I've drastically cut back on my alcohol

[Hergest]

consumption but have got withdrawal symptoms-how long will it last ? I'm a 41 yrs old male who's been a fairly heavy drinker (about 60 units a week) for many years but recently have drastically cut back this amount to around 10 units per week. Trouble is I'm finding myself very nervous, shaky and irritable - will this pass ?I'm not having any cravings for alcohol as I know what damage I was doing to myself and have gone from drinking most days to just having a handful of drinks at the weekend. I've thankfully managed to deal with this myself and have found other interests away from those which revolve around pubs and my normal hard drinking acquaintances and know I'm doing the right thing, but at the moment I feel worse physically than I did before I cut back.

[arseteroid]

Hmm you're alcohol dependant you could be doing more harm than good cutting down so drastically at once you should do it in small steps less chance of a relapse that way

[Ligeia]

Keep going because you will eventually start to feel a lot better. I cut back from 30 units a week, but nearly all drunk on Saturday afternoon. I feel so much better I don't dare start again unless I lose my new way of being.

[hasicit]

try having a drink of strong coffee or take a caffine tablet they give you an energy surge which will help

[funnelweb]

You would probably be better of if you stop completely, at least for a few weeks. This will give you a chance to feel the benefits of being alcohol free. You can then decide if you want to start drinking again, or not. This has to be your choice as people are not all the same. The major benefits are those that you won't see, all your organs will start to recover from the effects of alcohol and work better, you will feel better due to the fact that the physical symptoms will pass fairly soon, if you leave the alcohol alone for long enough. Drinking at the weekend is just topping up your bodys dependency on drink. Give yourself time and you will feel much better. Good luck.

[andy g]

Good on ya, stick at it.The systems will pass but takes a little while, Your body is still adjusting to the new you, drink plenty of fresh water and try to eat plenty of veg to get your vitamins.Try to exercise for an hr each day, even just walking will help as this flushers the toxins out.Keep the good work up and feel proud.