Alcohol - Appetite Increase

[Baby_Sham]

For one reason or another I have had to knock alcohol on the head, but since doing so (I am still very early days) I have noticed a massive increase in appetite.
I would have thought it was the other way round, but does anyone know if this is 'normal'?

[Peter Pedant]

Oh I go hypo (glycaemic) if I take alcohol so yeah I have to eat carbs to stay conscious.

and good luck in your recovery !

[boxtops]

.... and do treat each success as an achievement - be proud of what you are doing NOW, not what you did in the past. Trust your GP - have faith in the pills being able to help you, not hinder you. If you think you have side-effects, speak to the GP but don't stop the tablets - they may be your body just adjusting to your new regime - and how much better you will feel for it afterwards. Stick with it, mate - we're with you.

[ummmm]

There's a poster on AB (don't want to name him in case I get the name wrong) who said that you take it hour by hour and as time passes each hour gets easier.

[Peaspeculiars]

just noticed your comment on headaches - par of the course I'm afraid, you will probably get a few pains moving around the body over the next couple of days - just dehydration - Along with Vitamin B tablets, I took Magnesium daily tablets as they can help with the insomnia and any nerve damage (ease the DT pains). A cup of coffee might help in the meantime with the headache.

[Hopkirk]

Once you get over this difficult period you are going to find this strange sensation in the mornings.

It is realising that you had a really good restful sleep, and don't feel grotty.
It will feel odd at first.

[NoMercy]

You've already taken the hardest step by accepting you have a problem.

Good luck on your journey to recovery.

[pixie373]

Well done, babysham. Don't be embarrassed at all. You know you're doing the right thing. Best wishes xx

[Baby_Sham]

Thanks for the further responses - it's really good to be able to get advice and support, as I do find it very difficult to speak to my family.
Well, I started on my medication yesterday evening. Had a bit of a panic, as someone told me that particular type of drug isn't good for people who've suffered with mental health (?), but I suppose my doctor knows what she's doing! :-)
Last night wasn't great. My head is hurting on the sides, and again I woke up covered in sweat. But, onwards and upwards!

Thanks again, I really do appreciate it.

[albaqwerty]

Tonight will be better, and tomorrow night will be better than tonight's.

xxxx

[anneasquith]

forget what anyone says about the medication. your gp prescribed it knowing your medical history, are you taking the tablets ie amount/times as prescribed ?

[chrissa1]

Hello, Baby_Sham. I have been where you are and now haven't had a drink for 6 years. In my opinion, you are eating more because your body is not being "poisoned" by the alcohol.
Do take the medication prescribed by your doctor. It does help. What is it?
Is it Campral?

[Khandro]

A great aid, I have found as a substitute, (I think I may have invented myself!) is supermarket ginger ale from the fridge, in a tall glass, with a few drops angostura bitters (also from the supermarket) swizzled in, and lots of ice. Take very tiny sips of it through the evening. It has a satisfying 'bite'. Good luck anyway, hang in there!

[anneasquith]

hi chrissa. chlordiazepoxide, prescribed.

[chrissa1]

Must have missed that when I was reading, anne. I have never heard of it but if it is prescribed, it should be taken. Thanks.

[Peaspeculiars]

Hey Baby_Sham, good work, keep going :-) Glad to hear you have started the tablets, they will really help and you should start getting some good night's sleep soon. The sweats will start dying down, not straight away, but soon, trust me.
If you're partner is out all day, find lots of stuff to keep you occupied, especially at times of day when you would normally have a drink - update your CV, have a look at ideas online for decorating a couple of rooms in your house (not right now, but whilst you have a bit of time of in a week or two), (sometimes staring at the telly can trigger 'missing' having a drink in your hand) so, do puzzles, read, garden, paint, sew, - get creative! You'll be amazed how many talents you have now that you can start focusing on things again :-) any last of all, take it easy - don't feel guilty for not being at work right now. You are 100% doing the right thing.
Hope you have a much better day today, and keep chatting xxx

[Baby_Sham]

Thanks for the further replies, you are all so very kind and helpful :-)

I've kept really busy today, which does help to an extent, though I have struggled a bit with a 'craving'.
It helps there is no longer anything in the house, because I very rarely go out to buy it myself, so it's making it a bit easier to give in to temptation.
Still got a stinking headache, but keeping the fluids up, and feeling alright.

Thanks again, and I'll be sure to pop back when I need a bit of a shake, or a kick up the bum :)

[Peaspeculiars]

Hi Baby_Sham, How you getting on this weekend? x

[Baby_Sham]

Thanks for asking. I'll be honest, not good :-(
My parents have got the kids over the half term, and I've kind of had a bit of a slip back to old habits.
Nowhere near as bad, but I've had a few since the weekend :-(

[DTCwordfan]

Good luck and continuation Baby Sham - it's not easy.....I just do an annual dry period and that shows up withdrawal, nothing on your scale though....

It sounds as if your will is good though - and that is half the battle, family and friends rallying to you as well. Any doubts, questions, downers, and all the rest, just come on here, and we'll be behind you, some 'cold turkey' from ABers coming your way, though - and encouragement.

Good luck, you are over 60% of the way there, it sounds like!

[DTCwordfan]

(and it's an up and down battle....overall, you are on the way down - Keep going for it).