It’s always wise to check with your doctor — she should be able to help you decide whether it is best for you to cut back or to abstain. People who are dependent on alcohol, or have other medical or mental health problems, should stop drinking completely. Finding yourself drinking more than you intend to every time?
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There’s no set time frame for tapering off alcohol that works for everyone. Even if your situation seems like someone else’s, your body may respond differently to the tapering process. You may receive medication to ease withdrawal symptoms—such as anti-diarrheal medicines or over-the-counter pain relievers.
Tapering vs Cold Turkey
This is because medical professionals don’t recommend tapering. But if you do plan on using this method, it is wise to establish a specific, measurable tapering schedule with a doctor and stick to it. Direct tapering involves gradually reducing the amount of alcohol consumed each day. Someone using a direct taper will cut out a drink every day.
- Quitting drinking poses many challenges, including cravings and psychological dependence on alcohol.
- Tapering can be a long process that takes weeks or even months to finish.
- This form of tapering would likely involve medications to eliminate withdrawal symptoms.
- We have taken the necessary precautions to minimize the risk of exposure and transmission of the Coronavirus to those in our treatment programs, allowing them to focus on their recovery.
- By making a boundary for yourself and sticking to it you will gain confidence and discipline, and that is a big step toward managing drinking.
- Alcohol withdrawal is the most dangerous form of substance withdrawal, creating unpleasant symptoms that can be potentially deadly for those with more severe symptoms.
Recognize Dangerous Withdrawal Symptoms
Some people find that smaller, more frequent meals help if nausea is an issue. A good diet won’t lessen withdrawal effects but will support your body’s ability to deal with them. Unfortunately, your brain may be sensitized to withdrawal due to kindling, which can set you up for unexpectedly severe withdrawal symptoms. The safest way to taper off alcohol is with a doctor’s help. By looking at your medical history and alcohol intake, your doctor can determine whether you need to taper in a medical detox facility or can safely detox at home. People looking to quit drinking may consider either tapering or going cold turkey, meaning they abruptly stop all alcohol consumption without weaning.
Ready the alternatives
If you struggle to stop drinking, avoid places and situations that tempt you to drink alcohol. You may even ask your friends and family not to drink while around you. Replacing alcoholic beverages with non-alcohol drinks is a great method of helping during a taper. By substituting alcoholic drinks for non-alcoholic drinks, you can still engage in most of your habit without getting the alcohol that makes it addictive. This can taper you off alcohol while still helping you keep up with your normal drinking routine, making the process easier.
How do you reset your body from alcohol?
- Most doctors would rather save the beds in their psych wards for people who are actually suicidal and send you home.
- Addiction alters the chemical balance in a person’s brain, making it extremely difficult to quit drinking alcohol on one’s own.
- You don’t have to mention anything about your drinking if you don’t want to, but make sure you’re in good shape.
- When everyone around you is drinking, it can pose a challenge to stay strong.
It will help you understand the severity of your drinking habits and to take the right action. Reducing or quitting alcohol requires a structured approach. Here’s a specific plan to guide you through the initial stages of your journey, helping you take control of your relationship with alcohol.
Create a Plan
Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment options. Gradually reducing alcohol intake can lead to various physical health benefits. These can include improved liver function, better sleep quality, enhanced cognitive function, and a lower risk of developing alcohol-related diseases. As your body detoxifies and heals, you may experience increased energy levels and overall well-being. Serenity Lane offers rehabilitation for alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder. We offer safe medical detox Living in a Sober House: Fundamental Rules for those withdrawing from alcohol.
How to Taper off Alcohol Safely and Effectively
This condition most often occurs when someone who has long-term alcohol dependence stops drinking cold turkey. But if heavy drinkers cut back on their average number of drinks too quickly, they may be at risk of life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. At The Recovery Village Indianapolis Drug and Alcohol Rehab, we are committed to helping people get off of alcohol as safely and effectively as possible.
As many as 71% of people who go through alcohol detox experience symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. https://appsychology.com/living-in-a-sober-house/ When someone stops drinking, they must decide whether to quit “cold turkey” or taper their alcohol use. Quitting cold turkey involves suddenly stopping all alcohol use, while tapering involves slowly decreasing the amount of alcohol a person drinks daily. Weaning off alcohol reduces the chance of experiencing withdrawal or the severity of withdrawal symptoms.
