This can set you up for a safe and effective detox and put you in a good position to continue your recovery in rehab. Gradually reducing the amount of alcohol consumed is a key strategy for safely weaning off alcohol. Abruptly stopping alcohol consumption can trigger withdrawal symptoms such as tremors, hallucinations, and seizures, which may require medical attention. A gradual reduction approach involves gradually decreasing the amount of alcohol consumed over time. This can be achieved by drinking one less drink each day or by setting specific goals, such as only drinking on weekends.
- This means that an unsuccessful tapering attempt isn’t just a failed attempt; it can actually be harder to try again in the future.
- The main difference between tapering and quitting alcohol cold turkey is how fast you quit.
- Let them know your plan, your progress, and how withdrawals are going for you.
- If you’ve decided to taper off alcohol, you’ll need to be prepared with some strategies to make the process easier.
The alcohol withdrawal symptom delirium tremens (DT) is estimated to kill up to 5% of those attempting to quit suddenly after chronic usage. This is a staggering number considering that many other drugs do not even have the possibility of lethal withdrawals. For this reason, experts advise that alcohol cessation be monitored safely with steady effort between oneself and a physician.
Ways to Reduce Alcohol Use
Approach that with kindness and compassion—but don’t take it personally, she says. Depending on the organ and whether or not there has been relapse(s), recovery is possible. There is hope that even after years of heavy alcohol use, the liver has the ability to regenerate or regrow. During recovery, the liver may return to its original mass and function. A 2019 survey found 7.4% of adult (ages 18 and over) Oregonians reported having alcohol use disorder in the past year. This is a significant difference from the overall United States average of 5.7% of U.S. adults that reported having alcohol use disorder in the past year.
A doctor may prescribe a benzodiazepine as part of the tapering process. If the drink of choice is liquor, it is difficult to measure amounts and easy to binge drink. If it is a mixed drink, it can contain sugar or other additives that should not be included in the taper and may worsen the effects of withdrawal symptoms. Tapering is the practice of slowly reducing the regular consumption of a substance like alcohol. Tapering can sometimes help a person avoid uncomfortable and sometimes deadly symptoms of withdrawal. By implementing these strategies and seeking ongoing support, you can increase your chances of staying sober and preventing relapse.
It encompasses being more intentional about when and how much you drink to improve your health and well-being. Anyone can be sober-curious and make positive changes to their drinking habits, whether that means you stop drinking entirely or just cut back a little. “It’s hard to go anywhere without someone offering you a drink,” says Leah Young, LCPC, Clinical Manager at Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center.
Loved ones who understand your struggles and are invested in your well-being can provide unwavering support throughout the recovery process. They can offer emotional support, help you navigate challenging situations, and provide a safe and sober environment. Support is essential because it helps combat feelings of isolation and loneliness, which are common during the recovery process. It provides a sense of belonging and reminds you that you are not alone in your journey. Additionally, having someone to hold you accountable can help you stay committed to your goals and prevent relapse.
An alcoholic can only safely reduce their alcohol consumption under medical supervision. Alcohol withdrawal can be deadly, especially for people with alcohol use disorder. If you or your loved one are suffering from alcoholism, seek out professional help from a detox facility or rehab to wean off alcohol. Are you looking to cut back on excessive drinking and take control of your health? Tapering off alcohol can be a safe and effective way to achieve this goal.
- Because quitting cold turkey produces such intense withdrawal symptoms, people are more likely to consume alcohol to stop them.
- You might be surprised to find that you don’t need alcohol to enjoy certain events and previously would drink out of habit.
- As long as safety precautions are taken, there’s no wrong way to begin a sobriety or moderation journey.
- By seeking support and professional guidance, you are taking proactive steps towards a brighter future free from the grip of alcohol.
- Still, it has a decreased level of success when compared to the alternative and requires discipline that can be difficult for those with an addiction.
Quitting cold turkey is the preferred method of withdrawal, but only if done under medical supervision, where symptoms can be treated as they occur. When done https://www.inkl.com/news/sober-house-rules-a-comprehensive-overview under medical supervision, tapering off alcohol has few downsides. However, tapering can sometimes be unsafe if you attempt to do so on your own without a doctor’s knowledge.
Reduce Your Number of Drinks Per Day
In contrast, robust evidence supports quitting alcohol while under medical supervision. If you struggle with drinking, the safest way to quit is under a doctor’s care. If you drink heavily, your doctor may recommend quitting with the help of a medical detox center. In medical detox, you receive around-the-clock care from doctors and nurses to help prevent and treat alcohol withdrawal symptoms and their complications.
What Does It Mean to Taper or Wean off Alcohol?
While the safest way to taper is with professional help in a detox facility, this may not be an option for everyone. A person may need to detox at home for many reasons, including cost or time. The second situation involves counting the daily drinks and switching them to a beverage with lower alcohol content, such as beer. Switching to beer from hard liquor is safer because it is easier to control the amount of beer that is consumed and is harder to binge drink. Consuming a lighter alcoholic drink like beer also makes it easier for someone to stay hydrated throughout the taper.
Unveiling Three Features of Top Drug Rehab Centers
If you want to cut back your alcohol consumption or stop drinking alcohol altogether, tapering may help. Tapering is the process of gradually weaning off alcohol rather than quitting cold turkey. By seeking professional help, you gain access to a range of resources and strategies to assist you in your journey towards sobriety.
Alcohol & Your Body
The time it takes to taper off alcohol varies based on how much a person drinks. Regardless, The initial detoxification process may take several days. Usually, alcohol withdrawal symptoms occur within 12–24 hours after stopping alcohol and can last 2–10 days.
The time it takes to taper will depend on how long you’ve been drinking, how much you’ve been drinking and a variety of personal factors. When they suddenly quit drinking, the brain continues its hyperactivity, but alcohol no longer suppresses the effects. This can cause seizures and delirium tremens, a severe form of withdrawal marked by tremors and hallucinations.
Understanding the Impact of Alcohol Addiction
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