How Does Tapering Off Alcohol Work?
The first night I barely slept because of auditory hallucinations and the second night I had tunnel vision and felt like a stroke victim. I took a few shots and luckily nothing bad happened, but something easily could have happened. If you have a history of seizures, or have had seizures while detoxing in the past, do not, under any circumstances, attempt a self taper. For more details on risk factors, terms and conditions, please read the sales brochure/ sales document available on our website (Download section) before concluding a sale.
The timeline for quitting alcohol varies for each
On top of this, quitting immediately — or “cold turkey” as many users and professionals call it — can be dangerous. Withdrawal symptoms are generally uncomfortable to deal with, but they can be fatal. To avoid or reduce the impact of the withdrawal symptoms, people struggling with alcohol may choose to progressively taper off alcohol rather than quit abruptly. Alcohol Tapering is a method of decreasing alcohol intake slowly and in a manageable manner. Rather than quitting cold turkey, which could lead to severe (maybe even fatal) withdrawal symptoms, tapering is a slower reduction of alcohol over time. Drinking less each day can help you eventually achieve alcohol abstinence or drinking moderation.
Long-Term Impact of Alcohol Use and the Need for Tapering
Based on your medical history, your doctor can advise you about the safety of the taper. You can also get help by reaching out to a professional rehab facility directly, like The Recovery Village. We can leverage our resources and team to help you reduce and eventually end your alcohol use. Having a plan can help you stay on track and it can keep you safe. One of the keys to a successful taper is taking gradual steps that will cause as few side effects as possible.
Lifestyle Quizzes
The numbers may be less for women, individuals with smaller bodies, and people who are underweight. As you take a step to improve your well-being by quitting alcohol, don’t forget to https://appsychology.com/living-in-a-sober-house/ secure it financially. Explore the reliable ManipalCigna Health Insurance plans with comprehensive coverage tailored to your healthcare needs. This is especially the case where drinking is a big part of your social life. To overcome this challenge, ask your friends and family for support and engage in activities with them that do not involve alcohol. Behind this moment is a series of conscious decisions and a commitment to understanding and mitigating the effects of alcohol on the brain and body.
What medication helps with alcohol withdrawal?
Excessive drinking can weaken the immune system, increasing the body’s likelihood of developing an infection. Diseases like pneumonia and tuberculosis are more frequent in individuals who chronically drink. As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. Cutting back on drinking requires you to be honest with yourself about what makes you want to drink. These are called “triggers” and they subconsciously encourage you to drink alcohol.
Recovery is a lifelong process, and safely tapering off of alcohol is the first step towards achieving the life you want. It’s important to nurture a healthy relationship with your body so you can have a healthy relationship with your mind. You can Sober House Rules: A Comprehensive Overview start building the foundation for a happy future by going to rehab for alcohol. The Recovery Village Atlanta offers comprehensive addiction treatment for drug and alcohol addictions and co-occurring mental health conditions.
Quitting Drinking: How to Taper Off Alcohol
- Having a plan can help you stay on track and it can keep you safe.
- Alcohol tapering is a way to quit drinking while reducing your risk of withdrawal and complications.
- If the choices you make when you’ve been drinking make you cringe when you are sober, alcohol use is impacting your life negatively.
- Anyone wanting to stop using alcohol may benefit from tapering if they first consult with their doctor to ensure they are tapering safely.
- But if you still have control over your drinking and want to drink less, you may be able to self-taper.
Note that in some states, doctors may commit individuals at risk of harming themselves to 72 hours of involuntary treatment for addiction. These states include, but are not limited to, California, Colorado, Delaware, DC, Florida, Maine, Mass, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Washington. There are numerous forums and support groups for people coping with alcoholism. You can join them to build social connections that help you stay committed. You will find people in these communities who understand your struggles and offer advice and encouragement.
- One tip is to include more protein and fiber-rich foods in your diet, which can help regulate blood sugars and provide a feeling of fullness, Zumpano said.
- Everything you say is confidential and you’re paying them to HELP you.
- When that numbing sensation disappears entirely, the brain is left dangerously overstimulated.
- This process is called dependence because your brain depends on alcohol being present to function normally.
If you choose to taper off alcohol, it is crucial to create a plan with medical guidance. Remember, it’s not just about drinking less; it’s also about taking care of your overall health. While a taper may seem appealing to some, it is not a medically recommended method of detoxing from alcohol due to the increased risk of not completing it.
Tapering Off vs. Cold Turkey
You may find yourself daydreaming about having another drink. Instead of thinking about the momentary relief that will come with the drink, think beyond that to the inevitable pain that will come after. Think about all your work thus far and how much of a setback that would be. Consider how drinking again will only prolong your addiction and create more pain as you enter detox again. Try to mentally connect your alcohol consumption to pain, not pleasure or relief. Before you decide to go through alcohol withdrawal, write yourself a letter and keep it nearby for quick reference.
How can I cut back or even quit drinking alcohol? – Transcript
There are multiple health benefits you can experience when you start drinking less alcohol. The exact benefits will depend on how much alcohol you were drinking and on factors such as your genetics, overall health, and how your body responds. But drinking less is always a good choice for your body and health.