How To Taper Off Alcohol: Key Strategies and Tips

Jueves 25 Mayo 2023

how to wean yourself off alcohol

Deciding to reduce or eliminate your alcohol consumption is a big step and will open up a whole new world of improved health and well-being. If you drink alcohol and are thinking about quitting, it is important to make sure you do so safely. One potential way to quit drinking is through tapering, which involves slowly reducing your alcohol intake over time. Tapering off alcohol provides a smoother transition compared to quitting abruptly. Gradually reducing alcohol intake allows the body to adapt to lower levels of alcohol over time. This approach can help prevent or minimize the potentially severe physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms that can occur when stopping suddenly.

how to wean yourself off alcohol

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We offer 16 detox beds and around-the-clock medical care provided by a multidisciplinary team of addiction experts. Dr. Streem suggests starting with the World Health Organization’s Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). It can be a particularly helpful way to help you get a clearer understanding of your drinking habits and your relationship with alcohol. It’s a 10-question screening test that gives you research-backed, personalized advice for quitting or reducing your intake of alcohol. Weaning yourself off alcohol can be a difficult process, but it’s worth it in the end. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey, and there are many resources available to help you along the way.

how to wean yourself off alcohol

Gradual Reduction of Alcohol Intake

Late symptoms begin between two and four days after the last drink, and they usually include changes in heart rate, breathing and blood pressure. Serious symptoms caused by delirium tremens include hallucination and seizure. https://ecosoberhouse.com/ You should start by determining how much alcohol you drink per day in terms of standard drinks. This can sometimes cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, and these symptoms can make it hard to stick with your recovery plan. These can indicate a life threatening condition called delirium tremens. It’s important to seek urgent medical care if you experience any of these symptoms.

  • In this schedule, the biggest drop occurs during the first couple days.
  • Utilizing resources such as the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) can provide additional guidance and support throughout your journey.
  • It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before starting an alcohol tapering plan.
  • Medications can play a vital role in managing the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal and reducing the risk of seizures.
  • The alcohol withdrawal symptom delirium tremens (DT) is estimated to kill up to 5% of those attempting to quit suddenly after chronic usage.
  • One of the reasons that medical professionals tend to avoid tapers is that they can be difficult to follow and may be more likely to be unsuccessful than faster options.

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Developing a Tapering Plan

Focus on consuming nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. This will not only support your overall health but also help you feel more energized during the day. Ark Behavioral Health offers 100% confidential substance abuse assessment and treatment placement tailored to your individual needs.

  • Expect to feel some discomfort, including anxiety, sweating or irritability.
  • Tapering off involves gradually reducing alcohol consumption over time, allowing the body to adjust and minimize potential withdrawal symptoms.
  • If you get moderate tremors or start hallucinating six hours after your last drink, you probably need to taper.
  • It might help to set goals and reward yourself when you reach them.
  • For individuals with a history of heavy alcohol use or those experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms, medical supervision is essential to ensure safety and provide necessary support.
  • Understanding the symptoms, clinical manifestations, and the central nervous system (CNS) adaptations can help in assessing severity and determining appropriate treatment options.
  • The effects of alcohol can vary depending on weight, gender, age and other factors.

They may have trouble relating to you and you could feel out-of-place talking to them about your problems. Do anything and everything you can to alcohol rehab distract yourself from drinking. Whether that’s watching TV, cooking dinner, cleaning the house, going for a walk, or taking a bath. Force your self to do normal activities, but nothing too strenuous or physical beyond what you might normally do. You may be biologically predisposed to abusing it, and if you’re physically addicted, your brain isn’t working right. I once went from averaging 25 a day to 10 the first day and five the second day.

how to wean yourself off alcohol