# I quit drinking 15 days ago. Am I over the worst of it? **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [December 4, 2010, 1:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-quit-drinking-15-days-ago-am-i-over-the-worst-of-it/562890 "2010-12-04T01:50:38Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2010, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-quit-drinking-15-days-ago-am-i-over-the-worst-of-it/562890/21 "2010-12-04T20:14:51Z")
**Rack-a-bones** , just be aware that having the shakes is an indication of physical withdrawal from alcohol. Physical withdrawal is dangerous and can be fatal. It sounds like you dodged the bullet this time, but future detoxes may have more troublesome outcomes. Subsequent withdrawals from alcohol tend to be worse than earlier ones. Medical management may be indicated if there is a ‘next time’. QtM, who’s detoxed an awful lot of patients over the years. ---
**Author:** ![drachillix](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/48db29/32.png) [@drachillix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/drachillix)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2010, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-quit-drinking-15-days-ago-am-i-over-the-worst-of-it/562890/22 "2010-12-04T20:56:38Z")
> [@Rack-a-Bones](#): > > I’ve noticed clearer skin and eyes and I of course feel much better during the day. I have an ex-gf running around that I saw go through several phases of sober/not sober. She looks like a totally different person when shes not drinking. ---
**Author:** ![Rack-a-Bones](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/77aa72/32.png) [@Rack-a-Bones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rack-a-Bones)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2010, 10:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-quit-drinking-15-days-ago-am-i-over-the-worst-of-it/562890/23 "2010-12-04T22:42:56Z")
Thanks everyone for your encouragement and advice. When I said 3-4 with a shot, I meant at least one shot with each beer. In looking at my old bank statements that estimate appears to be on the low side. **RandMcnally** - thanks for the article. I almost didn’t bother reading it because, well, it’s [cracked.com](http://cracked.com), but a lot of those things were very familiar. Regarding the ‘shakes’: it was only my hands and went away after 24 hours. I just read ‘Under the Influence’ and though it is 30 years old, it freaked me out a little. **QtM** - thanks for the info. Do you know a good resource where I can look more online regarding the withdrawal symptoms? Which symptoms are potentially fatal? Thanks again everyone. Your comments and advice are appreciated! ---
**Author:** ![Rack-a-Bones](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/77aa72/32.png) [@Rack-a-Bones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rack-a-Bones)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2010, 10:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-quit-drinking-15-days-ago-am-i-over-the-worst-of-it/562890/24 "2010-12-04T22:53:29Z")
> [@PunditLisa](#): > > If you were so addicted that you suffered from the shakes, then you really need to think long and hard about giving up alcohol entirely. That’s a pretty clear sign that you were in too deep. > > But, to answer your question, I don’t think there’s any magical number of days for when you’re over the worst of it. Yes, your cravings and withdrawal symptoms may have alleviated, but until you’re able to go to a place that you strongly associate with drinking (e.g. your favorite pub, a football game) and abstain from drinking without having to wrestle with your conscience over it, then you’re still in the danger zone. Ironically, I’ve found my ‘safe zone’ has turned out to be my local pub. Been coming to this place for years. I’ve let the bartenders know not to serve me booze and my friends know not to buy me booze. Everyone has been very helpful and supportive. A few times I’ve had the urge to sneak off to an out of the way pub and sneak a shot. When I feel that urge I head to my pub where I know I won’t get away with it. The owner of the pub even brought in some NA beer for me. ---
