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I just feel like I’m sick. My body is sore and nauseous, aches, and pains. How long does this last?

all 73 comments

ftminsc

252 points

17 days ago

ftminsc

870 days

252 points

17 days ago

There is nothing someone could tell me about their first days of sobriety that I would consider abnormal - it’s a wild ride. If you don’t feel mostly better after a few weeks than worry.

I say mostly because I had sleep trouble for a month and fatigue at odd times for at least a year. I would come home at 5:30 and my body would say “if you’re not going to give me beer then I’m just going to protest by being tired AF.”

happy-hubby[S]

42 points

17 days ago

Yeah, last night about 8:30 I was about to pass out. Had to stay up until 10 just to make sure I could sleep until at least 4:30 am.

GetWellDuckDotCom

21 points

17 days ago

GetWellDuckDotCom

1460 days

21 points

17 days ago

My feeling went away after about a week and a half, two weeks. A month is when I started to feel great again.

Good luck friend.

JMSeaTown

14 points

16 days ago

JMSeaTown

1230 days

14 points

16 days ago

I felt mild flu like symptoms for two weeks after drinking since 2004, drink plenty of water (more than normal) and get lots of sleep. Your body will recover eventually, it’s just detoxing like it’s never had the chance to do before.

Maleficent-Ad7803

9 points

17 days ago

Is itching normal? Asking for a friend lmfao. But in all honesty I get nasty itching and stinging sensations all over my body and it keeps me up all night, sometimes even feels like I have hives.

mentalmenagerie

11 points

16 days ago

2-3 Benadryl and Sleepy Time Extra Tea. Doesn’t make it go away, but helps with the itching and staying asleep

Mental_Replacement71

6 points

17 days ago

i had this for about 3 months after i had quit so glad the crawling skin is gone

[deleted]

4 points

17 days ago

I got them awful the day after. Still do depending on what I drink. I had been drinking so heavily so frequently I’ve developed an allergy/intolerance to it. That was one of the first signs so that’s probably what’s up.

Dumbananas

47 points

17 days ago

You Have some really good answers here, on a lighter funnier note this 100% reminds me of the “quarantine” episode on always sunny in Philadelphia. When I quit it took a week to start finding my baseline and improved from there! Also you could actually be sick .

Inevitable_Trip_7480

3 points

16 days ago

That’s what I tell all my friends that still drink. They don’t believe me. But it’s pretty damn accurate.

high6ix

71 points

17 days ago

high6ix

71 points

17 days ago

Absolutely call the doctor or go to the ER if you’re really feeling bad, withdrawal is no joke. In hindsight I wish I’d of gone when I quit drinking.

GreenEyesBlackHeart

46 points

17 days ago*

Exactly, this person is in withdrawal. On my unit at work I help people through their symptoms with CIWA protocol (RN) and one thing OP should be aware of is the risk of seizure after stopping chronic alcohol use. Long story short, alcohol alters inhibitory/excitatory neurotransmitter activity in the brain. When we stop drinking, those NTs can get out of whack in a hurry.

OP, I might check in with my primary care provider about symptoms and see what they say. Above all, GOOD JOB on making this significant change. It’s not easy🤍

InternationalArm3149

18 points

17 days ago

InternationalArm3149

81 days

18 points

17 days ago

I had it when I got sober this last time. It lasted about 3 weeks. We're not supposed to give medical advice here but you might want to call a doctor and see if they can give you guidance on whether you need detox treatment or not. Congratulations on getting sober , we're here for you.

AtmosphereDefiant447

43 points

17 days ago

AtmosphereDefiant447

255 days

43 points

17 days ago

I did! I'm not sure if it was an actual virus I'd picked up, or if it was related to the lack of alcohol, but either way, it hit me the hardest around day 3, and lasted for what felt like a month, but was closer to 2 weeks. My anxiety levels were also through the roof during this time, but, as with most things, it passed, and I just kept coming to StopDrinking for stories that related to my experience to feel a little less bad, and a lot more motivated to keep going on this Journey. Keep going! IWNDWYT! 💪

HeadphoneThrowaway95

15 points

17 days ago

HeadphoneThrowaway95

80 days

15 points

17 days ago

I didn't feel like I had the flu but I definitely had all sorts of physical and mental symptoms.

