Alcoholism Support Group
Alcoholism is the continued consumption of alcoholic beverages, even when it is negatively affecting your health, work, relationships and life. If you think alcohol is causing you to lose control, it's time to seek help. Our group is a safe place to vent, check in, get back up if you fall, and reach sobriety.
I am new here and am coming off a 6-day bender after having been sober for some time. I do not have health insurance nor is there a free center. I also don't have transportation and am in a fairly remote area. I have never gone through DT's or anything like that in the past. I am very upset with myself with putting myself through this. I feel horrible. Headache, exhaustion, anxiety, shakiness. Not much support as I don't live here. I have been away for work. I decided to try tapering ( I know but I have no other method ). I have had 3 beers spread out over the day. I'm on PST. I still feel like hell but know it could be worse. I haven't dealt with this for so long that I'm frightened that I will get worse and no one knows that I'm dealing with this. I'm surprised I'm having withdrawal symptoms like this although I can't say I don't deserve it. Do you think I should be concerned about this worsening? I never did AA. I have nothing against it. I follow an alternative spiritual program. I am not worried about getting drunk again but am asking what else I can try. I know what I need to do to get back on the horse. What else should I be doing? I am drinking water. I am not remotely hungry. I'm sure you see this all the time so please understand my intentions are honest.
Ugh, how I remember how you feel. The only thing that is going to help get over the physical is time-and continue to flush out your system with water.
What helped me get through that agony of anxiety and sickness when I first got sober was to read Eckhardt Tolle-and The Power of Now. It helped me so much because it taught me how to be "the watcher" of my thoughts, and even my body functioning. It allowed me to back up from the anxiety and see it for what it is: a fleeting feeling passing through me like a spirit, not going to stay forever, and is as frightening or benign as I decide it to be. Also-taught me to better "stay in the moment" and know, in the very depth of my being-that everything, no matter what, is exactly how it should be.
If you can stay sober for 10 years you can certainly do it again.
Consider the bender, as painful as it is, to be an oppty to learn something about yourself. Most alcoholics relapse, it's a reality. And the longer you stay sober the greater the likelihood you'll drink again. Also don't measure success by the distance from your last drink. If you do, you will be gravely disappointed and will be setting yourself up for another drink.
One unfortunate characteristic of us alkies is that we focus on the negative, see everything in black and white, and generally despise ourselves. A non-alkie would look at your 6 day bender after 10 years sober as a setback and would be impressed with your, dare I say it, accomplishment. Too many alcoholics will look at it as a dismal failure on your part.
You're bender does not indicate that you are some kind of moral degenerate, just that you're human, that's all. Be strong. Hold your head up high.
All the advice is great and drinking water is great. Eat just a little bit at once, the soup sounds good, just slowly. If you feel worst don't hesitate to ask for help - from anybody near to you.
AA is very good in my opinion, you can follow your program as well. Soon you'll be home, very soon. Praying helps, it helps a lot. God helps you through this, just ask Him if you will.
Wish you the best and take care! These horrible days will pass.