I started withdrawal from alcohol by myself and I am proud on it. I am 4 weeks out of drink. I don’t fell great, but that is necessary in such process I think. My friend keeps telling me that I shouldn’t be doing on my own and that I should be under doctor surveillance. I would like explanation why and do people who are going through withdrawal really need to see a doctor.
Well, great think is that you decide to quit alcohol, but yes, people who are going through withdrawal really need to see a doctor. He or she can make sure it doesn't lead to more serious health problems. Even if your withdrawal symptoms don't seem that bad, it's important to see your doctor. A doctor can keep track of withdrawal symptoms so that more serious health problems don't develop and give Medicines that can control the shakiness, anxiety and confusion that come with alcohol withdrawal.
The good news is that after about 4 days all the alcohol is out of your system. The physical withdrawal symptoms should have subsided in the first week. If you had been consulting a doctor for that week they would of provided you with a reducing regime of valium to help you cope (only for one week). After 4 weeks you shouldn't be suffering any physical effects, however you are probably now having difficulty coping with the fact that you have to live your life alcohol free. This is by far more the critical stage of your decision to give up drinking. This is where you will need support. There are numerous groups out there that can help you with your ongoing sobriety (e.g AA - not recommending it but it has worked world wide for millions). Seek out these support groups and use them to prevent you relapsing (extremely common). Like the previous writer said you must also see doctor who understands addiction to ensure your drinking hasn't created any other serious health problems. Be extremely careful of Doctors who prescibe drugs to help cope with your aniexty that they are addictive (i.e Benzo's - like valium or xanax, codein etc.) I gave up alcohol years ago and am now addicted to prescription drugs. Take it from me that withdrawing from these drugs, makes withdrawing from alcohol a walk in the park. Good Luck. Just remember don't pick up the first drink.