In some cases, a benzodiazepine regimen may be used to replace the body’s alcohol needs during tapering. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms typically commence within 8 hours following the last drink, but they can also manifest days later. These symptoms generally peak between 24 to 72 hours but can persist for weeks [1]. If you’ve confirmed it is safe for you to wean off alcohol at home, set goals for yourself and make a plan as to how you will achieve those goals. Tapering down also increases the likelihood that the individual will achieve sobriety.
Strategize for Your Goals
For example, healthcare providers usually don’t take patients off antidepressants suddenly; rather, they gradually reduce the dosages. Eating nutritious food, exercising, and getting enough sleep can https://centraltribune.com/top-5-advantages-of-staying-in-a-sober-living-house/ help reduce some withdrawal symptoms, such as mood swings. If don’t have much of an appetite, you may want to take a multivitamin or drink a beverage high in electrolytes, such as a sports drink.
How to Wean Off Alcohol: Tapering Safely and on Schedule
For those at risk for severe withdrawal symptoms, medically-supervised detox is often the safest choice for beginning their sobriety or moderation journey. Others may discover after consulting with a doctor that it’s safe for them to quit alcohol cold turkey if they choose to. 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.
- Many people can recover by going to a specialized rehab center that uses proven treatments.
- If alcohol withdrawal is so dangerous, is tapering off alcohol necessary for everyone who drinks?
- Did you know most insurance companies will cover the cost of drug and alcohol detox?
- You’ll get a 100% custom plan, then use daily texts to track your progress and help you stay on target.
- However, the efficacy of tapering alone without medical supervision is questionable, as studies show that withdrawal symptoms can persist despite the gradual reduction of alcohol use.
Consider professional support
Get access to medical counseling, prescription medications, licenced recovery coaches, and more—all from your smartphone. Telemedicine is a growing industry, and is making medical assistance easier to access than it was before. People can now talk to a doctor through video chat and get help for many common ailments. Alcohol abuse turns out to be no exception, and resources like medical counseling, recovery coaching, and even prescriptions are now available through telemedicine programs.
What are Some Treatments for Alcohol Abuse?
Also, don’t get caught off guard thinking that since one craving has stopped, another one won’t come quickly. If you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol or other drugs, call us now to speak with a Recovery Advocate. To successfully taper your alcohol use, finding what works best for you is important. Weaning off alcohol is a hard process, but it is something that you should be immensely proud of. That’s why it’s important to remember that relapse is not failure. It will take time and effort to grow these newfound friendships—but it will be worth it.
Done With Alcohol? Here’s How To Stop Drinking
Because quitting cold turkey produces such intense withdrawal symptoms, people are more likely to consume alcohol to stop them. Depending on how much you drink, tapering off alcohol can take one to several weeks. It’s best to reduce your drinking by a small amount each day to avoid the shock to your system. So, if you normally have 6 beers a day, you could be done tapering within one week. It’s always best to consult a physician on the best strategy, especially if you drink heavily.
It’s always best to see a doctor for an evaluation, but for a quick check, take our alcohol use survey to see where you stand. The trouble is that quitting is rarely easy, and the best solution isn’t always clear. In fact, less than eight percent of those addicted to alcohol get help each year.
- Pull the letter out and read it to yourself when you feel tempted.
- While tapering off alcohol can be an effective strategy, it’s crucial to seek the guidance of healthcare professionals and personalize the approach to suit individual needs.
- It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.
Consult a Medical Professional
A shot of distilled spirits like vodka is 1.5 ounces and equally 40% alcohol. One 12-ounce can of beer contains about 5% alcohol, and a standard glass of sherry is 3 to 4 ounces and contains about 17% alcohol, according to the NIAAA. Many insurance companies will help pay for some or all Top 5 Advantages of Staying in a Sober Living House of your treatment costs. Alcohol withdrawal can cause many symptoms, some of which can be fatal. You may also consider joining an online support group to help you feel less alone. Letting others know about your choice to stop drinking may help motivate you to stick with your decision.