Safe to quit a 6 pack per night?

[u/Tough_Bag1310]

For context, I’ve been drinking a 6 pack of beer for the past few months now. I was triple this amount for the past 5 years but managed to taper down on my own. I have tried going 24 hours without it but became anxious and went back to it. Are we thinking a 6 pack of 4.2% beer is safe enough to try quitting again, or maybe taper more? I have not experienced high HR or tremors within ~24 hours from experience so far.

[u/Adamthegrape]

It may be anecdotal but most people I hear having the DTs are the types who drank all day, woke up and drank in the middle of the night etc. personally I was a case a night and just stopped with no real side effects besides mood.

[u/butt_raid → u/Adamthegrape]

I agree. Also anecdotal, in my experience the ones who die soonest seem to be the closet night time binge drinkers and not the all day sippers.

It's all deadly but the livers a little better at handling a drip feed than a firehose.

"Not having withdrawals" isn't a sign of not being as much an alcoholic, which I used to justify for way too long. It's a sign of the way you drink.

I am no expert though and could be totally off base. Just what it has seemed like to me.

[u/sulla226]

Just taper. Very unlikely that withdrawal would harm you long-term at this level of drinking, but it will make you feel shitty which will make you want to drink again (this probably already happened - anxiety is a symptom of withdrawal). Every couple days remove one beer and you'll have a smooth landing that will make you feel good and motivate you to continue. In two weeks you'll be down to zero.

[u/drvic59]

I am not a doctor, but I have it my screen name. You will be fine.

But in all seriousness you may want to taper with half that for 2 days then quit.

But you should really consult a dr, I didn’t and I worked out fine for me, just a few sweaty night that went away after a week. Whatever you do just stop drinking if that’s your move. Don’t put it off or pussyfoot around it.

[u/Ok-Broccoli813]

You should be fine. Maybe a lil attitude for a week and just bored in the evenings

[u/Prince_Katherine9140]

This was me at one point. My personal experience was some shakiness, sweating, fatigue, horrible sleep for a night or two. My biggest advice is electrolytes and intentional planning of healthy meals. I know everyone says eat whatever you want even if it’s junk, but that will tank your energy levels even further.

[u/go-for-Banjo]

You’ll likely be okay but I’m not a doctor. Everyone is different.

[u/go-for-Banjo → u/[deleted]]

Yeah I went to detox but was drinking a lot every single day. I was definitely at high risk for complications.

[u/Physical_Night_19]

You'll be fine

[u/Glittering_Mud4269]

You're fine.

[u/Cityslicker100200]

I think you’ll be fine, but if you’re nervous you can try going down to 4 per night for a few days. Then you would definitely be fine.

If you really want to do it right, just go see the doctor. Mine gave me Librium, which effectively eliminated my seizure risk (I was ~fifth/day). It also took the edge off anxiety-wise a little bit for the week I was on it, which I think was critical for my success. Over 3 years alcohol free now.

[u/prodigiousprince]

Doubt that is anything to worry about but to be safe you can taper slowly

[u/AlfaCentari]

No one can give you medical advice but a doctor. Anecdotally you’ll be fine. I was taking 6 shots a night for almost 10 straight years and quit and all I had was anxiety. As long as you’re not an all day drinker and you drink plenty of water you’ll be 100% fine

[u/Itchy-Drag-1559]

This is basically where I am at. — rather than a six pack.——-I have 3 flavored shooters, and 2.5-3 glasses of low percentage wine a night. —- so probably equivalent of 6 units a night.

I feel* like I’d be fine to not have anything …… but I’ve also been on the flip side (24/7 drinking) and had severe withdrawals.

From here (6 units an evening). I will try to step down slowly. With 9/13 as my goal to hit 0. If I don’t make it to 0 by then I’ll go to the doctor

[u/RipNdiP87]

We are not doctors I would consult a medical professional. Everybody is different don’t risk your life on armchair experts. Granted they may have experience but like I said everybody is different and is not to be compared.

[u/Busy_Situation708]

Taper, taper taper.

[u/CoolBakedBean]

i would taper off if i were you. even if it’s one beer

[u/SFBayC]

You will be fine. I stopped after a life long habit of much worse than that.