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Suggest Ways To Wean Off Addiction To Alcohol And Smoking

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Posted on Tue, 2 Feb 2016
Question: Hi
My freind is taking whiskey from last 25-28 years 4 pags daily but now from 1 st XXXXXXX he thought to quit whiskey

Pls suggest how to quit whiskey he is 53 yeas old and he was also smoking and now he slso want to quit smock

Pks suggest the treatment how to quit both
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shubham Mehta (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Lorazepam, nicotine gums or patches.

Detailed Answer:
Hello
Welcome to HCM.

Your friend wants to quit whisky and smoking. I appreciate his determination to do so in this new year.

Since he is smoking and taking whisky from long term, there can be withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly without medical supervision.

The best strategy for him would to start with lorazepam (prescription drug) and stop alcohol. This drug can be gradually stopped in 7-10 days.

He takes 4 pegs daily. I think 6-8mg of lorazepam should be enough for him as starting dose.

BUT THIS TREATMENT HAS TO BE CARRIED OUT ONLY UNDER A DOCTOR'S SUPERVISION.

So, I would suggest that he should consult a psychiatrist and proceed for treatment under his supervision.

The common symptoms after stopping alcohol are nausea and vomiting. This can be controlled by drugs like pantocid-dsr.

Once he quits alcohol, he can quit smoking with the help of nicotine chewing gums or nicotine patches.
The doctor will help in this also.

Hope you find my suggestions helpful for your friend.

Feel free to discuss further.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Shubham Mehta (8 minutes later)
He is facing anger and acidity after stooping alcohal and smoking
Pls prescribed the dose of lorazepam and nicotin chewing gum
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shubham Mehta (18 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Lorazepam available only with prescription.

Detailed Answer:
Starting dose of lorazepam for him would be 6-8mg. It is important to start the medicine only with a valid prescription of doctor.

Nicotine chewing gum of strength 4mg can be taken whenever he has craving for smoking (maximum 10 gums in a day).

Kindly consult a local doctor for valid prescription.

Thanks.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Shubham Mehta

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 2145 Questions

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Suggest Ways To Wean Off Addiction To Alcohol And Smoking

Brief Answer: Lorazepam, nicotine gums or patches. Detailed Answer: Hello Welcome to HCM. Your friend wants to quit whisky and smoking. I appreciate his determination to do so in this new year. Since he is smoking and taking whisky from long term, there can be withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly without medical supervision. The best strategy for him would to start with lorazepam (prescription drug) and stop alcohol. This drug can be gradually stopped in 7-10 days. He takes 4 pegs daily. I think 6-8mg of lorazepam should be enough for him as starting dose. BUT THIS TREATMENT HAS TO BE CARRIED OUT ONLY UNDER A DOCTOR'S SUPERVISION. So, I would suggest that he should consult a psychiatrist and proceed for treatment under his supervision. The common symptoms after stopping alcohol are nausea and vomiting. This can be controlled by drugs like pantocid-dsr. Once he quits alcohol, he can quit smoking with the help of nicotine chewing gums or nicotine patches. The doctor will help in this also. Hope you find my suggestions helpful for your friend. Feel free to discuss further. Regards.