Question by J-WO: Is it possible, or even safe, for an alcoholic to quit drinking “cold turkey”?
I’ve finally acknowledged to myself that I have a drinking problem. I’m 46 and I started when I was 14, to kill the pain of an abusive father and VERY dysfunctional family life. I’ve let some close, good friends know so that they can support me. However, I noticed a couple days ago that I was becoming very irritable and nervous. It has only been a little over a week that I’ve stopped drinking. I didn’t drink every day, but sometimes I would go on “spurts” of drinking every day, and even started drinking in the morning. I also have gone on “binges” – becoming quite sick, vomiting, blacking out – the whole thing. Then I could go for a few days or even weeks , without it. However, lately I have experienced a lot of personal trauma – the break-up of a 7-year relationship, raising two teenagers, my job has been extra stressful, and of course facing the holidays. I have been handling it horribly, by drinking constantly. So, I made the decision that I truly need to quit. Alcoholism is in my family and I need to straighten up. But like I said, I found myself to be horribly shaky and grouchy a couple of days ago. So, I had one drink, a mixed drink. And I felt relief. I didn’t crave it as much and I remembered all too well the horrible experience and 2 day hangover I had a couple of weekends ago (which led to my decision to quit). I take Valium for anxiety, only as needed, but noticed on the information that came with it that it is also used to treat alcohol withdrawal. If I make an appointment with my doctor and tell him my problem, is it possible for him to adjust my dosage and handle my addiction that way? Or do I really have to attend AA meetings? I do have a strong support network and adding more meetings/appointments, etc. to my schedule would do me in. I’m a single mom and need to stop running everywhere every time I turn around. Any advice out there? Anyone been through the same thing and had success at it without attending any meetings?

Best answer:

Answer by flutterby
my brother in law finally quit cold turkey.

he was sent to a program that told him he had to start drinking again to do the program. it’s been 10 years and he is still sober.

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