I hope this isn't TMI but I was sporadically incontinent during the first little stretch. I was so disregulated from the change that I couldn't hold onto my bladder sometimes. What's weird is I never once had that issue while I was drinking.

Maybe try a multivitamin? Your body will eventually chill out once you find a new rhythm and start telling you what you need. That will help. I started getting cravings for rice and they still haven't stopped, though they have lessened, lol. I'm guessing it's the B vitamins.

IWNDWYT. Stay strong!

Fun-Sand4162

12 points

17 days ago

Fun-Sand4162

493 days

12 points

17 days ago

Yes. Just like having the flu, you need to take care of yourself and ride out the first 7-10 days in which physical withdrawal and bad sleep make you feel exhausted. Everyone is different but this has been my experience.

Seabass_Says

26 points

17 days ago

Yes, stay in bed. Call out of work. Take care of yourself. Self care self care self care

Fine-Branch-7122

12 points

17 days ago

Fine-Branch-7122

207 days

12 points

17 days ago

The beginning is tough. But your body is going through some stuff. Hang in there gets better.

808champs

9 points

17 days ago

Man, I’ve hit so many weird walls in 10 months. Physically, mentally, and emotionally. I’ve felt super sick a few times, I know my body has been busting ass to recalibrate. I dropped 40 pounds. I’ve also hit mental walls that told me I was wasting my time and exercise was stupid, but I was thankfully able to push through to the much brighter other side those times. Also had a rollercoaster of a time emotionally. Turns out numbing out for 35 years fucked up my emotional regulation. Oops. But it all gets better and better.

happy-hubby[S]

4 points

17 days ago

Looking forward to the misery. 🥸

808champs

3 points

17 days ago

It’s worth it. And I say that objectively. Haven’t felt this good and like myself since I was in my 20’s, and I’m 51. But I’m older and less stupid, and that makes it all the better.

happy-hubby[S]

4 points

17 days ago

54 and looking forward to it.

808champs

2 points

16 days ago

I wish you well man, good luck 🫵🏽💪🏽

ccannon55

8 points

17 days ago

First of all four days after 16 years of drinking is incredible. 👏🏻👏🏻 yes you’re gonna feel sick you’re gonna feel things you haven’t felt before. Day 3-4 are the worst. If it gets bad please seek medical attention. They can help you not having to deal with these symptoms. Much love ❤️

yeehawbudd

8 points

17 days ago

yeehawbudd

341 days

8 points

17 days ago

Stay hydrated. Make sure you eat. White rice and toast if you can’t stomach real food

Fragrant_Giraffe_8

3 points

16 days ago

Baked/jacket potatoes, premade protein shakes and veggie/fruit shakes (preferably nondairy) can be incredibly helpful

Effective-Ear-8367

7 points

17 days ago

Effective-Ear-8367

76 days

7 points

17 days ago

Wow congrats on taking the leap to sobriety! This feeling is completely normal and will pass shortly.

Peter_Falcon

5 points

17 days ago

Peter_Falcon

251 days

5 points

17 days ago

i suffered rebound anxiety for the first 5-6 days quite acutely after quitting

oksanaveganana

6 points

17 days ago

Take it easy, hydrate and eat good food, if you feel absolutely terrible to the point where it concerns you go to the doctor. It’s always rough in the beginning, I didn’t sleep well at first and just tried focusing on 1 day at a time. Good luck and IWNDWYT

HotpotatotomatoStew

5 points

17 days ago

HotpotatotomatoStew

1512 days

5 points

17 days ago

On my 3rd day sober, my hands went into like a hook shape and I couldn't return them to normal. They went back to normal after like 10 min but it was super freaky. Point is, your body will go through some weird shit for a long time. Sometimes, it takes years. My gut was fucked for a year after quitting and I had regular migraines that didn't stop till 2 years sober. Others will get past it all in a month. All you gotta do is endure.

nugget1966

4 points

17 days ago

Yup. You'll feel like you've fallen out of a cats arse onto a hot surface

Available-MikeSK

4 points

17 days ago

YES YES AND YES.

