Posted by ChrisK on November 13, 2001, at 4:36:15
In reply to Re: Asking Medical Questions? - akc/Chris, posted by Lisa Simpson on November 12, 2001, at 6:14:08
Lisa,
Sorry you feel that you can't get professional help right away. A good detox will take 3-5 days but could last longer. When I detoxed in a hospital I was usually out after the 3rd full day. They won't let you out until all of your vital signs have stabilized. You need to monitor your pulse rate and blood pressure. They also watch for excessive sweating and shaky hands.
My own experience is that I start to get the withdrawl symptoms about 12 hours after my last drink. They can get really intense after about 24 hours and stay with you for 72 hours. I have detoxed myself at home several times and only as a last resort have I taken Xanax to help get me through the bad shaky periods.
The withdrawl also puts a lot of pressure on your brain as it starts to function without the alcohol. I tend to find intense anxiety problems which can also be helped with a benzo. If you have to go through it alone you may want to stay away from people for a few days because it will be very noticable to most that something is wrong. It's not an easy thing to hide, especially if you have a history of seizures.
I hope you can work this out. I'll be thinking of you.
Chris
P.S. Do it soon, it's for the best.
poster:ChrisK
thread:13643
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20011105/msgs/13851.html