Sober living

How to Wean Off Alcohol

By December 22, 2021January 31st, 2025No Comments

Remember, seeking help and support is a sign of strength, and there are resources available to guide you on your journey towards a healthier, alcohol-free life. This condition most often occurs when someone who has long-term alcohol dependence stops drinking cold turkey. But if heavy drinkers cut back on their average number of drinks too quickly, they may be at risk of life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. In summary, while it is possible to wean oneself off alcohol safely, it is essential to be aware of the potential for severe symptoms. It is always recommended to seek professional medical help in these cases to ensure safety and proper care during the withdrawal process. This is a key part of understanding how to wean yourself off alcohol safely.

Paying for Treatment

Some find tapering is not a suitable option to stop drinking due to various factors such as social responsibilities or peer pressure. For many people, tapering alone is insufficient to help heal their addiction. 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.

Insurance Providers

This can happen whether you’re quitting alcohol cold turkey or tapering. For some individuals, weaning off alcohol may require professional assistance. Consider reaching out to healthcare professionals, such as doctors, therapists, or addiction specialists, who can provide personalized guidance and support. They can help you develop a weaning plan, monitor your progress, address any underlying issues, and offer strategies for managing withdrawal symptoms. While weaning off alcohol can be a positive step, it’s important to be aware of potential risks and limitations. Consulting with a healthcare professional or addiction specialist can help you assess your individual situation and determine the most appropriate course of action.

Symptoms timeline

Sometimes, they may experience seizures and delirium tremens (DTs). People attempting to quit may turn to drinking again to prevent withdrawal symptoms. Alcohol is the third-leading preventable cause of mortality in the United States, with approximately 95,000 people dying from alcohol-related causes each year. By gradually tapering off alcohol, you can lower your risk for alcohol-related accidents or death.

Tapering can also be effective for people who are unable to attend an in-person program or detox to help them stop drinking. Gradually reducing alcohol consumption can be achieved through a substitution taper. Direct tapering is not recommended for liquor drinkers as it is challenging to measure amounts and can result in binge drinking. Additionally, mixed drinks may contain sugar or other additives that could exacerbate withdrawal symptoms and should be avoided during the taper. The Recovery Village Cherry Hill at Cooper offers comprehensive addiction treatment for drug and alcohol addictions and co-occurring mental health conditions. As a rule of thumb, HAMS (a harm reduction support organization) suggests reducing your consumption by two standard drinks per day until you reach zero.

how to wean off of alcohol

Reach out for support

They often try to not drink at all during the week, and allow for moderate drinking Friday through Sunday,” Dr Lee said. Below are some ideas to help people reduce their drinking by alcohol tapering. “Any relative reduction in daily alcohol intake is healthy and headed in the right direction,” explains Lee. By avoiding alcohol, you’re taking a big step toward https://northiowatoday.com/2025/01/27/sober-house-rules-what-you-should-know-before-moving-in/ improving physical health.

As your body adapts to alcohol, it will change its natural chemical balance to include alcohol. Quitting will cause your body’s chemical balance to be thrown off suddenly, leading to withdrawal symptoms. Most people recover from alcohol withdrawal within a week, but people with severe dependency may experience withdrawal for multiple weeks.

how to wean off of alcohol

This means that there is little data about the best way to taper your drinking. However, some groups have published tapering examples to assist those trying to quit drinking. It is important to note that prescription medication should not be used for a substitution taper unless it has been prescribed as part of a medical detox program. Quitting alcohol cold turkey is not recommended and can be dangerous. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that leads to an increase in brain neurotransmitters that slow down your brain’s functions, such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). When you drink heavily over a long period, your brain and body adapt to expect this.

  • The risk of tapering too slowly is that you won’t stick with it, while the risk of tapering too fast is severe withdrawal.
  • Quitting drinking can feel very isolating, making it even more difficult to do alone at home without medical support.
  • However, it can be challenging to stick with a long-term tapering schedule, so you have to find the right balance for you.
  • Having a hard line to draw might simplify drinking less, rather than having to decide each time how much (or how little) you plan on drinking.

Here are some tips and strategies for how to taper off alcohol safely. Whatever your reason to quit drinking, know that you’re doing yourself a favor. Alcohol impacts our sleep, relationships, weight, risk for serious chronic conditions and more. Our state-specific resource guides offer a comprehensive overview of drug and alcohol addiction treatment options available in your area. However, some groups have stepped in to try to bridge this gap and have published sample tapering schedules to help those trying to stop drinking. Whether you are struggling with addiction, mental health or both, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way.

  • If you want to change your relationship with alcohol, it’s important to have an honest conversation with a doctor about your drinking habits before you start tapering off.
  • With less alcohol in your life, you’re likely to have clearer skin, better sleep, and you may see a boost in your overall mood.
  • If you’ve been unable to quit on your own, you should consider attending an alcohol rehab center.
  • Mild to moderate symptoms may include anxiety, shaky hands, sweating, nausea, and insomnia.
  • If you feel severe symptoms, such as hallucinations, rapid heartbeat or disorientation, call 911 immediately.

It’s a good idea to talk with a medical professional before you begin a taper. They can help you decide if it’s the safest way to start your recovery, and they can help you make a taper plan. If you find it difficult to cut down on your number of drinks per day, try making your drinks weaker by using sober house less alcohol per drink. You may also find it easier to stick to your taper schedule if you avoid certain places and situations. It is important to note that alcohol tapers are generally not recommended as the best way to stop using alcohol.

Leave a Reply