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Addiction to Alcohol/cutting down alcohol safely

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Expert: - 8/14/2009


Question
i have been drinking between 25 and 30 units of alcohol per day for over a year. i stopped before but had a seizure. i want to know if i can cut down the alcohol over a few days, thus avoiding a seizure.
i was thinking of 20 units 1st day. 15 units 2nd day and 10 units 3rd day. then zero alcohol. i realize this is a medical question but my doctor doesn't know the answer. hope you can help. thanks.

Answer

Beverley Glazer MA. IC
Hi Annette,

You're right, this is a medical question, but unless a physician specializes in addiction, it's unlikely that you'd get his advice.

At your rate of consumption, moderated drinking will not work.

Here's why: As you begin to reduce your consumption you'll get cravings. It would take very little for you give in to these cravings and now, not only would you revert to your old consuption level, you may even surpass it - rationalizing to yourself that you were so 'good', or you blew it anyhow.

Not only do you have to eleiminate consumption, but you must also handle your stressors without alcohol and re-invent a drink free life.

The quickest and safest way of eliminating the alcohol  is to check yourself into a medical detox. That way you can eliminate the alcohol and they will monitor your vital signs.

After that you can go to AA meetings, do the 12-steps etc and here are other options to check out:

http://www.untwist-your-thinking.com/treatment-available.html

I hope that this information is helpful,

Thank you for asking AllExperts,

Good luck!!

Bev
http://www.untwist-your-thinking.com  

Beverley Glazer

Expertise

I can answer questions on all addictive behaviors: alcohol, drugs, food, compulsive sex, codependency, gambling, compulsive shoplifting etc.

Experience

I have over 20 years experience working in the addiction field. My experience extends to all levels of substance abuse. I've worked in rehabs and detox centers, prisons and half-way houses and have a busy private practice as well as an active website where I can be reached for recovery coaching and consultation. I am a cognitive behavioral therapist, but 12-step programs are an excellent support. When working in the addiction field, there is no cookie-cutter solution. In the recovery field, you witness miracles. That's why I love what I do.

Organizations
NAADAC The Association for Addiction Professionals, CACCF Canadian Addiction Counselors Federation, CCA Canadian Counseling Association, For more information please see: http://www.untwist-your-thinking.com

Education/Credentials
BA Psychology, MA Counseling Psychology, ICADC International Alcohol and Drug Counselor, ICAC International Clinical Addiction Counselor, CGC Certified Gambling Counselor.

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