Gradual reduction strategies include slowly decreasing the amount of alcohol consumed over time and extending the time between drinks. Both methods allow the body to adjust gradually and reduce overall alcohol intake. These strategies should be implemented according to an individual’s specific needs and drinking habits, under the guidance of a healthcare professional or addiction specialist. The process of tapering off alcohol involves gradually reducing alcohol consumption over time. This helps to minimize withdrawal symptoms and make the process more manageable, particularly for individuals who have been consuming alcohol regularly and in higher quantities 3.
It can contribute to some withdrawal symptoms (but that isn’t a reason to not take a break or stop altogether).
Alternative stress-relieving activities, such as exercise, hobbies, or mindfulness practices, can also help individuals cope with cravings and promote overall well-being 4. The Recovery Village Cherry Hill at Cooper offers comprehensive addiction treatment for drug and alcohol addictions and co-occurring mental health conditions. It is important to note that alcohol tapers are generally not recommended as the best way to stop using alcohol. Most healthcare professionals recommend a medically-assisted detox as the best way to get off alcohol. Establishing new habits and routines, and dealing with the underlying causes of your drinking habits, are essential to lasting recovery. Alcohol also changes your brain chemistry, which can result in higher levels of anxiety and depression for the first several months.
Done With Alcohol? Here’s How To Stop Drinking
- Most people experience the most severe symptoms from about 36–72 hours after stopping drinking.
- This is a journey, and you’re in it for the long haul — there’s no need to rush.
- At Ria, we offer weekly meetings with certified counselors to help members stay on track and build skills for long-term change.
- With our team and your desire to heal, we can improve your quality of life and functional abilities, so you can get back to living your best life.
- Choosing recovery close to home means your support system is just a few miles away.
A person is free to increase the taper speed (e.g., lower by three drinks instead of two) as they see fit. A standard drink is a https://www.inkl.com/news/sober-house-rules-a-comprehensive-overview term used because different alcoholic beverages have different concentrations of alcohol, giving you varying amounts of alcohol depending on the fluid you drink. This can equate to as much as a full bottle of beer or less than two tablespoons of whisky.
Symptoms are most severe around day 34, and the total process can last for 2 to 10 days. Attempting to stop drinking “cold turkey” is not only dangerous, but could also cause serious implications or be fatal. A sample taper schedule involves calculating the number of drinks consumed per day. After this is calculated, make a schedule where you consume your normal amount on the first day and make regular reductions each day after. The second situation involves counting the daily drinks and switching them to a beverage with lower alcohol content, such as beer.
Gradual Reduction for a Safer Transition
Alcohol withdrawal in long-term drinkers can be serious, as it can result in seizures and delirious tendencies. If you are not comfortable or able to quit alone, then seek the assistance of a physician or quit in a controlled setting, such as a treatment facility. Finally, it’s important to actually track your progress, whether it’s a dry month or just taking a day off of drinking this week. Journaling helps document how it felt when you successfully stuck with the change you made — you’ll then have that to look back on. If you drink a few times a week, maybe you try to limit yourself to just Friday and Saturday or only when you’re with other people. There is also an intensive outpatient program (IOP) that includes group therapy, individual counseling, and education about the disease of addiction.
Goals: Why do you want to reduce or quit alcohol?
Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
- It’s common to experience difficulty when making big changes, but good self-care practices can help you manage overwhelming feelings and take care of your mind and body.
- This can equate to as much as a full bottle of beer or less than two tablespoons of whisky.
- Finding a therapist can also be a great starting point if you’re uncomfortable opening up to your healthcare professional.
- Tapering off alcohol gives the body time to adapt to the lack of alcohol.
- It can be tempting to just “rip off the Band-Aid” when getting sober, but tapering off alcohol is often much safer—and much less stressful.
Consulting with a healthcare professional or addiction specialist can provide personalized guidance and support throughout the process. 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. Furthermore, in certain cases, a healthcare professional may suggest a benzodiazepine regimen to replace the body’s alcohol needs during tapering. This strategy can help manage withdrawal symptoms and facilitate a safer and more comfortable tapering process.
Why Do You Experience Withdrawal Symptoms?
People who try tapering off alcohol won’t have the guided support of medical professionals that they would at inpatient treatment. In contrast, in-patient care can be more beneficial and less expensive in the long-term. Our medical detox program provides 24/7 medical supervision and support to ensure safe withdrawal from alcohol. Attempting to quit alcohol abruptly without professional supervision can lead to these dangerous complications, especially if you’re used to larger amounts of alcohol consumption. A detox and rehab center can best serve most individuals looking for recovery services due to the availability of therapy and treatment.
For example, individuals who drink fewer than 20 standard drinks a day might reduce their alcohol intake by two drinks each day until reaching zero drinks. For those who consume more than 20 drinks a day, the tapering schedule becomes more complex and should be undertaken with professional guidance. The first step in developing a tapering plan is to honestly assess your current alcohol consumption levels. This will help you establish a baseline from which to start reducing your intake.
Alcohol withdrawal can cause many symptoms, some of which can be fatal. With our team and your desire to heal, we can improve your quality of life and functional abilities, so you can get back to living your best life. If you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol or other drugs, call us now to speak with a Recovery Advocate. Many insurance companies will help pay for some or all of your treatment costs.
