Tapering - Managing Alcohol Withdrawal with Paresthesia with Tapering

[missparkles]

Firstly taking a chance that after drinking for 2-3 months (regularly) that you won't experience WD symptoms, is a bit risky in my opinion. Alcohol is a drug, and like all other addictive drugs there's a physical and psychological aspect involved in dependence. All physically addictive drugs that are prescribed by a doctor are usually only given for short term use because of this reason, opiates and benzo's being the two most common ones. Just because it doesn't come on a prescription, and is legally available, doesn't negate this problem.

If you use alcohol regularly (large amounts, not a couple of drinks) over a period of more than a month, I'd assume you're gonna get some physical effects when your body realises it's no longer getting it's daily intake of alcohol? But I'd imagine that those effects would increase if you've been drinking for longer. Factor in the personal aspect, not everyone is the same, some can become physically dependent much quicker at smaller doses. And it's less clear. But if you're in any way unsure, then the safest advice to give would be to recommend a taper.

Sparkles knows people who have been regular, heavy drinkers, for 15 yrs, and one day they get WD if they don't drink. She also knows others who have drank heavily for 2 months, stopped, and get the shakes. I wonder how much psychological dependence affects this? I'm not saying physical WD comes from the mind (physical WD does exist), but maybe it's effects, (most people feel anxious) might be enhanced by the mind needing to convince your body to experience symptoms that will make you feel so bad, you take that first drink?

I had to look up the word "Paresthesia" as I hadn't a clue what it meant. I thought it was a specific medical condition, I didn't realise it was pins and needles. As has been pointed out, no one here is qualified to offer specific advice, so it's always best to get some accurate medical advice. Always take any illnesses you have into consideration, and I'll stress again, if in any doubt, always taper, never just stop abruptly. After all, is it worth taking a chance with your health, for the sake of a few days?

I get the feeling that image plays a big part in the drinking culture today. If you hang with certain people it would almost be seen as unmanly, a weakness, if you decide to taper. You know the stuff "men drink hard and play hard." And when it comes to quitting booze, they're just as fuckin' tough. Well I believe it's preferable to be safe and be soft, (taper) than be tough and hard (cold turkey) and risk the possibly of damaging your health.

Suffering minimal short term memory loss, due to one seizure that lasted 60 seconds, doesn't feel so tough when you're stood there looking in your refrigerator...and you have no idea what you're looking for. Always take the safest option.

Sparkles.