How To Taper Off Alcohol Risks of Quitting Alcohol Cold Turkey

Although all forms of alcohol cessation should be done with medical guidance, tapering your alcohol intake may allow you to self-wean from drinking at home. Medically assisted detoxification (detox) is an inpatient program that keeps you stabilized during alcohol withdrawals. Staffed by medical professionals, these programs offer 24-hour monitoring so you always have support if any complications arise. Alcohol withdrawal occurs when neurotransmitters that combat the effects of alcohol on the nervous system suddenly have nothing to counteract them. Essentially, when an individual drinks, the brain amplifies certain activities to counterbalance the depressive effect alcohol has on it.

Why Do You Experience Withdrawal Symptoms?

A variety of factors can determine a person’s withdrawal symptoms and the proper tapering procedure. These include their level of dependence, level of tolerance, the individual biology of the drinker, and the circumstances under which they normally drink. Together, these factors can make people’s addictions more emotionally and physically debilitating. Progressively tapering off of alcohol rather than stopping abruptly can mitigate both the discomfort and the dangers of quitting this powerful substance. Because alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, quitting drinking can cause your body to have too much of an excitatory substance called glutamate as it tries to rebalance. This can trigger alcohol withdrawal symptoms, which can be dangerous in some cases.

• As you reduce your alcohol consumption, you may notice improvements in mood, anxiety, and overall mental well-being.
• However, improper tapering could lead to relapse, overdose, and severe health consequences.
• Rather than beginning your sober life drained and dazed from a week of feeling ill, you can already be getting on your feet.
• On top of this, quitting immediately — or “cold turkey” as many users and professionals call it — can be dangerous.
• Yes, strategies like staying hydrated, eating nutritious meals, engaging in positive activities, and practicing stress-management techniques can make tapering more manageable.

Skin Care

Liquor is harder to measure accurately, and mixed drinks often include sweeteners or other additives that might disrupt a steady reduction plan or worsen certain withdrawal symptoms. Before you begin tapering, it’s highly recommended that you speak with a medical professional. While a doctor can guide you through the process, understanding how tapering works and what to expect can help you mentally prepare and seek out how to taper off alcohol the support you need. If you’ve been drinking for a long time, tapering off can cause withdrawal symptoms.

Tips for Tapering Yourself off Alcohol

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. People attempting to quit may turn to drinking again to prevent withdrawal symptoms. Inpatient treatment may be an expensive option in terms of time and money. Unlike inpatient treatment, tapering allows people to maintain their lifestyles while improving their drinking habits. 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.

Medical professionals will often, however, recommend a professional detox in which withdrawal symptoms are treated instead of avoided so that you can get off of alcohol as quickly as possible. Tapering refers to the practice of steadily decreasing the amount of a substance you use, such as alcohol. By doing this slowly rather than stopping all at once, you may be able to avoid or lessen severe and sometimes dangerous withdrawal symptoms. what is alcoholism However, tapering can be dangerous if you have severe AUD, leading to uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.

Talk to a medical professional if you have any concerns about tapering off alcohol. They can provide recommendations to help you avoid harmful side effects. If you or a loved one is in need of an alcohol detox program, reach out to Wellbrook Recovery today. With the right help, you or your loved one can take back control of their life and start down the path to recovery. Seek medical attention if you are experiencing symptoms of AWS as it can be a life-threatening situation. In some cases, medications such as antiseizure drugs or antipsychotics may be used.

• Slowly tapering your alcohol use can help you manage mild withdrawal symptoms and decrease the risk of AUD.
• Direct tapering is not recommended for liquor drinkers as it is challenging to measure amounts and can result in binge drinking.
• Find an accountability partner or someone you can call to keep you on track when you want to drink.
• Alcohol withdrawal can cause many symptoms, some of which can be fatal.

People tapering off alcohol may begin experiencing early withdrawal symptoms within 6 to 12 hours after their last drink. Medical detox programs for alcohol dependency commonly offer medications to ease the discomfort or pain of withdrawal. This is a benefit that isn’t available to all who attempt to taper at home. Medicines can be used to reduce nausea, severe anxiety, other flu-like symptoms, and treat seizures.