Tapering off alcohol requires careful planning and may include the use of medications to assist in the process. Medications such as benzodiazepines are often used to manage symptoms, while adjunctive medications like gabapentin and valproate may be employed to address persistent withdrawal symptoms. If you are a frequent drinker determined to reduce or stop your alcohol intake, the safest way to do this at home is through a gradual tapering process. Attempting to quit all at once can lead to severe symptoms that can be difficult to manage safely outside of a detox setting. Talk with a healthcare professional if you’re concerned you may experience detox symptoms when quitting drinking or cutting back. That said, tapering off alcohol doesn’t completely eliminate withdrawal symptoms.
Can You Taper Too Slowly?
- The purpose of tapering off alcohol is to avoid major withdrawal symptoms so you can achieve sobriety safely.
- The amount of time it takes to taper off of alcohol can vary greatly from person to person.
- However, for many people with alcohol use disorder, tapering off alcohol is a far better experience than quitting abruptly.
Contact emergency health services if you or someone you know experiences more than one symptom of severe alcohol withdrawal. Alcohol withdrawal is potentially fatal, especially for people with an alcohol addiction. Talk to a medical professional if you have any concerns about tapering https://thefremontdigest.com/top-5-advantages-of-staying-in-a-sober-living-house/ off alcohol. They can provide recommendations to help you avoid harmful side effects. Over time, this can help you slow down and make more intentional choices about how much you’re drinking. You can read all about mindful drinking in this article by a licensed therapist at Monument.
You Have a High Risk of Addiction or Complications From Drinking
- Alcohol proof is the amount of alcohol found in distilled spirits or liquor.
- For people who moderately consume alcohol, tapering off may be a good option.
- Alcohol tapering, the gradual reduction of alcohol intake, presents several challenges, each requiring strategic solutions to ensure a safe and successful journey towards sobriety.
- Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that leads to an increase in brain neurotransmitters that slow down your brain’s functions, such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
However, for many people with alcohol use disorder, tapering off alcohol is a far better experience than quitting abruptly. 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. Weaning off alcohol can benefit people who drink moderately or have support systems.
Challenges of Quitting Drinking
When done under medical supervision, tapering off alcohol has few downsides. However, tapering can sometimes be unsafe if you attempt to do so on your own without a doctor’s knowledge. For example, if you start to suffer from alcohol withdrawal symptoms despite an attempt Sober House to taper, your symptoms may worsen before you have the chance to seek medical attention. For this reason, even at-home tapers should be done under a doctor’s care. When you quit drinking cold turkey, your body suffers from a cascade of changes caused by the sudden shift.
Symptoms Of Alcohol Withdrawal
How to Taper Off Alcohol Safely
- With that being said, tapering is a lot safer than going cold turkey.
- Through therapy, support groups and medication, you’ll be supported on your path to recovery.
- Prepare a playlist of your favorite songs or movies to pass the time.