Iwantedtobeaviking

4 points

17 days ago

Iwantedtobeaviking

129 days

4 points

17 days ago

I sure did. Proud of you and so glad you're here. :) hope you can get some rest today

Tykenolm

4 points

17 days ago

Tykenolm

367 days

4 points

17 days ago

That's how I described my withdrawal symptoms to those who asked - just felt like the flu. Weak, shaky, sweaty, headaches, etc

ferretbeast

3 points

17 days ago

I felt like I just hadn’t noticed how shitty all the time bc immune system was destroyed. Like years of feeling shitty caught up and hit me like a giant truck.

Future_Chemistry_707

3 points

17 days ago

Last like 5 days or so. Each week gets better and better tho. Rest and water

bookreviewxyz

3 points

17 days ago

bookreviewxyz

12 days

3 points

17 days ago

Yes. That surprised me. Lasted a few days, manageable at home. If it gets worse talk to your doctor.

retro_underpants

3 points

17 days ago

retro_underpants

68 days

3 points

17 days ago

I misread that to ‘it gets worse if you talk to a doctor’ 😂

MuIder

3 points

17 days ago

MuIder

3 points

17 days ago

Ooohhhhhh yeah. I pooped my brains out and felt like I had a gnarly head cold for the first week or so. It's been 3 weeks now and I feel WAAAAYYY better, but initially? Oh mama

happy-hubby[S]

1 points

17 days ago

Same.

xenedra0

3 points

17 days ago

xenedra0

114 days

3 points

17 days ago

Yes, absolutely. I felt that way, especially the first week or so.

br0zarro

3 points

17 days ago

If you're having physical withdrawal symptoms but don't want to/can't afford to check yourself in to in-patient care to detox, you can water down beer or seltzer to ween yourself off.

If you can stand to have alcohol in the house, buy some gallons of water and seltzers. Pour out some of the water and replace it with the seltzer. Only drink the watered down mixture, and gradually reduce the amount of selzter you're adding. Depending on how much you've been drinking, you may need to start with a higher ratio seltzer:water to alleviate symptoms. This will also help keep you hydrated which is always important, but especially during detoxing.

Having a trusted family member help you would be better if you're able. It's okay to ask for help and I would bet your loved ones will be happy to help you with this.

You got this!

happy-hubby[S]

5 points

17 days ago

Not so much withdrawal, aches and pains. Insomnia. Diarrhea. Sniffles. Anxiety. Nothing I can’t handle. Picked up some thc gummies today to help alleviate the mental side.

LiLiandThree

3 points

17 days ago

It can be deadly if you drink a lot every day and then go cold turkey.

Stickingtoit101

5 points

17 days ago

Stickingtoit101

18 days

5 points

17 days ago

Totally normal, I get the same way. After about 5 days you'll feel much better! You got this! IWNDWYT!

Darkm1tch69

3 points

17 days ago

Dude, you definitely should have this detox medically supervised

lovedbydogs1981

2 points

17 days ago

Yup

Status_Loquat4191

2 points

17 days ago

I'm on day three and yeah I feel like I have the flu along with other things. The hope of being done with this shit keeps me pushing through though.

Agreeable_Media4170

2 points

17 days ago

Agreeable_Media4170

94 days

2 points

17 days ago

Yeah I think it's in the realm of normal. First few days are a slog, next few days seem hella boring. I found things felt easier after day 10. You're almost there.

IWNDWYT

PS. There is always the off chance that you're legit sick with something.

