Starting Soon, nervous about it

[retronoodle]

Hi, I will be quitting very soon, Im nervous about the withdrawal effects, cause I know if I go too long I get the shakes, and feel like my heart or head is gonna explode :)

I tend to have high blood pressure anyway, so I think I will cut down first, I have heard many people say their doctors told them to cut back before quitting if they have a tendancy for high BP.

Im young, 32, but my high blood pressure comes from anxiety, my dr. has told me.

Tonight I cut out my after work drink, which is usually about 3. I made myself wait until 8pm for the first drink of the night, as opposed to 530. I think I will keep cutting the frequency until the symptoms get less.

I dont really have much care for the habit part of drinking or the social part, so I dont think this will be very hard. The only reason I drink is because my body tells me it wants it.

So anyway, I just wanted to tell someone. I havent told anyone in my life because nobody really knows. Im sure some people who are close to me have wondered if i might have a drinking problem, but noone but me knows for sure.

Today, during my ride home, it was a mix of really cool being sober, and really scary.

Well, this is my plan, I hope I stick to it.

[Jackalope]

Well, this is my plan, I hope I stick to it.

Hey there, Retro, Stick to it -- don't hope you stick to it.

You can do this and we will help you. Good move on your part posting here. Welcome!

[Babble]

Retro

Ask your doc for some medicine to look after the blood pressure.

Quitting slowly is difficult unless you are really focused-

Are you that kind of personality?

If you aren't, get help for the anxiety, and quit while you have the motivation and the energy.

Plenty of help here my friend

M:D

[John]

Retro

As a binge drinker (days not one night) I had pretty unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Remember that they only last only a short time and then you'll be rid of them. It's hard to cut down without someone to help you out because the temptation to have another, then another... is very strong. For me, it worked because my wife supervised the gradual weaning.

Getting some help is really a good idea.

[sallyGirl53]

Good for you, coming here for help and support.

When I drink, my blood pressure goes sky high. A few weeks ago I drank for 3 days (sober since), and my blood pressure was 155/138, very, very scary. I am almost 55 and that is not good.

HOWEVER, now without booze my blood pressure today is 110/72. You blood pressure will go down the more and more you stay way from the booze.

I wish you the very best. This is a great place to get help and to journal your quit, you feelings, etc.

[retronoodle]

Hey everyone, thanks for all the support .... it means a ton to me!

I was wondering, how long do the physical withdrawal symptoms last?

I know they start within 6-8 hours (from experience ;) ) but how long can they stretch out?

Thanks again everyone,

[ariel]

Hi Retro,

The withdrawal symptoms vary from person to person, depending on how much you drank and just individual circumstances.

I think maybe some of the other warriors may be able to give you more information.

The first few days according to most people are the ones they notice, and some people say that four to five days they experienced not feeling well, feeling tired, and such.

It varies from person to person.

Keep yourself well hydrated, keep good nutrition in mind, and let yourself rest if you feel tired.

Keep posting here with more questions if you have them, and I'm sure that some others will add some more information too.

Some people notice very quickly they start to feel better with the booze out of their system, and that really is a great feeling.

wishing you a great night
ariel