Posted by ChrisK on November 10, 2001, at 4:24:07
In reply to Asking Medical Questions?, posted by Lisa Simpson on November 8, 2001, at 8:42:03
Lisa,
I am an alcoholic and have a long history of stopping and then drinking again at different levels. If you are worried about seizures with your withdrawl then you must enter into a detox program at the nearest hospital or alcohol treratment center. There you will get the needed rest along with medical attention 24 hrs/day. They will be constantly checking your blood pressure, pulse, shakes, etc. If the DT's start to get to you they will give you the appropriate med to relieve the symptoms of withdrawl. I almost always had a steady supply of ATivan to fight off the shakes and sweats.
It isn't a pleasant experience but it is a necessary one. Also, I don't know of anyone who has ever weaned themselves off of alcohol the way we titrate off of other meds. Alcohol (IMO) needs to be stopped cold turkey.
Alcohol is a very powwerful drug that can do an enormous amount of damage. I'm 38 and have suffered from liver damage and heart failure over the last five years due to my alcoholism. I was in the hospital for 6 days in September with congestive heart failure because my heart had become too weak due to the excessive drinking. It was the scare that made me realize that I will not live much longer unless the alcohol leaves my life.
Please get yourself to a hospital run detox program where you can have your health monitored as you withdraw. It's a scary proposition but one you will be happy with in the future. Please do it soon,
Chris
poster:ChrisK
thread:13643
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20011105/msgs/13749.html