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Figuring out where to start your alcohol taper schedule can be challenging. Counting each drink you consume may seem simple, but all drinks are not created equal. The alcohol content itself is important, and it depends on the percentage of alcohol, how to taper off alcohol the proof of the alcohol and the actual amount of alcohol in the drink. Get professional treatment and long-term support to prevent relapse. Set up therapy, counseling and support groups, a plan for sober living, and follow-up medical evaluations.
How Long Does Tapering Off Alcohol Take?
But could weaning yourself off alcohol help you stay sober for good? In fact, 30 million people have alcohol use disorder1 in the United States alone. Luckily, this nationwide issue has resources available to help you heal. The purpose of tapering off alcohol is to avoid major withdrawal symptoms so you can achieve sobriety safely. The time it takes to taper will depend on how long you’ve been drinking, how much you’ve been drinking and a variety of personal factors.
Avoid Places or Situations that Involve Alcohol
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. The long and the short of it is–tapering off alcohol with medical support can help you quit drinking.
Gradual Reduction Method
The best way to taper off alcohol is to find healthcare professionals who can assess one’s current intake. This will be the basis of the protocol to taper off the substance to increase the chances of success. In addition, social pressures can make it hard to quit drinking, especially if your friends or family also drink heavily. Quitting drinking can feel very isolating, making it even more difficult to do alone at home without medical support. Direct tapering is not recommended for liquor drinkers as it is challenging to measure amounts and can result in binge drinking.
Expect to feel some discomfort, including anxiety, sweating or irritability. If you feel more severe symptoms, such as paranoia, increased pulse, or tremors sometimes called alcohol shakes, you should taper more slowly and consider seeking professional help. If you feel severe symptoms, such as hallucinations, https://ecosoberhouse.com/ rapid heartbeat or disorientation, call 911 immediately. You may be able to detox at home and still attend outpatient therapy or support group meetings. The brain compensates for the depressive effects of alcohol by increasing its activity. When people who are dependent on alcohol drink, they feel normal.
- By gradually drinking less instead of stopping cold turkey, your body has a chance to adapt to smaller and less frequent drinks.
- Remember, seeking professional guidance is an important step in ensuring a safe and successful tapering journey.
- What’s most important is looking at your drinking habits and finding a way to cut back that works for you.
- As mentioned above, many people will still experience some level of withdrawal, just to a lesser degree.
When you quit drinking cold turkey, your body suffers from a cascade of changes caused by the sudden shift. Since alcohol depresses central nervous system activity, quitting drinking can cause an imbalance of an excitatory neurotransmitter called glutamate. This excess glutamate triggers alcohol withdrawal symptoms, which can sometimes be dangerous. Remember, everyone’s journey is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. If you experience severe withdrawal symptoms or struggle with alcohol dependence, it’s important to seek medical help.
- For many people, tapering alone is insufficient to help heal their addiction.
- People who only drink occasionally probably won’t notice any physical or psychological symptoms.
- Sometimes, people think that they don’t need medical help if their symptoms are mild.
Consider Medically Assisted Detox
