Hello friends, I’ve been lurking here for two weeks, maybe a little longer. I am 9 days without any alcohol today. I had 2 days before that, with a relapse on Day 3.
I said all that to say; yesterday I felt like I’d been hit by a truck. But, it was a stressful and long work day. Today, I have a mild fever (99.5) and still feel awful. For a few days now, I can not stay awake. By the time I’m off work, I’m sleeping. Wake up, put kids to bed, back to sleep pretty quickly until my alarm goes off for work again.
I also broke down today at work and after work. Very emotional. Crying and angry. Yelled at my kids and I’m not normally a yeller. I feel terrible, physically and mentally.
Is this normal or should I be concerned? I feel really terrible but I do NOT want to go back to the bottle just to get some relief from this.
Looking for encouraging words, similar experiences etc.
Thank you. I just had COVID last month so I wouldn’t hope it was that again. I guess it could be flu. I’ll keep monitoring it for sure. I didn’t know if it was some crazy extra thing that went with this process so I thought I’d ask😅 I’m all alone in this as far as my own people.
I just don’t know everything and not a doctor. 9 days sober will cause some side effects. Sleeping and wanting/needing sleep is a given In early Sobriety and of course your emotional state will be all over the place. Hang in there and be kind to yourself.
First and foremost, are you and your kids safe? Might you need to ask a friend or relative to help look after them for a bit? I obviously don’t know their ages, just making sure everyone is safe.
As long as that is the case, I agree with the responses above, recovering from alcoholism is very hard work on the body and the mind. I am actually positively surprised you manage to do your job at the same time! Be kind to yourself, slow down and rest when you can and take comfort in the fact that this too shall pass. You’ve got it!
Thank you for your concern! Yes, they are old enough to “fend for themselves” for short periods of time (I still don’t leave them home alone) and I’m just falling asleep on the couch beside them while they do homework and play toys or watch TV. I’m alert enough to do things they need, just literally energy wiped and can’t stay awake without serious ongoing effort.
Thank you so much for responding. I’m going to enlist some family support this weekend so I can get a solid nap.
So glad to read your response, apologies if it felt like I was sticking my nose where it does not belong. Enlisting help is a great idea, some solid sleep can do wonders for the body and the brain!
Emotional rollercoaster is normal in early sobriety - you are not alone It ain’t easy but it’s normal. Keep coming here and sharing.
Yelling sucks but - believe it or not - it is better than drinking. Yelling will pass. Gradually you will grow past that. The drinking would just keep you stuck.
You’re not alone. You are ok. It is hard I know but you are ok.
Welcome Lizzie,
Congratulations on your 9 days. Thats GREAT!!
Sounds pretty normal to me. That first 9-10 - 20 days or so was an emotional rollercoaster for me. I spent a lot of it crying and apologizing to people. I was so angry too. Because I cannot drink like a normal person. I wasn’t tired though. I was a bit wound up.
Keep at it and keep checking in. There’s lots of great support here. Or just stuff to take your mind off things.
I was also taking 2 very hot very long showers a day. Did a lot of crying in those showers. Let it all out. I felt good. The grab a nice glass of sparkling water and maybe cook dinner. Or clean house or something. Kind of a restart.
During my first couple of months I felt pretty unstable and unsure of myself. I felt worried about whether or not I was fit to babysit my niece and nephew because of my emotional state. I didn’t want them seeing me cry so much or having panic attacks. I struggled with random bouts of feelings of rage as well.
I honestly think what you’re experiencing is very normal and I hope you know you’re not alone.
I hope you get some support from your friends and family as you continue to heal
Congratulations on your 9 days!
Give yourself grace and time to recover. This process will take time but you’re worth it.
I have a cute little picture of myself when I was a young girl that I like to pull up as a reminder of who I’m taking care of. Who I’m honoring by not drinking again.
Great work on your 9 days! That is an amazing amount of time and you should be proud of yourself. I too slept a WHOLE LOT when I started my journey. I know everyone is different but for me the detox drained me and left me with zero energy so I would get the bare minimum done and sleep.
Being irritable, emotional and short cause your nerves are shot is also completely normal. Your body is craving that toxic poison and you are in the process of cleansing yourself so this creates internal tension. It does get easier
The fever is a bit concerning. I am not sure if others have had this symptom after a week of being sober but I would keep an eye on it or get it checked out. With the time of year, it could be the flu or Covid as well.
Sending you strength and love - keep up the amazing work
Definitely not! I’m glad to know that someone (even a stranger on the internet) cares enough to make sure that my most precious people are safe during this process while I’m trying to get better for them (and me!)
Y’all, today has been so much different than the past few days! I’ve had more energy. Did get a solid 2 hour nap and spent some time with my family. I haven’t been as emotional or irritable. I’m really hoping that tomorrow continues on this path. Day 11 down!
Congratulations on double digits and so happy that you are starting to see some of the benefits of sobriety. Keep it going my friend…it gets easier and better
and so happy that you are starting to see some of the benefits of sobriety. Keep it going my friend…it gets easier and better 