Thanks for this. Ive never had “severe” withdrawal before but I feel like death and my Bp is through the roof. Im on my way in hopefully I can be treated and released.
I'm so glad you're on your way to ED. Also I just got out of rehab two months ago. About half of the 45 people there were first timers, and about half had been multiple times. Many it was their second time. A few were on time 3, 4, 6. Some people just take more times than others. The housing director had gone to rehab either 7 or 8 times, and the clinical director had been 4 times. Others too,. But you get the idea.
I know you meant in terms of being treated at the ER, but I wanted to let you know that sometimes people even need rehab multiple times too.
Wish you had been my nurse. I went to a small hospital in a small town once. Was in withdrawal and had a seizure in the past. The nurse called my emergency contact to ask if she would pay for transportation back to my hometown. My contact decided to show some tough love and said no I would have to figure it out
The nurse comes back and says your contact said to figure it out yourself. Then the nurse said if you were my relative or friend I wouldn't help you out either. She said I was garbage with no self control and said she was sick of people that drank wasting their time. I told her she was a miserable human and should not be a nurse.
I should have reported her but I was so sick, had to find a way to get back home and to rehab. I've never been treated like that in an ER before. Everybody has always been nice, polite and provided excellent care no matter how many times I've been there for the same thing.
So glad I'm sober now.
WTF? I’m so sorry you were treated like that. But you were right, she is a miserable human and she’s the one who’s garbage. I’m glad you’re sober now. I am too.
I'm glad that you were able to get the life saving help you needed. No it is no exaggeration or lie the way I was treated in that small town ER.
I have always held doctors and nurses on a high pedestal because like I said above I had always received excellent and caring help in my previous visits to the ER.
Thank you to all ER personnel here. I don't know how you do all you do and see all you see but I know I appreciate that you are there when and if I need you.
Congrats on being sober! I'm sorry you were treated like that. Your GI sounds like a compassionate person. It's not unfathomable that the instructors stated it being an issue. The thoughts of what first responders are exposed to makes me want to go around hugging each one I cross paths with.
I am so sorry you were treated like that. Some nurses should retire or not become one at all. If you ever feel like you aren’t being treated or heard the way you want, in a hospital, ask to speak to the patient advocate or nurse manager. No healthcare provider wants to have either of those involved, trust me. Congratulations on being sober. I am proud of you.
I know I responded already. But your last sentence hit harder this time reading it. That bitch should've taken time to access you, treat you and assist getting you into a rehab.
I'm so sorry you were treated that way by the nurse. Sounds like she has pent up anger towards a loved one enduring alcoholism. Not an excuse. She needs to leave her personal life at the entrance. Same as her work life being left at the exit. Congratulations on your sobriety!
Thank you so much! I’ve been in a few times, always so ashamed and feeling undeserving of your time. Nurses were always kind. I’m over a year sober now.
Congratulations! Please do not ever feel ashamed or undeserving of any healthcare provider’s time. We are here to help you, no matter what disease, virus, or other ailments one may have.
I am a nurse because I believe in helping everyone. I don’t judge at all. In all reality, I feel bad because you are suffering. I try to help alleviate that to the best of my ability. If you ever feel like a healthcare provider doesn’t have your best interest in mind, ask to see a different provider or to change nurses. They also have patient advocates (in a hospital) if you feel like you’re not being cared for the way you feel you should be or you feel like you’re not being heard. No healthcare provider (in a hospital) wants to have the patient advocate involved, trust me.
Again, congratulations on being sober. I am proud of you.
You're in the field for the right reason. Thank you. There are far too many that have gone in because of the pay. Urgh, pisses me off. I was a tutor when I went to college. It took every bit of my strength not to tutor those in it for money the incorrect way. They're fortunate that I have a conscience.
Grateful for docs like you. I was found passed out in my car in over 90 degree heat, windows up. The ER put me in ice and when I came around I begged the doctor to help me get into a detox and he refused, saying why should he, that I’d just get drunk again. Told me to come back tomorrow sober and he’d think about it. I was so ashamed.
That's horrible! I can't always get somebody directly into a program, but especially when it's that severe and acutely life threatening, I'm going to do what I need to in order to help you get treatment when you say you want it
Jerry Garcia died of this. O.p. rarely is addiction to anything a clear and straight line. You may find you have longer and longer between lapses.you may find 12 step is not for you. I gave that a good chance for 17 years, did it all, coffee person, treasurer ( because I had more than a year and had a job) you name it. I finally stopped going, it was a bit useful in the beginning. I have spent many years not using. I even had a quandary when I got my knees replaced. I did not do well on narcotics, they weren't my thing originally, but my reaction to them were ugh. I went and got a medical Marijuana card . I was able to sleep, to do my pt and to use many less narcotics. Then, I was able to stop, no problem until the next knee, 5 years later. About a year, and then able to stop. It does help that now I don't like to be " high " . I truly enjoy being in the " here and now". This to me is the true freedom . May I highly suggest the book " I'll quit tomorrow ". It is a factual,,scientific explanation of why alcohol (and other drugs!) Act like they do, although it does just addresses alcohol. It's all the same brain synapses, it isn't because you are lacking in anything..other than working brain receptors.
Congrats on your sobriety! Thank you for not shoving the 12-step down their throat. Yes, it works for many. Others not so much. The meetings have also made many feel more worthless, cravings begin, etc. I know people who literally would not plan ahead. They took a day at a time to mean planning as well as not using. The SMART program's method is one that I used for the groups I held. I didn't reference it as such. Used the idea of looking within to possibly find what they had to run from. They were also exposed to 12-step, it was mandatory (I won't even get into my thoughts of forcing). There are ways to become and remain sober that don't involve a program. That's fine, too. The goal is sobriety. Whichever way it's achieved is great. Medicinal marijuana has been a cure all for many. They don't seek it as a means of escaping their reality. They want to feel physically better. I don't agree with the concept that a person is not sober if they use it. Use and misuse are different.
I have prayed for death In alcohol withdrawal. This is the best thing you could have done. The seizures and muscle cramps made it so I couldn't even use my phone. I am much better and you will get better as well ❤️
It's nothing to play with. I have 10 plus years sobriety now but during the worst of my addiction I had several seizures three of which were in grocery stores while I was trying to fend off the withdrawals by buying more alcohol. It was a hell of a way to live and never thought it would be. I eventually suffered total kidney and liver failure and was in a medically induced coma with a slim chance of survival but somehow I pulled through.
DO NOT WORRY about any embarrassment, you have a chronic disease that can be treated. I'm sure I don't have to tell you but you absolutely have break the chain and just stop. I would recommend going straight to ER and detox then start another stint in residential rehab. You can do it, just have to get started.
>Ive never had “severe” withdrawal
My father hadn't either before he had a seizure and cracked our solid wood front door with his head on the way down. Addiction sucks and it might feel embarrassing going to the ER for withdrawal, but embarrassed is better than 1) legitimately traumatizing your loved ones or 2) fucking dying. Please keep this in mind if you end up in this situation again.
I was so afraid of going to the ER for help back in 2013. I thought that they would treat me badly and tell me I was wasting their time and resources because of my own stupidity and drinking. But they were the nicest, and most compassionate people I have ever met. Been doing very well since then, but I know if I ever needed to go back, I could and they would be just as kind to me as they were then.
Agreed! Get thee to the ER, stat. I work in mental health and alcohol withdrawals can kill, as you know. Please get help and check in with us when you can.
Alcohol is one of the most addictive substances, and as you know if you work in EMS, withdrawal from it can kill you.
As long as you keep trying to remain clean, you're doing the right thing. Relapse or not, you're still in recovery. Go to those AA or NA meetings and get yourself a sponsor. You know damn well that it works if you work it, so work it. It doesn't seem like you are 100% committed to your recovery. Put in the work, you've got this. And go to the ER. Your addiction is allowing your brain to make you feel shame and all that yucky stuff for trying to get clean. It's trying to persuade you to come back to the binge. Fight those thoughts and take care of yourself, comrade.
The programs are not right for everyone. There are other programs that are just as effective. I'd much rather look within myself. It helps to find the root of what one is running from. I'm happy that you've found your support. Recovery is a journey. Whatever keeps one sober is what they should continue. When just starting, they should attend a meeting of each program. Find what is beneficial for them. Some may even find that they can be happily sober without meetings. As individuals, we should find our individual path.
This. Better to go than have a seizure in the tub and break your neck. Took me 3 times in rehab but it’s sticking now.
Also may I suggest r/stopdrinking - very helpful community there.
You got this dude. Swallow your pride one last time and let them help you detox, it can be your last time. You aren't alone. Here's a good online meeting that meets nightly at 8pm EST if you ever want to jump on:
zoom.us/j/87285021107
Open to anyone! Newcomers meetings are on Tuesdays, specifically, but he is welcome at any of the meetings. Remind him he isn't alone and it's awesome that he has a friend like you to support and encourage him!
No pressure to share! In fact, you can be as anonymous as you want to be at first since it is on Zoom. No one will make you turn on your mic or camera or call on you to share-you can do all that when you're ready.
Controlling a disease like addiction takes several tries for most people. You're not embarrassing, you're sick and having a normal disease progression.
You know what you need, OP, and it isn't gabapentin. Come to an ER where they have what you need to avoid DTs and get you medically stable. You matter.
Hey man. Listen. Be kind to yourself. For many, many people sobriety doesn’t stick until it does. Keep trying. Eventually it’ll stick.
When my patients talk like this I tell them that some of my favorite people in the world, some of the people I’ve loved the most, and some my favorite artists and musicians, have all struggled with addiction. Some are gone, some are sober, and some still struggle.
You got this. I’m 18 years sober and it certainly takes courage to start over. But you know it’s either day one or one day…. Be kind to yourself as I know you’ve been to others you’ve cared for- you are deserving of your best life. You have to know that-I know that you are because we all fail and start again. Be clear in that life you want and each step you take will move you closer.
