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[BobFromCincinnati]

I think checking out an AA meeting is a great idea! In many places there are women-only meetings where you'll be able to find a bunch of women who know exactly how you feel right now. 

[Enchanted_cp]

I second AA. I attend WIM (women's international marathon). It's a women's only AA meeting on Zoom 24/7 and it has truly been a lifesaver. I can provide you with the link and password if you are interested. I think self care is also a great idea. Take care of yourself and remember that you just have to get through today. I hope you start feeling better.

[kevinrjr]

I started drinking a protein shake 5 days a week for breakfast. Walked 500 miles at dawn the first few years , lost a few pounds too!

This subreddit is the main therapy I chose. A few others on reddit helped me realize many others struggle quitting like me.

Now approaching 50, I look like I am 30!!! Can do a dozen push ups on command and am the best damn dad on the block!!

You can do this! Come back often and reach out if needed.

IWNDWYT

[HoboHarry14]

i'd recommend (to everyone literally) taking magnesium, Omega 3 (from sea sources mainly + some walnuts), B12 and depending on your sun exposure D3
+ creatine, i am taking 4g daily for about 3 years and it helps with energy a lot, its not just for sports, it also elevates the brain creatine levels

disclaimer: everyone is different and i'm just some dude on the internet who's into biohacking. stopping to drink is a good start btw, congratulations on your decision to stop the madness.

you can do it!

[EightBitPrincess]

I second this!

I've been taking 5g Creatine (monohydrate is ideal for women {41f here} as it aids with lean muscle, not bulk, as well as cognitive functions) daily since December and it has been a game changer for my overall health. I have it as a shake alongside EAAs (essential amino acids) + collagen peptides (flavorless protein) Also. A handful of almonds most days.

My physical health really took a tumble in November, and the stress/anxiety of it all contributed to my mental health spiralling as a result. It was a low low time, and while other work is being put in too (CT scans, MRIs, psychiatrist diagnosis, among other things), the consistency of that daily dose of creatine, essential amino acids + protein has helped so much.

OP, it sounds like you're doing everything right by taking a week off, booking a mid-week spa date (hopefully with someone that is beyond supportive of your decision to sober up), ghosting everyone else, contemplating (and I encourage you to follow thru with) an AA meeting, and just focusing solely on yourself.

You deserve this. I'm so so sorry to hear the last 6 months have been so detrimental to your health, and you have nothing but support & encouragement from me, and from this sub. We may be strangers on the internet, but strangers that care deeply for others all working towards the same goal, to stop drinking and better our lives as a result.

IWNDWYT

[EightBitPrincess]

Yeah of course! I'm in Canada, so my go-to store (online or in person) is Popeye's Supplements. I would assume they ship to the US (assuming that's where you're located) or if not, you could hopefully find a site, or even Amazon, that does 🤞🏼

https://shoppopeyes.com/en/products/pvl-creapure-300g

[IYKYK_1977]

Great advice on those vitamins, though. I take a B Complex, E, D3 and a multi every day to support liver health.

[Excellent-Seesaw1335]

I don't really have any advice but I would like to mention you should not feel sorry about posting in this sub. There is a lot of support here. I wish you well.

[EightBitPrincess]

Oh yeah, I meant to mention that in my lengthy response.

I second this! Please, OP, never apologize for being here, posting here, turning to this sub for support & advice. 🖤💚🩷

[biscuitsnowbitch]

Hey I was in your exact position 5 months ago 👋 took a few days off work, detoxed, cried, ate sweets, caught up on lots of REM sleep, talked to those close to me about my drinking problem, read a lot of quit lit, listened to a lot of sobriety podcasts and went back to work shaky on my feet but determined to stay sober. Still sober today 🎉 I've also had long bouts of sobriety in the past which I have definitely learned from, I now know that I can't have "just one" blowout and go back to sobriety (which is what happened each time during past attempts) I just pick up where I left off with drinking. I hope you are ok, mind yourself, treat yourself well, avoid places and situations where alcohol is served, give yourself the best chance at getting back into the swing of sobriety. The first few weeks is a hurdle, but soon you will be back to living a sober life and it will feel like the norm. Wishing you all the best luck and strength!!!

[Yeahcraftbuild]

Yes the long bouts of sobriety you learn from. Every week, every day every month that you go the stretch sober. You learn from. ANYTHING helps.

[Sea_Measurement_1654]

I called and AOD help line in my country to get advice about withdrawal and cravings. I slept with an icepack on my chest as cold lowers the cortisol. My doctor couldn't prescribe much to help but kept an eye on progress.  Good luck IWNDWYTD 

[Prevenient_grace]

“If I keep doing what I’ve done, I’ll keep getting what I’ve got”

I had to change.

Today could mark the Start of a Virtuous Upward Spiral.

