06 Mai How to Safely Taper Off Alcohol Alcohol Detox Programs
Also known as DTs, an estimated 2% of people with alcohol use disorder and less than 1% of the general population experience them. Many people with addictions convince themselves that they are alone and are the only ones going through their experiences. It can be very comforting to know that many https://thepaloaltodigest.com/top-5-advantages-of-staying-in-a-sober-living-house/ people have gone through withdrawal before. We recommend reaching out to others who are also going through withdrawal or joining group therapy. Professional detox is highly recommended for those likely to experience moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms and will support you during detox.
– Eat a balanced diet that includes healthy fruits and vegetables.
If you experience dangerous signs such as high blood pressure, racing heart, or arrhythmias, slow your taper and seek assistance. Weaning off alcohol gives your body chemistry a chance to adjust, reducing the shock to your system. 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.
- As you begin to notice those health benefits, you’ll likely feel more energized and inspired to keep up your progress.
- The condition encompasses a spectrum from mild to severe, with various physical and psychological symptoms that signal its presence.
- Cautious tapering may take longer than medically supervised detox, but it will help you avoid major health problems.
- Tapering can be a more manageable method of cessation for those who might find abrupt discontinuation overwhelming or medically unsafe.
How To Safely Taper Off Alcohol
- Don’t try to reduce your alcohol intake based on what feels right.
- Alcohol withdrawal can produce both physical and psychological symptoms.
- However, medically supervised detox and professional rehab are more likely to help you maintain long-term sobriety.
- It includes patient education on withdrawal, monitoring for severe withdrawal symptoms, and creating a low-stimulation environment.
- Quitting binge drinking may require different strategies than either tapering or cold turkey.
- It pulls you out of a reactive state of mind and into a proactive state, which can be a powerful tool in helping treat alcohol withdrawal.
- Weaning off alcohol involves gradually decreasing the amount of alcohol you drink.
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. All of these withdrawal symptoms are common during acute alcohol withdrawal syndrome. For example, depression could cause suicidal Sober House thoughts, and eating poorly can weaken your immune system. Find local support for drugs, alcohol, or mental health with our local service finder. How to manage drug and alcohol cravings, including how to plan for them and distract yourself while they are happening so that you don’t go back to old habits.
Tell family members and friends you want to get healthier.
Help them familiarize themselves with the resources out there, and figure out how to access the ones that will work best for them. Be there as much as you can as a source of moral and emotional support. With all of the above established, what can you actually do to help a loved one who is struggling with alcohol use disorder? The answer is complicated, and depends on that person’s individual relationship to alcohol.
- The original medication for alcoholism is disulfiram, also known as Antabuse.
- It is therefore extremely important that you talk to your doctor before you start the process of weaning off alcohol.
- This can happen whether you’re quitting alcohol cold turkey or tapering.
- If you answer “yes” to two to three questions, your symptoms align with mild AUD.
- Get professional treatment and long-term support to prevent relapse.
Can Tapering Your Alcohol Intake Reduce Withdrawal Symptoms?
Spend time coming up with some coping strategies for alcohol cravings, and self-care ideas for days when you feel depressed or uneasy. Write down some reminders and work some rituals into your day that let you touch base with yourself. It may be possible for you to moderate or quit on your own, but it is dangerous to undergo withdrawal without supervision. It’s best to speak to a doctor first, especially if you have a heavier drinking habit and you expect more severe withdrawal symptoms. You may be able to cut back on your drinking ahead of time, which will lessen the effects of withdrawal.