It can lower the severity of symptoms, and it can make you more likely to meet your goals. 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. If you’ve decided to taper off alcohol, you’ll need to be prepared with some strategies to make the process easier. You’ll likely face the urge to drink more than you’ve planned each day, but there are some good tricks to help you delay that next serving and keep yourself honest. Alcohol withdrawal is potentially fatal, especially for people with an alcohol addiction.
Changing Your Taper Schedule
A direct taper means you continue to drink your regular drinks but slowly decrease the amount over time. Direct tapers are better if you prefer drinks that contain a low percentage of alcohol. The effects of alcohol can vary depending on weight, gender, age and other factors.
Challenges of Cutting Down on Alcohol Intake
- An alcohol taper should only be undertaken under the supervision of a medical professional.
- Rather than quitting cold turkey, which could lead to severe (maybe even fatal) withdrawal symptoms, tapering is a slower reduction of alcohol over time.
- An effective coping technique is to “fast forward” your relapse fantasy.
- The hardest thing will probably be to stop yourself from starting again.
- As many as 71% of people who go through alcohol detox experience symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
- After you finish an alcoholic beverage, wait 20 minutes before consuming another.
Here’s how to wean off alcohol—including useful strategies, how to create a tapering schedule, and how to stay safe throughout the process. People who try tapering off alcohol won’t have the guided support of medical professionals that they would at inpatient treatment. This can make it more challenging to stick to a long-term plan.
- If you go through a medical detox the people they may rehydrate you with an IV and may also give you vitamin shots.
- Taking days off within the week is a common strategy to encourage drinking less overall.
- Detox is a general word that can mean a couple of different things.
- If you notice any severe withdrawal, you may need to slow your taper, drink alcohol immediately, or seek medical attention.
- It also ensures your body has proper nutrition to maintain stamina during the stress it will go through during detox.
How to Wean Off Alcohol & Safely Taper Drinking
If you and your doctor decide that a taper is proper for you, it is crucial to remember there isn’t a one-size-fits-all strategy. The key is to find a method that aligns with your goals and ensures safety during the transition. Join our supportive sober community where each day becomes a step towards personal growth and lasting positive change. Follow your patient contract as well as your provider’s medication regimen and treatment recommendations. Get information on how to access immediate medical attention if you encounter significant symptoms or issues during detox. During this initial appointment, the provider will assess your level of alcohol use and do a blood test to check liver function and nutrient levels.
How to Gradually Stop Drinking
It’s best to reduce your drinking by a small amount each day to avoid the shock to your system. So, if you normally have 6 beers a day, you could be done tapering within one week. It’s always best to consult a physician on the best strategy, especially if you drink heavily.
Working with a medical professional to taper your alcohol consumption can help the likelihood and severity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Instead of quitting alcohol cold turkey, you can steadily reduce your consumption so that your body has time to gradually readjust to absence of alcohol. It’s important to note that stopping drinking can be dangerous and even life-threatening.
These can indicate a life threatening condition called delirium tremens. It’s important to seek urgent medical care if you experience any of these symptoms. This simple yet straightforward method can be safe and effective. Creating a structured https://www.inkl.com/news/sober-house-rules-a-comprehensive-overview plan including more resources and increased self-care builds a strong foundation for recovery.
Phone, Video, or Live-Chat Support
- Medical detox may include psychological support to address the emotional aspects of addiction and help individuals prepare for ongoing treatment.
- Having a conversation in advance can also help set expectations on your friends’ part.
- Consider avoiding bars and liquor stores, as well as avoiding routines that involve alcohol.
- Detoxing from alcohol at home can be a challenging and potentially dangerous process.
In the small intestine, alcohol is easily absorbed into the bloodstream. The circulatory system, which is made up of the heart, blood, and blood vessels, spreads alcohol throughout the body. Alcohol comes into contact with every major organ, including the heart. Your body has become used to, and dependent on, certain levels of alcohol. Alcohol depresses your nervous system2, so your body creates more receptors for neurotransmitters, or messengers, to stimulate the nervous system.
People looking to quit drinking may consider either tapering or going cold turkey, meaning they abruptly stop all alcohol consumption without weaning. The amount of alcohol it takes to cause withdrawal symptoms can vary from person sober house to person. For this reason, you should always talk to your doctor before attempting to quit drinking.