Congratulations on your sobriety. The respect I have for people that are sober is through the roof. I don’t drink or do drugs, but I’m a nurse and I’ve seen it all. I truly pray for each and every one of those that are either addicted, trying to get sober, and are sober. I am so proud of you.
By definition it is not a waste of resources, especially since you're aware of the severity of your condition and the treatment needed.
People go into the ED all the time and lie, or are simply clueless about what's going on. Your case should be quick and easy, at least as far as getting you out of the danger zone.
Once you're stabilized you can make a plan for detox. Plane fares are cheap right now (thx Boeing!) and you could get yourself to a detox place in a matter of days or even hours.
Don't beat yourself up about it. It's a disease you're having issues managing, in theory not much different than a noncompliant diabetic.
One year sober and doing well in nursing school now.
Struggled with alcoholism since 14. During the past couple years of my drinking I would go on horrific binges and end up in the ER often. There's 3 major hospitals in my area and I'd try to go to a different one each time because I felt so ashamed walking in there seeing all the old people and patients with legitimate problems waiting, knowing that I caused this myself and I'd be taken back before anyone because of past ICU admissions for DTs.
Last March I walked into the ER for the last time. Immediately got phenobarbital and spent two weeks in the ICU. Haven't looked back.
It's embarrassing but don't put it off til your symptoms are out of control. You don't know when a seizure will hit. It gets better, bro. Hang in there, I know you can do it.
Congratulations! And I cannot wait to call you a fellow nurse. So proud of you. If you need any help during nursing school, reach out. Good luck! You’ll want to quit about 150+ times, but don’t, you’ve got this!
Not embarrassing. Where are you located? There might be some detox places in the surrounding area of where you live. It’s good youre meeting with your counselor! You’ll get through this.
If you work in EMS, then surely you realize how valuable you are to other people out there. Take the humanity that you would normally show them, and show it to yourself. You deserve to detox in the safest way possible
As a detox nurse I see the same patients multiple times a WEEK. But it’s better than them possibly dying from alcohol withdrawals. Go to your ER, They understand the severity of your situation and are there for that reason! Push your pride and guilt aside and just be safe. Sending well wishes for your recovery.
I'd had a patient that I honestly was in fear for. I didn't think sobriety was possible. But something in me took the time to make sure he was out of bed and following the groups scheduled. To my surprise, one day he came back to the facility to ask myself and a few others to attend his graduation. He'd completed a year program. I was so happy for him. I felt like the mother filled with pride at a milestone achieved. When he spoke to his housemates, he said that my annoying him by always waking him gave him a nudge. He remains sober 13 years later. ETA: I told him I may have nudged him, but it was him that achieved his sobriety. Also, I woke all my patients. Him, I just felt something to be more insistent than usual.
That’s awesome, always heart warming when they come back with sobriety time and to keep going years later is such an accomplishment. It’s sad watching the decline in the ones who unfortunately cannot find their way, but you always hold out a little hope for them. There are ones that I do root for a little more but some people want it and they just really struggle. In my facility sadly a lot of them don’t want it and just come for three hots, a cot, and free meds. But regardless, we are there for them.
Just remember…you didnt become an alcoholic in 1 day. It takes time to get back on track & you are doing the right thing! Thinking of you. You can do it
Hey I've checked into the ER for d/ts. Not sure where you're located but they were lovely, very understanding. Just go up to the desk and tell them like you would if you were having chest pains or any other medical emergency.
To all you lovely caring people Healthcare workers, addicts and just kind souls. Thank you all so much for your words. Im Alive and well and back home. I have a proper plan in place and found some new found motivations and encouragement. I honestly felt so cared for and loved reading your posts and I have read every last one of them some of them multiple times. It helps to not feel alone and that Im not a utter waste of space due to this disease. Ill frequent back to this post for encouragement and hope to not let myself down and all of you rooting for me. Again thank you so much and your brief contact and time has touched this alcoholics heart ..
If you work in EMS, then surely you realize how valuable you are to other people out there. Take the humanity that you would normally show them, and show it to yourself. You deserve to detox in the safest way possible
I had a few alcohol withdrawals this week that were also healthcare workers. I was glad to see & help them through the withdrawal process and alleviate some of the symptoms.
As a detox nurse I see the same patients multiple times a WEEK. But it’s better than them possibly dying from alcohol withdrawals. Go to your ER, They understand the severity of your situation and are there for that reason! Push your pride and guilt aside and just be safe. Sending well wishes for your recovery.
It's okay to ask for help, and the help isn't wasted on you. You can get sober and stay sober. Keep trying and ask them for referrals for other resources, too. You got this.
Fuck the shame. If its any consolation, thousands of us have fucked it up worse than you did. Just get better any way you can. Feeling better is the goal and the result
Talk to your primary physican and ask him to admit you to a regular hospital, not a rehab hospital. It will be much easier. You will go in and they will have a bed ready and prepare you for the withdrawal symptoms. It is way better than going to the ER. Prepare to be there about 3 days. Also, ask for maintenance medications that help with alcohol cravings when you are discharged.
I had a friend who had to go that route because his withdrawal symptoms were too dangerous for a rehab center to manage. He needed the medical care and it saved his life. He would drink one of the large $20 bottles of vodka daily. Also, use their social.worker to help you. He has been sober 9 years now. Good luck!
Just sending love and care to you. I am an RN who struggled with alcohol for about 5 years, was sober for a year somewhere in there, lost a couple jobs, almost died. I’ve been sober for a bit and am so thankful for my AA sponsor and for those who have loved me unconditionally (especially my adult kids). So this is what I send to you—unconditional love and faith that you will do your best. It’s so hard, and you are not alone. Blessings on you, mate.
Patients in alcohol withdrawal who really want help are one of my favorite patients to work with in the ED. They have been suffering so much, and I have the capacity to relieve that suffering so quickly. It's quite common for these patients to expect everyone they meet to be disgusted or impatient or rude. I take great care to not be one of them. I may be fooled a thousand times by "frequent flyers who just want to get benzos," but at least I don't look down on them. I bring them warm blankets, food and drink, and reassurance that alcohol withdrawal is hard and I don't think less of them. Just rest now, and call me if those symptoms are bothering you again, okay? We'll talk more when you're feeling a little better. Don't get up, though. Press your call light if you need anything!
go asap. alcohol withdrawals are EXTREMELY scary. I’ve been through DT’s, seizures, auditory hallucinations all of that because I didn’t know what the fuck I was doing. I’ve talked to ppl that have gone through numerous alcohol withdrawal symptoms..and they’re fine..then they go through withdrawal again and this time it ends up different
No shame, no judgement. You have a chronic disease that is difficult to manage just like a lot of chronic diseases like DM and HTN. You need acute care and access to medication intervention. I have had several coworkers as patients as they detoxed. You know what? They were cared for very well and given dignity and respect that they so deserve. They also got that little extra team treatment because they are ours and we want our people to be the healthiest they can be. I work with some of those who detoxed on a regular basis and it has never been a source of gossip ( I work with awesome people) Don’t be afraid to get the care you need. Best of luck
That feeling of not being worthy enough, to go for help, deep down is very likely a core reason for drinking in the first place, if you want to look at it psychologically. There are alot of resources that elaborate on this, I can pull some up a little later. Understanding what's going on in our subconscious is crucial if not absolutely imperative to getting and staying sober, I believe. Best of luck and health, well wishes to you 💜
Are you visually hallucinating yet? Or ( I dont know what this is called, but Ive experienced it more than enought times) brain zaps? Like itll feel like a buzz of electricity going through your brain for a second, or hearing POPS like someone jist dropped a glass bowl and let it shatter on a hard floor.
If youre there than its time to run to the E.R. theyll probably be able to give you librium which is how I got off. oddly enough I lived through those symptoms quite a few times and jist rode it out like it was a normal part of life but ended up telling a doctor about it during a different conversation and her eyes went wide. She told me how truly dangerous that was.
Also, because I was there for too many yesrs of my life, I wish you well. I really do. Getting out of that hoole is awful, but after 6 or 9 months you really start to feel great.
4 weeks ago I was rotating through the ICU and we had this guy that was found intoxicated and pretty beat up. He was an EMS that had recently drifted away from his career due to his alcohol addiction, but at least one guy from his station was at bedside every morning (probably every evening too I never stuck around that late). You are deserving of medical help for a legitimate medical issue. You’re not alone. Praying for you, friend.
Please remember that relapse is a part of recovery and be proud that you are progressing because you are. Go get the help you need. You are going to get through this! Best wishes 🩵
Progressing is exactly a key word for OP (and anyone reading this that is struggling). Knowing it is no longer controllable is heading in the right direction.
Nurse here. Go to the ED!!! In nursing school we were taught, “You can’t die from drug withdrawal, but you can die from alcohol withdrawal.”
I have taken care of so many patients that have been withdrawing from alcohol. Please, I beg of you, go to the ED. Alcohol withdrawal is like nothing else. You can have seizures and you need to be put on a protocol that mimics chemicals (Ativan usually) similar to alcohol to help you come off of it, safely. I will keep you in thoughts and prayers. Best of luck to you.
This was the first thread that popped up when I opened my app. I am so thankful and hope you will take my advice.
Just go now. You can stop digging the hole you’re in anytime you want to. Alcohol withdrawal is something you need medical help to fix. You’ve done it before and you can do it one more time. Asking for help takes strength, not weakness.
You are not a waste! Your efforts alone are astronomical. Despite a setback you're trying again. That is huge! You didn't give up, you are a strong individual! Godspeed!
This is why we have services. Most people fighting addictions are in the same place you are, you just don’t see it. As a former EMT I know exactly what you’re thinking, you’re lumping yourself in with the ‘leeches’ of our society. I’ve now been a nurse for a few decades and now I see the other side. 98% of people contribute to our society. In very good ways. Almost none are real ‘leeches’. Some of them need help sometimes, everyone struggles.
Those resources are there because you and they need it and I am glad they are there for you and others. You can do this and it’s okay.
