Should I taper off alcohol or quite cold turkey? TERRIFIED of withdrawals

[Annrosee]

Hi I'm a 22 year old female and I've been drinking daily for about 6 months now. I usually drink about three beers and a half a bottle of wine, so I don't know what that adds up as. I want to quit but I am terrified of all the things I read online about withdrawing. Likes having seizures or even death. I want to know if in any of your opinions should someone who has been drinking the amount I have in the period of time I have taper off alcohol or just stop cold turkey? I usually will drink until I'm decently drunk every night. I usually start at night around like 9 and stay up until about 4 am drinking on and off. Then I'll eat. I also have annorexia and have lost a lot of weight recently so I am afraid of that. I am 5'5 1/2 and weigh about 104 pounds. Could my weight make withdrawal symptoms worse? If anyone can help me I would greatly appreciate it. I am terrified of withdrawal and am really alone on this and could use any kind of support. :( thank you

[CML2014]

Hi Ann,

Good for you to realize you have a problem while you are in the early stages and still young.

You say you have been drinking 6 months and that is not a long time. It is the amount of alcohol that you drink in that time and how your body has adapted to the amount you drink.

Some people drink for years and never experience withdrawal symptoms bad enough to warrant medical attention. You have probably lost this weight due to the fact you are replacing food with empty calories of alcohol.  You could also have mild depression. To be on the safe side I would seek council from your family doctor. He can prescribe an antidepressant if he feels it is warranted and you will have him to consult with during your withdrawal.

Weaning yourself off alcohol does not work. If you are serious about getting sober it is cold turkey. You will have some withdrawal symptoms, but they may be mild. like night sweats, anxiety, lack of concentration and heart palpitations. This you can deal with yourself.

Best to be honest and open with friends , family and doctor so they all are aware of checking in on you.

Congratulations on realizing you need to stop. I wish you all the best. Check in here during your withdrawal, lots of people here to help and understand what you are going thru.

Sincerely.
CML  

[hectar1]

You are half way already.. you know you want to quit. Quitting cold turkey is hard and the withdrawal can be pretty bad but know that you can get through it and a lot of people have done it before. Make sure there is someone to check on you from time to time. Get rid of all the alcohol at home. Eat clean and drink plenty of fluids. Good luck!

[kelsie66]

I've been there myself ! I would not go cold ! Weaning yourself down takes a lot of discipline , which most of us with addictions don't have but,you could try it . I suggest having a friend stay with you if you try at home. I would also suggest going to the Dr's where they could prescribe you Valium to keep your nerves straight and make at home Detox less scary ! One more idea , You could also try a Detox center . I wish you the best of luck!

[MrsLanne09]

You have to lean yourself off alcohol withdrawal can kill you it can b done thoe I have done it