How to Wean Off Alcohol Tapering Off Alcohol Safely

If you’re living with alcohol use disorder, quitting drinking is important for your health. But quitting on your own can pose risks to your health and is unlikely to be successful. Rehabilitation facilities can help you on your path to sobriety by addressing alcohol withdrawal symptoms and becoming involved in sober living support groups, like AA. When you quit drinking, you should also seek medical advice about any alcohol withdrawal symptoms you experience. This includes early symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, such as mild tremors and anxiety.

Take Days Off Drinking

All of these withdrawal symptoms are common during acute alcohol withdrawal syndrome. For example, depression could cause suicidal thoughts, and eating poorly can weaken your immune system. Quitting alcohol can be extremely hard, especially without medical support.

Alcohol-Free Days

Before you attempt to quit alcohol, it is critically important that you first consult with a medical professional. You might run into obstacles along the way that tempt you to drink. Research shows that most people believe that drinking can make them feel better.

Week 2: The Gradual Reduction

• But maybe you’re unsure about quitting completely and don’t want to hold yourself to that goal.
• Here’s a specific plan to guide you through the initial stages of your journey, helping you take control of your relationship with alcohol.
• They will also be able to prescribe you medications that can curb your cravings or reduce your withdrawal symptoms.
• This phenomenon is often described as “alcohol dependence.” The most common more mild withdrawal symptoms include headaches, anxiety, and sleep disturbances.
• Only a licensed medical professional can accurately assess your current condition and whether it’s safe for you to taper down.
• An alcohol taper is a way to wean yourself off alcohol and avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Now that you’ve successfully completed the detoxification process, it’s time to build your sobriety toolkit through treatment. Studies show that those who receive some type of formal treatment after detox are more likely to maintain sobriety8. Located in sunny Southern California, Chapters Capistrano provides holistic, evidence-based treatment for substance abuse and addiction. One of Arizona’s leaders in personalized residential addiction treatment, The Hope House boasts 10,000 sq ft facilities as home to just 10 patients at a time.

“Evolutionary biology went out of its way to reward us for getting enough protein, enough salt, enough fat and enough sugar to stay alive. NA options are also great for the times you habitually reach for a drink. If you like to have a beer while watching a football game, maybe try having some NA options chilled in the fridge or to move on to after you’ve had a couple of alcoholic ones. If you like a nightcap, try a cup of herbal tea before bed instead. “We know that there are patterns of drinking that are more dangerous than others,” says Carr. https://appsychology.com/living-in-a-sober-house/ We are ready to cheer you on as you continue down the road of recovery toward a healthier, happier you.

How to Manage Emotions Without Turning to Substances

• An alcoholic can only safely reduce their alcohol consumption under medical supervision.
• Some commonly used medications for alcohol withdrawal management include benzodiazepines, which help to alleviate anxiety and prevent seizures.
• Withdrawal usually begins 6 to 8 hours after the last drink and peaks within 72 hours.
• Here’s how to wean off alcohol—including useful strategies, how to create a tapering schedule, and how to stay safe throughout the process.
• Tapering alcohol may be uncomfortable, and there may be subconscious triggers that stimulate the desire to drink alcohol.

Smaller drinks with a higher percentage of alcohol are stronger than the same size drink containing a lower-proof liquor. Find an accountability partner or someone you can call to keep you on track when you want to drink. Build a network of people you can go to when you need help, join a support group or see a therapist. To create an effective taper, you must know how much you drink daily on average.

Medications may be prescribed to help ease withdrawal symptoms and reduce cravings during the weaning-off process. Medications such as Naltrexone, Acamprosate, and Disulfiram have been shown to be effective in reducing or stopping alcohol consumption when combined with psychosocial support. Implementing a gradual reduction approach, setting SMART goals, and utilizing resources and support are key strategies for safely reducing alcohol consumption.

When considering tapering off as a method, it’s important to remember that everyone’s journey is unique. Consulting with a healthcare professional or addiction specialist can provide personalized guidance and support throughout the process. Ria Health offers access to many of these tools, including prescription medications, recovery coaching, and online support groups—all through a HIPAA-compliant smartphone app. We support both moderation and abstinence as goals and, although we cannot provide medical detox remotely, we can help you design an effective tapering schedule to reduce your drinking. Depending on how much you drink, tapering off alcohol can take one to several weeks.

Tapering Off Alcohol

• It encompasses being more intentional about when and how much you drink to improve your health and well-being.
• By avoiding alcohol, you’re taking a big step toward improving physical health.
• Seeking professional help is essential, especially for individuals with severe alcohol dependence.
• A direct taper means drinking the regular substance of choice but lowering the amount consumed daily.
• There is a residential inpatient treatment program with medical supervision.

While it is possible for some to wean off alcohol at home, it is highly inadvisable to do so without first consulting with medical and addiction treatment professionals. Alcohol withdrawal can be fatal, especially when someone attempts to go through it unsupervised. Only a licensed medical professional can accurately assess your current condition and whether it’s safe for you to taper down. They will also be able to prescribe you medications that can curb your cravings or reduce your withdrawal symptoms. When you quit through tapering, you drink a little less each day until you’re able to have no alcohol at all. It can lower the severity of symptoms, and it can make you more likely to meet your goals.

Join a gym, learn a new skill, or find sober social groups you can enjoy. Whether it’s improved relationships, better health, or weight loss, keeping the “why” in sight can help boost your motivation. Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology. Melody is here to help as you Living in a Sober House: Fundamental Rules adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.