Does anyone know just how much alcohol you have to be consuming for how long to be worried about withdrawal symptoms like seizures?
I’m asking because I’m on day 3 of going cold turkey and I’m not feeling quite right. I’m jittery and have a headache. My drinking pattern for the last 2 plus years was approximately equal to about 3 bottles or more per week. Sometimes it was wine, sometimes it was 7 or 13 percent coolers, sometimes hard liquor. I never had a week where I drank all 7 days in a row but probably had my fair share of 5 days in a row…otherwise it was at least 3/4 days a week.
My mother and father were both alcoholics and my mom went through seizures which were terrifying but on average I believe she drank more than I do/did (she’s passed from cancer now).
I’m obviously scared of having seizures but am also wondering if my brain is trying to find that one reason to have maybe just one tonight, one Thursday and then start with nothing Saturday? Is that a plan or is that just an excuse? Thoughts?
I can relate you being a bit worried since you stopped cold turkey for some days. I think some detox indications of your body could be some (light) tremors, midnight sweating, headaches and some other things.
I guess everyone reacts a bit the same, but this can also be diametrically different. I’ve drank for 25 years, every night, and the last five years I was up to the amount of drinking two bottles of wine and some Belgium strong 10% beers, every night…
Since the beginning of 2026 I have stopped drinking overnight, and I have not had any withdrawal symptoms or physical complaints. I do am a bit edgy though and my mood goes up and down quite a bit. I read that this eventually will pass.
Maybe sit this one out and have a bit of compassion for yourself and the adventure you have just started on taking. That’s the way I look at it. Bumps are coming ahead, but they are welcome, it enables me to get to know myself a bit better and I see that as a precious gift.
I guess everyone is different. Obviously I’m no doctor and don’t want to give advice on detoxing. I was drinking a shitload more than that and @Skaf before I quit drinking. I didn’t get and seizures or need detox. Neither did my wife. She was very afraid of that too.
And it is not something to take lightly.
Your alcoholic addict brain does not like what you are doing. Right about now I bet it’s screaming just for one little drink. This is normal and part of recovery.
Have you eaten?
Have you been drinking water?
Taking vitamins?
Nice hot showers and getting outside?
Rest?
I think it is just an excuse.
If you do pick up you will have to live these 3 rotten days in a row again.
Keep reading around here. Take time for yourself. Take care of yourself. But don’t pick up!
Again. I would not take medical advice from anyone on any forum. If you are very concerned about this matter go to an Urgent Care facility they can help you.
Thank you both so much for your input. I appreciate the advice and input so much. I realized more than anything I was hungry end likely rehydrated so I’ve done both of those. Need to shower and take vitamins, thank you for the reminder as I also suffer from multiple depressive diagnoses including borderline personality disorder and seasonal depression which make other things hard too. I’ve got this for now and am less worried about seizures but the night isn’t over. It really is one moment at a time. I’m really glad I found this app and this community already. Thank you again.
Yes, thank god for this app. It’s been a huge part of my recovery. There are a great bunch of us here that have been through or are going through exactly what you’re going through right now. The early days suck.
Day 5 here…drank for 6 years every night…mostly white claws or vodka…I was scared of bad withdrawals…ive been lucky…day 2 and 3 were the worst. Did not shake or seizure..just felt really off. Much better today. Foggy brain is lifting…still cant fall asleep…hunger is easing away…keep pushing. 72 hours are the times for seizures and such. Push through. It gets better
My only advice is to seek medical assistance. While I did quit myself cold turkey too 6.5 years ago, but I didn’t know then what I know now. Congrats on your decision to quit. This is place is great for peer support, but not for medical advice. Take care friend.
Have yourself checked by a professional please, as others have said it can be very serious detoxing from alcohol, explain what you are doing…there are many things that could be going on including deficiencies in certain vitamins especially B vitamins xx
