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.
The first three days will probably be the worst. You can expect to feel anxious, irritable and restless and may have flu-like symptoms. Do not give up; in a week to ten days you will feel much better.
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.
As the days go by, you will find old interests returning. Allow yourself to enjoy them. Watch TV as much as you like and try to get some exercise. Give yourself some small objectives that you know are achievable. If you want to give up smoking - do something about it at a later date - one thing at a time.
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 fall into the trap of setting yourself up to start drinking again. Have what you will say to the person who offers you alcohol ready in your mine so you will never be aught unprepared.
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.
Discover how to Stop Drinking Alcohol found at http://www.stopdrinkingadvice.org/guide written by Ed Philips and get free advice to help you Quit Alcohol Today.
