Shaking off the Doom

Detoxing from any drug, but especially alcohol. The mentally and physically uncomfortable (and potentially fatal) withdrawal process which accompanies ceasing the use of one's drug of choice on one's own, i.e. without medical assistance.

"Shaking" refers to the "tremors" (shaking uncontrollably) which accompany this process.

"The Doom" refers any and/or all of the following: 1) the consistent and delusional feeling that something horrible and unstoppable is on the verge of occuring; 2) the "shadows", i.e. visual hallucinations which are the result of "delirium tremens" and/or insomnia; 3) the existential dread, terror, and regret concerning the very real possibility of death from withdrawal; and/or the intense nausea which causes one to be unable to "keep anything down."

Shaking off the Doom does not necessarily incapacitate, in that someone could, for example, still go to school or work while being in the process of it. Oftentimes, however, it is, temporarily, physically and mentally crippling. The Doom is shaken off when one is able to resume normal functioning.