I’ve set a date to stop drinking next week and want to prepare myself mentally and physically. I’m not planning to go to rehab, just detox at home with support from a friend. What should I expect the first few days to be like? Any advice on what helps?
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The first 72 hours are usually the most intense. What helped me was knowing exactly what to expect, especially physically. This article gave me a solid breakdown: https://unitedrecoveryproject.com/rehab-blog/ciwa-assessment/. It lays out symptoms that can show up and when, like tremors, sweating, agitation, and even hallucinations. I didn’t realize how fast things can spiral without warning. Even though I had a friend with me, I kept the number of a local clinic on hand just in case. I also stocked up on fluids, vitamins, and light meals. But honestly, the biggest help was being able to recognize when symptoms crossed from manageable to dangerous. Knowing when to get medical help is key, and the CIWA tool was my guide for that. You might still want to talk to a doctor before starting.
Good on you for planning ahead. Preparation really can make a difference, even if you're doing it outside a facility.