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.

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I can't freaking sleep.

41anddone
41anddone

ok this not sleeping thing is really getting to me. I am getting so cranky. It is hard to keep it together and do the things you are supposed to do when your tired. (yes I even took the advise of going to a meeting but I was tired as crap but I went) does anyone have any ideals of some kind of relaxing coping skill for this. Walking past the store it is starting to get more tempting everyday.  Today I even walked into a store thinking just one beer. I walked in and froze. First thought was what am I doing. secondly I realized I walked into the one store in the whole town that does not sell it. I just walked out and went home. Shaking my head the whole way. My security blanket is gone. Alcohol was a thing I used to help me sleep. I also do not want to turn to sleeping pills because I am really trying to stay clean and I am not sure how my body would react.

Scrofula
Scrofula
Insomnia really blows during withdrawal, especially when your nerves are already shot. Are you just coming off, or is this a PAWS sort of thing?
If I suddenly stop after a bad bender, I'll take benadryl to help sleep. The only problem for me, is that if it doesn't knock you out, you might be in a weird half-nightmare state all night.
If you're a ways into sobriety, it's probably more of a depression issue.
"Sleeping Pills" is way too broad. You can get anti-histamines over the counter. Some people take Ativan, which is a benzo, so you might avoid it. Same with the Z-drugs, like Ambien--those are related to benzos, but from what I know less addiction risk.
So like me your stuck with telling yourself to go the gym, and then not going.
And drunks shouldn't be afraid of anti-depressants. Talk to a doctor if it's really got you down.
msmermaid
msmermaid
I was going to suggest Benedryl too. I have taken it occasionally when I haven't been sleeping well. Talk to your Dr about any other options. Make sure to limit caffeine. I turn to my Diet cokes now that I am not drinking I I have to limit that to none after around 2. There are sleepytime teas that have helped me too.
Community Leaderbobinmaine
bobinmaine
Those night time medicines like advil PM use to make me sleep like a baby but I rarely took them because they made me groggy the next morning.

If you don't know this already, Just to clarify, PAWS stands for post acute withdrawal syndrome. I wouldn't worry about it at this point in time and like the others have suggested, talk to your doctor if the insomnia continues.

God Bless
41anddone
41anddone
Thanks everyone!
41anddone
41anddone
Today I got a call that will change my life. I was supposed to go on the 10th to get my medical assessment for rehab. I think that just the worry was messing with me. Yet today I got a call saying come in Thursday @ 1. Now I really do not have the time to panic which has lifted a great weight off my shoulders.
itsjustme8
itsjustme8
Have you reached out to a medical professional? Some medications could prove useful as you're working on keeping sober
Impermanence
Impermanence
Ask the doctor if you can take Trazadone
Community Leaderbobinmaine
bobinmaine
I remember there was a wait of a few weeks for me between detox and the beginning of a new IOP class so I voiced my panic to the people in detox and they set me up with a couple of one hour counseling sessions in between which I looked forward to. They really helped calm my nerves while I was waiting.

God Bless
1is2many
1is2many
The disease of alcoholism had me fooled that I needed booze to sleep. BS. I needed booze because I was addicted to it. It is a DRUG and highly addictive.

Find a replacement for the boozing. I quit a bunch and would obsess about what i was not doing (boozing) This time I step back and take a look at what I am. I am up earlier in the am, I am engaging with my family, I am producing at work.

The focus must be on the prize , sober. It gets better
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