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Mental Health > Addiction, Recovery Forum > Alcohol Withdrawal-depression & Confusion 2 Weeks+? Norm
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Q: Alcohol Withdrawal-depression & Confusion 2 Weeks+? Norm
asked by: surlybilly on March 14th, 2006
New User
I stopped drinking 18 days ago-i wasn't getting drunk but buzzed every night and my folks (my girlfriend, big sis, etc) complained about a personality shift that I didn't notice. Alcohol has been intertwined w/ my social life for a long time-after work, going out dancing, any party or bbq.

Could be worse, I rarely drank before evening, and wouldn't get slurring drunk that often-still, it's obviously time to stop, take an inventory, and learn to so things w/o booze. (dancing? Gods help me... ;) )

anyway, while I only had one evening where I really "needed" a drink I seem to be suffering from depression, fatigue, and a bit of confusion. Should I still, for example, still be suffering from depression and fatigue (yesterday was bad) from alcohol withdrawal or is this likely other issues?

I'm prescribed clonazepam for general anxiety but not a high dose-and i'm doing a lot of stuff right now (a couple serious arguments w/ my girlfriend, job search, researching grad school, researching night courses for career reasons, ebay auctions and a small business experiment etc)

so, is it possible for my continued depression, fatigue, and depression to be from alcohol withdrawal after 17 days? Seems like a long time from what i've read. Feel much better today btw. :)

[what i'm doing-the occasional aa meeting, seeing a counselor, had a 3 1/2 hour meeting w/ a shrink (very smart & experienced woman, but that's the evening I needed a drink.), a great nurse practioner, and getting a lot of support around me]
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shadowalker164
replied on March 14th, 2006
Experienced User
Eat, lots of whole vegetables, and complex carbohydrates. As drinkers we intake a lot of sugar in the form of booze. When we abruptly stop (is there any other way?) we sugar crash.

The old school recommendation is keep a bowl of hard candies handy. When that itchy feeling comes, and it does, suck on one. Chocolate is another recommendation.

Next time you “need a drink” and you will, find an aa meeting and tell them what’s going on. I recommend a big book study, or a traditions study, just stay away from open discussion meetings while you are still young in the program.

Try 90 meetings in 90 days, eat three square meals every day, and get lots of rest. You'll be ok.

Richard

p.S.
Get a sponsor and work the steps
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