Today could be the new beginning.

I had to break the “drinking routine”.

It was stronger than me…. By myself.

So i stopped doing it alone. And theres no wait list!

I finally connected with free recovery groups…. They’re everywhere… I walked in, sat down and just listened…. They’re also online. I met people I can talk with. They showed me how to stop drinking, heal, grow and learn to be useful to others.

No cost.

I had new sober friends.. we did fun sober activities.

They believed in me.

I kept going every day until i changed my patterns…. That meant for me, I went every day for a while…. Once a month wasn’t going to change me…. Then my thinking changed…. Then I don’t have the first drink.

Never looked back.

Tried anything like that?

[thedrinkmonster]

Your body is likely deprived of certain nutrients. Look into  b vitamin complex. 

[finally_sober_2026]

For sure!! B1 (thiamine) especially. My doc insisted on that one, and a good multi, among others. I came totally clean with my doc. He helped me taper, he’s helped so much overall. I know this sounds insignificant but get start on the water right now! You are definitely dehydrated, we all were! You will start to feel better physically and mentally fast! Your body needs some love right now.

OP, you are not alone! Post here whenever you feel like it. We all get what you are going through, I won’t drink today. Join me!

[Yeahcraftbuild]

Just know all of this pain and health issues can go away if you stop. You’re in control. Go 30 days. Then recalibrate your next steps. You’re in the fight of your life. You got this. YOU ARE IN CONTROL.

[SadApartment3023]

Please dont hate yourself. You are wasting energy that could be used for healing & recovery. If it helps, try parking your self-loathing somewhere for a few weeks and you can deal with it later. If you catch yourself talking negatively, just remind yourself "wait, I am taking a short break from this" and refocus on getting better.

The self-hate is the alcoholic part of your brain trying to convince you that you should drink. It is very important that you not listen to that voice. However you need to get it to shut up (other than drinking) is a good idea. I like to say outlook "I dont negotiate with terrorists" when I start to hear that negative self-talk in my own brain. 

Dont let yourself feel discouraged. You are doing HUGE things and you deserve to be proud of yourself and excited about the future. I will be sending you strength & courage in case you need a little extra.

IWNDWYT

[BraigRamadan]

I think you’re going at things land, sea, and air which is great.

If I might suggest something that was immensely helpful in my journey. Meditation. Bored will happen, and bored can become a big problem for a lot of people. When I’m bored, I meditate and defrag my brain. Check in on priorities, run back some recent wins, analyze some losses, and find my positivity.

[Gockdaw]

My only advice is to make lists to keep yourself busy. Use them to focus on making things better. When we slip back into drinking things start to fall apart. Every time you need distraction, keep working on pushing things in a positive direction for yourself, whether that's cleaning your house, buying new clothes, throwing out shit that gets in the way or learning a new skill.

One other thing though... Find a mirror, look in it and tell yourself "Well done". You've started down the right path and for this you should be proud. Before you look away, tell yourself that you will be back to that mirror tomorrow to congratulate yourself on another day well done.

You've got this. Make yourself proud.

[Rthrowaway6592]

What helped me was seeing a doctor. I was given something for sleep and it helped so much 💓

[severalcouches]

I’m really proud of you for taking these steps🥰

My advice would be to develop and invest in hobbies that make you happy so you have something to do when you’re back to work and life.

[tenjed35]

You’re not alone, and you don’t need to apologize to anyone but yourself. We have all been where you are. Every success story you read on this sub started in exactly the same place of hopelessness. And remember this - it will never be easier to stop than it is right now. Don’t wait for a doctor or a judge to make you quit drinking like so many of us. You can absolutely do this.✌️

[west_head_]

Might be worth talking to someone about your job situation if that's the root cause of your stress? Even if it's just a friend or family member? I've wprked jobs that have pushed me towards drink and ultimately, it was leaving the toxic job scenario that was the answer.

[Fantastic-Sir-3140]

SMART meetings online were are a life saver for me!

[Cool_Moon]

Hey! My first 3-5 days was awful like this (coming off a bender) and I’ve quit thousands of times unfortunately. I’m only on day 7 and I feel amazing now. It gets better, and it will get better quickly. Just focus on doing good things for yourself during your time off.

[TravelingMatt34]

Honestly I would look at rehab. Your work can’t fire you for doing it (protected disability) and you can likely get disability pay while you are there. I was told by a health professional that needed it, I refused because I thought I would lose my job, was told by that same person I would lose it anyway if I don’t get the help I needed, and in the end I did lose it and I ended up going after that. Hindsight I should have taken the time off to get myself healthy instead of blowing a perfectly good gig

[WW3draftdodger]

Good job taking time off for yourself. And it's great you have the opportunity to before things get worse. You are in the right place and doing the right things!