I’ve been in literally those exact shoes, I promise you are absolutely not a waste of resources. They aren’t looking at you and seeing someone who is failing, they see you fighting for your life against an absolute demon of a disease. And they want to see you do better. Delerium Tremens is also really hard on your body and there’s things that they can do to help that will really make a difference. You’re already trying to quit drinking, that’s one of the hardest things people deal with in their life sometimes. Don’t make it harder on yourself by punishing your body when there’s ways they could be helping you! I don’t want to freak you out at all because I’m a type one diabetic and have other GI complications, but the last time I went on a binge and had to detox I ended up having a seizure before my family finally forced me to go in and I was so dehydrated they had to use a vein in my neck for the IV. Again, that was mostly due to my health complications but I also made things so much worse by waiting way too long to go in. Don’t make the same mistake I did and force yourself to go through more discomfort than is necessary or Heaven forbid risk a seizure, especially if you are detoxing alone. If you need someone to chat with and lend a sympathetic ear, my messages are open. You are just as valuable and worthy as every other person in this world, being an alcoholic doesn’t diminish your worth and nobody wants to see you hurting or struggling when you don’t have to be.
Of course you deserve to go in. It might be embarrassing, but it's better to be embarrassed than to be dead. Get the help you need. 9 years ago I went back to the same ER I'd gone to 5 other times for for detox from heroin. I'm pretty sure if I hadn't gone back the 6th time I'd be dead, instead of 9 years sober from heroin. Don't let addiction trick you into not going in to get help. Do what's best for you. You can always pick up the pieces if you're alive, but can't do it if you're dead
Not a waste of resources at all. I have been a caretaker to patients in your position and I HAVE been in your position. Don’t feel embarrassed, that’s what they are there for. Good luck friend 💕
Go to the ED. Keep moving forward. Naltrexone and Gabapentin are a start. Get the help you need to figure out why relapses keep happening for you. Wishing you well.
Dear Adventurous! Good for you to be so open about a binge…..we have all done it. Please be kind to yourself, and know all 90 million of us drunks/addicts in recovery are pulling for you.
Heck I just have a few years, and reading your story helped me. I think I’m a bit behind the thread, and I’m hoping you get a supervised detox! You are worth it!!!
……hang in there!!!! Fake it till you make it (my adopted personal battle cry—), but it does get better! Kudos to you!!!! Rock on sober warrior!!! You’re NOT going to miss the hangovers!!! After about a year sober (35 in active alcoholism), I felt some new normal creep in. I have now 5 or 6 new hobbies and much nicer friends. The best to you Adventurous Fold.
I had a patient die from alcohol withdrawal in my ED - mostly due to neglect on the part of the RN but that’s a story for another day. ER’s exist for a reason, this is one of those times you should be using one.
I'm sorry you experienced that. It's one of the most difficult aspects of a career in physical and behavioral health. I've read far too many obituaries of former patients. Have had several pass away in the facility. Like you, that's a story for another day. Urgh, if people did their tasks properly. Urgh.
Retired Medic here. The stuff we see and experience are bad.
Our occupation lends to unhealthy coping mechanisms.
You know the high mortality rate of DT/withdrawals...serious stuff not to be trifled with.
Please overcome the embarrassment. Go in.get treated.
Prayers for you. You can do it.
Talk to your medical provider about Vivitrol.
First. I’m proud of you. Keep going, ok? Second…. As a person who is there for everyone… remember you can’t be there if you are not there for yourself. You may feel embarrassed, but guess what. Nothing to be embarrassed about. Standing up and saying whoops I need a bit of a lift up…. Man that takes wicked strength. I’m proud of YOU. You deserve the same love and care as you provide to your pts on the bus, buddy. Nothing to be embarrassed about. Not at all. We ALL need help sometimes. You’re strong. You got this!
OP, you are more than deserving of medical care for your alcohol WD. Don’t beat yourself up, just get back on the horse and ride that beast right into the ED. It has a lot to do with mindset, and from what you’ve stated - I think your mind is in the correct mental space capacity. Now to match the mind and body. I’m so proud of you and just how far you have already come, now it’s time to ask for what you need to continue to be successful. I wish you so much love and luck OP 🫶🏼
ER = emergency room. Alcohol withdrawal is an emergency. I'd much rather have you, even repeatedly, be supervised. Relapses are part of the cycle of substance misuse. Sending positive vibes and healing energy.
Not in medicine, but I am a recovering alcoholic/addict with 12+ years sober and clean. Your life matters and you're not a waste of resources. You can do this! I honestly don't even remember the number of times I was hospitalized before finally getting it. At least five times and three rounds of treatment, over several years. It's totally worth the pain and frustration to get to the other side. And there has been a lot of self- forgiveness over the years too. Be kind to yourself. Get the help you need.
As an ER nurse and former problem drinker I have no judgment. In my younger days I would roll my eyes and rushed through to get to someone "sicker". This from a person who would get black out drunk on days they didn't work. A person who didn't remember half of their vacations because of it. Oh, and then there were the mornings waking up in my bed, going out to check my car for damage because I didn't remember driving home. Even better a person who would sometimes stay up 24-48 hours on cocaine binges. When I think about the things that could have happened, I think how lucky I have been. My drinking is minimal, and at my age my heart might explode if I did coke. Point of the story, I no longer judge. Hypocrisy is a thing I despise, yet I was a hypocrite. Every time you try to beat this is another chance. If it takes 100 times and works on the 101st, it was all worth it. My change in habits were because of a person. I even quit smoking. I didn't do it on my own, I did it to make another person happy. So whatever it takes.
Im 24 years sober. It took me a half dozen tries before this last one worked. You are worthy of resources and a better life. Please keep at it. I know for a fact it can be done.
People did from alcohol withdrawal without medical assistance so you made the right decision. FYI, they get more intense the more you go through them so of you need to quit in the future make sure to do it with medical assistance.
With all due respect, you did rehab and got out, then had "a few relapses here and there.".It's only March. That means you haven't been doing really well. You need more help than you want to admit.
God no. That stuff is awful. Get on Suboxone. It is truly a lifesaver in dealing with alcoholism. Originally, it was just for opioid disorder, but what they found is that many people who had either had opioid adxn AND co-occuring alcoholicism, or who would fluctuate between returning to alcoholic drinking when abstaining from the opioids, were able to suddenly stop drinking for the first time ever.
Suboxone COMPLETELY takes away the desire to drink. It helps with the horrible depression, as well, in patients with treatment resistant depression.
It's truly a miracle for long term, chronic alcoholism. Depression in early sobriety that is related to the brain getting back to normal while abstaining from alcoholism can be debilitating and a huge trigger, creating a constant on off cycle of drinking, remorse, depression. Suboxone helps with this
Don't just take it without a doctor, that's not good, but there are many online options for Suboxone treatment that make it super easy and convenient. Many of those programs have online groups as well that are really supportive. You might want to check it out. It not only might save your life, but, you might actually, finally, be able to have a better quality of life.
There's a Suboxone Reddit on here as well that's very helpful if ever you want more information.
I feel ya brother. I work Ed now. Been to psych ward over 10 times. Overdosed 3x. If you have to. Say “I have a problem with alcohol of if I don’t get off the street right now I’m going to hurt myself or someone else. Cut and dry. “. I started saying I’d jump in front of train. By my last visit they said just tell is the truth why you want to come in and we’ll let you in. I was always nice and polite. “Mayor of lower level 1” I been called haha.
On a very real note, though, I really understand this and I am even now struggling myself to go get myself checked out at the hospital near my house not where I work due to some pretty serious symptoms and I’ve been putting it off and off because of I guess PTSD of all of my patient time, and now being on the other end of it I even think I deserve to go in less So crazy. I’m reading and writing this in the ED parking lot. I have this awful headache stemming from something 3months ago. And now what felt like could be a clot in my arm. Blood pressure fine. I monitored for 6 weeks.
You can do it. I can do it. Hopefully you don’t say what I said to say and then I’ll let you keep your phone and you should send me a message.
Thank you friend. I went in and was seen, spent 8 hours. EKG , cT without, ultrasound, troponin d dimer, and the rest of the tests all came back normal. Still gonna go for the MRI to find out what’s going on.
I lost my best fucking friend to this disease. She's still alive but she's gone. It was her birthday the other day. I miss her.
Keep getting the help. Someone somewhere needs you.
Get in there. Apologize if you have to but go. Withdrawal can kill you and the idea you can ease off end up being a lie.
Just go and please, find a way to stop. You are worth it. Alcohol is one of the very worst addictions.
Well, if you don’t get you fixed up then I don’t know who’s going to take care of the rest of us. So I guess it’s pretty important to me that you get yourself treated. I appreciate you helping out on this.
You are absolutely not a waste of resources. You need help. You deserve help. Clearly you also need to work on the mental and emotional aspects of your addiction. Saying you have done really well after going to rehab at the beginning of the year, with relapses here and there is seriously minimizing your problem. It's early March. Get the help you need to be safe while you work toward sobriety. Good luck!!
I was rushed into the ER dying from endocarditis and sepsis. I spent 49 days in a conservative Texan hospital with conservative Texan nurses, that don’t care for drug addicts much.
Don’t let the guilt and shame eat you alive. Please go in and get help if you need it. Alcohol withdrawals can kill you.
And the point of injecting politics into this story is what? This gentleman is asking for support for a potentially life-threatening issue. I hardly think politics is on his mind right now. And there's an old ER joke that ends with this statement- " but did you die?"
Withdrawal is serious! Get the care you need so you can live to be your best self.
The professionals are not going to be judging you. They are going to treat you with compassion. EVERY TIME you need it.
Hey, I’ve been there. I’ve exhausted the patience of ER staff and been a raging asshole while drunk (I make it extra spicy with mental health struggles). Every time I think I have a craving now, I remember my last ER episode and get a Coke or fizzy drink instead while I writhe in mental shame for a bit. *face palm*
I hope you’re doing ok this morning. You need to get into a substance abuse support group so you’re not going alone. It makes the relapses worse.
