Read up on DTs so you know if you need medical attention. To make it easier -- drink lots of water, rest when you are tired, take deep, slow calming breaths when you are stressing out, and expect to feel out of sorts.

For most people the withdrawals symptoms are over in the first five days. You might feel like you have the flu, you might feel like you can't think straight, you might shake like a leaf and have trouble sleeping. You have been pouring an addictive poison into your body and it will take your body time to adjust without it.

You are probably going to want to drink again -- your mind will give you all kids of reasons why you should: the withdrawal symptoms are scary; you need to sleep; you'll "just have one"; other people can drink, why not you?; you didn't drink yesterday so having a drink today won't matter so much; it's too hard; you're upset about something..... and on and on and on.

Just because you have these thoughts does not mean you have to drink. They are thoughts and cravings, and they will go away. You made the choice -- good for you! -- now you have to see it through.

You might be in for a rough couple of days -- that's okay, you can get through them. Just tell yourself it is only for a few days, it will get easier. Even if you don't sleep much and feel like hell, it is worth it!

Linda: You are very brave to share your feelings - I know you have what it takes to get through the beginning and on to a new life. You have a marvelous support system here, and your doctor can guide you to sobriety.

If you read the posts from others, being sober offers you a peaceful and joyful life.

Keep posting.

Linda..

I have been sober now for 3 whole days...today is my 4th day and I still have pretty bad shakes going on.....but I agree with a lot of what ExJersey is saying...also I can tell you what is working for me so far...

1) A.A

2) use this website....write down all your thoughts and urges...over and over again....you don't have to share it if you don't want to....but alot of the time it helps if you are being heard....

3) keep yourself busy.......start out with treating yourself to things you love to do....(ex. eat out at your fav. restaurant/shopping/spa treatment/cinema....)

I personally find it that physcial activity helps alot....go running or take a yoga class

my determination to stop drinking is enormous right now.....if your desire is strong enough aswell, you will find your own individual ways to learn to live with it for a while...know that it is the consequence of your alcoholism...and it's making you feel real shitty.....if you have a drink you will (guaranteed) feel even more shitty afterwards..... and it will only prolong your recovery...

that temporary ''fix'' is just not worth it...

stay STRONG!!!!!!! keep posting.....believe in yourself!!!

peace/strength/love B.

Linda-you got to get through it. Detox is hell usually, but it is not forever. I can promise you it will get better-hang in there.

Go to doc.

Linda, yesterday was my first day & night sober. I had trouble sleeping with sweating & chilling and gastro problems. I bought an inexpensive sound machine at Walmart for $20.00. It is very soothing and has several different noises to choose from. I am going to walk on the treadmill today to work off some nervous energy. I am going to try to stay busy & calm and hopefully I will feel normal again soon. Hang in there!!!! I just know that there is a better life waiting for us!!!!!!

Call your DR.
Drink TONS of water, juice, green tea.
Breathe. Go to an AA meeting and share that you are new.
You don't have to do this alone. I know I couldnt. And I'm so glad I didnt.
Welcome and keep us updated.

Hello Linda

It will get better but you may need to see a doctor hopefully one who knows a little about Alcoholism and with the way things are today a lot do.

I was lucky I was in rehab under 24hr care I had the same plus aches and pains mainly in the back of my neck shoulders and back .i couldn't sleep panic attacks anxiety .itching I would scratch until I bleed.(electric fleas.) I actually poured boiling water on it insane.I was seeing things that weren't there though real to me.

Yet I didn't need medication only cream for the itching but some people do to prevent sieges .I was feeling a little better physically after a couple of weeks but mentally and emotional has taken time AA helped me there being around others who understood exactly what i was going through and doing a lot of work on myself.

Linda you may not want to take the same route as me but see a doc and be totally honest with them you can get through those withdrawals and have piece of mind and a healthy life I did so it's possible .

Keep posting let us know how things are.

God Bless...

Lionel

Thank you for your honesty. I know it is hard but it will get better.

I prayed a lot and stayed busy. When I can't sleep at night which is often, I would read, write in my journal, write here in this group, play with my Nintendo and clean. After I got sober, my house has gotten cleaner.

Also I would recommend drinking lots of juices. I was a beer drinker which I believe has lots of sugar so I drank lots and lots of juices.

And if you are not a diabetic, I would suggest some chocolate and or candy and gum.

You are not alone.

Linda, I have been sweating profusely and feeling anxious. I also had crazy dreams last night. This was my second night sober. I do have a lot of energy today. So far, it has not been as bad as I thought it would be, but, it may get worse the farther along I get. I'm trying to stay very busy. Keep us posted on your progress.

I believe in you

Find some other local Drunks that believe in you and have been in the exact same place as you. They will help you.

Good Luck and Sober is such a great way to live, I hope you find it!!

1is2