The Stages of Alcohol Withdrawal 

I was drinking cinnamon whiskey 7 days a week. Drunk every time, for years. One night, while drinking, I got down on my hands and knees and asked for help. I didnt want to be sober for a year, a month, or even a week. I asked for help keeping me sober for a day. That's it. A day. When I made it, I got down again and asked for another day. And then another. 15 days sober now. I'm in the gym every day. There's a hole in my life and i'm trying to fill it with something else. Lord, give me the little extra to make it through tomorrow. I can't make my kids bury me yet.

I stopped drinking on Aug. 30 and now it’s Sept. 30. I feel good now, but during my detox smh, I was sweating a lot, I had a raised heart rate for the first week. Then came the weakness, headaches, stomachaches (worse than cramps) no sleep this was for one week. Then the heartburn came smh really bad, day and night for about two weeks. This is my third day waking up without any of those symptoms. I have adapted an healthier lifestyle. For one, I’m drinking over 1 gallon of water a day now(never imagined I’d be doing this) I’m making healthier choices in my diet. Lastly, I’m now exercising between 4 to 6 days a week. On Aug. 30, I weighed in at 260 lbs and today on Sept. 30 I weigh 239 lbs. I will stay sober and continue on with healthier lifestyle. I just wanted to share!!

Day 2, we’ve got this! Sending love to anyone dealing with alcoholism or currently recovering ❤️

I have never met a strong person who has never been thru hell in their life. Quiting alchohol is hell. I'm five years sober now.

After heavy drinking every day for years I quit cold turkey. I ended up in the ICU in a 10 day coma. Scary time for me......very.......scary.......time. Celebrating 6 1/2 years sobriety. I'm left with cirrhosis of my liver and kidney disease all because of alcohol abuse but by God.......I'm still here to tell my story.

Alcohol should be a class A drug. This shit is poison.

5 months sober, it's nice waking up early everyday and not feeling like crap. I've already dropped 30 pounds without much effort. Life is so much better wo alcohol in my life.

I successfuly quit alcohol. Its 10 months now I didn't touch it and feel happy for that..

6 days sober now after chronic alcohol abuse on a daily basis - had a week from hell last week dealing with the withdrawals. Completely done with it and want to remain sober. Wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. Stay strong people ❤

Not drinking has been my most favorite decision I done in life.

I have been sober now for 26 years. 12-12-93.

I drank for 30 years +. Im now 4 years sober. Greatest decision of my life. Once all the physical withdrawal are over, then comes the reconciliation of life events. Never again. Life is good now.

My father was a hard core alcoholic. I grew up witnessing everything described in this video. He would be normal for a few months and then nearly incapacitated drunk for days sometimes weeks on end. He was in the Army when I was young and they seemed to enable this addiction looking back. I remember the MPs bringing him home and just dumping him on my mother so many times. As a child I didn't understand what I was witnessing and as a teen I was powerless to intervene. Thankfully he was never abusive. It finally killed him (stroke) at 62 years old. When mom and I cleaned up his residence we found enough stashed and hidden liquor bottles to fill a large trash can. Aside from the alcoholism I loved him and miss him. Sober he was a great dad and led me into a fulfilling life. Bless my mom for the anguish she endured staying by his side for so many years. They are both gone now and I am thankful to have been their son.

I was self medicating with alcohol for 20 years. I never let a day go by without alcohol. Now I know why I had anxiety and depression so intensely. I went through acute alcohol withdrawal in the hospital and in rehab I was properly medicated. Now I am sober 1 year and 10 months and stable. No depression, no anxiety and no need for alcohol.

I see all your guys stories on here and it's helping me through, today is the day I stop. I'm only 28 and I have a problem with booze. Stay strong everyone 🙏

21 months ❤️ everyone please keep fighting!

The only way I was able to completely quit was due to asking God. Laugh if you must, but I left a 6 year relationship and quit alchohol only by the grace of God. I couldnt of done it alone. . Believe me I tried, for years..