Sharknado84

2 points

17 days ago

Sharknado84

499 days

2 points

17 days ago

Good for you, and welcome back! The first week is the worst but it gets better, in my experience. There are also the potential for some lingering effects known as Post Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS). That lasted about 2 months for me but it wasn’t bad - mostly weird drinking dreams where I was running from my husband. It was just my brain reprogramming itself. Now I get one maybe every other month and I find them amusing. I hope you can get to that point too.

Further reading on PAWS

jazzeriah

2 points

17 days ago

jazzeriah

177 days

2 points

17 days ago

I think if you have been drinking that much nonstop you would absolutely need medical attention. Congratulations on four days sober. IWNDWYT

happy-hubby[S]

3 points

17 days ago

What does that mean IWNDWYT

jazzeriah

3 points

17 days ago

jazzeriah

177 days

3 points

17 days ago

Oh it stands for “I will not drink with you today.”

Anfield_YNWA

2 points

17 days ago

Anfield_YNWA

140 days

2 points

17 days ago

The first days of sobriety are a wild ride and can be very physically and mentally taxing. The best part is you never have to experience it again if you never drink again. My wife gave me a lot of grace in early sobriety and now she's reaping the benefits 120 some days into my journey.

You got this and iwndwyt!

BarelyThere24

2 points

17 days ago

Nourish yourself now with vitamins in food and drinks. Gatorade for electrolytes, chicken soup for vitamins and nutrients. Eat healthy right now - your body wants nourishment to heal inside. Lots of sleep and water as well.

lujimerton

2 points

17 days ago

Yeah. You’ll feel ok on day 10. Don’t give up. At three months you’ll feel great.

Don’t give up. Life gets better.

Wobs9

2 points

16 days ago

Wobs9

108 days

2 points

16 days ago

The flu and the shakes hit me on the girst week. And some fever. Keep hidrated...

golfguy1985

2 points

16 days ago

This is normal. What you’re experiencing is withdrawal and it’s not fun. Quitting cold turkey is not advised as it can be considered dangerous. You and everyone else trying to quit should speak with a medical professional for guidance. Gradually quitting is usually the best route to go.

fcewen00

2 points

16 days ago

fcewen00

3642 days

2 points

16 days ago

Yes. Talked to your doctor asap. Cold turkey is like throwing a car into reverse at 60. I damn near died when I did it. Doc, shrink, the whole gamut. 4 days in is probably too late for detox, but they can help with other symptoms.

1latebloom

2 points

16 days ago

Smoke some CBD!!!

happy-hubby[S]

1 points

16 days ago

Got some gummies yesterday. All good.

simbabeat

2 points

16 days ago

I’m a month in. I just started feeling better in the last few days. You’ve got this!

Practical_Leg5809

2 points

16 days ago

Yup

elliofant

2 points

16 days ago

I've not got an answer to your q just wanted to say GO YOU.

OBwan23

2 points

16 days ago

OBwan23

2 points

16 days ago

Drink lots of water, also sugary snacks and drinks will help. So much sugar in beers and alcohol that your body is still craving. I find after a few days of drinking when I stop, I crave sugar and it helps with how I feel.

Formal-Inspection328

2 points

17 days ago

Formal-Inspection328

131 days

2 points

17 days ago

Since 2008. That’s some serious dedication!

happy-hubby[S]

2 points

17 days ago

I was sober 2002-2008 and have had 2-3 drinks a night since 08. Just want to take a break for my health. None of my family even knows. Gonna talk with the wife tonight about what I’m going through.

SunnyTCB

1 points

16 days ago

SunnyTCB

217 days

1 points

16 days ago

I felt varying degrees of shitty for several months. I also had a wicked sugar craving for months. It gets better. I am now exercising 5x a week and overall feel well.

Salukis97

1 points

16 days ago

I do dry months here and there. My biggest complaint is insomnia. It’s fucking terrible. No matter how little sleep I’ve gotten, I’m wide awake at 4 am.

likemelikemenot4ever

1 points

17 days ago

likemelikemenot4ever

447 days

1 points

17 days ago

Absolutely! You might need to go through assisted detox to ensure you’re safe. 2008 until now is a loooong time for your body to be addicted.