**Author:** ![Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/qadgop_the_mercotan/32/83_2.png) [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Qadgop_the_Mercotan)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2010, 11:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-quit-drinking-15-days-ago-am-i-over-the-worst-of-it/562890/25 "2010-12-04T23:25:20Z")
> [@Rack-a-Bones](#): > > **QtM** - thanks for the info. Do you know a good resource where I can look more online regarding the withdrawal symptoms? Which symptoms are potentially fatal? One can go from Stage 1 symptoms to fatal ones all too rapidly, I fear. Stage 2 symptoms definitely spell trouble. [Alcohol withdrawal](http://www.fpnotebook.com/Psych/Cd/AlchlWthdrwl.htm) Risk Factors for severe withdrawal (Delirium Tremens) Age \>40 years Heavy drinking \>8 years Alcohol intake \>100 grams, \>1 pint liquor, \>96 oz beer Patient experiences withdrawal symptoms when abstinent Hepatic Cirrhosis Stage 1 symptoms (6-12 hours post-Alcohol) Anxiety or Panic Attacks Paresthesias, Shakes or Jitters Chills, Sweats, or Fevers Chest Pain or Palpitations Insomnia Headache Nausea or Vomiting Abdominal Pain Still coherent Stage 2 symptoms (24-72 hours post-Alcohol) Marked agitation, restlessness and diaphoresis Tremulous with constant eye movements Nausea, Vomiting, anorexia, and Diarrhea Sinus Tachycardia \>120 bpm Systolic Hypertension with SBP \>160 mmHg Confusion may be present Hallucinations (Alcoholic hallucinosis) Paranoid Delusions or illusions Auditory, visual, and tactile hallucinations Withdrawal Seizures (24-48 hours post-Alcohol) Generalized tonic-clonic Seizures Brief Seizures (\<5 minutes) and may recur Status Epilepticus is not due to withdrawal Stage 3 symptoms (Delirium Tremens): 72-96 hours Visual hallucinations Disorientation and Delirium Severe tachycardia and Hypertension Severe agitation and tremulousness Fever, severe diaphoresis ---
**Author:** ![Hazle\_Weatherfield](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/e9bcb4/32.png) [@Hazle\_Weatherfield](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hazle_Weatherfield)\ **Post date:** [December 4, 2010, 11:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-quit-drinking-15-days-ago-am-i-over-the-worst-of-it/562890/26 "2010-12-04T23:25:58Z")
> [@Rack-a-Bones](#): > > Ironically, I’ve found my ‘safe zone’ has turned out to be my local pub. Been coming to this place for years. I’ve let the bartenders know not to serve me booze and my friends know not to buy me booze. Everyone has been very helpful and supportive. A few times I’ve had the urge to sneak off to an out of the way pub and sneak a shot. When I feel that urge I head to my pub where I know I won’t get away with it. The owner of the pub even brought in some NA beer for me. That is all kinds of awesome! I’ve got my own issues and I’ve found that, once your “secret’s” out, it’s a lot easier to be accountable. Good for you! ---
**Author:** ![Rack-a-Bones](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/77aa72/32.png) [@Rack-a-Bones](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rack-a-Bones)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2010, 7:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-quit-drinking-15-days-ago-am-i-over-the-worst-of-it/562890/27 "2010-12-05T19:52:49Z")
> [@Qadgop\_the\_Mercotan](#): > > One can go from Stage 1 symptoms to fatal ones all too rapidly, I fear. Stage 2 symptoms definitely spell trouble. > > [Alcohol withdrawal](http://www.fpnotebook.com/Psych/Cd/AlchlWthdrwl.htm) > > Risk Factors for severe withdrawal (Delirium Tremens) > Age \>40 years > Heavy drinking \>8 years > Alcohol intake \>100 grams, \>1 pint liquor, \>96 oz beer > Patient experiences withdrawal symptoms when abstinent > Hepatic Cirrhosis > > … Holy crikey! Thanks **QtM**. Makes me think that it just ain’t worth it. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [December 5, 2010, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-quit-drinking-15-days-ago-am-i-over-the-worst-of-it/562890/28 "2010-12-05T20:28:15Z")
Rack, try this site: > **[Drug Rehabilitation | Drug Addiction Treatment Center | Alcoholism |...](https://www.soberrecovery.com/)** > > Find the Best Drug and Alcohol Rehab Centers to treat your drug addiction, dual diagnosis or mental health condition. We are a directory of treatment centers, Alcoholism, Addiction Treatment Centers, Detox Centers, Sober Living Homes, Residential... There’s lots of info there, articles, stickies, message boards, and such. You’ll get lots of support and good info from People Who Know. Hang in there. You might regret resuming drinking again, but you will NEVER regret quitting. ---
**Author:** ![standingwave](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9de0a6/32.png) [@standingwave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/standingwave)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2010, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-quit-drinking-15-days-ago-am-i-over-the-worst-of-it/562890/29 "2010-12-06T00:33:58Z")
Once I could go grocery shopping without thinking about picking up some booze, I considered myself “over it.” First few times, I would definitely think about it and forced myself to avoid that aisle. Then one day, I just went about picking the usual stuff on my list and only realized later that booze hadn’t even occurred to me. Took me a couple of months to get to that point. ---
