Drinking Moderate-Heavily For About a Year, Quitting. What to Expect?

by Bill
(Wisconsin)

I'm 23 years old and have been drinking moderately to heavily for about the last year. Only recently (last 2-3 months) when I became unemployed has it gotten very bad. It's gone from 2 or 3 beers a couple nights a week with friends to a 6 pack or more 4-5 days a week.

It needs to stop as it's damaging both my health and finances and would like to know what to expect. Last night was my first night (had one beer to steady the nerves, a mistake) and I could barely sleep. How long will it take this to go away? Something tells me 3 hours of sleep broken into 20 minute segments isn't enough.

Most of the information I find seems to pertain more to heavy drinkers of many years, although alcoholism does run in my family on my fathers side and I realize it could exacerbate the problems. Any and all tips/info are welcome.

Alcoholism-and-Drug-Addiction-Help.com Answer

Hi Bill

Alcohol withdrawals are different for everyone, but give it roughly a week and you should be feeling a lot better. So patience is always key.

At the same time you need to be careful, because going through withdrawals, especially when attempting to quit cold turkey, can be dangerous, even life-threatening, especially for severe alcoholics.

So you need to bear that in mind, even though you don't fall into the severe alcoholic boat yet. Still, the best advice is always to manage the withdrawal/detox process by doing it under medical supervision just to be safe. You wouldn't think anything overly bad will happen in your case, but it's still better to play it safe.

Usually the first 3-4 days are the worst though, and then it should start getting easier, and hopefully after a week or so you're feeling back to normal again.

All the Best

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