If you typically drink liquor or mixed drinks, a direct taper can become tricky. Liquor is harder to measure accurately, and mixed drinks often include sweeteners or other additives that might disrupt a steady reduction plan or worsen certain withdrawal symptoms. If you regularly consume alcohol and are considering stopping, it’s crucial to do so in a safe manner. One possible approach is known as tapering, which involves gradually lowering your alcohol use over a period of time. Licensed medical professionals review material we publish on our site. The material is not a substitute for qualified medical diagnoses, treatment, or advice.
- For people with severe alcohol dependence, clinical evidence shows that tapering is a safer alternative to the “cold turkey” method, which involves quitting alcohol entirely all at once.
- A 2019 survey found 7.4% of adult (ages 18 and over) Oregonians reported having alcohol use disorder in the past year.
- Tapering or weaning means ramping down your alcohol use until you get to zero—or to a more moderate level of drinking that you prefer.
- If it’s too hard to control how much you drink each day, weaning might not be the right strategy.
- This can be done by reducing the number of drinks, increasing time between drinks or choosing a weaker drink with a lower alcohol content.
Substitution Taper: A More Complex Option to Stop Drinking
These alternatives can be a psychological aid, making it easier to stick to your tapering plan. Triggers such as certain people, places, or situations can increase the urge to drink. When planning how to wean off alcohol, it’s important to identify and avoid these triggers https://dotneat.net/2024/11/25/why-you-shouldnt-choose-that-depilatory-drug-a-critical-look-at-hair-removal-medication/ whenever possible. This might mean skipping social events where alcohol is present or finding new ways to cope with stress without turning to alcohol.
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However, you may experience withdrawal symptoms or relapse if you’re not tapering correctly and safely. Although you can use methods to taper off alcohol at home, the best way to taper is to talk to a doctor. They can monitor your intake and adjust it accordingly to reduce the risk of withdrawal symptoms. Some alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be so severe that they can lead to death. Contact a medical professional immediately if you notice any withdrawal symptoms. Cutting back or completely stopping alcohol consumption is challenging, even if you are not at the point of addiction.
They can measure their quantity of drinks over the course of a day, though for some people it is more helpful to count how many drinks they habitually have per week. Once a person has an accurate understanding of the number of drinks they regularly drink, the next step is implementing a small reduction. Instead of drinking 9 drinks a day, for instance, a person can reduce that number to 7 or 8. After a person has acclimated to this new change, they can lower the number yet again.
Medical detox programs for alcohol dependency commonly offer medications to ease the discomfort or pain of withdrawal. This is a benefit that isn’t available to all who attempt to taper at home. Medicines can be used to reduce nausea, severe anxiety, other flu-like symptoms, and treat seizures. To understand alcohol withdrawal, it is important to recognize that alcohol is a depressant.
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In addition, if you have powerful cravings or struggle to limit your intake, it’s a sign you may need professional assistance. Be sure that each day’s planned intake is slightly less than the day before. If you find yourself stuck at a particular level, you may need to adjust your plan.
Challenges of Cutting Down on Alcohol Intake
The key is to find a method that aligns with your goals and ensures safety during the transition. Did you know most insurance companies will cover the cost of drug and alcohol detox? It’s best to enroll in an experienced detox and alcohol rehab program in situations like this. Before you head to your first appointment, there are a few things you can do to prepare.
The amount of time it takes to taper off of alcohol can vary greatly from person to person. Some people can taper quickly and quit alcohol completely, while others may take longer. But deciding to cut back on https://skyhopper.biz/2024/11/25/love-drug-how-to-structure-an-effective-antibiotics-article/ drinking is much more important than the length of your alcohol taper. A medical professional can help you determine if a fast or slow taper, or quitting altogether, is appropriate based on a thorough medical assessment and evaluation of your withdrawal risk.
People with a greater dependency on alcohol may need to stretch out the process to gradually reduce their alcohol intake. Design for Recovery, a structured sober living home located in West Los Angeles, works with young men to help them develop a new way of life in sobriety. Residents work daily with our trained and dedicated staff to develop new values and coping tools.
In addition to plain water, electrolyte-rich beverages (like sports drinks, Pedialyte, and coconut water) help replenish your body with the nutrients it needs to stay hydrated. Serenity Lane is here for all Oregonians in need of help to overcome alcohol addiction. Is alcohol beginning to take up more and more of your time, budget, and life?
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- This will be the basis of the protocol to taper off the substance to increase the chances of success.
- It is sometimes possible to taper your alcohol use at home if your AUD isn’t severe.
- This lessens the severity of withdrawal symptoms, as there is not an abrupt or dramatic change.
- Orlando Recovery Center offers comprehensive addiction treatment for drug and alcohol addictions and co-occurring mental health conditions.
If you notice intense physical reactions, such as hallucinations, seizures, or delirium tremens (DTs), seek immediate medical attention. This is a critical aspect of understanding how to wean off alcohol safely. Severe withdrawal can be life-threatening and may require hospitalization or medical detox. It can be tempting to just “rip off the Band-Aid” when getting sober, but tapering off alcohol is often much safer—and much less stressful. Rather than quitting drinking abruptly (or “cold turkey”), many professionals recommend gradually reducing your drinking (or tapering) over time. This can give your body the chance to adjust, helping you avoid the worst of withdrawal symptoms.
Slowly, to reduce the discomfort of withdrawal symptoms, you will come off the medication with the goal being complete abstinence from alcohol. With these things in mind, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of tapering your alcohol use to make a fully informed decision. If your health, wellness, and even life may be at risk, quitting alcohol should only be attempted with the help of a medical professional. This is why it is important to stop regular, heavy drinking only under the supervision of medical staff.
It is important to note that alcohol tapers are generally not recommended as the best way to stop using alcohol. Most healthcare professionals recommend a medically-assisted detox as the best way to get off alcohol. You can even transition to our intensive outpatient programs, where you will have support during the day and freedom at night to practice your new skills. This is often a great choice for anyone who has been through medical detox and inpatient treatment already.
Underneath the issue of alcohol use disorder is often a mental health disorder. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) found that one in four adults who have a mental illness will also struggle with substance abuse. After two weeks, continue to listen to your body, adding more alcohol-free days and seeking support as needed.