What Can I Expecct, Stopping Alcohol.

[ferlew]

For many years now, I have always had one or two large V&T's before bed.
Noticed they are gradually getting bigger, and more frequent. Scared me a bit to think I may be alcohol dependent. So, I decided that was it on Thursday, and didn't have anything alcoholic.
Nausea, and subsequently sickness ensued.
Didn't have anything Friday or last night either, but no nausea this time.
Is something lurking ready to happen big time, what will happen now.
Many thanks in advance for nice sensible replies and advice. :)

[ummmm]

The nausea could have been withdrawal symptoms or just a coincidence.

[ferlew]

I did wonder about coincidence.

[murraymints]

well done Ferlew.. it really is not good drinking alcohol every day..medical opinion is that you should have 3 clear days minimum each week...you will find that you will sleep better as it will be a more natural sleep..you will feel better in the mornings ..your skin and hair will improve and of course your pocket will not be so empty !.. don't turn to a substitute though..like chocolate etc.....welll done again and good luck..xx

[Mosaic]

It depends on what you mean by 'large', and your overall body mass ie tiny people get affected by alcohol more than big robust people.
I doubt however that feeling queasy in the circumstances you describe means you are a desperate drunk who can never touch a drop again. I think you are both wise and brave to cut down, well done. You are possibly anxious and that may be making you nauseous. Or maybe you've had a tummy bug. Why not try a gentle sleep remedy like kalms if you're worrying about sleeping.

[Sqad]

well, I don't know your medical history or your age, but what you have described is "no big deal." I would have thought that the nausea and sickness was a coincidence.
As for the advice by the medical profession, it changes every year.
2 Large V&T's before bed seems not to be remarkable.

[jno]

what ummmm said. If you've just had two days off and no reaction, you're obviously not reliant on alcohol. So maybe the most youc an expect is a heavier wallet.

[jno]

"an alcoholic is a man who drinks more than his doctor"

[Peaspeculiars]

Good on you Ferflew :-)
If you haven't experienced any shakes or tremors and you aren't climbing the walls desperate for a drink, then you are ok.

If however, you had shaky hands and feel incredibly anxious, dizzy, are hallucinating and vomiting consistently, then I would have suggested a quick check at the GP as these are signs of withdrawal in very heavy drinkers and could end up in Alcoholic shock - not pleasant, trust me.

Nothing is lurking for you as you haven't experienced the above, so enjoy being alcohol free for as long as you can - It clears the mind and makes you feel less stressed in the long-run
x

[ferlew]

Thanks for the above good wishes, and reassurance. It has been 26 years that I have been having these 'night caps', and I think of late, I have been over generous with my pouring.
My last 'two' on Thursday were equivalent to almost 1/3rd 75cl bottle. No point fibbing about the amount now I have decided to stop.
Must admit it was to try and ease stress, and get a little shut eye.
I'll take it as it comes, but the thing that really surprises me, is that I am not actually hankering after a V&T, very odd.

[eanceoil]

Tell family and friends you're no longer drinking, get their support and especially through the festive season you won't get 'bottles' in your Christmas gifts. It's always hard to kick a habit, Christmas must be harder with drinks flowing everywhere you look. I wish you a happy, stress free, alcohol free year ahead, one day at a time as they say :}

[ferlew]

I can't underline enough, esp to the above user (can't quite make out the name.)
...I am not hankering after it at all. I expected to, but it hasn't happened.

[Peter Pedant]

I think you have done very well and deserve a gold star on your fridge

[eanceoil]

It's good you are not hankering after your V&T's, I was just thinking that's great but what a time to stop, I thought I was being positive for you

[ferlew]

Ahh, now the penny drops, thank you.
Mostly my family don't drink, least of all my lads, only Mr F and he can't get out to shop anyway.
But I will put the word about, just in case.
Feeling more positive now, thanks all, I was dreading seeing pink elephants. LOL.

[eanceoil]

You will be grand ferlew ;}

[DTCwordfan]

Good on you ferlew......may be some cravings and headaches for two weeks, - beat them!

Weight loss too (usually a good thing)

some squidginess below as well....nothing unmanageable....your liver is throwing out the toxins.

Come on here if you have any urges.....doesn't mean that you can't drink all alcohol....maybe just some closer moderation of the amount per week as minty says, and you are already a long way there in publishing what you have told us.

[ferlew]

Thank you :)

[murraymints]

#99,,£?mm?''9ooooo a@@a @ 9I 999on 9o

[AlwaysConfused]

the first couple of days will be unnoticeable, followed by a rocky week. Make sure you have alternatives available - not tea or coffee as they will keep you awake.