The withdrawal symptoms snuck up on me. At first, I didn't know what it was. This is the worst feeling a human could ever feel. The shakes I don't miss. Over 2 years without alcohol, I am so blessed and pray for anyone going through this awful feeling.

I've been drinking, smoking pot and chewing tobacco for 20 years. I'm on day 3 with out any of them. I'm constantly sweaty, fatigued and short of breath. I know it will get better.

On my sobriety journey 204 days after alcohol abuse it’s a new world out there

1 week in. Just cannot waste another day of my life with yet another crushing hangover. It’s ruining my relationships, my job and my whole life. I want better things than just getting smashed every other day. Good luck everyone.

Alcohol and cigarettes addiction actually destroyed my life. I could remember several years ago after divorce with my husband which brought me into my disastrous journey on Alcohol and cigarettes. I suffered severe depression and mental disorder. Got diagnosed with cptsd. Not until a friend recommended me to psilocybin mushrooms treatment. Psilocybin treatment saved my life honestly. 8 years totally clean. Much respect to mother nature the great magic shrooms.

After 8 months of sobriety, I can't believe I am needing to watch this again. Thank you for all of the information.

It's worth it for the first morning you wake up feeling well rested and ready for a perfectly normal day.

Going through the more mild symptoms tonight shaking like a leaf, sweating, insomnia, heart pounding, extreme anxiety. I thought I was having a heart attack but just suffered from a panic attack I think. Thank god my boyfriend was there to calm me down. Almost 24 hours in now. Alcohol is a poison, but reading all of your stores in the comments has really helped my anxiety calm down.

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

Great video. 6 years ago I drank myself into a coma. The doctors were amazed I made it out alive. I have been sober for 6 years and now working on my doctorate degree in Neuropsych. Quitting alcohol was the best decision I have ever made!

I started getting panic attacks, severe anxiety and mental fogging.. I'd get thoughts of dying and sweating cold.. fast heart rate and my mind just couldn't focus.. like I was losing my mind.. I'd hear voices and dream evil demons

11 days and still counting 💪 have been drinking more than a bottle of hard drinks for the past 7,8 years on a daily basis which has led me to financial crisis,family breakdown and health issues... Finally Im trying real hard to quit this time. In just few days I've saved up some few amounts of money which I usually used to spend on drinking.... Finally I realised life is better in reality. To whoever is reading this,it's all in your mind and if I can,You will get through this aswell.

I knew alcoholism was bad but WOW its so much worse than i though. 2 of my uncles drank themselves to death. Needed shots of vodka just to function and stop shaking. I hope everyone can get away from that poison

Im 23 been drinking since I was about 14 but it was never a problem till this past year . Im 2 days in , having headaches , stomach aches and mood swings , and chills . But I think I can make it through, I've also stopped smoking pot. I think I can do it. Tired of losing.

This is real!! Exercise and eat well... it makes everything easier

My mom suffered from alcohol abuse for 42 years until 6 months ago when she lost her life to the disease during a withdrawal. I cannot explain the deep pain I feel in my soul. My prayers go out to each individual fighting this horrible disease.

The withdrawals were awful.. I got detoxed in the hospital and rehab.. one year sober now.. paws lasted 2 months.. but it's sooo worth it! Never felt better ♥️ good luck everyone ♥️🤘🏻

Today is my day one. I am alcoholic and I want to stop.

Today is day 6 for me. I'm in a sober living facility which helps. I'm past the worst of the withdrawal, thank goodness. To anyone trying to recover during Covid, you are EXCEPTIONAL. Keep going. It will get better.

So far I consider myself lucky. I just went through alcohol withdrawal last week. It just happened that I was already in the hospital for a different reason. When the doctors saw what was happening they kept me belted down (I had become violent even though I don't remember any of it) and gave me the care I needed to get through it. My next step is to find a local support group to help me carry on. Wish me luck.

I'm going through it now. Sweating profusely, shaking like a leaf all over, can't keep anything in my stomach.