**Author:** ![GESancMan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gesancman/32/2923_2.png) [@GESancMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GESancMan)\ **Post date:** [December 6, 2010, 9:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-quit-drinking-15-days-ago-am-i-over-the-worst-of-it/562890/30 "2010-12-06T09:49:04Z")
> [@standingwave](#): > > Once I could go grocery shopping without thinking about picking up some booze, I considered myself “over it.” First few times, I would definitely think about it and forced myself to avoid that aisle. Then one day, I just went about picking the usual stuff on my list and only realized later that booze hadn’t even occurred to me. Took me a couple of months to get to that point. I’m reminded of a funny moment from the group therapy program I did after I quit drinking. One guy, who was recovering from meth addiction, asked “how do you drinkers do it at the grocery store? I mean, if I was shopping and there was a whole aisle with meth on display - _my God_!” \ ---
**Author:** ![Ibanez](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/a4c791/32.png) [@Ibanez](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ibanez)\ **Post date:** [December 7, 2010, 12:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-quit-drinking-15-days-ago-am-i-over-the-worst-of-it/562890/31 "2010-12-07T00:28:17Z")
Wow I guess everyone reacts to this differently. I’ve gone a week without drinking so far. I’m 40. For the past 10 years I was a 8-10 beers a day drinker, almost every day. No negative side effects what so ever regarding withdrawl. Maybe my Irish and Native background has something to do with it, I’ll consider myself lucky. The positive effects so far; I sleep much better. I’m well rested in the morning, more alert, less anxious. The reason why I quit. I figure my heart and liver had seen enough action for a lifetime and want to live past 65. ---
**Author:** ![KGMP](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/c0e974/32.png) [@KGMP](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KGMP)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2015, 8:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-quit-drinking-15-days-ago-am-i-over-the-worst-of-it/562890/32 "2015-10-19T20:33:57Z")
why are you all counting his drinks instead of congratulating him? Congrats on your experiment. I’ve found that headaches last for awhile. ---
**Author:** ![2gigch1](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/2gigch1/32/3313_2.png) [@2gigch1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/2gigch1)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2015, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-quit-drinking-15-days-ago-am-i-over-the-worst-of-it/562890/33 "2015-10-19T20:36:43Z")
I’m sure after 5 years he’s through the worst of it… ---
**Author:** ![dropzone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dropzone/32/7515_2.png) [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2015, 11:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-quit-drinking-15-days-ago-am-i-over-the-worst-of-it/562890/34 "2015-10-19T23:38:53Z")
…or tried it again. I wasn’t allowed to say it in AA, but first tries often don’t take, especially if you’ve given yourself the reward of “only beer” after thirty days dry. ---
**Author:** ![Morgenstern](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Morgenstern](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Morgenstern)\ **Post date:** [October 19, 2015, 11:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-quit-drinking-15-days-ago-am-i-over-the-worst-of-it/562890/35 "2015-10-19T23:46:32Z")
> [@KGMP](#): > > why are you all counting his drinks instead of congratulating him? Congrats on your experiment. I’ve found that headaches last for awhile. He hasn’t been around in almost 2 years. It might take some time for him to see your message. ---
**Author:** ![sleestak](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/919ad9/32.png) [@sleestak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sleestak)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2015, 10:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-quit-drinking-15-days-ago-am-i-over-the-worst-of-it/562890/36 "2015-10-21T22:57:52Z")
> [@dropzone](#): > > …or tried it again. I wasn’t allowed to say it in AA, but first tries often don’t take, especially if you’ve given yourself the reward of “only beer” after thirty days dry. This confuses me. In just about every A.A. meeting I’ve been in the fact that most people don’t get sober on the first try is just an accepted fact. Nothing controversial there. Now, rewarding yourself for quitting drinking by having a beer isn’t the accepted A.A. way… Slee ---
