). So yeh point is, if you question your self/ have insomnia/ anxiety , drinking is pretty much the last thing you should be doing. Hope that helped a bit

MDS80

replied on December 9th, 2004

New User

Man u are right 'bout withdrawal syndrome. Next week is very dangerous, cause u can get a delirium tremens. That is really bad thing with hallucinosis and tonic-clonic seizures. To prevent it use valium or librium/ u must visit a doctor to get a ricipe. U also need vitamins: thiamin 100mg/day pyridoxine 100mg/day and also maybe magnesium. Blood tests required

AzumiRM

replied on August 4th, 2009

New User

I am also 28 years of age and I have been through a much more extensive / intensive alcohol problem with several detoxes failing to keep me off the alcohol , resulting in a relapse every time. I am on my 4th detox right now so I guess i have a unique insight into what treatment should be given and how relapses occur.
Firstly, as you are only a mild drinker in comparison to myself. You will probably be advised to see your doctor for a course of Chlordiazepoxide (Librium) 5mg tablets 100 of (Very heavy drinkers usually get 10mg or 25mg tablets depening). These are a sedative which will reduce dramatically (or even prevent in some cases) the withdrawl symptoms and possibility of DTs. DT (Delirium Tremens are not really likely to occur in somebody who is a relitively mild driker). Usually you will take these over a period of 10-12 days. Starting your first day with 4 doses of 3 tables- so 12 total on the first day- (actually they are capsules). The next day, 11 capsules ... and so on until you reach 0.

Example day one of detox -
3 in the morning
3 at lunch
3 at dinner
3 before bed

Example day two of detox -
3 in the morning
3 at lunch
2 at dinner
3 before bed

And so on.

You will also need to completely abstane from alcohol during this detox course and you will also need to make sure you drink a lot of fluids and take Thiamine (Vitamin B1 suppliments). Ensure that you eat properly also .. after the first couple of days you will notice your appitite will increase so this shouldn't be a problem. Avoid stimulants like caffene as these can cancel out or reduce the effects of the chlordiazepoxide.
Once you have completed your course, you may ask your doctor for Acamprosate. This will, if taken every day on schedule, greatly reduce your cravings for alcohol. Usually you get a months supply which is around 360 tablets.

I found that even just saying "Oh I will just have the one glass of wine at christmas" .. usually leads to 2, then 3 then you will go back on a downard slope.

I wish you luck my friend. And remember - Will power is key!

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