My sister was there through the brunt of this. I'd sleep in her room when I was scared and she'd listen when I was seeing things, and she'd ask questions and we'd even laugh. It's huge to have someone there to talk to through these things... absolutely huge

I just stopped a couple days ago. I brought my self down to 6-8 beers a night. It used to be 500ml-750ml daily of whiskey or vodka back almost ten years ago. Within a 3-4 hour window. I’m glad I didn’t go cold turkey then because I was experiencing these moderate to severe symptoms the entire day until I had my next drink the following evening and didn’t know why. Switched to malt liquor when I started learning more about alcohol for a while and eventually cut further down to beer. Cold turkey. It’s been 48 hours. All I did was sweat and feel a little irritable. High blood pressure and heart palpitations too but I have had those two with me for a few years now. Happened the last time I stopped years ago as well. And then nothing after the first few days. I’m lucky. But I think I’m done gambling with the sauce. In the end the house always wins. So i’ll quit while I’m ahead, take my chips while I still got em, and cash out. This is just the beginning, and I know there are some demons waiting for me on the road ahead. I’ll deal with them as they come. Not worried one bit. Good luck fellow weary travelers.

im on day 3, thanks for sharing your experience. Im going through monitor withdrawal, depression insomnia, couldnt sleep last night but slept a bit from 12-5pm. good luck on everyones recovery

Thank you for this video. I am a nurse and I am doing research on alcohol withdrawl so I can create a policy/procedure on alcohol withdrawl. People don't realize how dangerous this is! If someone is with drawing from alcohol it can be a medical emergency. We use the CIWA assessment and medicate with Ativan according to the CIWA score. Patients can have seizures, HTN, tachycardia, DT's etc..As nurses we want to keep the patients safe, medicated appropriately, prevent seizures or DT's. I wish everyone well in their sobriety, it is hard but it can be done! Also if you do go to the hospital (which I highly recommend) be honest with your doctor/nurse. Tell them how much you drink. We are not here to judge you, we are here to help. I hope everyone gets the help and the resources that they need to stay sober.

It’ll be a year October 1st. I had moderate withdrawal symptoms but I wasn’t a daily drinker, when I drank it was a lot though. And had been drinking since 15 years old. I still struggle with depression and anxiety for the most part. I’ve picked up yoga everyday which helps keep me mentally balanced. My sleep isn’t the greatest some days but better than when I was drinking. Hope to never drink again, I prefer me sober ❤️

I'm finally feeling better after a 4-5 day alochol withdraw and I'm actually sober. I'm still addicted but I don't wanna drink anymore but it's too hard when it's easily accessible and I use it to cope with my social anxiety

Does anybody feel itchy skin within 24 to 48 hours after last drink? UPDATE!! I've been sober for closer to 2 years now. I didn't do rehab just tons of counseling and still to this day. Hope everyone is doing good lol I didn't realize how many replies u got after a year ago. Cheers!

7 days in and I have the worst headaches after day 3 still, I drank every other day for years sometimes 2 days on weekends, I’m done this time after a horrendous hangover had me scared with crazy anxiety, I really hope this headache will go away soon. God bless everyone on here trying to make a better life.

Guys tonight is my last night I'm going to have to face the withdrawal tomorrow and I'm in the military so i have to do it in a shitty barracks room with a roommate that would never understand. Please pray for me I bought pedialyte and water to help a little. I've been through withdrawal many times before and I'm only 24. Wish me luck.... love you all

This guy really knows his stuff. Trust me I've been through it and I totally relate.

I quit drinking bourbon 6 yrs ago. When I lost my father to addiction. I still drink beer everyday. This is also ruining my life. Day one of sobriety. Its more depression anxiety small shakes and a sense of sudden doom. I prayed to god this morning to take it away! If I dont do this, then I will seek help. Thank god my wife is NA recovery of 4 yrs. She is a strong person to put up with me

15 year on the sauce, literally the hardest substance to get off.

