by Mac Stevenson

Created on: May 19, 2009   Last Updated: May 23, 2009

When you wake up with a splitting headache and have a hard time shaving because of the "shakes" and feel a desperate nervousness that's frightening, you might decide that it's time to quit drinking. In the bright light of early morning it's easy to think of numerous reasons why you should quit.

So you take the big step and decide once and for all that you're going to give it up. What should you expect? The first two or three days will be the worst; on day one, you'll have the shakes and trying to sleep will be an almost-terrifying experience. If you've been a heavy drinker for a long time, it will come as a shock to find out how dependent your body has become to alcohol.

After you get by the first three days, the worst of the physical part will be over. Your system will begin to stabilize and the shakes will subside and your nervous system will settle down. But that's short term, not long term.

If you have been a regular at some drinking hole such as an Elks Club or country club and have lots of friends there, your presence is going to be awkward if you are not drinking. It's going to be extra tough if you enjoy the people and the camaraderie that's been built up over a long time. Don't plan on going to your favorite club and enjoying a Pepsi while your old buddies are tossing 'em down and getting louder and smarter as the early evening wears on. You are going to have to give up more than drinking; you will need to find some new friends and surroundings where drinking isn't prominent. That might not be as easy as it sounds.

You cannot allow yourself to sit around and feel sorry for yourself; during the first few months of withdrawal, find some productive ways to spend your spare time. Exercise is great. Depending on your age and physical condition, a regular exercise routine will do wonders for you mental outlook. If all you are capable of is taking long walks, make sure that becomes a part of your regular lifestyle. This will make you feel much better, both physically and mentally.

You might need to find some new friends that drink very moderately, if at all. That can be difficult. You'll be in a new environment and won't have alcohol's false courage to fall back on.

Take up new hobbies or do some volunteer work; anything that puts you in an alcohol-free environment and helps you make new friends will be beneficial. Stay busy.

Most of all, beware of the seductive powers of rationalization. It will be easy to tell yourself that having just one or two drinks a few times a week can't hurt. If you go down that dark street, you'll be right back where you started.

Drinking's a habit. Once you get past the unpleasantness of withdrawal, you will find that you don't miss it that much.

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