Unfortunately, there’s little to no evidence that tapering off reduces the effects of alcohol withdrawal, some of which can be severe or even life-threatening. Quitting with proper medical supervision may be more how to taper off alcohol important than whether you stop gradually or all at once. 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.
Ways to Stop Drinking
- Licensed medical professionals and highly qualified addiction specialists at The Recovery Village Cherry Hill at Cooper can help guide you toward a life without alcohol.
- Always start with a professional consultation with your doctor.
- It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.
- Heavy drinking can lead to a reduction in the sensitivity of your brain to the amount of GABA produced.
It can help you reach goals and can minimize https://ecosoberhouse.com/ some of the unpleasant and severe symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Some people are facing problems with their health or personal lives which require them to quit immediately. However, for many people with alcohol use disorder, tapering off alcohol is a far better experience than quitting abruptly. The Recovery Village Cherry Hill at Cooper offers comprehensive addiction treatment for drug and alcohol addictions and co-occurring mental health conditions. You may decide to seek medical treatment for your withdrawal symptoms or make the choice to enter a professional detox or rehab center. Even if you don’t succeed the first time, there are still plenty of treatment options you can turn to.
Can tapering off reduce alcohol withdrawal symptoms?
Remember that you are not drinking for pleasure–you are drinking medicine–so only drink what is needed. The guidelines for tapering from alcohol are generalized; you may need to modify the tapering schedule if you have difficulties with the original plan. The risk of tapering too quickly is potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms, and the risk of tapering too slowly is a decreased probability of completing the taper.
How do you reset your body from alcohol?
A doctor can supervise your tapering progress, helping you manage your cravings and prevent relapse. Overall, getting professional help can improve your chances for long-term sobriety. If you have developed an addiction to alcohol, we can help you with effective medication-assisted treatment at Gratitude Lodge in Newport Beach and Long Beach, CA. Medical detox may include psychological support to address the emotional aspects of addiction and help individuals prepare for ongoing treatment. Reducing the amount of the chosen substance consumed daily is known as a direct taper, but it may not be effective for everyone.
Medical Supervision & Support
This balances out the effects of alcohol and makes your brain function more as it should drug addiction while you have alcohol in your bloodstream. Alcohol can stay in your system for several hours depending on how much you drink. Once it begins to leave your body, early symptoms of withdrawal begin.
Mental and Physical Impacts of Weaning off Alcohol
- Alcohol depresses your nervous system2, so your body creates more receptors for neurotransmitters, or messengers, to stimulate the nervous system.
- Tapering off alcohol may complicate other medical conditions or co-occurring mental health disorders.
- Alcohol addiction poses significant risks, and the optimal approach to mitigate these dangers involves abstaining from alcohol altogether.
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.
Can Tapering Down Alcohol Use Reduce Withdrawal Symptoms?
We want to give recovering addicts the tools to return to the outside world completely substance-free and successful. If you’re used to drinking less than 20 beers per day, HAMS recommends reducing your alcohol consumption by two beers per day until you achieve sobriety. It’s a good idea to talk with a medical professional before you begin a taper. They can help you decide if it’s the safest way to start your recovery, and they can help you make a taper plan. There are multiple health benefits you can experience when you start drinking less alcohol.