**Author:** ![Peremensoe](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ce7236/32.png) [@Peremensoe](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Peremensoe)\ **Post date:** [October 21, 2015, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-quit-drinking-15-days-ago-am-i-over-the-worst-of-it/562890/37 "2015-10-21T23:19:23Z")
> [@2gigch1](#): > > I’m sure after 5 years he’s through the worst of it… > [@Morgenstern](#): > > He hasn’t been around in almost 2 years. It might take some time for him to see your message. On the other hand, it may be possible that someone else has experienced something similar. ---
**Author:** ![2gigch1](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/2gigch1/32/3313_2.png) [@2gigch1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/2gigch1)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2015, 12:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-quit-drinking-15-days-ago-am-i-over-the-worst-of-it/562890/38 "2015-10-22T00:22:53Z")
Sure thing. But the person who \*resurrected \*the thread did so as if the conversation was still going, which it clearly wasn’t. ---
**Author:** ![Urbanredneck](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/ea5d25/32.png) [@Urbanredneck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Urbanredneck)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2015, 5:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-quit-drinking-15-days-ago-am-i-over-the-worst-of-it/562890/39 "2015-10-22T05:10:28Z")
Booze isnt cheap. What are you doing with the money you are saving? ---
**Author:** ![Small\_Hen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ad7895/32.png) [@Small\_Hen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Small_Hen)\ **Post date:** [October 22, 2015, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-quit-drinking-15-days-ago-am-i-over-the-worst-of-it/562890/40 "2015-10-22T15:35:38Z")
Good choice, Rack-a-Bones. I’m coming up on three years sobriety myself, and I cannot emphasize to you how much better my life is now that I’ve quit. Alcohol was my great stagnater, and now I can think and function and discover old hobbies and new ones, and better myself, and I’ve lost 40 pounds, and it is WONDERFUL. My advice: take inventory of all of your stumbling blocks. You probably drink for a reason, even if you don’t know what it is. Social fear and low self esteem were mine. I couldn’t learn to fix them right away, so I learned to endure them and avoid them, and that kept me sober. Now I’m working on fixing them. If at first you don’t succeed, try try again. Find out what works and what doesn’t. What gets you to three days? What helps you make it to two weeks? A month? Eventually, you’ll work out enough coping skills to make it to freedom. Consider counseling, AA (or other support group), or both if you can. I’m an atheist. I went to AA meetings four times a week, did not work the steps, but sat and listened and used it as a reminder that “I will not drink today.” It helped me in a big way. Days when I could not make it to a meeting, I used other coping skills. Learn to say these words: I am an alcoholic. Then, tell people. Go on. Tell your family, the people you go out with. Hell, if the subject comes up, I tell my co-workers. Enough people know that it would be impossible for me to take a drink in most any public capacity without someone expressing concern. Eventually, the phrase will become, “I am a recovered alcoholic.” Learn about liver disease and cirrhosis. Not everyone gets to see it up close and personal like me (I’m a nurse), but learn what you can. It’s a horror show that will stick with you. And if possible, don’t learn by pretty diagrams. Learn the shit. Learn the blood. Learn the delirium and agonizing screaming of hepatic encephalopathy. Learn the liver transplant doctor leaving a little opening in your giant chest incision, and each morning, he takes his gloved finger and shoves it in deep to check for inflammation. I’ve seen more tough guys cry than I can count. Most of all, good luck. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-quit-drinking-15-days-ago-am-i-over-the-worst-of-it/562890.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/i-quit-drinking-15-days-ago-am-i-over-the-worst-of-it/562890.md?page=3)