As with many self-detox methods, the risks and rewards go hand in hand when attempting to overcome an alcohol substance use disorder. But, with a little prior knowledge on how to taper off alcohol, adequate planning and professional consultation from a healthcare provider, it can certainly be done. Depending on how much alcohol you drink to start with, the amount of time an alcohol weaning schedule takes may vary. For example, those who drink more heavily may need more time to taper than those who drink less alcohol. Further, if you start to develop alcohol withdrawal symptoms during the taper, your doctor may instruct you to pause or slow the taper as a result.
The Recovery Process of Substance Use Disorder
- With these things in mind, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of tapering your alcohol use to make a fully informed decision.
- 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.
- Gradually reducing alcohol consumption can be achieved through a substitution taper.
- Keeping a drinking diary can be instrumental in tracking your consumption patterns, triggers, and emotions related to drinking.
- It’s common for the first symptoms to appear within a few hours after your last drink.
- By gradually decreasing alcohol consumption over time, individuals can adjust to lower alcohol levels without triggering severe withdrawal symptoms.
Tapering off alcohol is generally safer and more effective than quitting cold turkey. The withdrawal symptoms are less severe and dangerous, and the individual is more likely to achieve a lasting sobriety. Ria Health offers access to many of these tools, including prescription medications, recovery coaching, and online support groups—all through a HIPAA-compliant smartphone app. The main difference between tapering and quitting alcohol cold turkey is how fast you quit. Cold turkey is a common slang term for quitting alcohol (or any substance) all at once. Tapering or weaning means ramping down your alcohol use until you get to zero—or to a more moderate level of drinking that you prefer.
Make sure your support network knows about your goals and is committed to helping you achieve them. Support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and SMART Recovery should also be a component. Alcohol withdrawal can cause many symptoms, some of which can be fatal.
In contrast, in-patient care can be more beneficial and less expensive in the long-term. When talking about tapering or gradually reducing alcohol use, it is important to have awareness of possible withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawing from alcohol happens when we reduce or stop alcohol use that has been occurring often for a long period of time. The best and safest first step is to consult with a medical professional to determine the best treatment plan for you. A medical professional will evaluate your medical history and current symptoms or problems to determine the best treatment plan to meet your unique needs.
What Is an Alcohol Taper Schedule?
This process is often referred to as detox and often causes withdrawal symptoms. Over the long term, many health benefits occur throughout your body. Your risk of certain diseases decreases, you will begin sleeping better, and your overall health can significantly sober house benefit.
Sustained Recovery
You can read all about mindful drinking in this article by a licensed therapist at Monument. Some find tapering is not a suitable option to stop drinking due to various factors such as social responsibilities or peer pressure. For many people, tapering alone is insufficient to help heal their addiction. Although you can use methods to https://yourhealthmagazine.net/article/addiction/sober-houses-rules-that-you-should-follow/ taper off alcohol at home, the best way to taper is to talk to a doctor. They can monitor your intake and adjust it accordingly to reduce the risk of withdrawal symptoms. Serenity Lane offers rehabilitation for alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder.
They’ll be able to help you create a tapering schedule that won’t only raise your chance of success but also avoid severe symptoms. If you’ve been drinking heavily for a long time and think you might experience withdrawal symptoms, it’s best to talk with a medical professional before you begin a taper. They can help you decide if tapering is the safest option for you. The goal of tapering down is to make a gradual change while causing less stress on your body, both physically and emotionally. Because everyone’s body reacts differently, there’s not a lot of research that proves tapering can decrease the effects of alcohol withdrawal.
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However, they may still decide that tapering down feels most achievable for them. If you’re not sure if cold turkey or tapering is right for you, you can join the Monument Community to hear from others who have confronted similar questions. The tapering down process can take place for the first several weeks or even months of the alcohol recovery timeline. There are many factors that can affect how long weaning off alcohol will take.
- The time it takes to taper off alcohol varies based on how much a person drinks.
- This guide outlines practical tips and strategies to help you embark on the journey to sobriety, ensuring you make informed decisions about your health and lifestyle.
- That’s why we have a comprehensive set of treatment providers and don’t charge for inclusion.
- This not only reduces temptation but also helps to establish a fresh atmosphere that supports your commitment to sobriety.
- Understanding and addressing these symptoms can make the transition smoother and safer.
Having a hard line to draw might simplify drinking less, rather than having to decide each time how much (or how little) you plan on drinking. It’s kind of like exposure therapy for not drinking for longer periods of time. You’ll get better at navigating spaces without an alcoholic beverage in hand and build up the muscle to deal with the anxiety you have about not drinking. “It’s hard to go anywhere without someone offering you a drink,” says Leah Young, LCPC, Clinical Manager at Pathlight Mood & Anxiety Center.
Ask yourself how alcohol influences your social interactions, mental well-being, and physical health. Keeping a drinking diary can be instrumental in tracking your consumption patterns, triggers, and emotions related to drinking. This record not only fosters self-reflection but also helps reveal insights that may lead to change.
For example, if you typically drink five beers a night, you might cut down to four, then three, and so on. If you and your doctor decide that a taper is proper for you, it is crucial to remember there isn’t a one-size-fits-all strategy. The key is to find a method that aligns with your goals and ensures safety during the transition. She spends most of her time interviewing expert sources about the latest fitness trends, nutrition tips, and practical advice for living a healthier life.
After two weeks, continue to listen to your body, adding more alcohol-free days and seeking support as needed. The plan can be adjusted and extended based on individual progress. Stopping alcohol use is the first step of the recovery journey, but staying sober for longer and longer periods is the goal. Getting professional treatment and long-term support are two of the most valuable strategies for avoiding relapse.
Creating a tapering schedule you can stick with is a crucial part of weaning yourself off alcohol. The best schedule varies based on how much you drink each day and your overall health. As mentioned above, we strongly recommend speaking with a doctor to ensure your plan is a safe one, and won’t cause dangerous withdrawal symptoms. If you properly taper your alcohol use, you’re less likely to experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Gradually reducing the amount of alcohol you drink can help give your body the time it needs to adjust to the lack of alcohol.
Weaning off alcohol can not only dramatically improve the quality of your life, but it can also actually save it. If you are looking to reduce your alcohol consumption safely, contact Legacy Healing. Weaning off alcohol is considerably safer and more effective than going cold turkey. If you are looking for how to taper off alcohol, you can follow these steps.