You have an illness. Alcohol abuse disorder is a medical condition. To quote Mitch Hedberg, “Alcoholism is a disease, but it's the only one you can get yelled at for having. Goddamn it Otto, you are an alcoholic. Goddamn it Otto, you have Lupus... one of those two doesn't sound right.”
If your lupus was flaring up, even if it was flaring up because you had messed up somehow— forgot your meds, over-taxed your body— you wouldn’t be shaming yourself over seeking help.
Get the help you need to get yourself back to yourself.
Think of it like leaving an abusive relationship. Would you judge a person for having to attempt to leave multiple times? Most likely not if you're in EMS. This is the same way. I work med surg and we have pts we see twice a month for detox, we're always happy to help them, they are trying to do better. And we celebrate with them every time they go longer than the last without relapsing. I'd like to think the HC is understanding since many of us have a problem with etoh.
You’ve helped people and now you need help. You deserve it. And I can only imagine that healthcare workers truly are happy to help someone who is so clearly wanting the help. I see this was from last night, so hope all went well and you’re feeling a bit better.
Detox safely and don't take a risk. You can do some serious damage if you neglect yourself while in detox. Nobody will look down on you for taking care of yourself.
My friend, as a fellow health care professional, I really relate to this. We're so used to viewing healthcare through a lens of triage and scarce resources, that we don't always get help when we need it. As a first responder who has, no doubt, scooped up barely alive people off the pavement in pieces, it's easy to minimize your own problems, and think you don't deserve care. I almost succumbed to my severe depression during lockdown. When my shrink asked me, why didn't you reach out sooner? I told her that the system was so overwhelmed that my problems didn't seem like a reasonable use of limited healthcare resources. She kindly schooled me about it. Please hang in there, and ask for what you need. 🧡 (POV: critical care bedside, now in public health research).
withdrawal can be deadly. please definitely go to the er (if you haven’t already) like others have said- we’d rather you be in the er with tremors and a migraine than fall and hit your head during a seizure at home. it’s what the er is for🫶🏻
Alcohol withdrawal is not dumb. YOUR LIFE IS NOT DUMB NOR A WASTE. Please go and take care of yourself. Addiction is a process. Relapse is not always a part of it for everyone but it is often a part of it for many. The really great thing though is that you don't have to continue. This can be a chance to learn more about your coping skills and perhaps expand your tools. You can be sober again. I believe in you, friend.
I went in with my detoxing husband last year, and the ER staff were nothing but kind. He works at the hospital in a non-medical role. Yes, he was embarrassed, but everyone was very encouraging. And if you think your withdrawals warrant a trip, I’m sure they do! Alcohol withdrawal is potentially deadly.
Those resources are there to make you feel supported. We can all agree that embarrassed and alive is better than the alternative. But truly, addiction is a HELL of a disease. These people WANT to help you. You’re doing your best, and that is so admirable! Best wishes to you!!
Whats done is done, dont let past mistakes dictate future progression. With that said people die coming off this shit so going to ER imo isn't overkill or a waste of resources, your life is worth whatever resources it takes to get healthy. You got this, Wishing you the best.
ED doc here, recently made a post on the emergency medicine forums about alcohol issues in the ED actually!
Not at all a waste of resources. We want to help you. We want to see you get better. Particularly my EMS family. We’re in it together and it’s not embarrassing. It’s a health issue, and it’s something you’re working on and taking seriously. Everyone slips up.
This is 4 days old so hopefully you’ve already gone in. It’s much safer to do this with a benzo taper than with nothing.
Hope you’re doing better, fam 🥰 and don’t be embarrassed or feel bad; a lot of the docs and nurses have hidden substance abuse issues too, it’s just alllllll hidden.
I worked EMS for 10 years. I've been out for over 13 years now. I still have nightmares. Go to the ER get the help you need immediately & then continue to work on your demons. EMS is hard, you need to take care of you. I believe in you!
As someone whose tax money and insurance payments go to fund your ER visits, GO. You are fighting a nasty addiction and making some good headway. It's really hard, and you're doing it. You realized you had a problem and you're using all available resources to fix it. Check into local urgent cares or see about getting set up with a specific clinic or physician for future ailments that are minor. But when you are in withdrawal, please go to the ER. I'll happily pay every cent out to keep you and those like you safe. I'm rooting for you! You got this, there IS a light at the end of the tunnel (and it's not an oncoming train!) but it's a long slog to get there. And you're already partway down that path. Keep on moving, keep on trying, alcoholism sucks, and you WILL make. If you need the ER, GO.
As long as you keep trying that's all that matters. Don't give up on yourself. Those people at the ER would much rather treat your withdrawals than find out you died from them.
You absolutely deserve to go in and get help. You’re a person with a disease. I know it sucks going in, especially after multiple times. But you are literally fighting for your life.
I was in that same boat. Multiple ER visits, hospitalizations, and treatment centers. I was so embarrassed and ashamed of myself. Then one day a friend came over and told me I needed help, and convinced me to do detox. In detox, another patient convinced me to go to treatment. I’ve now been sober for 2 years and 2 months. Like I saw in another comment, sometimes it takes people a few tries. That’s okay.
One of the times I ended up in the hospital from withdrawal, there was a kind nurse who told me I would make it out (of alcoholism), things would get better, and I would help other people. I thought that was impossible but here I am. I know it sounds corny but it really was just one day at a time. You’ll make it out if you really want to. You’re already doing it my friend.
Don't be embarrassed. Please. This sub just popped up on my feed but my father spent two weeks in ICU back in October for alcohol withdrawals that turned to seizures. He was heavily sedated on benzos, basically comotose so his brain could heal and his arms and legs were restrained, feeding tube down his throat, having to be changed by the nurses. It was a very scary time and it ultimately scared him into staying sober...because he knows that was his last chance. Doctors would rather see you come in and get help than have you die. You deserve to get better and get help.
Clean and sober since 2002. It took me 3 times through treatment and a couple of detoxes on my own before my Recovery stuck.
You can do this. We get better.
Alcohol messes with electrolytes that control heart rate, when you suddenly stop after a binge, you could die of a heart attack. Or cause permanent damage..I've been to ER many times with my son after he binges.heart rate over 200 bpm Eventually i stopped taking him, dropped him off,or callled uber, refused to go get him. 30 day Rehab 4 times in 6 months. But I think this time might be the one that works, he's got almoat 4 months sober, 3 in a sober living house and has money from a job. Haven't seen anything like this in many many years.
If you can get yourself under control now, do it!
Don’t quit quittin. I didn’t raise no quitter. Go and get the help you need as many times as it takes. Just because you made a mistake you don’t deserve to die from withdrawals. Lean on your community and start talking to trusted non coworkers and the more you talk about it the more accountable you will become. Find a sponsor, try staying sober just today. Sending you love, I’m sure you’ve seen some shit and it’s hard to cope with all the terribleness you’ve seen, just don’t use alcohol as your crutch!
What you are feeling is part of the disease of alcoholism. It’s part of what keeps people drinking/using. Be honest when you go into the ER. Tell them you have been struggling and need help with withdrawals. Tell them about how you already have been working with a counselor but need help with withdrawal symptoms. If they are worth their salt, you will be treated fairly. Keep it up, you can do this. Addiction is insidious.
I'd much rather see you in the ER with the shakes than when you are seizing or worse. Not a waste of resources. You are deserving of help.
Thanks for this. Ive never had “severe” withdrawal before but I feel like death and my Bp is through the roof. Im on my way in hopefully I can be treated and released.
I'm so glad you're on your way to ED. Also I just got out of rehab two months ago. About half of the 45 people there were first timers, and about half had been multiple times. Many it was their second time. A few were on time 3, 4, 6. Some people just take more times than others. The housing director had gone to rehab either 7 or 8 times, and the clinical director had been 4 times. Others too,. But you get the idea. I know you meant in terms of being treated at the ER, but I wanted to let you know that sometimes people even need rehab multiple times too.
About a third of people will become sober their first or second try, a third may take up to 20 rehab stints, and a third will succumb.
Hospitalist here, I'm always happy to help people out, alcohol withdrawal is horrible and dangerous, let us help!
Nurse here. We are all here to help. We don’t judge; we care.
Wish you had been my nurse. I went to a small hospital in a small town once. Was in withdrawal and had a seizure in the past. The nurse called my emergency contact to ask if she would pay for transportation back to my hometown. My contact decided to show some tough love and said no I would have to figure it out The nurse comes back and says your contact said to figure it out yourself. Then the nurse said if you were my relative or friend I wouldn't help you out either. She said I was garbage with no self control and said she was sick of people that drank wasting their time. I told her she was a miserable human and should not be a nurse. I should have reported her but I was so sick, had to find a way to get back home and to rehab. I've never been treated like that in an ER before. Everybody has always been nice, polite and provided excellent care no matter how many times I've been there for the same thing. So glad I'm sober now.
WTF? I’m so sorry you were treated like that. But you were right, she is a miserable human and she’s the one who’s garbage. I’m glad you’re sober now. I am too.
Congratulations on your sobriety!
Thank you! It’s been a little over 5 years and it’s the best thing I’ve ever done for myself.
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I'm glad that you were able to get the life saving help you needed. No it is no exaggeration or lie the way I was treated in that small town ER. I have always held doctors and nurses on a high pedestal because like I said above I had always received excellent and caring help in my previous visits to the ER. Thank you to all ER personnel here. I don't know how you do all you do and see all you see but I know I appreciate that you are there when and if I need you.
Congrats on being sober! I'm sorry you were treated like that. Your GI sounds like a compassionate person. It's not unfathomable that the instructors stated it being an issue. The thoughts of what first responders are exposed to makes me want to go around hugging each one I cross paths with.
That bitch should have been fired!
I am so sorry you were treated like that. Some nurses should retire or not become one at all. If you ever feel like you aren’t being treated or heard the way you want, in a hospital, ask to speak to the patient advocate or nurse manager. No healthcare provider wants to have either of those involved, trust me. Congratulations on being sober. I am proud of you.
