What Is It Like To Withdraw From Alcohol?
Author: EdPhilips Total views: 10 Word Count: 474
Once you have made the decision to stop drinking, your body needs time to adjust to the absence of the alcohol in its system that it has been used to. Lets take a look at what to expect during this time and how to handle some symptoms.
Know that you can quite safely detox in the 'comfort' and privacy of your home. If at any time in the process you are worried about any experience or have had a negative experience in the past, please get help from your doctor or even a local alcohol support group. Punishing yourself for your habit with horrible withdrawals will not help you or those around you.
The first three days will probably be the worst. You can expect to feel anxious, irritable and restless and may have flu-like symptoms. Do not give up; in a week to ten days you will feel much better.
Since alcohol has a high sugar concentration, it is helpful to replenish this for the first few days. Drinking fruit juice is the best way to achieve this.
Normal sleep patterns are typically disturbed by alcohol. Should you not be able to sleep or wake up after only a few hours, don't worry. This is quite normal and will adjust itself after only few weeks. Try learning some relaxation exercises to cope during this adjustment period.
With the passing of time, you will rediscover interests that you had abandoned to drinking. Take the time to enjoy these when you can. Try to get some exercise as the endorphins will help to make you feel better. Watch TV or read a book if you wish. Set small individual goals for yourself that are obtainable. Remember that what you are going through is hard and take one step at a time. If you want to quit smoking or lose weight, do it at another point further down the road.
You may want to explain to people close to you what you are feeling. Don't be upset if they appear to lack faith in you - they need time to adjust just like you.
The action of putting down the bottle for good will not fix all of the problems created by your drinking or why you started in the first place. You will set yourself up for failure if you try to correct all of them right away. Make sure you are stable physically and clear headed mentally to be better able to work through your issues and seek help from a counselor or specialist in alcohol addiction.
Beware of setting yourself up to drink again. Prepare in your mind what you will say if someone offers you a drink.
It is not easy giving up alcohol, but by taking things slowly - one day at a time as AA puts it - and being realistic, you will succeed.
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Discover how to Stop Drinking Alcohol In 21 Days - Assured by expert Ed Philips and find further help here to help you Stop Drinking Alcohol.
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