Tapering Off Alcohol How To Wean Off Safely

It’s always best to speak with a healthcare provider when changing your relationship with alcohol. Every person has unique needs, and tapering off may not be an adequate solution to reduce or stop drinking. Although you can use methods to taper off alcohol at home, the best way to taper is to talk to a doctor.

Luckily, this nationwide issue has resources available to help you heal. Deciding to taper off alcohol is a slower process that requires planning, but it sober house can decrease both the chase of experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms and relapse. Tapering off alcohol was long ago considered the primary approach for alcoholism treatment.

Alcohol Tapering Timeline

This simple yet straightforward method can be safe and effective. Creating a structured plan including more resources and increased self-care builds a strong foundation for recovery. Alcohol Tapering requires some planning to create a schedule.

Who Can Benefit From Tapering Their Alcohol Intake

• Alcohol withdrawal occurs when neurotransmitters that combat the effects of alcohol on the nervous system suddenly have nothing to counteract them.
• These can include improved liver function, better sleep quality, enhanced cognitive function, and a lower risk of developing alcohol-related diseases.
• Thus, a user will likely seek out alcohol again to rid themselves of the uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.
• However, it’s important to develop a support system and consider ongoing therapy or participation in support groups to maintain sobriety.
• You can read all about mindful drinking in this article by a licensed therapist at Monument.

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. In contrast, in-patient care can be more beneficial and less expensive in the long-term.

Mental Health

Personal health, both physical and mental, as https://appsychology.com/living-in-a-sober-house/ well as someone’s current drinking habits, should also be taken into account before deciding on anything. On the second day drink one beer every hour and a half for a total of ten beers. Then continue to taper down by reducing the amounts by two beers per day until you are down to zero. Gradually reducing alcohol intake can lead to various physical health benefits. These can include improved liver function, better sleep quality, enhanced cognitive function, and a lower risk of developing alcohol-related diseases.

Symptoms of tapering off alcohol

I dont remember the last time I had four drinks in a day. I can’t afford to take time off from work for rehab, and I only have access to a small town gp as I’ve lost my licence. I want to quit really bad but im afraid because when I try I have chest pains and shakes and overwhelming anxiety attacks. Many treatment professionals recommend using standard beer (about 5% ABV) for use when tapering off alcohol. While the choice of drink is up to the individual, beer is considered the safer option, and no measuring is needed – one standard can or bottle of beer is the correct amount to use.

Severe symptoms of alcohol withdrawal

Symptoms are most severe around day 34, and the total process can last for 2 to 10 days. There are a range of symptoms you can experience when you stop drinking. Tapering can help minimize these symptoms, but you might still experience some of them while your body adjusts to the lack of alcohol.

The time it takes to taper off alcohol varies based on how much a person drinks. Regardless, The initial detoxification process may take several days. If you were to suddenly stop drinking alcohol, your receptors would become hyperactive because they are no longer being depressed. This is why you should taper off alcohol, or use a prescribed medication like benzodiazepines, during detox3.

For this reason, you should always talk to your doctor before attempting to quit drinking. They may recommend strategies such as an alcohol taper. While tapering off alcohol is a common approach, it may not work for everyone.

Attending a residential rehab or outpatient program gives you coping mechanisms and life skills that can help you for years to come after treatment. You can strengthen your emotional and communication techniques to help you work through any tough situations that may arise in the future. You’ll learn how to prevent relapse and live a fun sober life. Bespoke addiction and dual diagnosis recovery with personalized treatment programs, holistic therapies, and upscale amenities with sweeping mountain views. A full continuum of care for mental health, guiding clients through innovative therapies, a supportive family and couples program, and a distinctive Career Launch program.