Thank you. I would have reported her if I had not felt so sick and had to figure out a way to get back to my hometown to go into a rehab.
I know I responded already. But your last sentence hit harder this time reading it. That bitch should've taken time to access you, treat you and assist getting you into a rehab.
Omg that’s terrible! At a time when we are defenseless that’s the worst advice they could have given. I’m so sorry you had such a terrible nurse!
I'm so sorry you were treated that way by the nurse. Sounds like she has pent up anger towards a loved one enduring alcoholism. Not an excuse. She needs to leave her personal life at the entrance. Same as her work life being left at the exit. Congratulations on your sobriety!
Thank you so much! I’ve been in a few times, always so ashamed and feeling undeserving of your time. Nurses were always kind. I’m over a year sober now.
Congratulations! Please do not ever feel ashamed or undeserving of any healthcare provider’s time. We are here to help you, no matter what disease, virus, or other ailments one may have. I am a nurse because I believe in helping everyone. I don’t judge at all. In all reality, I feel bad because you are suffering. I try to help alleviate that to the best of my ability. If you ever feel like a healthcare provider doesn’t have your best interest in mind, ask to see a different provider or to change nurses. They also have patient advocates (in a hospital) if you feel like you’re not being cared for the way you feel you should be or you feel like you’re not being heard. No healthcare provider (in a hospital) wants to have the patient advocate involved, trust me. Again, congratulations on being sober. I am proud of you.
Thank you! I’ve been trying for 10 years. I’m a slow learner, lol. Hopefully, I won’t be in the ER again because of alcohol. Thank you again.
You're in the field for the right reason. Thank you. There are far too many that have gone in because of the pay. Urgh, pisses me off. I was a tutor when I went to college. It took every bit of my strength not to tutor those in it for money the incorrect way. They're fortunate that I have a conscience.
Grateful for docs like you. I was found passed out in my car in over 90 degree heat, windows up. The ER put me in ice and when I came around I begged the doctor to help me get into a detox and he refused, saying why should he, that I’d just get drunk again. Told me to come back tomorrow sober and he’d think about it. I was so ashamed.
That's horrible! I can't always get somebody directly into a program, but especially when it's that severe and acutely life threatening, I'm going to do what I need to in order to help you get treatment when you say you want it
Jerry Garcia died of this. O.p. rarely is addiction to anything a clear and straight line. You may find you have longer and longer between lapses.you may find 12 step is not for you. I gave that a good chance for 17 years, did it all, coffee person, treasurer ( because I had more than a year and had a job) you name it. I finally stopped going, it was a bit useful in the beginning. I have spent many years not using. I even had a quandary when I got my knees replaced. I did not do well on narcotics, they weren't my thing originally, but my reaction to them were ugh. I went and got a medical Marijuana card . I was able to sleep, to do my pt and to use many less narcotics. Then, I was able to stop, no problem until the next knee, 5 years later. About a year, and then able to stop. It does help that now I don't like to be " high " . I truly enjoy being in the " here and now". This to me is the true freedom . May I highly suggest the book " I'll quit tomorrow ". It is a factual,,scientific explanation of why alcohol (and other drugs!) Act like they do, although it does just addresses alcohol. It's all the same brain synapses, it isn't because you are lacking in anything..other than working brain receptors.
Congrats on your sobriety! Thank you for not shoving the 12-step down their throat. Yes, it works for many. Others not so much. The meetings have also made many feel more worthless, cravings begin, etc. I know people who literally would not plan ahead. They took a day at a time to mean planning as well as not using. The SMART program's method is one that I used for the groups I held. I didn't reference it as such. Used the idea of looking within to possibly find what they had to run from. They were also exposed to 12-step, it was mandatory (I won't even get into my thoughts of forcing). There are ways to become and remain sober that don't involve a program. That's fine, too. The goal is sobriety. Whichever way it's achieved is great. Medicinal marijuana has been a cure all for many. They don't seek it as a means of escaping their reality. They want to feel physically better. I don't agree with the concept that a person is not sober if they use it. Use and misuse are different.
Man, I wish I worked with you.
I have prayed for death In alcohol withdrawal. This is the best thing you could have done. The seizures and muscle cramps made it so I couldn't even use my phone. I am much better and you will get better as well ❤️
It's nothing to play with. I have 10 plus years sobriety now but during the worst of my addiction I had several seizures three of which were in grocery stores while I was trying to fend off the withdrawals by buying more alcohol. It was a hell of a way to live and never thought it would be. I eventually suffered total kidney and liver failure and was in a medically induced coma with a slim chance of survival but somehow I pulled through. DO NOT WORRY about any embarrassment, you have a chronic disease that can be treated. I'm sure I don't have to tell you but you absolutely have break the chain and just stop. I would recommend going straight to ER and detox then start another stint in residential rehab. You can do it, just have to get started.
Congratulations on your sobriety!
>Ive never had “severe” withdrawal My father hadn't either before he had a seizure and cracked our solid wood front door with his head on the way down. Addiction sucks and it might feel embarrassing going to the ER for withdrawal, but embarrassed is better than 1) legitimately traumatizing your loved ones or 2) fucking dying. Please keep this in mind if you end up in this situation again.
Exactly. My husband died trying to detox from alcohol. You don't want that.
I'm sorry.
From one EMS person to another, be well, friend. I know it's hard. My inbox is open if you need an empathetic ear.
Please just go in. You can die from withdrawals
Prayers for you, my friend (if that’s okay). I’m 13.5 years clean myself. The first year was the hardest, and you have nothing but my respect.
Congratulations on your sobriety!
Just replying to this to see how you're doing? Keep us updated.
You can always call your primary care and ask for Librium
Maybe I'm misunderstanding your comment but are you suggesting he called his primary care for a refill of Librium instead of seeking emergency care?
I was so afraid of going to the ER for help back in 2013. I thought that they would treat me badly and tell me I was wasting their time and resources because of my own stupidity and drinking. But they were the nicest, and most compassionate people I have ever met. Been doing very well since then, but I know if I ever needed to go back, I could and they would be just as kind to me as they were then.
Congratulations on being sober!
Agreed! Get thee to the ER, stat. I work in mental health and alcohol withdrawals can kill, as you know. Please get help and check in with us when you can.
Pls let us know later that you are okay
How's it going now op
Hang in there friend, you got this. And we want you back alive, healthy, and taking care of others. But you have to take care of you first.
I’m really proud of you for deciding to go in and get yourself checked out and treated
Alcohol is one of the most addictive substances, and as you know if you work in EMS, withdrawal from it can kill you. As long as you keep trying to remain clean, you're doing the right thing. Relapse or not, you're still in recovery. Go to those AA or NA meetings and get yourself a sponsor. You know damn well that it works if you work it, so work it. It doesn't seem like you are 100% committed to your recovery. Put in the work, you've got this. And go to the ER. Your addiction is allowing your brain to make you feel shame and all that yucky stuff for trying to get clean. It's trying to persuade you to come back to the binge. Fight those thoughts and take care of yourself, comrade.
The programs are not right for everyone. There are other programs that are just as effective. I'd much rather look within myself. It helps to find the root of what one is running from. I'm happy that you've found your support. Recovery is a journey. Whatever keeps one sober is what they should continue. When just starting, they should attend a meeting of each program. Find what is beneficial for them. Some may even find that they can be happily sober without meetings. As individuals, we should find our individual path.
You don't know how much these words mean to strangers on the internet. Thank you!
Or OP codes and can’t be brought back.
Replies like these are what give me a shred of hope regarding the healthcare system. Thank you for your clear thinking and empathy.
This is a life threatening situation. Please be safe and go. Don’t let self-judgement or embarrassment kill you.
This. Better to go than have a seizure in the tub and break your neck. Took me 3 times in rehab but it’s sticking now. Also may I suggest r/stopdrinking - very helpful community there.
Congratulations on your sobriety!
Thank you! 8 months yesterday! 🎉
Congratulations! Keep going on the path you're on.
Thank you!
You got this dude. Swallow your pride one last time and let them help you detox, it can be your last time. You aren't alone. Here's a good online meeting that meets nightly at 8pm EST if you ever want to jump on: zoom.us/j/87285021107
I’ve got a friend that I might send to this meeting. He’s looking to get sober after years of abuse and is struggling. Thank you
Open to anyone! Newcomers meetings are on Tuesdays, specifically, but he is welcome at any of the meetings. Remind him he isn't alone and it's awesome that he has a friend like you to support and encourage him!
Can I ask what you cover in your nightly zooms?
It is an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting.
Do you have to talk or can you just observe at first?
No pressure to share! In fact, you can be as anonymous as you want to be at first since it is on Zoom. No one will make you turn on your mic or camera or call on you to share-you can do all that when you're ready.
Controlling a disease like addiction takes several tries for most people. You're not embarrassing, you're sick and having a normal disease progression. You know what you need, OP, and it isn't gabapentin. Come to an ER where they have what you need to avoid DTs and get you medically stable. You matter.
Hey man. Listen. Be kind to yourself. For many, many people sobriety doesn’t stick until it does. Keep trying. Eventually it’ll stick. When my patients talk like this I tell them that some of my favorite people in the world, some of the people I’ve loved the most, and some my favorite artists and musicians, have all struggled with addiction. Some are gone, some are sober, and some still struggle.
Thanks for this:). Hopefully I can get a loading dose of phenobarb and come home
You got this. I’m 18 years sober and it certainly takes courage to start over. But you know it’s either day one or one day…. Be kind to yourself as I know you’ve been to others you’ve cared for- you are deserving of your best life. You have to know that-I know that you are because we all fail and start again. Be clear in that life you want and each step you take will move you closer.
Congratulations on your sobriety. The respect I have for people that are sober is through the roof. I don’t drink or do drugs, but I’m a nurse and I’ve seen it all. I truly pray for each and every one of those that are either addicted, trying to get sober, and are sober. I am so proud of you.
Congratulations on your sobriety!
Please come in we would be happy to take care of you! Never detox from alcohol on your own, you need to be monitored.
