It is therefore extremely important that you talk to your doctor before you start the process of weaning off alcohol. Choosing to taper off alcohol is an admirable decision and a step in the right direction. As with many self-detox methods, the risks and rewards go hand in hand when attempting to overcome an alcohol substance use disorder. But, with a little prior knowledge on how to taper off alcohol, adequate planning and professional consultation from a healthcare provider, it can certainly be done. The amount of alcohol it takes to cause withdrawal symptoms can vary from person to person. For this reason, you should always talk to your doctor before attempting to quit drinking.
Have A Strong Support System
Seeking help as early as possible during the withdrawal process is the best way to stay safe as you cleanse your body of alcohol. For those struggling with alcohol dependency, quitting cold turkey can be dangerous and lead to severe withdrawal symptoms. An alcohol taper can be effective in beginning recovery and help set a realistic goal for those not ready to quit alcohol completely, but they’re not for everyone. Someone who has been drinking heavily for a long period what is alcoholism may struggle with cravings and alcohol withdrawal symptoms, leading to relapse.
Benefits of Weaning off Alcohol
BetterHelp offers affordable mental health care via phone, video, or live-chat. Generally, light to moderate drinkers should plan to taper for a week or more. About 90% of heavy drinkers will develop alcoholic liver disease, while 20–40% will develop alcoholic hepatitis, which occurs when the liver becomes damaged and inflamed. “A short-term break from alcohol will allow the liver cells to recover from the persistent toxic injury from the alcohol,” Larson said. Alcohol is also linked to poor sleep quality, so you might feel more energized after a week without alcohol, she added.
After One Day
- Talk to your doctor or a drug treatment specialist about what to expect as you experience alcohol withdrawal.
- “In some ways, not drinking at all is easier because you take the decision-making out of it,” says Treloar Padovano.
- Tapering down also increases the likelihood that the individual will achieve sobriety.
This excessive glutamate level can lead to alcohol withdrawal symptoms, which can be dangerous. Creating a tapering schedule you can stick with is a crucial part of weaning yourself off alcohol. The best https://ecosoberhouse.com/ schedule varies based on how much you drink each day and your overall health.
Why Do You Experience Withdrawal Symptoms?
- Figuring out where to start your alcohol taper schedule can be challenging.
- But instead of focusing on what I’d lose, I decided to focus on what I’d gain.
- Quitting drinking can feel very isolating, making it even more difficult to do alone at home without medical support.
- For people with moderate to severe alcohol addiction, utilizing an alcohol detox center is always the safest option.
We utilize a three-pronged, holistic approach that combines the right psychotropic medications, cutting-edge clinical therapy, and an environment of supportive peers. You should develop this plan while you are in treatment, so you can use it to protect and maintain your sobriety once your stint in treatment ends. In order to change your drinking habits, your first step is to take a close look at your current behaviors and find patterns. As such, there is only limited guidance available about the best ways to taper. One of the keys to a successful taper is taking gradual steps that will cause as few side effects as possible.
Track Your Alcohol Intake
Reducing alcohol intake can have significant positive effects on mental health. As you reduce your alcohol consumption, you may notice improvements in mood, anxiety, and overall mental well-being. However, the initial stages of tapering can also bring emotional challenges, as your body and mind adjust to lower levels of alcohol. Engaging in therapy during this time can provide essential support and coping strategies. As a Certified Professional Recovery Coach, I often speak with people who want to wean off alcohol.
Alcohol dependence causes your body to adapt to the presence of alcohol in your body. But alcohol causes some of the most dangerous withdrawal symptoms you can experience, and how do you wean off alcohol it can be fatal in some circumstances. But since alcohol addiction can also be dangerous, you may need to get through withdrawal to achieve sobriety and better health.
What Are Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms?
- The thing is, your shared experience doesn’t have to be with alcohol.
- This might mean skipping social events where alcohol is present or finding new ways to cope with stress without turning to alcohol.
- Whatever your reason to quit drinking, know that you’re doing yourself a favor.
More time to meet new people, catch up with old friends and try new things. You can also get help by reaching out to a professional rehab facility directly, like The Recovery Village. We can leverage our resources and team to help you reduce and eventually end your alcohol use. However, some groups have stepped in to try to bridge this gap and have published sample tapering schedules to help those trying to stop drinking. Whether you are struggling with addiction, mental health or both, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way.