Enjoy the benefits
Whether you’re cutting alcohol out of your life completely or cutting down gradually, you may notice a number of improvements to the way you look and feel.
Among other things, you might find you have more energy, that you’re sleeping better, or that you’ve lost a bit of weight.
In the long term you will also be helping to reduce your risk of developing alcohol-related cancer, alcohol-related liver disease or alcohol-related heart disease and could lower your blood pressure.
Potential alcohol withdrawal symptoms
Suddenly drinking no alcohol at all can cause serious alcohol withdrawal symptoms if you were drinking heavily before. Psychological symptoms are very common, and not just if you’re a really heavy drinker.
You can have short-term problems even with relatively low levels of alcohol consumption if you’ve become used to drinking really regularly.
Psychological symptoms can include irritability, poor concentration, feeling shaky, feeling tired, difficulty sleeping or bad dreams.
Physical alcohol withdrawal symptoms including trembling hands, sweating, headache, nausea, vomiting, palpitations and lack of appetite are less common, but are often a sign that the sufferer was drinking at worrying levels.
Severe physical side effects include convulsions, confusion, fever and even hallucinations. If you experience physical withdrawal symptoms of any kind, you should see your doctor as soon as possible.
Your doctor may be able to prescribe medication that can help with alcohol withdrawal symptoms, and will be able to refer you to a specialist alcohol team for support.
They can also offer counselling and psychological support, and can put you in touch with local support groups to help you stay on track.
Just for today
I will keep my priorities in order. Number one on the list is my recovery.
The AA Estcourt branch hosts meetings every Tuesday at Forderville Primary School from 7pm to 8pm. Contact Desigan on 082 849 3014.
The AA Winterton branch hosts meetings every Thursday at the Springfield Church opposite the police station from 7pm to 8pm. Contact Dolly on 071 688 5330 or Virgilo on 079 688 0432.