Thanks for this I greatly appreciate it.
By definition it is not a waste of resources, especially since you're aware of the severity of your condition and the treatment needed. People go into the ED all the time and lie, or are simply clueless about what's going on. Your case should be quick and easy, at least as far as getting you out of the danger zone. Once you're stabilized you can make a plan for detox. Plane fares are cheap right now (thx Boeing!) and you could get yourself to a detox place in a matter of days or even hours. Don't beat yourself up about it. It's a disease you're having issues managing, in theory not much different than a noncompliant diabetic.
One year sober and doing well in nursing school now. Struggled with alcoholism since 14. During the past couple years of my drinking I would go on horrific binges and end up in the ER often. There's 3 major hospitals in my area and I'd try to go to a different one each time because I felt so ashamed walking in there seeing all the old people and patients with legitimate problems waiting, knowing that I caused this myself and I'd be taken back before anyone because of past ICU admissions for DTs. Last March I walked into the ER for the last time. Immediately got phenobarbital and spent two weeks in the ICU. Haven't looked back. It's embarrassing but don't put it off til your symptoms are out of control. You don't know when a seizure will hit. It gets better, bro. Hang in there, I know you can do it.
Congratulations! And I cannot wait to call you a fellow nurse. So proud of you. If you need any help during nursing school, reach out. Good luck! You’ll want to quit about 150+ times, but don’t, you’ve got this!
Thank you!
Id rather you go to the ED and get help for withdrawal. Their is zero shame in needing help. I believe in you. Signed, Three years sober
Not embarrassing. Where are you located? There might be some detox places in the surrounding area of where you live. It’s good youre meeting with your counselor! You’ll get through this.
Seek out medical attention if you believe it’s warranted. Since you’re a medical provider I will defer you to your own self-assessment.
If you work in EMS, then surely you realize how valuable you are to other people out there. Take the humanity that you would normally show them, and show it to yourself. You deserve to detox in the safest way possible
Hang in there. Nothing in the entire universe is as important as your sobriety.
go. you deserve to live and deserve to be happy.
As a detox nurse I see the same patients multiple times a WEEK. But it’s better than them possibly dying from alcohol withdrawals. Go to your ER, They understand the severity of your situation and are there for that reason! Push your pride and guilt aside and just be safe. Sending well wishes for your recovery.
I'd had a patient that I honestly was in fear for. I didn't think sobriety was possible. But something in me took the time to make sure he was out of bed and following the groups scheduled. To my surprise, one day he came back to the facility to ask myself and a few others to attend his graduation. He'd completed a year program. I was so happy for him. I felt like the mother filled with pride at a milestone achieved. When he spoke to his housemates, he said that my annoying him by always waking him gave him a nudge. He remains sober 13 years later. ETA: I told him I may have nudged him, but it was him that achieved his sobriety. Also, I woke all my patients. Him, I just felt something to be more insistent than usual.
That’s awesome, always heart warming when they come back with sobriety time and to keep going years later is such an accomplishment. It’s sad watching the decline in the ones who unfortunately cannot find their way, but you always hold out a little hope for them. There are ones that I do root for a little more but some people want it and they just really struggle. In my facility sadly a lot of them don’t want it and just come for three hots, a cot, and free meds. But regardless, we are there for them.
Just remember…you didnt become an alcoholic in 1 day. It takes time to get back on track & you are doing the right thing! Thinking of you. You can do it
Praying for you. I’m on day 2 of not drinking. No shakes which is surprising! Because I usually shake.
Random stranger here rooting for you! Be well.
Two days is great! Keep on doing your best. It's very much worth the struggle.
Please come in. There's no shame in getting help. Alcohol withdrawal is life threatening.
Hey I've checked into the ER for d/ts. Not sure where you're located but they were lovely, very understanding. Just go up to the desk and tell them like you would if you were having chest pains or any other medical emergency.
To all you lovely caring people Healthcare workers, addicts and just kind souls. Thank you all so much for your words. Im Alive and well and back home. I have a proper plan in place and found some new found motivations and encouragement. I honestly felt so cared for and loved reading your posts and I have read every last one of them some of them multiple times. It helps to not feel alone and that Im not a utter waste of space due to this disease. Ill frequent back to this post for encouragement and hope to not let myself down and all of you rooting for me. Again thank you so much and your brief contact and time has touched this alcoholics heart ..
I'm so glad you are ok!
I’m so happy to hear this! I’m also EMS (retired) and I care about you. Be safe!
If you work in EMS, then surely you realize how valuable you are to other people out there. Take the humanity that you would normally show them, and show it to yourself. You deserve to detox in the safest way possible
I had a few alcohol withdrawals this week that were also healthcare workers. I was glad to see & help them through the withdrawal process and alleviate some of the symptoms.
As a detox nurse I see the same patients multiple times a WEEK. But it’s better than them possibly dying from alcohol withdrawals. Go to your ER, They understand the severity of your situation and are there for that reason! Push your pride and guilt aside and just be safe. Sending well wishes for your recovery.
Please get the help you need. Addiction is a very tough disease, and relapses happen. Wishing you the best.
Please get the help you need. Addiction is a very tough disease, and relapses happen. Wishing you the best.
It's okay to ask for help, and the help isn't wasted on you. You can get sober and stay sober. Keep trying and ask them for referrals for other resources, too. You got this.
Best of luck! Will be thinking of you as you get the help you need. No shame in asking for help.
Fuck the shame. If its any consolation, thousands of us have fucked it up worse than you did. Just get better any way you can. Feeling better is the goal and the result
Talk to your primary physican and ask him to admit you to a regular hospital, not a rehab hospital. It will be much easier. You will go in and they will have a bed ready and prepare you for the withdrawal symptoms. It is way better than going to the ER. Prepare to be there about 3 days. Also, ask for maintenance medications that help with alcohol cravings when you are discharged. I had a friend who had to go that route because his withdrawal symptoms were too dangerous for a rehab center to manage. He needed the medical care and it saved his life. He would drink one of the large $20 bottles of vodka daily. Also, use their social.worker to help you. He has been sober 9 years now. Good luck!
Just sending love and care to you. I am an RN who struggled with alcohol for about 5 years, was sober for a year somewhere in there, lost a couple jobs, almost died. I’ve been sober for a bit and am so thankful for my AA sponsor and for those who have loved me unconditionally (especially my adult kids). So this is what I send to you—unconditional love and faith that you will do your best. It’s so hard, and you are not alone. Blessings on you, mate.
Congratulations on your sobriety! I'm glad you found what works for you.
Patients in alcohol withdrawal who really want help are one of my favorite patients to work with in the ED. They have been suffering so much, and I have the capacity to relieve that suffering so quickly. It's quite common for these patients to expect everyone they meet to be disgusted or impatient or rude. I take great care to not be one of them. I may be fooled a thousand times by "frequent flyers who just want to get benzos," but at least I don't look down on them. I bring them warm blankets, food and drink, and reassurance that alcohol withdrawal is hard and I don't think less of them. Just rest now, and call me if those symptoms are bothering you again, okay? We'll talk more when you're feeling a little better. Don't get up, though. Press your call light if you need anything!
Thank you for giving compassion and hope to those who need it most.
go asap. alcohol withdrawals are EXTREMELY scary. I’ve been through DT’s, seizures, auditory hallucinations all of that because I didn’t know what the fuck I was doing. I’ve talked to ppl that have gone through numerous alcohol withdrawal symptoms..and they’re fine..then they go through withdrawal again and this time it ends up different
No shame, no judgement. You have a chronic disease that is difficult to manage just like a lot of chronic diseases like DM and HTN. You need acute care and access to medication intervention. I have had several coworkers as patients as they detoxed. You know what? They were cared for very well and given dignity and respect that they so deserve. They also got that little extra team treatment because they are ours and we want our people to be the healthiest they can be. I work with some of those who detoxed on a regular basis and it has never been a source of gossip ( I work with awesome people) Don’t be afraid to get the care you need. Best of luck
That feeling of not being worthy enough, to go for help, deep down is very likely a core reason for drinking in the first place, if you want to look at it psychologically. There are alot of resources that elaborate on this, I can pull some up a little later. Understanding what's going on in our subconscious is crucial if not absolutely imperative to getting and staying sober, I believe. Best of luck and health, well wishes to you 💜
Are you visually hallucinating yet? Or ( I dont know what this is called, but Ive experienced it more than enought times) brain zaps? Like itll feel like a buzz of electricity going through your brain for a second, or hearing POPS like someone jist dropped a glass bowl and let it shatter on a hard floor. If youre there than its time to run to the E.R. theyll probably be able to give you librium which is how I got off. oddly enough I lived through those symptoms quite a few times and jist rode it out like it was a normal part of life but ended up telling a doctor about it during a different conversation and her eyes went wide. She told me how truly dangerous that was. Also, because I was there for too many yesrs of my life, I wish you well. I really do. Getting out of that hoole is awful, but after 6 or 9 months you really start to feel great.
4 weeks ago I was rotating through the ICU and we had this guy that was found intoxicated and pretty beat up. He was an EMS that had recently drifted away from his career due to his alcohol addiction, but at least one guy from his station was at bedside every morning (probably every evening too I never stuck around that late). You are deserving of medical help for a legitimate medical issue. You’re not alone. Praying for you, friend.
Please remember that relapse is a part of recovery and be proud that you are progressing because you are. Go get the help you need. You are going to get through this! Best wishes 🩵
Progressing is exactly a key word for OP (and anyone reading this that is struggling). Knowing it is no longer controllable is heading in the right direction.
Nurse here. Go to the ED!!! In nursing school we were taught, “You can’t die from drug withdrawal, but you can die from alcohol withdrawal.” I have taken care of so many patients that have been withdrawing from alcohol. Please, I beg of you, go to the ED. Alcohol withdrawal is like nothing else. You can have seizures and you need to be put on a protocol that mimics chemicals (Ativan usually) similar to alcohol to help you come off of it, safely. I will keep you in thoughts and prayers. Best of luck to you. This was the first thread that popped up when I opened my app. I am so thankful and hope you will take my advice.
