If you are doing a self detox be sure to drink lots and lots of fluids and to take vitamin pills. If you choose to drink water make sure that you get enough salt for electrolyte balance so that you avoid water intoxication. Some people may also find it easier to just taper off their alcohol use rather than jumping immediately into an abstinence day even if they do not have significant withdrawal symptoms. Developing a proactive plan for tapering alcohol is an important step. The more aware you are of potential risk factors and your needs, the more likely you will succeed.
If you’ve decided to quit drinking, and tapering seems like the right approach, we’ve got you covered. Here’s how to wean off alcohol—including useful strategies, how to create a tapering schedule, and how to stay safe throughout the process. Gradually reducing alcohol intake can lead to various physical health benefits.
- It is also very important when tapering off to fight dehydration and to replenish lost vitamins.
- However, even the best-designed tapers can put you at risk for alcohol withdrawal syndrome.
- For this reason, even at-home tapers should be done under a doctor’s care.
- Perhaps you say things you regret when you drink too much, causing issues with loved ones.
- If your health, wellness, and even life may be at risk, quitting alcohol should only be attempted with the help of a medical professional.
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- Alcohol withdrawal will last about a week to a week and a half for most people, with symptoms peaking two to three days into withdrawal.
- By substituting alcoholic drinks for non-alcoholic drinks, you can still engage in most of your habit without getting the alcohol that makes it addictive.
- This process is often referred to as detox and often causes withdrawal symptoms.
- Tapering involves gradually and progressively reducing your alcohol consumption over time.
Likewise if your average consumption is 6 standard drinks per day you can set https://appsychology.com/living-in-a-sober-house/ a taper schedule of 4, 2, 0. Reducing alcohol consumption should begin with determining your baseline of use since your taper schedule depends on how much you drink before you start decreasing your intake. To calculate your baseline, you must know how many standard drinks you consume daily. Alcohol withdrawal occurs when you stop using alcohol after a prolonged period of heavy use. Alcohol withdrawal is the most dangerous form of substance withdrawal, creating unpleasant symptoms that can be potentially deadly for those with more severe symptoms. Alcohol withdrawal will last about a week to a week and a half for most people, with symptoms peaking two to three days into withdrawal.
“I’m a stubborn Aries, so I was very dedicated to this challenge,” she says. “I say that we both ended up winning because it changed my perspective entirely about how alcohol is sober house affecting my brain, my body, my mood, my life, and my career,” she says. For some drinkers, cutting down on the amount of alcohol they drink simply does not work.
Can Tapering Down Alcohol Use Reduce Withdrawal Symptoms?
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What To Do After You Finish Tapering Off
For over 20 years Dr. Umhau was a senior clinical investigator at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). When the alcohol is completely taken away then this adrenaline and its cousins are left to run rampant in the brain. This leads to raised blood pressure, raised pulse rate, rapid breathing, fever, hallucinations, seizures and D.T.s. There is no widely accepted schedule, and you can develop one that meets your needs.
While going cold-turkey from alcohol might not work for everyone, for some, a short dry challenge might be a helpful way to disrupt your drinking habits and have a long-term impact. “In some ways, not drinking at all is easier because you take the decision-making out of it,” says Treloar Padovano. Having a hard line to draw might simplify drinking less, rather than having to decide each time how much (or how little) you plan on drinking.
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Regular exercise promotes mental health by releasing endorphins and can help manage stress, while prioritizing quality sleep fosters better mood stability and overall well-being. Developing a structured daily routine can create a sense of stability and support new healthy habits. Engaging in hobbies and social activities that don’t involve alcohol can help fill time previously spent drinking and build a supportive environment. Lastly, understanding personal triggers and planning how to avoid them can significantly enhance the chances of maintaining sobriety. Once you have a clear understanding of your current alcohol consumption, you can start setting achievable goals for reduction.
You Have a High Risk of Addiction or Complications From Drinking
When it comes to reducing alcohol intake, implementing effective strategies can play a crucial role in the journey towards sobriety. The goal is to ensure a smooth transition that minimizes withdrawal symptoms, keeping health and well-being at the forefront. Continuous monitoring is a vital part of a successful tapering plan. This involves keeping track of your alcohol intake and noting any withdrawal symptoms that may occur.