Im 39 ive been drinking since i was 23 i had to stop i pooped blood my body was yelling at me to stop i stopped in may 27 for 6 weeks it was hell it sas so bad i was sweating having nightmares i bought cbd to help my anxiety i was drinking non alcohólic beer then i started to drink in july for 2 weeks it was bad all over again i stopped cold turkey no non alcohólic beer nothing i focused on working out and im so happy im loosing alot of weight i don't crave beer no more it was like a miracle and i don't need it in my life my focus in life is so much diffrent im so happy i know im good i pray daily and thank god for helping me stop

Full body cramps, vomiting, shaking , uncontrollable heart rate and sweating . Gastritis, bloating and inability to eat ... But yet alcohol is legal 🤷

I’m a combat veteran. On the verge of losing my entire family because of my drinking. Going to the VA tomorrow for help.

2 days ago i came off a pretty bad binge i though i was either going to die or go insane, i couldnt even hold a glass to have another drink, i ended up at a withdrawel clinic, they talked me down, i hope i can beat this, i understand and what you guys are going through, its so important to hear this from other people

Today is my day one. 10 years of daily drinking and I'm so tired. I've lost so much. Today's the day, wish me luck!

I'm on day 2 of my 3rd or 4th attempt at quitting in the past 20 years. I've only made it two months at the longest. Anyway, I didn't know the hyper-reflex was a symptom. What a relief! I literally shrieked maybe 4 times yesterday when one of my dogs would brush by my foot or appear in a doorway. I hate that feeling of complete fear as if I just got jump-scared at a haunted house over the most mundane things. I'm glad it will pass.

I’m gathering information to prepare to try and help my dad. He’s 77 years old and in major denial about his problem. It’s done major damage to our family and I can’t watch him or my mother, or myself suffer any longer. Thanks for this great video!

The part about drinking bitters really got to me, I remember drinking vanilla extract just to tide me over until the liquor store opened. Sober since 7-24-2015.

Never be too ashamed or afraid to ask to speak to someone about your addiction. There are literally millions recovering worldwide who would love to be of help. You see, when you receive the gift of sobriety, you want give it back over and over; that in itself is a crucial part of recovery.

I went through each stage of withdrawal multiple times. That will teach you, if you don't die. 10 years in 2.5 weeks. Hope I make it.

Wish this would have popped in my feed before the other hundreds of wasted minutes! Best content here

Thank you for posting it especially since you found the courage of spending a king out of your experience. I have known people who suffer from alcohol addiction and I have heard the horrible experiences people go through. I love a good glass of wine but I never got into drinking so much but I feel that people regardless if they experience these symptoms or not they need to know and you explain very well with simple words exactly as people need it! Well done and good job with everything.

After watching this I couldn't help but sit down and cry , alcoholism killed both my parents and both my brothers I thought I was immune but am Trapped in a cycle of misery

This saved me from bouncing back into it, day 6. Appreciate all the super helpful information it was very calming.

I am on day 45. I feel amazing.

Thank you so much for this. I am on my 3rd day of sobriety. I have quit many times before but always went back. Videos like this are all I am watching lately and I am taking it very serious this time. I have ADHD and severe depression but because of videos like this, it is making it easier and actually enforcing to me see how much I truly do want to quit. They show me just how bad alcohol is and the constant reminder of the benefits of not drinking. I will post back after 30 days of sobriety. I look forward to posting that! God Bless!!

i dont know if you read these but you have helped me so much with this video i can not thank you enough.

Age 17 to 26 I did virtually nothing but drinking and partying, trying different things and generally just getting f***ed up downing Vodka whenever I could. I got so tired of waking up hungover and feeling sick/weak... one day I just had enough and knew I had to quit but what came after when trying to get clean was so awful I don't want anyone else to experience it. Been clean a year now and I have realized how much time and money I've spent running away from my problems instead of facing them, it's sad and embarrassing to think about... but better late than never. Hope everyone's doing alright 🙏 if you're going through it you just have to trust that it WILL GET BETTER. Hang in there a while longer and you'll see things start changing for you. Alcohol is such a powerful and poisonous drug, don't underestimate it!