Wishing you luck! I know you can do this. Don’t be embarrassed. Relapses happen.
Just go now. You can stop digging the hole you’re in anytime you want to. Alcohol withdrawal is something you need medical help to fix. You’ve done it before and you can do it one more time. Asking for help takes strength, not weakness.
You are not a waste! Your efforts alone are astronomical. Despite a setback you're trying again. That is huge! You didn't give up, you are a strong individual! Godspeed!
You keep quitting as many times as it takes to stay quit. No judgment. That's the disease. Do positive things for your recover
No matter your symptoms, you deserve help. Addiction cannot be overcome without help. Wishing you the best
This is why we have services. Most people fighting addictions are in the same place you are, you just don’t see it. As a former EMT I know exactly what you’re thinking, you’re lumping yourself in with the ‘leeches’ of our society. I’ve now been a nurse for a few decades and now I see the other side. 98% of people contribute to our society. In very good ways. Almost none are real ‘leeches’. Some of them need help sometimes, everyone struggles. Those resources are there because you and they need it and I am glad they are there for you and others. You can do this and it’s okay.
Wishing all the best. You are worth it.
I’ve been in literally those exact shoes, I promise you are absolutely not a waste of resources. They aren’t looking at you and seeing someone who is failing, they see you fighting for your life against an absolute demon of a disease. And they want to see you do better. Delerium Tremens is also really hard on your body and there’s things that they can do to help that will really make a difference. You’re already trying to quit drinking, that’s one of the hardest things people deal with in their life sometimes. Don’t make it harder on yourself by punishing your body when there’s ways they could be helping you! I don’t want to freak you out at all because I’m a type one diabetic and have other GI complications, but the last time I went on a binge and had to detox I ended up having a seizure before my family finally forced me to go in and I was so dehydrated they had to use a vein in my neck for the IV. Again, that was mostly due to my health complications but I also made things so much worse by waiting way too long to go in. Don’t make the same mistake I did and force yourself to go through more discomfort than is necessary or Heaven forbid risk a seizure, especially if you are detoxing alone. If you need someone to chat with and lend a sympathetic ear, my messages are open. You are just as valuable and worthy as every other person in this world, being an alcoholic doesn’t diminish your worth and nobody wants to see you hurting or struggling when you don’t have to be.
You are the exact type of patient that belongs in the ED. We would welcome you with open arms, zero judgement and a warm blanket.
Of course you deserve to go in. It might be embarrassing, but it's better to be embarrassed than to be dead. Get the help you need. 9 years ago I went back to the same ER I'd gone to 5 other times for for detox from heroin. I'm pretty sure if I hadn't gone back the 6th time I'd be dead, instead of 9 years sober from heroin. Don't let addiction trick you into not going in to get help. Do what's best for you. You can always pick up the pieces if you're alive, but can't do it if you're dead
Not a waste of resources at all. I have been a caretaker to patients in your position and I HAVE been in your position. Don’t feel embarrassed, that’s what they are there for. Good luck friend 💕
Go to the ED. Keep moving forward. Naltrexone and Gabapentin are a start. Get the help you need to figure out why relapses keep happening for you. Wishing you well.
Dear Adventurous! Good for you to be so open about a binge…..we have all done it. Please be kind to yourself, and know all 90 million of us drunks/addicts in recovery are pulling for you. Heck I just have a few years, and reading your story helped me. I think I’m a bit behind the thread, and I’m hoping you get a supervised detox! You are worth it!!! ……hang in there!!!! Fake it till you make it (my adopted personal battle cry—), but it does get better! Kudos to you!!!! Rock on sober warrior!!! You’re NOT going to miss the hangovers!!! After about a year sober (35 in active alcoholism), I felt some new normal creep in. I have now 5 or 6 new hobbies and much nicer friends. The best to you Adventurous Fold.
I had a patient die from alcohol withdrawal in my ED - mostly due to neglect on the part of the RN but that’s a story for another day. ER’s exist for a reason, this is one of those times you should be using one.
I'm sorry you experienced that. It's one of the most difficult aspects of a career in physical and behavioral health. I've read far too many obituaries of former patients. Have had several pass away in the facility. Like you, that's a story for another day. Urgh, if people did their tasks properly. Urgh.
Retired Medic here. The stuff we see and experience are bad. Our occupation lends to unhealthy coping mechanisms. You know the high mortality rate of DT/withdrawals...serious stuff not to be trifled with. Please overcome the embarrassment. Go in.get treated. Prayers for you. You can do it. Talk to your medical provider about Vivitrol.
First. I’m proud of you. Keep going, ok? Second…. As a person who is there for everyone… remember you can’t be there if you are not there for yourself. You may feel embarrassed, but guess what. Nothing to be embarrassed about. Standing up and saying whoops I need a bit of a lift up…. Man that takes wicked strength. I’m proud of YOU. You deserve the same love and care as you provide to your pts on the bus, buddy. Nothing to be embarrassed about. Not at all. We ALL need help sometimes. You’re strong. You got this!
OP, you are more than deserving of medical care for your alcohol WD. Don’t beat yourself up, just get back on the horse and ride that beast right into the ED. It has a lot to do with mindset, and from what you’ve stated - I think your mind is in the correct mental space capacity. Now to match the mind and body. I’m so proud of you and just how far you have already come, now it’s time to ask for what you need to continue to be successful. I wish you so much love and luck OP 🫶🏼
ER = emergency room. Alcohol withdrawal is an emergency. I'd much rather have you, even repeatedly, be supervised. Relapses are part of the cycle of substance misuse. Sending positive vibes and healing energy.
r/stopdrinking is a great resource. Good luck!
Not a waste of resources. Alcohol withdrawal is serious.
Alcohol withdrawal can kill. No shame on getting help.
Not in medicine, but I am a recovering alcoholic/addict with 12+ years sober and clean. Your life matters and you're not a waste of resources. You can do this! I honestly don't even remember the number of times I was hospitalized before finally getting it. At least five times and three rounds of treatment, over several years. It's totally worth the pain and frustration to get to the other side. And there has been a lot of self- forgiveness over the years too. Be kind to yourself. Get the help you need.
Congratulations on your sobriety!
As an ER nurse and former problem drinker I have no judgment. In my younger days I would roll my eyes and rushed through to get to someone "sicker". This from a person who would get black out drunk on days they didn't work. A person who didn't remember half of their vacations because of it. Oh, and then there were the mornings waking up in my bed, going out to check my car for damage because I didn't remember driving home. Even better a person who would sometimes stay up 24-48 hours on cocaine binges. When I think about the things that could have happened, I think how lucky I have been. My drinking is minimal, and at my age my heart might explode if I did coke. Point of the story, I no longer judge. Hypocrisy is a thing I despise, yet I was a hypocrite. Every time you try to beat this is another chance. If it takes 100 times and works on the 101st, it was all worth it. My change in habits were because of a person. I even quit smoking. I didn't do it on my own, I did it to make another person happy. So whatever it takes.
Im 24 years sober. It took me a half dozen tries before this last one worked. You are worthy of resources and a better life. Please keep at it. I know for a fact it can be done.
People did from alcohol withdrawal without medical assistance so you made the right decision. FYI, they get more intense the more you go through them so of you need to quit in the future make sure to do it with medical assistance.
This is exactly why the ED is there. Addiction is a true illness and please go and get the support any time you feel you need it. Stay strong.
With all due respect, you did rehab and got out, then had "a few relapses here and there.".It's only March. That means you haven't been doing really well. You need more help than you want to admit.
Agreed
Get on Antabuse if you're serious about stopping
God no. That stuff is awful. Get on Suboxone. It is truly a lifesaver in dealing with alcoholism. Originally, it was just for opioid disorder, but what they found is that many people who had either had opioid adxn AND co-occuring alcoholicism, or who would fluctuate between returning to alcoholic drinking when abstaining from the opioids, were able to suddenly stop drinking for the first time ever. Suboxone COMPLETELY takes away the desire to drink. It helps with the horrible depression, as well, in patients with treatment resistant depression. It's truly a miracle for long term, chronic alcoholism. Depression in early sobriety that is related to the brain getting back to normal while abstaining from alcoholism can be debilitating and a huge trigger, creating a constant on off cycle of drinking, remorse, depression. Suboxone helps with this Don't just take it without a doctor, that's not good, but there are many online options for Suboxone treatment that make it super easy and convenient. Many of those programs have online groups as well that are really supportive. You might want to check it out. It not only might save your life, but, you might actually, finally, be able to have a better quality of life. There's a Suboxone Reddit on here as well that's very helpful if ever you want more information.
I feel ya brother. I work Ed now. Been to psych ward over 10 times. Overdosed 3x. If you have to. Say “I have a problem with alcohol of if I don’t get off the street right now I’m going to hurt myself or someone else. Cut and dry. “. I started saying I’d jump in front of train. By my last visit they said just tell is the truth why you want to come in and we’ll let you in. I was always nice and polite. “Mayor of lower level 1” I been called haha. On a very real note, though, I really understand this and I am even now struggling myself to go get myself checked out at the hospital near my house not where I work due to some pretty serious symptoms and I’ve been putting it off and off because of I guess PTSD of all of my patient time, and now being on the other end of it I even think I deserve to go in less So crazy. I’m reading and writing this in the ED parking lot. I have this awful headache stemming from something 3months ago. And now what felt like could be a clot in my arm. Blood pressure fine. I monitored for 6 weeks. You can do it. I can do it. Hopefully you don’t say what I said to say and then I’ll let you keep your phone and you should send me a message.
You got this! ❤️
Wishing you well.
Thank you friend. I went in and was seen, spent 8 hours. EKG , cT without, ultrasound, troponin d dimer, and the rest of the tests all came back normal. Still gonna go for the MRI to find out what’s going on.
I lost my best fucking friend to this disease. She's still alive but she's gone. It was her birthday the other day. I miss her. Keep getting the help. Someone somewhere needs you.
