For this reason, it is best to seek medical advice on whether you should taper at home or under medical observation. People who have alcohol use disorder that goes undiagnosed may have an especially difficult time cutting back on their alcohol consumption. If you’re struggling to stick to a taper or do not trust yourself to moderate your alcohol use, having strict supervision and support can help you meet your recovery goals. When an individual has developed a substance use disorder or dependence on alcohol, stopping its use outright can seem virtually impossible. On top of this, quitting immediately — or “cold turkey” as many users and professionals call it — can be dangerous.
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Don’t quit other lighter substances while you’re detoxing from alcohol. I’m specifically talking about things like weed, cigarettes, and vaping. These schedules are largely based on my experience of self tapering, what I’ve read on r/dryalcoholics and HAMS Harm Reduction Guide to Tapering. If you’re lucky enough to have a supportive friend, a roommate, or a family member that lives with you who can assist, that is ideal.
- Your insurance plan may cover some or all of the cost of treatment for drug or alcohol addiction.
- It will take time and effort to grow these newfound friendships—but it will be worth it.
- This reduces the severity of withdrawal symptoms and chances of fatal complications.
- We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals.
- Tapering alcohol may be uncomfortable, and there may be subconscious triggers that stimulate the desire to drink alcohol.
Healthcare Professional Guidance
Building a support system is not only about receiving help but also about giving support to others who may be on a similar path. By sharing your experiences and offering encouragement, you can contribute to the well-being of others and strengthen your own commitment to sobriety. An evidence-based rehab offering holistic and experiential therapies, tailoring treatment to each client on a comfortable campus near Austin.
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Most doctors would rather save the beds in their psych wards for people who are actually suicidal and send you home. This involves directly reducing the amount of alcohol you consume regularly. For example, if you typically drink five beers a night, you might cut down to four, then three, and so on. When you drink heavily and frequently, your brain compensates for the suppressive effects of alcohol by becoming more hyperactive.
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If the choices you make when you’ve been drinking make you cringe when you are sober, alcohol use is impacting your life negatively. Ria Health offers several FDA-approved medications for alcohol use disorder. When combined with counseling, this approach is proven highly effective. As you navigate this question, it can be helpful to think about how you typically prefer to approach change. Metaphorically speaking, do you like to dip your toe in first, or cannonball right in?
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- You may find success decreasing your number of drinks by a set amount each day.
- Tolerance, dependence, social habits, setting, the biology of the individual and more must all be considered.
- The Recovery Village Atlanta offers comprehensive addiction treatment for drug and alcohol addictions and co-occurring mental health conditions.
- It’s often accompanied by increased tolerance (needing more alcohol to achieve the same effect) and physical dependence, leading to withdrawal symptoms when alcohol use is reduced or stopped.
- Having a clear plan in place can greatly enhance the success of reducing alcohol consumption.
Remember, it’s a gradual process, and you may face challenges, but there is a way around them if you are determined. Some people withdrawing from alcohol could be at risk for delirium tremens (DTs). According to MedLinePlus, delirium tremens is a severe form of alcohol withdrawal. Many people who struggle with a substance use disorder also suffer from a mental health disorder. Additionally, participants reported enhancements in their skin appearance, a reduction in blood pressure, and even weight loss. The elimination of empty calories from alcohol and the promotion of healthier eating and drinking habits led to participants losing an average of 3.3 pounds after 31 days of abstinence.
- Contact us today to speak with a representative and begin on the road to lasting addiction recovery.
- These medications, such as Acamprosate, Disulfiram, Naltrexone, and Nalmefene, have different mechanisms of action to prevent relapses or limit alcohol intake 5.
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- Keeping a journal or using a tracking app can help in recording alcohol consumption accurately.
Managing Recovery During the Holiday Season
It can also involve substituting the drink of choice with another drink; for example, a person may taper off hard alcohol with beer. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms consistent with DTs, call 911. DTs can be fatal, and a person going through them should have medical support in a hospital or rehab facility. Before you attempt to quit alcohol, it is critically important that you first consult with a medical professional. As such, there is only limited guidance available about the best ways to taper. Having a plan can help you stay on track and it can keep you safe.
You may need to do a slower taper than someone else who was drinking the same amount as you. Remember, you can always slow your taper, drink more alcohol, or seek medical sober house help if needed. You can use an app like AlcoTrack (Android) or DrinkControl (Apple) to keep a log of your daily drinking and see your progression. You can enter in the type of drinks you consume and when you drink them to determine the total amount of alcohol you consume each day. The idea is to religiously take this like medicine for the next week or two.