Consulting with medical professionals and therapists is an essential step in tapering off alcohol safely. They can offer expert advice, monitor your progress, and provide personalized recommendations based on your specific needs. As many as 71% of people who go through alcohol detox experience symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. The amount of time it takes to taper off of alcohol can vary greatly from person to person. Some people can taper quickly and quit alcohol completely, while others may take longer.
Your body has become used to, and dependent on, certain levels of alcohol. Alcohol depresses your nervous system2, so your body creates more receptors for neurotransmitters, or messengers, to stimulate the nervous system. We list any treatment center that meets our rehab criteria, giving you the best list of options possible when looking for treatment. “Using a medication such as naltrexone increases the overall chances that people can cut down or quit,” Lee said.
The Impact of Substance Abuse on Relationships
There are multiple health benefits you can experience when you start drinking less alcohol. The exact benefits will depend on how much alcohol you were drinking and on factors such as your genetics, overall health, and how your body responds. This can sometimes cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, and these symptoms can make it hard to stick with your recovery plan. There are a range of symptoms you can experience when you stop drinking.
This is especially true for people who drink heavily or have been drinking for a long period of time. When done under medical supervision, tapering off alcohol has few downsides. 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.
- Outpatient treatment can be an option for individuals with mild-to-moderate alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
- However, understanding how an alcohol taper works and what the process is like can help you prepare yourself and find the support you need.
- Studies have shown that 13–71% of people undergoing alcohol detox develop withdrawal symptoms.
- It is of the utmost importance that anyone considering tapering off alcohol first consult with a medical professional to determine their treatment needs.
- It’s important to recognize that quitting alcohol “cold turkey” can lead to dangerous, even fatal withdrawal symptoms.
Importance of a Support System
At Ria, we offer weekly meetings with certified counselors to help members stay on track and build skills https://thecinnamonhollow.com/a-guide-to-sober-house-rules-what-you-need-to-know/ for long-term change. Quitting alcohol completely can be a challenge, but there are more ways to do it than ever before. Many insurance companies will help pay for some or all of your treatment costs.
- The best and safest first step is to consult with a medical professional to determine the best treatment plan for you.
- This can equate to as much as a full bottle of beer or less than two tablespoons of whisky.
- Once you know it is medically safe to stop drinking, you should loop in a therapist or addiction specialist.
- Then come up with a reduction rate you think will be safe, and that you can stick to.
- The gradual reduction method can be difficult, as you must strictly control how much you drink daily.
This may work for many people, but in practice each individual will respond best to a different pace, A Guide To Sober House Rules: What You Need To Know 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. If you experience dangerous signs such as high blood pressure, racing heart, or arrhythmias, slow your taper and seek assistance. Tapering off alcohol involves gradually reducing the amount of alcohol you drink. Besides its positive health benefits, it can help you quit drinking after weeks or months. If you’ve been drinking for a long time, you may experience withdrawal symptoms when you quit drinking.
Is it possible to moderate my drinking instead of quitting altogether?
The professionals can determine the best treatment plan for you and your unique set of needs. Despite the challenges, tapering off alcohol can lead to significant health improvements and overall quality of life. It is a crucial step in breaking the chains of alcohol dependency and moving towards a healthier future. Explore how to wean yourself off alcohol safely, from tapering plans to handling severe symptoms. To give you a rough idea, often the recommended schedule may be to decrease total alcohol consumption by 10-20% every 1-3 days. So if you’re usually drinking a 12-pack of beer per night, your provider might suggest that you step that down by one beer per night, every day or every other day.
Movement and Recovery
You’ll meet millions of fellow Reframers in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-in meetings. Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through! You’ll also have the opportunity to connect with our licensed Reframe coaches for more personalized guidance. An evidence-based rehab offering holistic and experiential therapies, tailoring treatment to each client on a comfortable campus near Austin.
How can I support someone who is trying to wean off alcohol?
Engaging in therapy during this time can provide essential support and coping strategies. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can start as early as 6 hours after the last drink and can range from mild to severe, depending on the amount and duration of alcohol consumption. Only about 5% of people with alcohol withdrawal experience delirium tremens.
Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment options. 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.
Severe symptoms of alcohol withdrawal
Our hope is to create the safest, most comfortable environment for you to begin your treatment journey. Dealing with alcohol withdrawal is a challenging process, and it’s crucial to understand the potential severity of symptoms and the need for medical intervention. This is particularly true when the symptoms are severe and potentially life-threatening. The severity of withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening.
Tapering off alcohol gradually lowers the amount of alcohol used over time, resulting in less severe withdrawal symptoms. However, it might spread out the withdrawal symptoms over a longer period of time. The duration of an alcohol taper varies depending on the individual’s alcohol consumption and may be adjusted if withdrawal symptoms occur. Little data is available about the safety and effectiveness of alcohol tapers.