I'm scared

[Newguy74]

Hey folks I happened upon this forum when searching my current symptoms.

I have a 20 odd year history of alcohol abuse. Im 47. Things have gotten a lot worse over the last 10 years. I have tried everything to stop - AA,Sinclair method, baclofen, rehab you name it.

Anyway I am just off the back of a binge which has lasted about nine months. Very little time off alcohol at all. I buried two friends in the last two weeks - one died from drink, the other an alcoholic who killed himself.

I haven't drank for 14 days but I have a pain under my right rib - a dull ache.my digestive system is in bits but it has been for years. I have developed a rash on my body of little red bumps which are driving me crazy. I have obviously pushed things too far. I am due to speak to the GP in the morning and I'm worried.

[Aotea2012]

I’m glad you have an appointment with your GP and try not to worry. Alcohol withdrawal is potentially dangerous, although given it’s 14 days since you last had a drink you are beyond the high risk period. Nevertheless, it’s always better to get support when detoxing...there’s a lot of things clinicians can do to make it easier for your body to cope. It’s mentally and physically draining and the symptoms you are describing may be to do with detox...they may not be either the anaesthetic effect of alcohol often masks underlying aches and pains. I suspect you’ve been through the worst by now and the anxiety you are feeling is part and parcel of the withdrawal which will ease or which your GP will be able to help you with. Ask for a referral to alcohol services so that you can get ongoing support- given what you’ve been through it would be awful if you relapsed now and they will be able to offer a lot of help. I’ve not had a drink for 18 months now and I never thought I’d say this.....I don’t miss it at all. I had a lot of support from an alcohol support worker who helped me understand why alcohol had become such a problem for me. They helped me develop other coping mechanisms and generally made me feel better about myself. Alcohol is a bit like a toxic friend who temporarily boosts your confidence, makes you do things you would otherwise not do, helps you forget your worries and is good company when you are with them. Once they are gone the terrible consequences of their presence become clear and you realise that everyone who was telling you to avoid them was right! You are on the right path...so make sure you have a companion on the next few miles of your journey, it will make it much easier.

[Newguy74 in reply to Aotea2012]

Hi aeotea - thanks for the reply. I have been through the hell of withdrawal many times so knew what to expect. Funnily enough it went pretty easy on me this time except that I have been left with a swelling/ dull ache on my right side and am covered in little red, itchy spots. Am expecting the GP to call me back - presumably I will be due some blood tests etc.

[mozlaw]

do you drink at home or the pub i found it giving up im trying for ayear and have done about 11 weeks .i havent got any alcohol in the house only atiny bit of sloe gin and i havent touched it try to find another drink that you actually like the taste of i still go to the pub to meet friends and drink lemonade etc and i am not touching any alcohol.if you cant resist dont goto the pub and clear out every last drop of booze in the house .keep saying to yourself i have done well today and maybe your mind will put alcohol dependence to the back of your mind .some people find meditating helpful do anything to keep your mind off booze you know yourself best and if you did succumb to one drink dont have any more .i did this with smoking i f i had one i reminded myself that i was doin it to stop my lungs packing up and instead of saying i buggered up say yes i had one but for the rest of the time i havent congratulate yourself. good luck

[Cat-B]

Ok deep breath, focus on one day at a time, 14 days is very good. You will need blood tests and probably an ultrasound and depending on the results you might need to be referred to a liver team. I know how hard it is to stop drinking but that’s what you have to work the hardest on. The basic liver diet is low salt ( no processed foods!) high protein and a good balance of fruit and vegetables. Good luck