This is such an accurate description of my current situation. Wouldn’t wish this even on my worst enemy.

Thank you so much for this video. I have one of those persons that is trying to stop drinking alcohol. Been drinking a pint of vodka a day for 10 months and it's time to stop. I like how you broke down the different stages and different reactions too personal body types. Thanks again, the video of ever help me out.

I’ve been in recovery since October, so AA and detox and the hospital and kindling. I growing a tolerance to benzos and can take up to 60mg of Valium in an hour and not feel anything and the brain zaps at night and insomnia, going to detox one more time because I got engaged and I pray for anyone going through this 🖤 go to a doctor or taper. It’s not worth loosing your life for

Thank you so much for your wisdom. I am a completing an 18 month substance abuse counselor class and this was really helpful.

Im ready and here we go. I wish all yall luck. The comments calmed me so thanks for that. Im scared but excited for this new chapter. Good luck to all.

Thank you so much for this! My brother is in ICU detoxing right now. Hopefully he will be stable enough soon to talk on the phone. The nurses are taking good care of him. Congratulations for everyone who is on the wagon! I hope my brother will be just like you soon!!

I'm on 8 days no alcohol, doctor advised. Blood test tomorrow to check my bp.....been having trouble with my bp. Not having any of these symptoms.....I don't really miss it either......hopefully, it stays that way. 😮

When you improve yourself you improve the world.

Excellent advice!, Thank you! I have been through the worst of alcohol addiction and addiction in general. I have detoxed countless times and suffered the most horrific withdrawals. Every time I did this alone and never sought medical attention. I was truly frightened and alone. After decades of this and 2 DUI's I have sworn never to drink again. My last episode was 18 months ago and I'm not even tempted to drink. This video can help many others who are struggling with alcohol addiction.

9 months no alcohol,cold turkey,was hard but feel and sleep better,smartest thing ive done

I suffered heavy DTs I was up to a pint or more a day. I saw things heard things felt things..... Ended up wandering around the city ended up at my moms house she took me to the hospital had a seizure.... Was told if I had another one It would be it. Long story short almost a year sober now if I can do it you can do it seek help!!!

I have been in a detox unit twice(not for alcohol) i was really shocked that out of all addictions alcoholics went through hell withdrawing. Seeing the mess they arrived in was bad enough but it took around 6 days before they understood where they were,why and/or put words together to make a coherant sentence. The opiate users went through terrible pain etc but supported each other through it and agreed that alcoholics had the worst withdrawl over a longer time.

Sir i appreciate you doing this video.i needed to see it.from the bottom of my heart...thank you for what you do.god bless you

I went through severe withdrawal aswell my friend scary had seizures thank god my wife stuck with me:)

This takes me back to some pretty scary times/memories...so unbelievably grateful to be so far past that point in my life. I'll never not re-live the withdrawals when I hear the subject raised.

6 months sober now. Still i am feeling anxiety and mild depression . The Alcohol widrawal is hell indeed .. :(

Mr Scott … I’ve been on the internet trying to find tips to help my sister who is an alcoholic…your explanations, tips and honesty are so helpful to me and I am definitely going to use this knowledge to try to help her along with her journey…thank you for your insight! 🤞

16 days today and on 7 different medications so far no seizures or anything. Definitely have high blood pressure. Keep fighting

Thank you for posting! So many people need to hear this!! ♡♡♡

4 days please pray for me

99 dislikes don’t want to face reality..don’t learn the hard way a couple dui’s later made a believer out of me my wishes to everyone trying to kick the habit💫💕💕💕💕💕💕💕

I drank I every day almost a half of a 60 of rum and beer etc for the better part of 10 years. I was losing everything. My friends. My jobs. My health. I decided to stop over a month ago. The first weeks of withdrawals was literally the worst week I've ever had ever. But it was worth it. I feel amazing now.

