Tapering alcohol is beneficial because you can avoid alcohol withdrawal symptoms. This is because when you drink heavily for months or years, your body can start to depend on alcohol to function normally. When you are physically dependent on a substance like alcohol, your body adapts accordingly. An alcohol taper is a way to wean yourself off alcohol and avoid withdrawal symptoms. Although all forms of alcohol cessation should be done with medical guidance, tapering your alcohol intake may allow you to self-wean from drinking at home.
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- Unravel what makes addiction recovery a challenging process, from relapse to societal stigma.
- Her writing has appeared in publications such as Everyday Health, Well+Good, Rewire News Group, Prism, and more.
- These medications are often combined with psychosocial support for more effective treatment.
- Implementing stress-reducing techniques can aid in managing alcohol cravings and reducing the risk of relapse during the weaning process.
- Drug rehab programs provide a structured environment and various therapies to help individuals overcome substance abuse and achieve long-term recovery.
However, tapering can sometimes be unsafe if you attempt to do so on your own without a doctor’s knowledge. For example, if you start to suffer from alcohol withdrawal symptoms despite an attempt to taper, your symptoms may worsen before you have the chance to seek medical attention. For this reason, even at-home tapers should be done under a doctor’s care. If you suddenly quit drinking, your body can struggle to catch up.
Who Can Benefit from Weaning Off Alcohol?
If you like a nightcap, try a cup of herbal tea before bed instead. “People are sometimes substituting sugar for alcohol; many of those drinks are very high in sugar content,” says Carr. If you’ve started drinking every day, just taking one day off from drinking a week can make a big difference. Like any habit you want to change, the first step to drinking less alcohol is to figure out what is motivating you to cut back. We are ready to cheer you on as you continue down the road of recovery toward a healthier, happier you.
There is hope that even after years of heavy alcohol use, the liver has the ability to regenerate or regrow. During recovery, the liver may return to its original mass and function. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, or a substance that reduces arousal and stimulation. Alcohol, or ethanol (the type of alcohol in beverages), is an intoxicating or strong ingredient found in beer, wine, and liquor.
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By understanding and addressing these triggers, you can develop strategies to navigate challenging situations and maintain your commitment to sobriety. Seeking professional help is an important step in quitting alcohol. Professionals, such as doctors, therapists, counselors, or addiction specialists, can provide valuable guidance and expertise tailored to your specific needs.
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Learn more about alcohol withdrawal here and, once again, speak to a doctor first. Enter “sober-curious,” a trend that’s about bringing a more mindful approach to drinking. It encompasses being more intentional about when and how much you drink to improve your health and well-being.
If you’re ready to take the first step towards overcoming your addiction, consider reaching out to an alcohol recovery center today. Remember that everyone’s journey sober house is different, so it’s important to find what works best for you. By finding healthy ways to cope with stress, you can reduce your risk of relapse and improve your overall well-being. Quitting alcohol cold turkey is not recommended and can be dangerous.
Medical supervision and guidance can ensure your safety and provide support during this critical period. When setting goals for quitting alcohol, it is essential to be realistic and adaptable. Unrealistic expectations can lead to frustration and disappointment, potentially increasing the risk of relapse. Start by setting small, achievable goals that align with your overall objective of sobriety. Once you know it is medically safe to stop drinking, you should loop in a therapist or addiction specialist. They will be able to help you uncover the underlying causes of your drinking issues and properly diagnose any co-occurring mental health conditions that you may be suffering from.
As a Certified Professional Recovery Coach, I often speak with people who want to wean off alcohol. The thought of abstaining from alcohol completely can feel daunting, and in some cases, it can even be dangerous without medical supervision. Below I share some key information so you can determine if weaning off alcohol is right for you. The problem is that this can drag your taper out for several weeks or even months, depending on how slowly you’ve tapered and how much you’ve been drinking to start.
- Read on to learn how to wean off alcohol, whether alcohol withdrawal can kill you, and other common questions about quitting drinking.
- Symptoms may include visual hallucinations, tachycardia, hypertension, hyperthermia, agitation, and diaphoresis.
- It might help to set goals and reward yourself when you reach them.
- 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.
In contrast, in-patient care can be more beneficial and less expensive in the long-term. The best recommendation when struggling with alcohol misuse is to seek medical and mental health professional consultation as soon as possible. The professionals can determine the best treatment plan for you and your unique set of needs. The best and safest first step is to consult with a medical professional to determine the best treatment plan for you.
Generally, light to moderate drinkers should plan to taper for a week or more. Or you might just sidestep the conversation by saying that you have to get up early the next morning or want to make sure you’re good to drive later. “Having people who are going to do it with you or who are going to check in on you to see if you need support around that new choice I think is very, very critical,” says Carr.
Seeking support, setting goals, and implementing effective strategies can further aid in the journey to sobriety. You should always seek medical advice before attempting any kind of alcohol withdrawal. People with moderate to severe alcohol addiction may find an alcohol taper difficult to accomplish. If you have trouble controlling how much you drink or experience significant alcohol cravings, you may need professional help instead of trying to taper your alcohol use at home.