Once you have made the decision to stop drinking, your body needs time to adjust to the absence of the alcohol in its system that it has been used to. Lets take a look at what to expect during this time and how to handle some symptoms.
Most people can come off alcohol quite safely at home. However, if you are ever worried about what is happening or have had a bad experience in the past, you should contact your doctor or local community alcohol team. There is no virtue in punishing yourself with bad withdrawals.
Expect the first three days to most likely be the worst. Irritability, being nervous or restless are all normal and you may have flu-like symptoms. Do not give in at his point. You will see a noticeable difference for the better in about a week to ten days.
Alcohol includes a high sugar content and it is beneficial to replace this for the first few days. The best way to do this is by drinking fruit juice.
Alcohol also disrupts your natural sleep rhythms. Don not stress if you can't sleep or wake after only a few hours, this is quite ordinary and will correct itself after a few weeks. Cope with the adjustment by learning some relaxation exercises.
With the passing of time, you will rediscover interests that you had abandoned to drinking. Take the time to enjoy these when you can. Try to get some exercise as the endorphins will help to make you feel better. Watch TV or read a book if you wish. Set small individual goals for yourself that are obtainable. Remember that what you are going through is hard and take one step at a time. If you want to quit smoking or lose weight, do it at another point further down the road.
You may find the desire to discuss with people close to you what you are experiencing and feeling. If they seem to lack faith in you, don't be discouraged. Those around you also need time to adjust to your alcohol free choice just like you.
The action of putting down the bottle for good will not fix all of the problems created by your drinking or why you started in the first place. You will set yourself up for failure if you try to correct all of them right away. Make sure you are stable physically and clear headed mentally to be better able to work through your issues and seek help from a counselor or specialist in alcohol addiction.
Don't be a victim to your old habits. Prepare in your mind what you will do if you find yourself in the situation where you are tempted by alcohol to prevent relapse.
It is not easy giving up alcohol, but by taking things slowly - one day at a time as AA puts it - and being realistic, you will succeed.