Best video yet, thanks for uploading this.. Helped my anxiety and depression

Been sober for 164 days now...still feeling a little down. This helps a lot. Thanks brotha.

i was drunk almost everyday for 2 years. i felt like it was starting to ruin relationships and my life. im day 4 sober , it feels good saying no to drinking but the night terrors. cold sweats. tremors and hallucinations are insane. but i know it will be worth it in the end

Entering "In-Patient" rehab tomorrow morning. Thank you for this video. I saw a LOT that I did not know before. Thank you. And may your journey, continue to be fruitful. And, to the others like me...my prayers are with you also. I am excited and scared, but, I know that I am not alone.

I am sharing this video with my Homeward Trust people. My company did a focus group to ask how they could better their programs since repeatedly the people they take off the streets and put in apartments continue to use even though they are trying to quit their own lifestyle. Having their clients subscribe and watch these types of videos helps us when our therapists aren't available. Knowledge is power.

When I was 12 I started to have anxiety & panic attacks around people and in public. I have a very difficult time meeting, talking and forming bonds with people. I've always been kind of a loner with the exception of a few trusted friends. I tried weed to help with my anxiety & panic attacks but that only made me more paranoid so I quit that. Tried smoking cigarettes, that helped calm me down but with the addiction factor, the health aspect and financial part outweighed the one benefit so I quit cigarettes. As a teen doctors had prescribed me several anti-anxiety meds including meds for bipolar disorder. None worked. When I was 15 I discovered alcohol and found it to work quite nicely, giving me the confidence I was missing, eliminating my anxiety and panic attacks. The alcohol gave me the confidence to go out in public, made it easier for me to socialize. It was also fun to get buzzed and let loose. I started off as most people do, few drinks here and there, couple times a month, this pace went on for a couple years. When I was 17 I hung around with older people who'd let me drink with them. This was now a weekly thing and instead of a few drinks it was now a dozen each time we got together, once a week. At 19 I was now drinking once a week, a solid 18 pack of beer, Budweiser was my choice of beer, sometimes it was Labatt. This was consistent until I was 23, I moved into my own apartment, conveniently less then a mile to the nearest stores where I could purchase alcohol at virtually anytime I wanted. My drinking ramped up to twice a week, 12-15 beers per each session. At 26 I was averaging 20-23 beers every 3 days. If I drank on Friday, i'd spend all day Saturday in bed recovering, I call these 'recovery days'[this would last anywhere from 16-18 hours laying in bed sleeping from drinking the night before]. Trying to get out of bed on 'recovery days' was starting to get physically challenging near the end of my drinking. On Sunday I felt kinda normal, still hazy and cloudy thinking. On Monday I was feeling 100% and ready to down another 20 beers, sometimes more then that and rarely less. Repeat this every 3 day cycle until I was 29 when I decided to give it up. I never drank two days in a row or even every other day. I managed the will power of waiting every 3 days to drink, 72 hours minimum. Sometimes it was four days in between drinks but towards the end of my drinking that was rare. Thankfully I didn't have any withdrawals, no shaking, anxiety, seizers etc. I looked forward to drinking because I love the taste of beer, the buzz was great, the alcohol eliminated my social anxiety and helped me become a more social person and less of a recluse. Its a love hate relationship because without drinking, I wouldn't have had a social life, still dont for the most part and i'm willing to accept that. Looking back, I hated the hangovers and the money spent on it. What the hell was I thinking?

The real recovery starts once the detox ends then the hard work begins to stay sober because addiction alcoholism centres in the mind

Two weeks sober, just praying I get through these hellish anxiety attacks no one warns you about once you quit heavy driving. Feels like you're dying and maybe you are. Clinging to life one breath at a time.

Thank you. I have just went through it for the first time. Worst experience of my life. This video was a huge help

Replenishing vitamins and minerals properly is key. Also, mentally it helps to think in terms of 4 hour chunks of time. Every 4 hrs, I felt ever so slightly better. Heart calmer, anxiety and depression more manageable. And every 12 hours I felt a distinctly perceivable improvement. It’s all super slow and sucks but this is how I compartmentalized the time and it helped calm me. Your body is awesome at repairing itself. Just sucks your mind gets dragged through the mud during the process.