Aside from unavoidable triggers, tapering off alcohol can also have side effects which can be difficult to manage at home. A final strategy to assist with an alcohol taper is to get a good network of peer support. Luckily, these expert tips for people looking to drink less make it a lot simpler. “It’s hard to go anywhere without someone offering you a drink,” says Leah Young, LCPC, Clinical Manager at Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center. Even if you’re not someone who struggles with alcohol addiction, it can be hard to decrease your alcohol intake.
Rehab Resources
Regardless, The initial detoxification process may take several days. Take the first step towards a happier, healthier life at The Haven Detox-New England. We’re here to support you throughout your journey to sobriety. Our team of medical professionals offers a professional alcohol abuse treatment program.
A substitution taper can also involve switching alcoholic beverages with non-alcoholic beverages. Diluting alcohol with other beverages is another option people may use. This is because it allows for a more controlled reduction in alcohol. There are many other potential diseases that long-term alcohol use can cause, and it is important to stop using alcohol heavily if you are.
The 3 C’s of Addiction Recovery: 3 Goals for Family Members
- Keep the big picture in mind through a goal such as reducing your drinking overall in a week, month, or year,” Dr Lee said.
- Don’t wait— reach out today to take the first step toward taking control of your life.
- For some drinkers, cutting down on the amount of alcohol they drink simply does not work.
- You may be biologically predisposed to abusing it, and if you’re physically addicted, your brain isn’t working right.
- Unfortunately, alcohol tapering has not been extensively studied.
Withdrawing from alcohol happens when we reduce or stop alcohol use that has been occurring often for a long period of time. The best and safest first step is to consult with a medical professional to determine the best treatment plan for you. There can be medical risks to reducing or stopping alcohol use. A medical professional will evaluate your medical history and current symptoms or problems to determine the best treatment plan to meet your unique needs.
- While it might seem like a quick solution, this method can be risky without medical support.
- This can taper you off alcohol while still helping you keep up with your normal drinking routine, making the process easier.
- Alcohol abuse affects how you feel and how you make decisions.
- Still, it has a decreased level of success when compared to the alternative and requires discipline that can be difficult for those with an addiction.
Understanding the Need: When to Seek Professional Detox
Planning for social situations where you know there will be alcohol can help you navigate how to respond. Depending on how much you drink and for how long, one rule of thumb is to avoid cutting more than 25% of your drinking intake at a single time to avoid withdrawal symptoms. If you repeatedly cannot cut back on your drinking or otherwise cannot get lower than a certain point in the taper, this might not be the right method for you. If you notice severe hallucinations, extreme brain fog, the world slows down around you; you feel drunk when you’re not, you may have warning signs of delirium tremens (DTs). Always have one of your drinks late at night before you go to bed, to prevent this from happening while you’re sleeping. The chances of seizures and DTs are low if you’re tapering, but they happen even in controlled rehab environments.
Is an at-home alcohol detox or medical detox right for you?
“Any relative reduction in daily alcohol intake is healthy and headed in the right direction,” explains Lee. Alcohol Tapering requires some planning to create a schedule. With this number, you can make a plan for alcohol reduction. You’ll also want to monitor any symptoms that https://appsychology.com/living-in-a-sober-house/ arise each day.
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. Providers who advertise with us must be verified by our Research Team and we clearly mark their status as advertisers. A full continuum of care treating addiction and mental health through an evidence-based approach, relapse prevention, and holistic healing with beach activities. While this process isn’t enjoyable, there are so many benefits in the new sober life that you’re creating for yourself. You’ll look and feel healthier, have more energy, and save money.
Along with withdrawal symptoms, it may be even more difficult to cut back or taper your alcohol use if you struggle with an alcohol use disorder (AUD). AUD makes it difficult to control alcohol use — it may seem like the alcohol is controlling you. A taper may not be right for you if you frequently drink more than you intended, try to cut back but cannot or feel that your alcohol use is affecting your life. People with AUD may be unable to quit drinking alcohol on their own or have attempted to quit before and relapsed.
It also lets you start working new habits and routines into your day to replace drinking, starting the transition. Rather than beginning your sober life drained and dazed from a week of feeling ill, you can already be getting on your feet. If you’ve been drinking for a long time, you may experience withdrawal symptoms when you quit drinking. Although you can use methods to taper off alcohol at home, the best way to taper is to talk to a doctor. They can monitor your intake and adjust it accordingly to reduce the risk of withdrawal symptoms. The time it takes to taper off alcohol varies based on how much a person drinks.
- Before you start your detox, ensure you have enough alcohol on hand to last you a few days.
- After several days of 5 glasses of wine, you can reduce that down to 4.
- The goal of tapering down is to make a gradual change while causing less stress on your body, both physically and emotionally.
- The kindling effect is an aspect of alcohol withdrawal that makes repeated attempts at withdrawal less safe.
- The main difference between tapering and quitting alcohol cold turkey is how fast you quit.
Understanding and addressing these symptoms can make the transition smoother and safer. Remember, the goal of this plan is to provide a structured approach that can be adjusted based on individual needs. Listen to your body, seek support when needed, and celebrate every step you take towards your goal. Support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or sober living houses can help you get connected with peers who are going through the same journey as you are. All of these withdrawal symptoms are common during acute alcohol withdrawal syndrome. For example, depression could cause suicidal thoughts, and eating poorly can weaken your immune system.
It does, however, result in any withdrawal symptoms that do occur being prolonged over the entire period of the taper. Still, it has a decreased level of success when compared to Living in a Sober House: Fundamental Rules the alternative and requires discipline that can be difficult for those with an addiction. Long-term alcohol use can lead to alcohol use disorder (AUD) and physical dependence. If your body becomes physically dependent on alcohol, you may experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking. Studies have shown that 13–71% of people undergoing alcohol detox develop withdrawal symptoms. Factors such as pattern of alcohol use, other medical conditions, genetics and how your body responds to alcohol can play a role in withdrawal symptoms.
As you begin your alcohol tapering process, talk to someone you trust about your plan. Consulting with a medical professional is highly recommended. Consider sharing your process with a friend or family member so they can offer helpful support. Alcohol withdrawal occurs when you stop using alcohol after a prolonged period of heavy use. Alcohol withdrawal is the most dangerous form of substance withdrawal, creating unpleasant symptoms that can be potentially deadly for those with more severe symptoms. Alcohol withdrawal will last about a week to a week and a half for most people, with symptoms peaking two to three days into withdrawal.
If you experience severe withdrawal symptoms while tapering off alcohol, adjust your plan. The goal of tapering is to make the withdrawal process safer and more bearable. It depends on your individual metabolism and withdrawal symptoms. The purpose of alcohol tapering is typically to avoid some of the more dangerous symptoms of detox. The length of time for alcohol tapering depends entirely on your baseline of use.
