How to Wean Off Alcohol & Safely Taper Drinking
But could weaning yourself off alcohol help you stay sober for good? In fact, 30 million people have alcohol use disorder1 in the United States alone. Luckily, this nationwide issue has resources available to help you heal. Are you looking to cut back on excessive drinking and take control of your health? Tapering off alcohol can be a safe and effective way to achieve this goal. Tapering is a gradual process that helps prevent alcohol withdrawal symptoms and health risks.
Tapering off Alcohol: What You Need To Know
Whether it’s improved relationships, better health, or weight loss, keeping the “why” in sight can help boost your motivation. It’s common for the first symptoms to appear within a few hours sober house after your last drink. 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. But, as many in recovery will tell you, it is only the first chapter in a long process.
A therapist will work with you to create a personalized plan for cutting back and provide ongoing guidance and accountability. Some people avoid medically supervised rehab because they prefer natural remedies for alcohol withdrawal. Slowly tapering off alcohol is the safest way to naturally overcome alcohol withdrawal, and many at-home remedies can help you cope with mild withdrawal symptoms. However, medical treatment is https://northiowatoday.com/2025/01/27/sober-house-rules-what-you-should-know-before-moving-in/ necessary to treat major symptoms of withdrawal.
You should plan to taper for between three and seven days depending on how much you’re used to drinking. Slowly reduce the amount of alcohol you consume each day until you reach sobriety. If you begin to experience serious withdrawal symptoms, drink enough to make the symptoms subside. You may be able to detox at home and still attend outpatient therapy or support group meetings. The brain compensates for the depressive effects of alcohol by increasing its activity. That said, tapering off alcohol doesn’t completely eliminate withdrawal symptoms.
Medical Disclaimer
When you quit drinking cold turkey, your body suffers from a cascade of changes caused by the sudden shift. Since alcohol depresses central nervous system activity, quitting drinking can cause an imbalance of an excitatory neurotransmitter called glutamate. This excess glutamate triggers alcohol withdrawal symptoms, which can sometimes be dangerous.
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. If you’re struggling to wean off alcohol, it might be best to seek addiction treatment.
However, some groups have published tapering examples to assist those trying to quit drinking. This method is safer than abruptly stopping alcohol consumption, especially when switching from hard liquor to beer. Drinking beer can also help maintain hydration throughout the taper. It is important to note that prescription medication should not be used for a substitution taper unless it has been prescribed as part of a medical detox program.
- Tapering refers to gradually reducing alcohol intake rather than stopping abruptly.
- A variety of factors can determine a person’s withdrawal symptoms and the proper tapering procedure.
- Research has shown that professional help improves your ability to overcome an addiction to alcohol or cut back if you have found it difficult.
- Rehabilitation facilities can help you on your path to sobriety by addressing alcohol withdrawal symptoms and becoming involved in sober living support groups, like AA.
Track Your Alcohol Intake
Some people choose to taper more quickly by cutting the amounts in half–for example 20, 10 5, 2, 0. But if you start having major withdrawal symptoms like bad shakes or pulse over 100 or high blood pressure you are tapering too fast and should slow it down. Monitoring you pulse and blood pressure can be a very good idea while you are tapering especially if you have high blood pressure.
Drugs & Supplements
Quitting alcohol cold turkey is not recommended and can be dangerous. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that leads to an increase in brain neurotransmitters that slow down your brain’s functions, such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). When you drink heavily over a long period, your brain and body adapt to expect this.
Unfortunately, your brain may be sensitized to withdrawal due to kindling, which can set you up for unexpectedly severe withdrawal symptoms. Quitting alcohol can be extremely hard, especially without medical support. Further, mental health disorders like anxiety and depression are extremely common in those who struggle with drinking, and these disorders can make it even harder to stay sober. Having a structured plan is crucial when learning how to wean off alcohol safely. Determine how much alcohol you currently consume and create a timeline for reducing your intake. A good rule of thumb is to cut back by 10% to 20% each day or every few days, depending on your doctor’s recommendations.
Make your intentions clear to trusted friends and voice what type of support you need from them.
If you were to suddenly stop drinking alcohol, your receptors would become hyperactive because they are no longer being depressed. This is why you should taper off alcohol, or use a prescribed medication like benzodiazepines, during detox3. It’s vital to do this under the supervision of a medical professional to ensure the process is safe and smooth. People looking to quit drinking may consider either tapering or going cold turkey, meaning they abruptly stop all alcohol consumption without weaning. It’s common to experience emotional ups and downs during the weaning process. Anxiety, depression, and mood swings can all arise as your body adjusts to lower alcohol levels.
- Many other factors go into play with these difficult and trying scenarios.
- When you quit drinking or wean off alcohol, your body will adjust to the lack of alcohol in your body.
- The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
- After several days of 5 glasses of wine, you can reduce that down to 4.
- Being aware of your consumption is an essential part of how to taper off alcohol successfully.
If you’re sweating, place a cold towel on your forehead or on the back of your neck. Prepare a playlist of your favorite songs or movies to pass the time. But, perhaps most importantly, understand that setbacks happen and that progress takes time or may look different than imagined. Sitting and talking with others who share your struggle can help you feel supported. Local groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) can give you the moral support and strength you need.