How to Safely Taper Off Alcohol Alcohol Detox Programs

You’ll need to stick with gradual reduction every day and not revert to previous levels of consumption, otherwise it won’t work. If it’s too hard to control how much you drink each day, weaning might not be the right strategy. That said, there are now several medications that can help reduce your cravings and make weaning off alcohol easier. 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. Slowly decreasing the amount you drink over time can spare your body from withdrawal symptoms. This is because drinking heavily over a long period can cause your body to become physically dependent on alcohol.

Throughout his recovery, James has used his personal story to help make a difference in the lives of others. Over the years he grew into becoming an advocate for people in recovery or seeking recovery from substance use disorders.

Challenges of Cutting Down Alcohol Use

Below are some tips for how to taper off alcohol smoking, alcohol, and drugs. Some research suggests that when it comes to smoking, cold turkey can be a more effective method of quitting than gradual reduction. However, this depends on the amount of support a person receives while they are quitting. Some people use the cold turkey technique as they believe it will be easier to cease taking the substance completely straight away. They may also think if they cut the substance out entirely, they will feel less tempted to use it again while quitting. Although there may be risks to quitting cold turkey, there could also be some benefits in using this method, which depend on the substance or practice. It is common for people to develop addictions to alcohol, nicotine, and drugs.

Stress is a common trigger that makes it hard to modify your alcohol intake. Finding a different, more healthy way to unload stress may go a long way in helping someone succeed in cutting back on their alcohol use. 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. If people have a less severe alcohol dependency, they could quit alcohol on their own.

Dangers of Stopping Alcohol Use Abruptly

A direct https://ecosoberhouse.com/ means drinking the regular substance of choice but lowering the amount that’s consumed every day. Someone should only direct taper if their drink of choice is beer with a low alcohol percentage. Even mild or moderate withdrawal can be dangerous for people with high blood pressure or bad hearts. Because withdrawal raises blood pressure there can be a danger of heart attack or stroke.The longer and harder a person has drunk alcohol–the more severe the withdrawal will be. Tapering off is a standard medical practice for many other drugs.

A veteran of two branches of the U.S. military, Max is continuing his education in healthcare administration. Max began his career in the addiction field working as a group facilitator and teacher, developing and delivering a successful faith-based curriculum in a long-term residential treatment setting. If you only drink two to three drinks per week, you can easily quit cold turkey without experiencing major withdrawal symptoms.

Tips for quitting alcohol

Anyone wanting to stop using alcohol may benefit from tapering if they first consult with their doctor to ensure they are tapering safely. Tapering is a more cost-effective method of stopping alcohol use, especially for those who do not have healthcare insurance or the resources needed to get a professional detox. People who have successfully tapered from alcohol before may be especially likely to benefit from this strategy. 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. A person should seek medical help if they wish to quit taking drugs. A medical professional can help ensure they quit safely, providing specific medications if they need.

Aftercare resources such as 12-step groups, sober living homes and support for family and friends promote a life rich with rewarding relationships and meaning. If you like drinking, you may have felt the want to continue pouring after a hard day. And even moderate drinking is related to greater injury risks from violence, falls, and automobile accidents. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can start as soon as just a few hours after you have had your last drink. You may experience seizures as early as about six hours after.