Her writing has appeared in publications such as Everyday Health, Well+Good, Rewire News Group, Prism, and more. Many people employ medication-assisted treatment for alcohol use to help curb the euphoric effects of alcohol. If you’re having trouble doing the same things you used to do, try new hobbies to fill your time. Join a gym, learn a new skill, or find sober social groups you can enjoy.
Understanding and preparing for these difficulties can greatly enhance the chances of successful recovery. A substitution taper can involve https://yourhealthmagazine.net/article/addiction/sober-houses-rules-that-you-should-follow/ substituting a prescription drug for alcohol. It can also involve substituting the drink of choice with another drink; for example, a person may taper off hard alcohol with beer. Bespoke addiction and dual diagnosis recovery with personalized treatment programs, holistic therapies, and upscale amenities with sweeping mountain views. Helps get lives back on track from substance use and behavioral addiction.
For instance, if stress is a trigger, explore stress-reducing activities such as exercise, meditation, or engaging in hobbies that bring you joy and relaxation. Did you know most insurance companies will cover the cost of drug and alcohol detox? Start by estimating how much you drink on a daily basis—and be honest with yourself. It can help to make use of standard drink measurements, as mentioned above. Then come up with a reduction rate you think will be safe, and that you can stick to.
What Is an Alcohol Taper?
For people with moderate to severe alcohol addiction, utilizing an alcohol detox center is always the safest option. Alcohol detox centers have professionals trained to recognize and treat complications caused by alcohol withdrawal. Before starting any plan to reduce alcohol consumption, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional. They can assess your individual situation and help you create a personalized tapering plan. A doctor can provide advice on how to wean off alcohol safely, monitor your progress, and suggest medications or therapies to manage withdrawal symptoms. You may experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms when you quit drinking alcohol.
Severe symptoms of alcohol withdrawal
You don’t have to let the fear of alcohol withdrawal stop you from cutting back or quitting. You may be able to detox at home and still attend outpatient therapy or support group meetings. The brain compensates for the depressive effects of alcohol by increasing its activity. If you’re addicted to alcohol, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to recover without some form of addiction treatment. You may be able to detox at home and recover from alcoholism with the help of support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous. However, medically supervised detox and professional rehab are more likely to help you maintain long-term sobriety.
Alcohol addiction can be difficult and sometimes dangerous to handle on your own. If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction, contact us to learn more and get started with alcohol addiction treatment. Usually, alcohol withdrawal symptoms occur within 12–24 hours after stopping alcohol and can last 2–10 days. Establishing new habits and routines, and dealing with the underlying causes of your drinking habits, are essential to lasting recovery. Alcohol also changes your brain chemistry, which can result in higher levels of anxiety and depression for the first several months. Finally, just because you’ve gotten past the withdrawal phase doesn’t mean you won’t continue to face psychological aspects of addiction—including alcohol cravings and drinking triggers.
Get online support.
- Sober living homes provide a comfortable, safe place for you to focus on your healing.
- But, perhaps most importantly, understand that setbacks happen and that progress takes time or may look different than imagined.
- Consuming a lighter alcoholic drink like beer also makes it easier for someone to stay hydrated throughout the taper.
- If you feel comfortable doing so, discuss your challenges with your primary healthcare professional.
- Quitting alcohol completely can be a challenge, but there are more ways to do it than ever before.
It’s kind of like exposure therapy for not drinking for longer periods of time. You’ll get better at navigating spaces without an alcoholic beverage in hand and build up the muscle to deal with the anxiety you Sober House Rules: What You Should Know Before Moving In have about not drinking. Another clue that can be an indication of an unhealthy relationship with alcohol is if you make “rules” around drinking.
When To Seek Medical Attention
Relapse after a period of sobriety can be dangerous because your tolerance has gone down. If you drink the same amount you were used to during active addiction, you may experience extreme intoxication or alcohol poisoning. However, even the best-designed tapers can put you at risk for alcohol withdrawal syndrome. For this reason, you should never start an alcohol taper before clearing with your doctor.
A 6-bed recovery oasis providing tailored luxury care for addiction and mental health for clients seeking the ultimate in treatment, privacy, and comfort. During medical detox, you are closely monitored round the clock by medical staff who can intervene if withdrawal symptoms become severe. An alcohol taper should only be undertaken under the supervision of a medical professional. Having said that, gaining an awareness of the principles of an alcohol taper can help you when determining how to detox from alcohol by tapering off.
Weaning off alcohol gives your body chemistry a chance to adjust, reducing the shock to your system. It also lets you start working new habits and routines into your day to replace drinking, starting the transition. Rather than beginning your sober life drained and dazed from a week of feeling ill, you can already be getting on your feet. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that affects your brain. When you quit drinking or wean off alcohol, your body will adjust to the lack of alcohol in your body. Contact emergency health services if you or someone you know experiences more than one symptom of severe alcohol withdrawal.
Is it Safe to Taper off Alcohol at Home?
- People with alcohol use disorder can’t stop drinking even when it causes problems, like emotional distress or physical harm to themselves or others.
- If you are struggling to stop or cut down through alcohol tapering, this may be a sign to seek more help, Lee said.
- Tapering off alcohol is a step in the right direction, but there’s more to the story.
- Sometimes, people think that they don’t need medical help if their symptoms are mild.
Others may discover after consulting with a doctor that it’s safe for them to quit alcohol cold turkey if they choose to. However, they may still decide that tapering down feels most achievable for them. If you’re not sure if cold turkey or tapering is right for you, you can join the Monument Community to hear from others who have confronted similar questions. If you’re living with alcohol use disorder, quitting drinking is important for your health.
Alcohol dependence causes your body to adapt to the presence of alcohol in your body. But alcohol causes some of the most dangerous withdrawal symptoms you can experience, and it can be fatal in some circumstances. But since alcohol addiction can also be dangerous, you may need to get through withdrawal to achieve sobriety and better health.
Reducing alcohol intake can have significant positive effects on mental health. As you reduce your alcohol consumption, you may notice improvements in mood, anxiety, and overall mental well-being. However, the initial stages of tapering can also bring emotional challenges, as your body and mind adjust to lower levels of alcohol. Engaging in therapy during this time can provide essential support and coping strategies. The tapering down process can take place for the first several weeks or even months of the alcohol recovery timeline.
