How to Wean Off Alcohol: Tapering Safely

Adding some variety can help not only decrease your weekly drink count, but also expose you to new hobbies. Depending on the organ and whether or not there has been relapse(s), recovery is possible. There is hope that even after years of heavy alcohol use, the liver has the ability to regenerate or regrow. During recovery, the liver may return to its original mass and function. A 2019 survey found 7.4% of adult (ages 18 and over) Oregonians reported having alcohol use disorder in the past year. This is a significant difference from the overall United States average of 5.7% of U.S. adults that reported having alcohol use disorder in the past year.

What is Rehab and How Can it Help You?

Tapering is meant to reduce the withdrawal symptoms from quitting alcohol, but this isn’t a guarantee. As mentioned above, many people will still experience some level of withdrawal, just to a lesser degree. Deciding to taper off alcohol is a slower process that requires planning, but it can decrease both the chase of experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms and relapse. Building a support system is essential as you navigate the challenges of tapering off alcohol.

How Long Does Medicare Pay for Inpatient Rehab?

The information provided in this blog post is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment options. This is why it is important to stop regular, heavy drinking only under the supervision of medical staff. They can provide medications and additional support to make quitting alcohol safer, and more comfortable. If you’ve been drinking for a long time, you may experience withdrawal symptoms when you quit drinking.

Extending the Time Between Drinks

Every person has unique needs, and tapering off may not be an adequate solution to reduce or stop drinking. The time it takes to taper off alcohol varies based on how much a person drinks. Regardless, The initial detoxification process may take several days. The best recommendation when struggling with alcohol misuse is to seek medical and mental health professional consultation as soon as possible. The professionals can determine the best treatment plan for you and your unique set of needs.

Still, it has a decreased level of success when compared to the alternative and requires discipline that can be difficult for those with an addiction. Deciding to reduce or eliminate your alcohol consumption is a big step and will open up a whole new world of improved health and well-being. Whether you’re thinking about tapering off or going cold turkey, it’s crucial to understand the implications of both approaches and which strategy is likely the safest and most effective. Quitting alcohol cold turkey can be dangerous and should only be done under medical supervision.

The Role of Detoxification in Long-Term Recovery

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. Discover how Medicare supports inpatient rehab, covering up to 90 days based on medical needs, progress, and post-rehab care options to ensure recovery success. Recovering from alcohol addiction is a journey that extends beyond the initial withdrawal phase.

Beginning an alcohol detox is an essential step toward overcoming addiction and starting the journey to sobriety. Inpatient rehab offers 24/7 care, structured therapy, and a supportive environment, helping individuals build resilience and strategies for lasting recovery and wellness. Discover the duration and benefits of inpatient rehab physical therapy.

For many people, tapering alone is insufficient to help heal their addiction. Talk to a medical professional if you have any concerns about tapering off alcohol. They can provide recommendations to help you avoid harmful side effects. Tapering is also a strategy used by people with a substance or alcohol use disorder (AUD).

The risk of tapering too slowly is that you won’t stick with it, while the risk of tapering too fast is severe withdrawal. If you experience dangerous signs such as high blood pressure, racing heart, or arrhythmias, slow your taper and seek assistance. When you quit alcohol cold turkey, you quit drinking completely and suddenly. Weaning yourself off alcohol can be a difficult process, but it’s worth it in the end. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey, and there are many resources available to help you along the way. Remember, professional guidance is crucial to ensure your safety and well-being during the tapering process.

• Moreover, substituting one kind of beverage for another does not help you taper off alcohol if you consume the same number of standard drinks as you usually have.
• Supportive individuals can offer understanding, empathy, and motivation during challenging times.
• When you quit through tapering, you drink a little less each day until you’re able to have no alcohol at all.
• You’ll have to find what works for you, but it starts with identifying what you’re perceiving alcohol to help you with and finding something else that does the same, says Gardner.
• It is crucial to prioritize personal well-being and choose the path that supports long-term recovery and a healthier lifestyle.
• Alcohol addiction can be difficult and sometimes dangerous to handle on your own.

How to Gradually Stop Drinking

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. However, it should not cause someone to become stuck on a step, which would defeat the purpose of a taper. A person is free to increase the taper speed (e.g., lower by three drinks instead of two) as they see fit. The second situation involves counting the daily drinks and switching them to a beverage with lower alcohol content, such as beer. Switching to beer from hard liquor is safer because it is easier to control the amount of beer that is consumed and is harder to binge drink.

It provides a more realistic and sustainable path towards sobriety, increasing the chances of long-term success. 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.

The reason for weaning off alcohol instead of quitting cold turkey is to reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms. If a person abruptly stops drinking alcohol within 6 to 8 hours they will experience hyperactivity, anxiety, tremors, sweating, nausea, and confusion. Seizures are another complication of abruptly quitting alcohol that may occur within the first 12 to 48 hours of stopping. The time it takes to wean off alcohol depends on the person’s individual circumstances, including how much they drink and for how long. It’s important to take a gradual approach to avoid severe withdrawal symptoms. A healthcare professional can help develop a personalized plan for weaning off alcohol safely.

It will take time and effort to grow these newfound friendships—but it will be worth it. A therapist can help you understand your triggers and develop healthy coping skills for dealing with them. Soon, they will become second nature and your triggers will not have as much of an effect on you. Delamere describes the different stages that you go through while detoxing from alcohol6. But, perhaps most sober house importantly, understand that setbacks happen and that progress takes time or may look different than imagined.