For this reason, experts advise that alcohol cessation be monitored safely with steady effort between oneself and a physician. It is best to consult with a medical professional first before reducing or stopping alcohol use. Depending on a variety of factors, it could be dangerous for you to reduce or stop drinking without medical support. 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.

Individuals who’ve consumed higher amounts of alcohol over time can develop life-threatening complications when trying to quit. These complications can develop within a few hours or days and appear in the form of seizures, delirium tremens (DTs), and hallucinations, sometimes even leading to death. People attempting to quit may turn to drinking again to prevent withdrawal symptoms.

As many as 71% of people who go through alcohol detox experience symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Alcohol withdrawal can range from uncomfortable to life-threatening, so anyone considering stopping alcohol should speak with a medical professional to determine which method is best for them. This method works best with gradual reduction, as alcohol withdrawal symptoms can start within 12–24 hours after stopping drinking. Generally, alcohol-free days are better towards the end of a gradual reduction, not towards the beginning. Generally speaking, alcohol home detox is neither the most effective nor the safest method of quitting alcohol. However, it may be suitable for someone with a lower risk of experiencing alcohol withdrawal, or a person who has access to medical professionals at home.

Evaluate Your Drinking Habits

A score of 15 or more indicates an increased risk for confusion and seizures, necessitating prompt intervention 6. The severity and duration of these symptoms can vary depending on the individual’s alcohol consumption patterns, genetics, overall health, and other factors. It’s important to note that some individuals may not experience any withdrawal symptoms, while others may experience symptoms at lower blood alcohol concentrations than usual 6.

However, some groups have stepped in to try to bridge this gap and have published sample tapering schedules to help those trying to stop drinking. Deciding to quit drinking and https://appsychology.com/living-in-a-sober-house/ following through isn’t just about willpower. Many other factors go into play with these difficult and trying scenarios.

Utilizing resources such as the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) can provide additional guidance and support throughout your journey. Having a clear plan in place can greatly enhance the success of reducing alcohol consumption. Setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals can provide structure and motivation during the weaning process.

Let’s talk about your recovery

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. This can sometimes cause unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, and these symptoms can make it hard to stick with your recovery plan. The exact symptoms you experience will depend on factors such as how much alcohol you’re consuming, other medical conditions you have, medications you take, and your body’s response to the taper. There are a range of symptoms you can experience when you stop drinking.

• When it comes to reducing alcohol intake, implementing effective strategies can play a crucial role in the journey towards sobriety.
• It may adapt by producing more excitatory chemicals and fewer of its native inhibitory chemicals.
• They offer resources such as informational materials, treatment locators, and helpline services to assist individuals throughout their journey.
• It’s always best to consult a physician on the best strategy, especially if you drink heavily.

Consider Medically Assisted Detox

Examples of triggers could include stress, social gatherings with alcohol, certain friends, and bars. Did you know most insurance companies will cover the cost of drug and alcohol detox? Excessive drinking can weaken the immune system, increasing the body’s likelihood of developing an infection.

How to Treat Benzodiazepine Addiction

That said, there are now several medications that can help reduce your cravings and make weaning off alcohol easier. The symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can be more than enough to drive people back to drinking to find relief. Choosing to taper off alcohol is an admirable decision and a step in the right direction. 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. Anyone wanting to stop using alcohol may benefit from tapering if they first consult with their doctor to ensure they are tapering safely.

How Samba Recovery Addresses the Stigma of Addiction

Our state-specific resource guides offer a comprehensive overview of drug and alcohol addiction treatment options available in your area. However, even the best-designed tapers can put you at risk for alcohol withdrawal syndrome. For this reason, you should never start an alcohol taper before clearing with your doctor. Examples include toothpaste, lip gloss, mints, chewing gum, children and adult medications, dietary supplements and protein bars and powders. We have to get away from this all or none approach and say, how can we get to a safe level of drinking in a time period?

Tapering is a more cost-effective method of stopping alcohol use, especially for those who do not have healthcare insurance or the resources needed to get a professional detox. People who have successfully tapered from alcohol before may be especially likely to benefit from this strategy. In summary, while it is possible to wean oneself off alcohol safely, it is essential to be aware of the potential for severe symptoms. It is always recommended to seek professional medical help in these cases to ensure safety and proper care during the withdrawal process. This is a key part of understanding how to wean yourself off alcohol safely. Despite the potential effectiveness of tapering off alcohol, the complexities involved in this process make it crucial to seek professional guidance.

Tapering is the act of gradually reducing alcohol use until completely abstinent. By creating a schedule to monitor your alcohol use you can see just how much of the substance you are drinking. The reason for weaning off alcohol instead of quitting cold turkey is to reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms. If a person abruptly stops drinking alcohol within 6 to 8 hours they will experience hyperactivity, anxiety, tremors, sweating, nausea, and confusion. Seizures are another complication of abruptly quitting alcohol that may occur within the first 12 to 48 hours of stopping.

If you’ve been drinking consistently for a long Sober House Rules: A Comprehensive Overview time, it’s a good idea to consider the safest way to stop when it’s time to cut back. However, weaning off alcohol isn’t always necessary for people who want to cut back or stop drinking. The most significant factor is whether or not you’ve become chemically dependent. People who have alcohol use disorder that goes undiagnosed may have an especially difficult time cutting back on their alcohol consumption.

• However, some groups have published tapering examples to assist those trying to quit drinking.
• Dealing with alcohol withdrawal is a challenging process, and it’s crucial to understand the potential severity of symptoms and the need for medical intervention.
• These can include improved liver function, better sleep quality, enhanced cognitive function, and a lower risk of developing alcohol-related diseases.
• Additionally, the post-detox treatment resources available at a professional treatment center can ease the transition to sober living and give you the tools you need to stay sober long-term.
• AUD makes it difficult to control alcohol use — it may seem like the alcohol is controlling you.

They will also be able to prescribe you medications that can curb your cravings or reduce your withdrawal symptoms. The Recovery Village Cherry Hill at Cooper offers comprehensive addiction treatment for drug and alcohol addictions and co-occurring mental health conditions. As the name suggests, this method involves gradually reducing the amount of alcohol you drink over time, so you consume less and less alcohol each day or week.