Is it dangerous to quit drinking suddenly?

Question

I've been drinking a 375 ml bottle of vodka 5-6 times a week for the past 2 or 3 years. At times it's been getting to the point where I'm either hung over or I'm drunk. Recently I've been wanting to quit drinking, but I heard that it's dangerous or even fatal if I quit cold turkey because my body has been used to the presence of alcohol almost all the time. Would it be safer to drink less and only every other day to ween myself off of it? Anyone know any more info about this?

Answer 1

If you quit cold turkey, you may experience a withdrawal period, commonly known as 'delireum tremens'. According to my doc., this can be serious. If you have been using alcohol that heavily I would advise you to quit with the guidance of a medical doctor.
If you quit cold turkey on your own, just be ready in case you do experience withdrawal.

Here is a symptom list:
Symptoms of alcohol withdrawal
Feeling jumpy or nervous
Feeling shaky
Anxiety
Irritability or easily excited
Emotional volatility, rapid emotional changes
Depression
Fatigue
Difficulty thinking clearly
Palpitations (sensation of feeling the heart beat)
Headache, general, pulsating
Sweating, especially the palms of the hands or the face
Nausea
Vomiting
Loss of appetite
Insomnia (difficulty falling and staying asleep)
Pale skin
Mental status changes
Mood changes rapidly
Restlessness, excitement
Increased activity
Decreased attention span
Excitement
Fear
Confusion, disorientation
Agitation, irritability
Hallucinations (visual hallucinations such as seeing things that are not present are most common)
Sensory hyperacuity (highly sensitive to light, sound, touch)
Delirium (severe, acute loss of mental functions)
Decreased mental status
Stupor, sleepiness, lethargy
Deep sleep that persists for a day or longer
Usually occurs after acute symptoms
Seizures
Usually generalized tonic-clonic seizures
Most common in first 24 - 48 hours
Most common in people with previous alcohol withdrawal complications
Body tremors
Additional symptoms that may be occur:
Fever
Stomach pain
Chest pain
Symptoms most commonly occur within 72 hours after the last drink, but may occur up to 7 - 10 days after the last drink. Symptoms may progress rapidly

Answer 2

I have been a beer drinker for 19 years a minimum of a 30 pack a day every day for 30 years. I took my last drink dec.31, 2015 at 1159 pm. have not had a drop since. no aa no doctors no meds. and guess what??? one year later I am alive I did have withdraw symptoms, but heck my body was use to drinking every day from the time I woke up til time to sleep. they say that it is bad to quit cold turkey but I didn't die. just became more of an introvert.. but we all were the center of attention when we drank,,right?? if you put your mind to it and quit for yourself..then you wont drink. I also had NO support from family or friends.probably cuz I tried before they gave up. I didnt

Answer 3

I quit on 4 May. I will never touch another drop. Yes it is dangerous.

Answer 4

Yes, it is very dangerous to suddenly stop drinking and you can die. Your body will begin to go into something that medical professional's call DT's which stand for Delirium Tremors about 3 days after the last ingestion of alcohol.

Answer 5

Dude, I have done just what you are asking. I drank regularly, 5 times a week, from a 3-12 servings. Then, I quit for 4 months. No problem. Sure, you are gonna have some tough cravings, but thats obvious. No health problems. AA is worthless too, its only for people who are not strong enough to quit on their own. But the real question is why would you want to quit? I quit for those few months with the intention of starting back up again, i just do not drink so much these days.

Answer 6

I drank constantly for five years straight. Finally on Jan 1, 97 I quit drinking straight up. Had no withdrawls, no cravings for it, nothing at all. I even did it all on my own with a little help from friends. It is not dangerous to stop drinking suddenly. I suggest seeking an AA meeting in your area for help. Also, maybe friends and/or family to help you emotionally. Good luck and blessed be.

Answer 7

Yes to cut "Cold Turkey" is very dangerous for some one who is physically addicted to alcohol. Because over the 2 or 3 years your body has gotten used to the alcohol & learned to live with it. The alcohol is a part of your bodies every day functions now. Your body will go through withdrawl if you just suddenly stop drinking. More people die from alcohol withdrawl than all other drugs combined. It would be wise for you to quit drinking but please be careful! I hope this helps! Good Luck!

Answer 8

There's a thing called "abstinence syndrome" which is a condition which those who have been in drugs or alcohol (i mean alcoholics) suddenly quit... ... their bodies need the substance so much, that when they quit, they feel soooo bad that they are angry or sometimes aggresive... if you are an alcoholic you should consult your doctor, or you could try just quitting, but you might feel a little stressed.... I would try to drink less yeah, for a couple of weeks and then one day, quit... Good luck!

Answer 9

Alcohol is a DRUG !! And with all drugs withdrawl and the side effects can be a problem.If you experience shaking and hand tremors,racing heart rate,light headedness and a generalized weakness,get your self medical help ASAP. The amount of alcohol you say you've been drinking is scary,DT's or delirium tremors and withdrawl can cause death,if that's true get yourself to a hospital NOW. Good luck. SW RNP

Answer 10

yes you pobably should wean yourself off. I'm not a good role model though because I drink a lot of beer.

Answer 11

You are correct. You need to be medically detoxed. Most hospitals will do that for you and once you are out of danger, you can be transferred to rehab. No rehab will take you unless you've been medically detoxed. You can have seizures and heart failure without the proper medication.