If you choose moderate alcohol use, the best way to avoid alcohol withdrawal is to refrain from alcohol use two days in a row. If alcohol use is more frequent, try to abstain at least three days each week. Below are some ideas to help people reduce their drinking by alcohol tapering. Depending on how much you drink and for how long, one rule of thumb is to avoid cutting more than 25% of your drinking intake at a single time to avoid withdrawal symptoms. If you find it difficult to cut down on your number of drinks per day, try making your drinks weaker by using less alcohol per drink.
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Someone who drinks heavily for many weeks or months is likely to develop a dependence on alcohol. Each of these challenges requires a unique approach and often the support of professionals, loved ones and support groups. Understanding and preparing for these difficulties can greatly enhance the chances of successful recovery.
What to Know About Tapering Off Alcohol
However, an alcohol use disorder doesn’t just affect your physical health. Alcoholism can affect multiple areas of your life, including your relationships, career, financial stability, and mental health. Alcohol addiction is a progressive disease that can cause you to become dependent on alcohol. While it was once something that you used socially or to have fun, you now need it to feel normal. AUD can be dangerous, especially when you drink heavily in one sitting, risking alcohol poisoning. But quitting alcohol after becoming dependent can also be dangerous.
- BetterHelp offers affordable mental health care via phone, video, or live-chat.
- Each of these challenges requires a unique approach and often the support of professionals, loved ones and support groups.
- Chronic, heavy drinking can significantly increase your risk of serious illness and premature death.
- Stopping alcohol use is the first step of the recovery journey, but staying sober for longer and longer periods is the goal.
Increase Time Between Drinks
Once your alcohol tapering schedule is complete, maintenance begins. You must continue abstaining from alcohol and monitor cravings or urges to drink. Don’t try to go through recovery alone — reach out for help and support. The support of family, friends and others in recovery is crucial during this adjustment period. One of the more difficult parts is maintaining sobriety after you achieve it. A medical detox reduces the potential dangers of alcohol withdrawal by ensuring medical monitoring and assistance are present.
However, some groups have published tapering examples to assist those trying to quit drinking. This method is safer than abruptly stopping alcohol consumption, especially when switching from hard liquor to beer. Drinking beer can also help maintain https://appsychology.com/living-in-a-sober-house/ hydration throughout the taper. Direct tapering is not recommended for liquor drinkers as it is challenging to measure amounts and can result in binge drinking. Additionally, mixed drinks may contain sugar or other additives that could exacerbate withdrawal symptoms and should be avoided during the taper.
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When you gradually drink less instead of quitting cold turkey, you give your body a chance to get used to smaller amounts of alcohol. Alcohol addiction poses significant risks, and the optimal approach to mitigate these dangers involves abstaining from alcohol altogether. Gradually reducing your alcohol consumption, a process known as tapering, can help prevent severe withdrawal symptoms.
How To Taper off Alcohol Safely and Effectively
Some alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be so severe that they can lead to death. Contact a medical professional immediately if you notice any withdrawal symptoms. If you want to change your relationship with alcohol, it’s important to have an honest conversation with a doctor about your drinking habits before you start tapering off. 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.
These can include improved liver function, better sleep quality, enhanced cognitive function, and a lower risk of developing alcohol-related diseases. As your body detoxifies and heals, you may experience increased energy levels and overall well-being. If you or someone you know is quitting alcohol and experiences seizures, DTs, hallucinations, or other major effects, seek immediate medical attention or call 911 for help. If you’ve been drinking for a long time, tapering off can cause withdrawal symptoms.
Does Your Alcohol Tolerance Go Down if You Stop Drinking?
Sober living homes provide a comfortable, safe place Sober House Rules: A Comprehensive Overview for you to focus on your healing. A full continuum of care treating addiction and mental health through an evidence-based approach, relapse prevention, and holistic healing with beach activities. If you are struggling to stop or cut down through alcohol tapering, this may be a sign to seek more help, Lee said. There are a variety of resources to explore, including 12-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or SMART Recovery, Lee explained. Taking days off within the week is a common strategy to encourage drinking less overall.