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. https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/does-alcohol-dehydrate-you/ Talk to a medical professional if you have any concerns about tapering off alcohol. They can provide recommendations to help you avoid harmful side effects.
Alcohol Taper vs. Quitting Cold Turkey
- Over time, you can decrease the alcoholic drinks while increasing the non-alcoholic ones while still following the same behaviors you were used to.
- Receive encouragement from people worldwide who know exactly what you’re going through!
- Slowly reduce the amount of alcohol you consume each day until you reach sobriety.
- Attending a residential rehab or outpatient program gives you coping mechanisms and life skills that can help you for years to come after treatment.
As you navigate this question, it can be helpful to think about how you typically prefer to approach change. Metaphorically speaking, do you like to dip your toe in first, or cannonball right in? As long as safety precautions are taken, there’s no wrong way to begin a sobriety or moderation journey. This journey is often non-linear, and your goals can change over time. There are a range of symptoms you can experience when you stop drinking.
- This section will cover the basics of tapering off, including what it entails and the benefits it offers.
- Therapy can help you understand why you drink and learn new habits so you can live a healthy lifestyle that doesn’t rely on alcohol as a crutch.
- Switching to beer from hard liquor is safer because it is easier to control the amount of beer that is consumed and is harder to binge drink.
- Moderate to heavy drinkers can also benefit from medical supervision in the acute withdrawal stage.
- Alcohol impacts our sleep, relationships, weight, risk for serious chronic conditions and more.
Health Conditions
Or maybe you’re just looking to improve your health, wake up hangover-free and give your liver (and your heart and brain) a break. Avoid taking prescription drugs that your doctor hasn’t prescribed to you. If withdrawal is so uncomfortable that you’re turning to drugs for comfort, you should contact your doctor or a rehab center to discuss medically supervised withdrawal. The alcohol content in specific beer, wine and liquor products differs. You can use the guidelines to get an idea of how many standard drinks you’re used to. Your insurance plan may cover some or all of the cost of medical detox for drugs and alcohol.
When To Seek Medical Attention
If you’re looking to reduce or eliminate your alcohol consumption, tapering off can be an effective approach. This section will cover the basics of tapering off, including what it entails and the benefits it offers. These programs offer more flexibility than residential rehab, while still supporting a healthy how to taper off alcohol lifestyle for people in recovery. Sober living homes provide a comfortable, safe place for you to focus on your healing. If you’ve been drinking for a long time, tapering off can cause withdrawal symptoms.
What Does It Mean to Taper or Wean off Alcohol?
This process temporarily restores homeostasis, or chemical balance, in an effort to counteract the impact of long-term alcohol use on the brain. If you and your doctor decide that a taper is proper for you, it is crucial to remember there isn’t a one-size-fits-all strategy. The key is to find a method that aligns with your goals and ensures safety during the transition. Alternative therapies offer diverse methods to support and complement the traditional path. They can help reduce cravings, manage stress, and provide overall well-being, making the journey more holistic and individualized. Within 5 minutes, you’ll receive an email with these details – free of charge.
How do you wean off alcohol at home?
There’s no set time frame for tapering off alcohol that works for everyone. Even if your situation seems like someone else’s, your body may respond differently to the tapering process. You may receive medication to ease withdrawal symptoms—such as anti-diarrheal medicines or over-the-counter pain relievers. A doctor may prescribe a benzodiazepine as part of the tapering process. 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.
Drug and Alcohol Addiction
Getting professional treatment for alcohol addiction can give you the tools to create, and maintain, a healthy and happy lifestyle. It is sometimes possible to taper your alcohol use at home if your AUD isn’t severe. Although, you’ll need support if you want to successfully and safely taper at home. We are dedicated to transforming the despair of addiction into a purposeful life of confidence, self-respect and happiness.