You shouldn't need any expense rehabilitation centers to come off alcohol. Many people do it quite safely within the confines of their own home. Please be aware however, that if you are ever concerned about what is occurring or if you have had a bad experience in the past, you should contact your physician or local community alcohol team. You shouldn't feel as if you are punishing yourself by going through bad withdrawal symptoms.



Generally the first three days are probably the worst of what you will experience. It is not uncommon to feel anxious, irritable and restless and you may even have flu-like symptoms. Please do not give up; in a week to ten days you will feel much better.

It is important to maintain those things your body has become accustomed to such as sugar. Alcohol has a high sugar content and it is necessary to replace this for the first few days. You can do this by drinking fruit juice.

Natural sleep patterns are disrupted through the abuse of alcohol; if you find you can't sleep or wake up after just a few hours, don't panic - this is a normal occurrence and will right itself after a few weeks. A good tip would be to try to learn some relaxation exercises.

As the time passes you will find you are interested in things you had given up. Allow yourself time to enjoy them. For instance, watch TV as much as you like or cook up a storm. More importantly try to get some exercise. Make some small goals that you know you can accomplish. Do not attempt to do too much. If you want to give up smoking - do something about it at a later date - only put yourself through one thing at a time.

You also may want to explain to people close to you what you are going through. Don't let it upset you if they appear to lack faith in you - they will also need time to adjust just like you.

Stopping drinking will not solve all the problems that caused you to drink in the first place. Do not fall in to the trap of trying to tackle them all right away. After a while you will be in a better position to put your problems in to the proper perspective and can then begin to talk to someone like a counselor.

Beware of setting yourself up to drink again. Prepare in your mind what you will say if someone offers you a drink.

It is not easy giving up alcohol, but by taking things slowly - one day at a time as AA puts it - and being realistic, you will succeed.