It’s important not to rush the process and to adjust your plan based on how your body responds. A healthcare provider can give you a better idea of the timeline for your specific situation. For people who drink heavily and frequently, it’s wise to consult with a medical professional before tapering. “Some will experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop abruptly, which is an indicator for medically managed alcohol withdrawal treatments from a health professional. By seeking professional help, individuals can access the necessary expertise, support, and resources to successfully navigate the process of weaning off alcohol. Medical supervision, treatment programs, stress-reducing techniques, and physical activity can all play significant roles in achieving long-term recovery and maintaining sobriety.
Scan the QR code to get started!
- In conclusion, the journey of safely weaning yourself off alcohol is unique to each person.
- This method involves slowly decreasing the amount of alcohol consumed over time.
- Both methods allow the body to adjust gradually and reduce overall alcohol intake.
- Alcohol suppresses your brain’s normal function, and your body adjusts to this constant presence of alcohol by making your brain more hyperactive.
- Attempting to stop drinking “cold turkey” is not only dangerous, but could also cause serious implications or be fatal.
Studies show that those who receive some type of formal treatment after detox are more likely to maintain sobriety8. Alcohol withdrawal usually lasts for a few days, but some effects may linger for months. Symptoms are most severe around day 34, and the total process can last for 2 to 10 days. If any of this sounds familiar, and if AUD runs in your family, Oar Health might be right for you. Oar Health offers medication FDA-approved for the treatment of alcohol problems.
Delirium Tremens
Getting professional treatment and long-term support are two of the most valuable strategies for avoiding relapse. This may work for many people, but in drug addiction practice each individual will respond best to a different pace, and each doctor will have their own recommendations. The risk of tapering too slowly is that you won’t stick with it, while the risk of tapering too fast is severe withdrawal.
Who Should Consider Alcohol Tapering?
The Recovery Village Baptist Health specializes in compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to your needs. Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or a loved one, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. When you drink heavily, alcohol is present in your bloodstream constantly. Alcohol suppresses your brain’s normal function, and your body adjusts to this constant presence of alcohol by making your brain more hyperactive. This increased hyperactivity, combined with the suppressing effect of alcohol, helps your brain function more normally.
Using positive psychology to support addiction treatment
Tapering off alcohol is a method of reducing your alcohol intake gradually. This process can help your body break its dependency on alcohol with minimal side effects. If you’ve been drinking for a long time, tapering off can cause withdrawal symptoms. Getting professional help can mitigate harmful withdrawal symptoms and ensure success. Weaning yourself off alcohol can be a difficult process, but it’s worth it in the end. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey, and there are many resources available to help you along the way.
We believe everyone deserves access to accurate, unbiased information about mental health and recovery. That’s why we have a comprehensive set of treatment providers and don’t charge for inclusion. We do not and have never accepted fees for referring someone to a particular center.
These symptoms will be particularly powerful if alcohol intake is cut to zero after being regular and significant. In other words, if you drink heavily currently, and then suddenly quit drinking, the alcohol withdrawal symptoms you experience will be strong and difficult to manage. Always talk to a health provider before you attempt any sort of alcohol withdrawal plan. If your alcohol dependence is moderate to severe, tapering on your own might not be effective or safe.
Remember, insomnia during alcohol tapering is often temporary, and your https://ecosober.com/ sleep patterns will improve as your body adjusts. Slowly tapering your alcohol use can help you manage mild withdrawal symptoms and decrease the risk of AUD. However, you may experience withdrawal symptoms or relapse if you’re not tapering correctly and safely. You should also consider an alcohol withdrawal taper if you’ve ever gone through withdrawal from alcohol, or any other depressant, in the past. Alcohol withdrawal can cause something called kindling to occur in your brain. Kindling refers to lasting physical changes in the brain that cause each subsequent withdrawal period to be worse.
Excessive drinking can weaken the immune system, increasing the body’s likelihood of developing an infection. Diseases like pneumonia and tuberculosis are more frequent in individuals who chronically drink. BetterHelp offers affordable mental health care via phone, video, or live-chat. Attending a residential rehab or outpatient program gives you coping mechanisms and life skills that can help you for years to come after treatment.
Understanding the Need: When to Seek Professional Detox
Deciding to taper off alcohol is a slower process that requires planning, but it can decrease both the chase of experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms and relapse. This helps you stay accountable and ensures that you’re following your tapering schedule. Tracking also allows you to notice any patterns that may lead to increased drinking, such as stress or social situations. Being aware of your consumption is an essential part of how to taper off alcohol successfully. This is why it’s always best to find some form of long-term support in sobriety. Support groups, from Alcoholics Anonymous to SMART Recovery, are one free way to find a community of people on the same journey.
We are dedicated to transforming the despair of addiction into a purposeful life of confidence, self-respect and happiness. We want to give recovering addicts the tools to return to the outside world completely substance-free and successful. Alcohol addiction can be difficult and sometimes dangerous to handle on your own. If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction, contact us to learn more and get started with alcohol addiction treatment.
How Long Does Addiction Recovery Take?
- Based on your medical history, your doctor can advise you about the safety of the taper.
- It’s common to experience emotional ups and downs during the weaning process.
- We specialize in compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to your needs.
- The key is to find a method that aligns with your goals and ensures safety during the transition.
- Alcohol impacts our sleep, relationships, weight, risk for serious chronic conditions and more.
- If withdrawal symptoms become severe, it may be necessary to adjust your tapering plan or seek immediate medical attention 2.
For people who moderately consume alcohol, tapering off may be a good option. However, quitting cold turkey or tapering is not advisable for people with an AUD. These programs offer more flexibility than residential rehab, while still supporting a healthy lifestyle for people in recovery. Sober living homes provide a comfortable, safe place for you to focus on your healing.
Alcohol recovery involves understanding addiction, building support, learning coping strategies, seeking professional help, and committing to lifelong sobriety. By combining these approaches with ongoing support, individuals can build a solid foundation for a fulfilling and alcohol-free life. Regular physical activity serves as a positive distraction and stress-reliever for individuals trying to reduce their alcohol intake. Engaging in activities such as walking, jogging, swimming, or participating in sports not only promotes overall health but also helps divert attention away from alcohol cravings.
