On 9/9/05 1:38 AM, in article
m472i1t9ctu37n6e7so6b2i2pl1r1uj2u2@4ax.com,
"Heavy Drinker" <drunk@ethanol.com> wrote:
> I'm trying to kick alcohol without detox. Mostly because I can't take
> time off of work. Obviously, if my life is in danger, I have to suck
> it up. This is the last step before that one, though.
>
> I drink 12+ beers a night. This has gone on over a year - and when
> I've tried to go cold turkey I have pretty frightening symptoms. It's
> likely that the symptoms themselves (anxiety attacks, shakes,
> confusion) make the experience more frightening than it really is.
>
> I've seen some humorous and glib comments on the topic here like "I
> spilled more beer than you've ever drank". An awful lot of AA type
> reactions seem to be anchored to a sort of macho cynicism... Which I
> understand. This isn't what I'm after here though.
>
> It may be that this isn't understood atm - but I thought I'd shop to
> see if there were any MDs or other practitioners that might have some
> answers to the following questions:
>
> 1. What is the cause of anxiety attacks when stopping alcohol?
> 2. What neuro-chemical mechanism causes seizures?
> 3. What has anyone come up with vis-a-vis over the counter treatments
> for medicating withdrawal?
>
> I'm used to naturopathic treatments for common health problems. I'm
> also a computer programmer, which means I'm interested in
> troubleshooting. If the mechanism of AWS is understood, I have the
> chance to supplement to fend it off.
>
> I'm done with alcohol, but now I'm friggin stuck, worrying that I'll
> die if I just quit. Again, my withdrawal might be moderate, but part
> of the withdrawal includes major anxiety which amplifies my worries,
> and I've googled AWS endlessly, which turns up dozens of worst-case
> scenarios. Seizure. Heart Attack. blah
>
> Tonight I called Hazelden, and they told me I'll die if I don't check
> in. Well, they have a vested interest in my checking in. I'm looking
> for an objective opinion.
>
> God bless you all - congratulations on kicking this goddam toxic
> habit.
>
> - Heavy
I'm trying to kick alcohol without detox. Mostly because I can't take
time off of work. Obviously, if my life is in danger, I have to suck
it up. This is the last step before that one, though.
I drink 12+ beers a night. This has gone on over a year - and when
I've tried to go cold turkey I have pretty frightening symptoms. It's
likely that the symptoms themselves (anxiety attacks, shakes,
confusion) make the experience more frightening than it really is.
I've seen some humorous and glib comments on the topic here like "I
spilled more beer than you've ever drank". An awful lot of AA type
reactions seem to be anchored to a sort of macho cynicism... Which I
understand. This isn't what I'm after here though.
It may be that this isn't understood atm - but I thought I'd shop to
see if there were any MDs or other practitioners that might have some
answers to the following questions:
1. What is the cause of anxiety attacks when stopping alcohol?
2. What neuro-chemical mechanism causes seizures?
3. What has anyone come up with vis-a-vis over the counter treatments
for medicating withdrawal?
I'm used to naturopathic treatments for common health problems. I'm
also a computer programmer, which means I'm interested in
troubleshooting. If the mechanism of AWS is understood, I have the
chance to supplement to fend it off.
I'm done with alcohol, but now I'm friggin stuck, worrying that I'll
die if I just quit. Again, my withdrawal might be moderate, but part
of the withdrawal includes major anxiety which amplifies my worries,
and I've googled AWS endlessly, which turns up dozens of worst-case
scenarios. Seizure. Heart Attack. blah
Tonight I called Hazelden, and they told me I'll die if I don't check
in. Well, they have a vested interest in my checking in. I'm looking
for an objective opinion.
God bless you all - congratulations on kicking this goddam toxic
habit.
- Heavy