Do you want to stop drinking?

Do you want to stop drinking? Have you tried to quit in the past yet returned to drinking shortly after? You’re not alone. Millions of people want to stop drinking, yet keep returning to the alcohol. This applies to other drugs as well, but for clarity’s sake I use alcohol as the example.

Sometimes a person has become physically dependent on the alcohol, and this presents the problem of withdrawal. Withdrawal from alcohol, when I person is physically dependent, is dangerous. Below is from WebMD:

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Mild symptoms usually show up as early as 6 hours after you put down your glass. They can include:

• Anxiety
• Shaky hands
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Insomnia
• Sweating

More serious problems range from hallucinations about 12 to 24 hours after that last drink to seizures within the first 2 days after you stop. You can see, feel, or hear things that aren’t there.

That isn’t the same as delirium tremens, or DTs as you’re likely to hear them called. DTs usually start 48 to 72 hours after you put down the glass. These are severe symptoms that include vivid hallucinations and delusions. Only about 5% of people with alcohol withdrawal have them. Those that do may also have:

• Confusion
• Racing heart
• High blood pressure
• Fever
• Heavy sweating

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So, the withdrawals can run from mild to serious. If you’re a heavy drinker and have been drinking for a awhile, I suggest seeing a professional. There are medications that can ease withdrawals and prevent serious consequences.

Some people are periodic drinkers, and they usually don’t think they have a problem with alcohol because they can always get off of it. This can still be a problem according to HOW they drink when they DO drink. A person might have gone on one too many benders, got in big trouble and decides to stop — they might be surprised if they keep returning to alcohol.

If you’ve been thinking about stopping drinking, and just don’t know where to start, talk to an addictions professional and get some guidance.