Unfortunately, there’s little to no evidence that tapering off reduces the effects of alcohol withdrawal, some of which can be severe or even life-threatening. Quitting with proper medical supervision may be more important than whether you stop gradually or all at once. 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.
Making changes to your drug and alcohol use
It’s important to work with a professional during the tapering because it can be a delicate process. Too high of a dose can prolong https://theseattledigest.com/top-5-advantages-of-staying-in-a-sober-living-house/ your withdrawal period or be ineffective. Alcohol dependence causes your body to adapt to the presence of alcohol in your body.
Chemsex: Staying Safe and Getting Back in Control
The taper schedule must be flexible to accommodate individual responses and progress. It is important to monitor withdrawal symptoms closely and make adjustments to the tapering plan as needed. If an individual experiences severe withdrawal symptoms, such as increased anxiety, shaking, or signs of delirium tremens, it may be necessary to slow down the tapering process. Conversely, if the individual tolerates the reduction well, the pace of tapering may increase. 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.
Can people successfully use alcohol to taper off?
By understanding the impact of alcohol addiction and recognizing the benefits of quitting, individuals can take the first step towards a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life. Seeking support, setting goals, and implementing effective strategies can further aid in the journey to sobriety. Before embarking on the journey to quit drinking alcohol, it is essential to acknowledge the need for change and understand the impact of alcohol addiction.
- In the same way that everyone person is unique and their experience with addiction is going to be unique, the most effective method of recovery is also going to vary from person to person.
- Lastly, engaging in alcohol therapy can also make a major difference in your healing journey.
- Excessive drinking can weaken the immune system, increasing the body’s likelihood of developing an infection.
- A medical professional can help you determine if a fast or slow taper, or quitting altogether, is appropriate based on a thorough medical assessment and evaluation of your withdrawal risk.
- However, remember that every individual is different, and what works for one person may not be safe for everyone.
How Long Does it Take to Taper Off Alcohol?
It achieves its effects by working with an inhibitory neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid, known as GABA. GABA is a chemical messenger in the brain that slows activity in the central nervous system so that you can rest, relax, and sleep. It is important in curbing the effects of anxiety and vigilance when it’s time for you to get some rest. The chemical binds to its receptors Sober House on your nerve cells and opens up a channel that allows a negative charge to shut down or slow your nervous system’s excitatory functions. Therapy can help you understand why you drink and learn new habits so you can live a healthy lifestyle that doesn’t rely on alcohol as a crutch. It can also help you gain a new perspective as you consider how your life will change without alcohol.
Creating an Alcohol Weaning Schedule
- Factors such as pattern of alcohol use, other medical conditions, genetics and how your body responds to alcohol can play a role in withdrawal symptoms.
- When you quit drinking, you should also seek medical advice about any alcohol withdrawal symptoms you experience.
- The typical warning signs that someone is going to experience Delirium tremens include tremors, an extremely elevated heart rate, and a drastic increase in body temperature.
- After this is calculated, make a schedule where you consume your normal amount on the first day and make regular reductions each day after.
- For those who drink more than 20 drinks a day, the tapering schedule becomes more complex and may require a different approach.
The goal of tapering down is to make a gradual change while causing less stress on your body, both physically and emotionally. Withdrawal symptoms can vary in severity and depend on many factors, such as drinking history, metabolism, age, medical condition, what other substances or medication you take, and more. Because everyone’s body reacts differently, there’s not a lot of research that proves tapering can decrease the effects of alcohol withdrawal. A popular way to taper off alcohol is to gradually reduce the number of drinks you consume over a period of time. For example, if you normally drink 6 glasses of wine each night, you can try reducing that to 5 glasses of wine a night.