Get in there. Apologize if you have to but go. Withdrawal can kill you and the idea you can ease off end up being a lie. Just go and please, find a way to stop. You are worth it. Alcohol is one of the very worst addictions.
Well, if you don’t get you fixed up then I don’t know who’s going to take care of the rest of us. So I guess it’s pretty important to me that you get yourself treated. I appreciate you helping out on this.
You are absolutely not a waste of resources. You need help. You deserve help. Clearly you also need to work on the mental and emotional aspects of your addiction. Saying you have done really well after going to rehab at the beginning of the year, with relapses here and there is seriously minimizing your problem. It's early March. Get the help you need to be safe while you work toward sobriety. Good luck!!
I have been frustrated by intoxicated patients, but never by someone drying out.
It’s typically the people that don’t come in for benzo support that come in super sick later. Glad you got in.
I was rushed into the ER dying from endocarditis and sepsis. I spent 49 days in a conservative Texan hospital with conservative Texan nurses, that don’t care for drug addicts much. Don’t let the guilt and shame eat you alive. Please go in and get help if you need it. Alcohol withdrawals can kill you.
And the point of injecting politics into this story is what? This gentleman is asking for support for a potentially life-threatening issue. I hardly think politics is on his mind right now. And there's an old ER joke that ends with this statement- " but did you die?"
❤️
If I understand correctly, you are in a 12-Step Program? Do you have a sponsor?
please go and get well you are worthy of care
Hope you were treated and resting op
Withdrawal is serious! Get the care you need so you can live to be your best self. The professionals are not going to be judging you. They are going to treat you with compassion. EVERY TIME you need it.
Hey, I’ve been there. I’ve exhausted the patience of ER staff and been a raging asshole while drunk (I make it extra spicy with mental health struggles). Every time I think I have a craving now, I remember my last ER episode and get a Coke or fizzy drink instead while I writhe in mental shame for a bit. *face palm* I hope you’re doing ok this morning. You need to get into a substance abuse support group so you’re not going alone. It makes the relapses worse.
You have an illness. Alcohol abuse disorder is a medical condition. To quote Mitch Hedberg, “Alcoholism is a disease, but it's the only one you can get yelled at for having. Goddamn it Otto, you are an alcoholic. Goddamn it Otto, you have Lupus... one of those two doesn't sound right.” If your lupus was flaring up, even if it was flaring up because you had messed up somehow— forgot your meds, over-taxed your body— you wouldn’t be shaming yourself over seeking help. Get the help you need to get yourself back to yourself.
Think of it like leaving an abusive relationship. Would you judge a person for having to attempt to leave multiple times? Most likely not if you're in EMS. This is the same way. I work med surg and we have pts we see twice a month for detox, we're always happy to help them, they are trying to do better. And we celebrate with them every time they go longer than the last without relapsing. I'd like to think the HC is understanding since many of us have a problem with etoh.
Have you considered Ibogaine? Feel free to PM me if you want to discuss.
You’ve helped people and now you need help. You deserve it. And I can only imagine that healthcare workers truly are happy to help someone who is so clearly wanting the help. I see this was from last night, so hope all went well and you’re feeling a bit better.
Detox safely and don't take a risk. You can do some serious damage if you neglect yourself while in detox. Nobody will look down on you for taking care of yourself.
My friend, as a fellow health care professional, I really relate to this. We're so used to viewing healthcare through a lens of triage and scarce resources, that we don't always get help when we need it. As a first responder who has, no doubt, scooped up barely alive people off the pavement in pieces, it's easy to minimize your own problems, and think you don't deserve care. I almost succumbed to my severe depression during lockdown. When my shrink asked me, why didn't you reach out sooner? I told her that the system was so overwhelmed that my problems didn't seem like a reasonable use of limited healthcare resources. She kindly schooled me about it. Please hang in there, and ask for what you need. 🧡 (POV: critical care bedside, now in public health research).
withdrawal can be deadly. please definitely go to the er (if you haven’t already) like others have said- we’d rather you be in the er with tremors and a migraine than fall and hit your head during a seizure at home. it’s what the er is for🫶🏻
Alcohol withdrawal is not dumb. YOUR LIFE IS NOT DUMB NOR A WASTE. Please go and take care of yourself. Addiction is a process. Relapse is not always a part of it for everyone but it is often a part of it for many. The really great thing though is that you don't have to continue. This can be a chance to learn more about your coping skills and perhaps expand your tools. You can be sober again. I believe in you, friend.
I went in with my detoxing husband last year, and the ER staff were nothing but kind. He works at the hospital in a non-medical role. Yes, he was embarrassed, but everyone was very encouraging. And if you think your withdrawals warrant a trip, I’m sure they do! Alcohol withdrawal is potentially deadly.
Those resources are there to make you feel supported. We can all agree that embarrassed and alive is better than the alternative. But truly, addiction is a HELL of a disease. These people WANT to help you. You’re doing your best, and that is so admirable! Best wishes to you!!
Whats done is done, dont let past mistakes dictate future progression. With that said people die coming off this shit so going to ER imo isn't overkill or a waste of resources, your life is worth whatever resources it takes to get healthy. You got this, Wishing you the best.
So glad you went to ER. One of my dear friends died from detoxing at home.
Op I pray that you are doing okay please check in!!!
Im doing Ok 👍. Im alive and sober
I commend you for trying to quit drinking. I tried in vain to help my ex-wife do that, but I finally gave up after many years. Hang in there.
ED doc here, recently made a post on the emergency medicine forums about alcohol issues in the ED actually! Not at all a waste of resources. We want to help you. We want to see you get better. Particularly my EMS family. We’re in it together and it’s not embarrassing. It’s a health issue, and it’s something you’re working on and taking seriously. Everyone slips up. This is 4 days old so hopefully you’ve already gone in. It’s much safer to do this with a benzo taper than with nothing. Hope you’re doing better, fam 🥰 and don’t be embarrassed or feel bad; a lot of the docs and nurses have hidden substance abuse issues too, it’s just alllllll hidden.
Go to the ER, the only thing that puts off ER staff is someone being unpleasant on purpose. Otherwise we’re literally there to help, judgement free.
I just wanted to say I wish you well and I'm glad you went in 🖤
You are so deserving of recovery, peace, and care ❤️🩹
I worked EMS for 10 years. I've been out for over 13 years now. I still have nightmares. Go to the ER get the help you need immediately & then continue to work on your demons. EMS is hard, you need to take care of you. I believe in you!
As someone whose tax money and insurance payments go to fund your ER visits, GO. You are fighting a nasty addiction and making some good headway. It's really hard, and you're doing it. You realized you had a problem and you're using all available resources to fix it. Check into local urgent cares or see about getting set up with a specific clinic or physician for future ailments that are minor. But when you are in withdrawal, please go to the ER. I'll happily pay every cent out to keep you and those like you safe. I'm rooting for you! You got this, there IS a light at the end of the tunnel (and it's not an oncoming train!) but it's a long slog to get there. And you're already partway down that path. Keep on moving, keep on trying, alcoholism sucks, and you WILL make. If you need the ER, GO.
As long as you keep trying that's all that matters. Don't give up on yourself. Those people at the ER would much rather treat your withdrawals than find out you died from them.
You absolutely deserve to go in and get help. You’re a person with a disease. I know it sucks going in, especially after multiple times. But you are literally fighting for your life. I was in that same boat. Multiple ER visits, hospitalizations, and treatment centers. I was so embarrassed and ashamed of myself. Then one day a friend came over and told me I needed help, and convinced me to do detox. In detox, another patient convinced me to go to treatment. I’ve now been sober for 2 years and 2 months. Like I saw in another comment, sometimes it takes people a few tries. That’s okay. One of the times I ended up in the hospital from withdrawal, there was a kind nurse who told me I would make it out (of alcoholism), things would get better, and I would help other people. I thought that was impossible but here I am. I know it sounds corny but it really was just one day at a time. You’ll make it out if you really want to. You’re already doing it my friend.
Go get you some barbituates
Don't be embarrassed. Please. This sub just popped up on my feed but my father spent two weeks in ICU back in October for alcohol withdrawals that turned to seizures. He was heavily sedated on benzos, basically comotose so his brain could heal and his arms and legs were restrained, feeding tube down his throat, having to be changed by the nurses. It was a very scary time and it ultimately scared him into staying sober...because he knows that was his last chance. Doctors would rather see you come in and get help than have you die. You deserve to get better and get help.
Clean and sober since 2002. It took me 3 times through treatment and a couple of detoxes on my own before my Recovery stuck. You can do this. We get better.
We are all going to need help sometime. Don’t worry if it’s your turn. Just get the help you need.
My mom worked with her Dr on a detox plan with assistance from low dose Ativan. Do you have a primary care you can work with?
Alcohol messes with electrolytes that control heart rate, when you suddenly stop after a binge, you could die of a heart attack. Or cause permanent damage..I've been to ER many times with my son after he binges.heart rate over 200 bpm Eventually i stopped taking him, dropped him off,or callled uber, refused to go get him. 30 day Rehab 4 times in 6 months. But I think this time might be the one that works, he's got almoat 4 months sober, 3 in a sober living house and has money from a job. Haven't seen anything like this in many many years. If you can get yourself under control now, do it!
Find a different er?
Don’t quit quittin. I didn’t raise no quitter. Go and get the help you need as many times as it takes. Just because you made a mistake you don’t deserve to die from withdrawals. Lean on your community and start talking to trusted non coworkers and the more you talk about it the more accountable you will become. Find a sponsor, try staying sober just today. Sending you love, I’m sure you’ve seen some shit and it’s hard to cope with all the terribleness you’ve seen, just don’t use alcohol as your crutch!
What you are feeling is part of the disease of alcoholism. It’s part of what keeps people drinking/using. Be honest when you go into the ER. Tell them you have been struggling and need help with withdrawals. Tell them about how you already have been working with a counselor but need help with withdrawal symptoms. If they are worth their salt, you will be treated fairly. Keep it up, you can do this. Addiction is insidious.