If you feel severe symptoms, such as hallucinations, rapid heartbeat or disorientation, call 911 immediately. Before beginning a tapering schedule, speak with your doctor about the risks of detoxing at home. Tapering off alcohol may complicate other medical conditions or co-occurring mental health disorders.

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In contrast, robust evidence supports quitting alcohol while under medical supervision. If you struggle with drinking, the safest way to quit is under a doctor’s care. If you drink heavily, your doctor may recommend quitting with the help of a medical detox center. In medical detox, you receive around-the-clock care from doctors and nurses to help prevent and treat alcohol withdrawal symptoms and their complications.

Because everyone’s body reacts differently, there’s not a lot of research that proves tapering can decrease the effects of alcohol withdrawal. Effective methods include setting clear drinking goals and regularly revisiting the reasons behind your decision to quit. Keeping a drinking diary not only tracks progress but also acts as an accountability tool. Surrounding yourself with supportive friends and family who understand your journey can provide the encouragement needed during challenging times.

• Depending on how much alcohol you drink to start with, the amount of time an alcohol weaning schedule takes may vary.
• There are two ways to taper off alcohol⁠—a direct or substitution taper.
• The support of family, friends and others in recovery is crucial during this adjustment period.
• Tapering off alcohol can be challenging, and withdrawal symptoms are common.

Strategies for Safe Tapering

You could do one a day if you’re very weary of withdrawal symptoms, but you might drag it out unnecessarily. Sunshine Behavioral Health strives to help people who are facing substance abuse, addiction, mental health disorders, or a combination of these conditions. It does this by providing compassionate care and evidence-based content that addresses health, treatment, and recovery. For some sober house people who consume alcohol, tapering just doesn’t work. Maybe they don’t have peer support or maybe their alcohol addiction is too severe. Being surrounded by triggers can make it extremely difficult to stay on track and avoid overdoing it on alcohol.

Life-Threatening Withdrawal Signs

Some find tapering is not a suitable option to stop drinking due to various factors such as social responsibilities or peer pressure. For many people, tapering alone is insufficient to help heal their addiction. Although you can use methods to taper off alcohol at home, the best way to taper is to talk to a doctor.

If you get moderate tremors or start hallucinating six hours after your last drink, you probably need to taper. Everyone is different, so it’s ultimately up to you to decide if you want to taper or not. In 2019 the Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health Services Administration reported that 14.5 millions of americans suffered from Alcohol Use Disorder. Treatment is the best way to ensure long-term abstinence from alcohol.

What To Do After You Finish Tapering Off

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If you begin to experience serious withdrawal symptoms, drink enough to make the symptoms subside. Tapering off alcohol is generally safer and more effective than quitting cold turkey. The withdrawal symptoms are less severe and dangerous, and the individual is more likely to achieve a lasting sobriety. Some symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, especially Delirium Tremens (DT) and seizures can be fatal, and hundreds of Americans die every year as a result. Usually, alcohol withdrawal symptoms occur within 12–24 hours after stopping alcohol and can last 2–10 days. The amount of time it takes to taper off of alcohol can vary greatly from person to person.

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Eventually, after a period of time, you will have tapered down to zero drinks. If you’re interested in medication-assisted treatment, medication to curb cravings can be a helpful tool for reducing your consumption. As a result, many report enhanced sleep quality, improved skin appearance, and better digestion after cutting back https://appsychology.com/living-in-a-sober-house/ on alcohol. Mental health benefits include reduced anxiety and clearer cognitive functions, as quitting alcohol often leads to lower blood pressure and a healthier weight.

• As long as safety precautions are taken, there’s no wrong way to begin a sobriety or moderation journey.
• It will take time and effort to grow these newfound friendships—but it will be worth it.
• It’s important to understand what to look out for and what to expect.
• Reducing the amount of the chosen substance consumed daily is known as a direct taper, but it may not be effective for everyone.
• They can provide medications and additional support to make quitting alcohol safer, and more comfortable.

How Long Does Tapering Off Alcohol Take?

For people who experience mild alcohol withdrawal symptoms, there are safe ways to detox at home. People who experience tremors, shakes or confusion when they quit drinking should consider medically supervised detox. You should talk to a doctor about the safest way to detox if you experience any withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking. 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.

Who Can Benefit From Tapering Their Alcohol Intake

It can be tempting to just “rip off the Band-Aid” when getting sober, but tapering off alcohol is often much safer—and much less stressful. Rather than quitting drinking abruptly (or “cold turkey”), many professionals recommend gradually reducing your drinking (or tapering) over time. This can give your body the chance to adjust, helping you avoid the worst of withdrawal symptoms. To lay the groundwork for better drinking habits, start by defining your personal goals and motivations for quitting. Work with healthcare professionals who can guide you through withdrawal and treatment options. Involving family and friends in your journey can build a vital support system, enhancing your chances of success.