It might help to set goals and reward yourself when you reach them. Dealing with alcohol withdrawal is a challenging process, and it’s crucial to understand the potential severity of symptoms and the need for medical intervention. This is particularly true when the symptoms are severe and potentially life-threatening. Despite the challenges, tapering off alcohol can lead to significant health improvements and overall quality of life. It is a crucial step in breaking the chains of alcohol dependency and moving towards a healthier future.
Tapering Off Alcohol Vs. Quitting Cold Turkey
Try not to do this for too many days, though, or you may get stuck at that point. If you are underweight, a woman, FtM, or at risk of complications due to high blood pressure, consider tapering slower than this. Pick a drink that goes down easy and has a high concentration of water so you don’t get too dehydrated. I would go with hard seltzers because they have a decent amount of water in them and I don’t really enjoy drinking them, so I drink them more slowly.
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- This reduces the severity of withdrawal symptoms and chances of fatal complications.
- Triggers such as certain people, places, or situations can increase the urge to drink.
- When an individual has developed a substance use disorder or dependence on alcohol, stopping its use outright can seem virtually impossible.
- Here’s how to wean off alcohol—including useful strategies, how to create a tapering schedule, and how to stay safe throughout the process.
- The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) provides valuable guidance and support for individuals looking to reduce their alcohol consumption safely.
By gradually tapering off alcohol, you can lower https://appsychology.com/living-in-a-sober-house/ your risk for alcohol-related accidents or death. Anton emphasizes that exercise doesn’t necessarily have a direct effect on how alcohol is metabolized, so it shouldn’t be an excuse to start drinking. “When people are thinking about drinking, and if they choose to do so, it should be part of a healthy lifestyle,” Rimm says.
Do I Need to Taper?
But if you still have control over your drinking and want to drink less, you may be able to self-taper. However, remember that every individual is different, and what works for one person may not be safe for everyone. It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before starting an alcohol tapering plan. The long and the short of it is–tapering off alcohol with medical support can help you quit drinking.
How can I support someone who is trying to wean off alcohol?
Support groups, from Alcoholics Anonymous to SMART Recovery, are one free way to find a community of people on the same journey. There are also a number of anti-craving medications to help you avoid drinking again, or even help with your tapering process. Finally, finding a therapist or a recovery coach can help you develop new coping mechanisms and move forward in your life.
Quitting alcohol completely can be a challenge, but there are more ways to do it than ever before. But, perhaps most importantly, understand that setbacks happen and that progress takes time or may look different than imagined. Many insurance companies will help pay for some or all of your treatment costs.
All of these withdrawal symptoms are common during acute alcohol withdrawal syndrome. For example, depression could cause suicidal thoughts, and eating poorly can weaken your immune system. A standard drink is a term used because different alcoholic beverages have different concentrations of alcohol, giving you varying amounts of alcohol depending on the fluid you drink. This can equate to as much as a full bottle of beer or less than two tablespoons of whisky. It is important to measure your alcohol use in standard drinks while tapering to allow for an accurate comparison of how much you use from day to day. Substituting a prescription drug for alcohol should only happen with the help of a medical professional.
- Note that in some states, doctors may commit individuals at risk of harming themselves to 72 hours of involuntary treatment for addiction.
- When that numbing sensation disappears entirely, the brain is left dangerously overstimulated.
- You will have an imbalance of excitatory and inhibitory chemicals in your nervous system.
- Relapse is a very normal part of the recovery process, and a majority of those in recovery will relapse at some point.
If alcohol use is more frequent, try to abstain at least three days each week. When it comes to weaning off alcohol safely, there are several tips and recommendations that can sober house help individuals navigate this process successfully. To maintain low-risk drinking habits, it is recommended that men limit their alcohol intake to no more than 4 drinks on any day and no more than 14 drinks per week. For women, the recommended limits are no more than 3 drinks on any day and no more than 7 drinks per week 7. When it comes to alcohol consumption, it’s important to be aware of low-risk drinking guidelines to promote responsible and safe habits. In addition to professional resources, seeking support from friends, family, or support groups can be invaluable.
If you or someone you know needs help detoxing from alcohol, The Recovery Village Ridgefield Drug and Alcohol Rehab is here for you. Contact us today to speak with a representative and begin on the road to lasting addiction recovery. A sample taper schedule involves calculating the number of drinks consumed per day.
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