Tapering off alcohol gives the body time to adapt to the lack of alcohol. This reduces the severity of withdrawal symptoms and chances of fatal complications. Governments play a vital role in addressing the harmful use of alcohol by adopting evidence-based policies and interventions. These measures can contribute to reducing alcohol-related harm and promoting public health. Gradual reduction, professional support, and smart strategies for success.
- Medically assisted detoxification (detox) is an inpatient program that keeps you stabilized during alcohol withdrawals.
- Work with a physician or therapist if you need a little help getting there.
- Serenity Lane is here for all Oregonians in need of help to overcome alcohol addiction.
- Additionally, mixed drinks may contain sugar or other additives that could exacerbate withdrawal symptoms and should be avoided during the taper.
- If the choices you make when you’ve been drinking make you cringe when you are sober, alcohol use is impacting your life negatively.
- Weaning off alcohol is considerably safer and more effective than going cold turkey.
Mental Health Resources
Developing the discipline to pace yourself is one of the best ways to cut down on drinking alcohol. This is no small task, as it is easy to keep drinking once you’ve started. Set a goal for how many drinks you want to have a week and stick to it. By making a boundary for yourself and sticking to it you will gain confidence and discipline, and that is a big step toward managing drinking. Perhaps you say things you regret when you drink too much, causing issues with loved ones.
Professional Help and Treatment Programs
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. Learn more about alcohol withdrawal here and, once again, speak to a doctor first. People attempting to quit may turn to drinking again to prevent withdrawal symptoms.
There is no shame in this — a chemical dependency on alcohol can cause severe withdrawal symptoms, and seeking medical attention is important to ensure recovery. This condition most often occurs when someone who has long-term alcohol dependence stops drinking cold turkey. https://yourhealthmagazine.net/article/addiction/sober-houses-rules-that-you-should-follow/ But if heavy drinkers cut back on their average number of drinks too quickly, they may be at risk of life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
Alcohol tapers are strategies to stop drinking by slowly decreasing the amount of alcohol a person consumes. Ria Health offers several FDA-approved medications for alcohol use disorder. When combined with counseling, this approach is proven highly effective. There are several ways to taper your alcohol consumption without therapy. Alcohol is known to exacerbate or contribute to depression, anxiety and more. Research shows that anxiety can increase post-drinking, with many people experiencing mood effects following the comedown from alcohol.
What Happens When You Cut Back on Drinking Alcohol?
- Developing healthy habits is a crucial aspect of weaning off alcohol.
- If you take prescription medication, continue to take it as directed.
- When you quit drinking or wean off alcohol, your body will adjust to the lack of alcohol in your body.
- 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.
- These factors can make one person’s taper last longer than another person’s taper.
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. There is also an intensive outpatient program (IOP) that includes group therapy, individual counseling, and education about the disease of addiction.
Xenia Ellenbogen (she/they) is a journalist specializing in health, mental health, and wellness. Her writing has appeared in publications such as Everyday Health, Well+Good, Rewire News Group, Prism, and more. You should develop this plan while you are in treatment, so you can use it to protect and maintain your sobriety once your stint in treatment ends. The development of alcohol withdrawal is primarily caused by the interruption of constant alcohol exposure to the central nervous system (CNS).
Quitting abruptly can be dangerous without medical supervision due to potential withdrawal symptoms. Gradually decreasing alcohol intake sober house through supervised tapering can make quitting safer and ease withdrawal severity. An alcoholic can only safely reduce their alcohol consumption under medical supervision. Alcohol withdrawal can be deadly, especially for people with alcohol use disorder.
Get Enough Sleep and Maintain a Healthy Diet
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. These can indicate a life threatening condition called delirium tremens.
Developing a tapering plan is the first step towards breaking free from alcohol dependency. Remember, it’s not about achieving immediate perfection but about making steady progress towards your goal of sobriety. By seeking support and professional guidance, you are taking proactive steps towards a brighter future free from the grip of alcohol. Remember, you don’t have to face this journey alone, and there are resources available to support you every step of the way.