Substituting a prescription drug for alcohol should only happen with the help of a medical professional. No one should ever attempt a substitution taper with prescription medication unless their doctor specifically prescribed it for that purpose in a medical detox program. Tapering is the practice of slowly reducing the regular consumption of a substance like alcohol.
The idea is to religiously take this like medicine for the next week or two. Note that in some states, doctors may commit individuals at risk of harming themselves to 72 hours of involuntary treatment for addiction. These states include, but are not limited to, California, Colorado, Delaware, DC, Florida, Maine, Mass, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Washington. Keeping a journal or using a tracking app can help in recording alcohol consumption accurately. Developing a tapering plan is the first step towards breaking free from alcohol dependency.
Long-term alcohol use can lead to alcohol use disorder (AUD) and physical dependence. If your body becomes physically dependent on alcohol, you may experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking. Studies have shown that 13–71% of people undergoing alcohol detox develop withdrawal symptoms. 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.
How To Taper Off Alcohol: Key Strategies and Tips
These can include improved liver function, better sleep quality, enhanced cognitive function, and a lower risk of developing alcohol-related diseases. As your body detoxifies and heals, you may experience increased energy levels and overall well-being. Over time, this can help you slow down and make more intentional choices about how much you’re drinking. You can read all about mindful drinking in this article by a licensed therapist at Monument. As a Certified sober house Professional Recovery Coach, I often speak with people who want to wean off alcohol.
- If you’re struggling to stick to a taper or do not trust yourself to moderate your alcohol use, having strict supervision and support can help you meet your recovery goals.
- This can equate to as much as a full bottle of beer or less than two tablespoons of whisky.
- If you encounter severe symptoms during your tapering off alcohol schedule, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
- They might not mean you need to call 911, but you may need to slow your taper if they’re bothering you too much.
- It’s a significant step towards recovery, and while it may be challenging, it’s a journey worth undertaking for improved health and well-being.
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It should not be used to replace the suggestions of your personal physician or other health care professionals. Contact emergency health services if you or someone you know experiences more than one symptom of severe alcohol withdrawal. Some find tapering is not a suitable option to stop drinking due to various factors such as social responsibilities or peer pressure.
If you experience dangerous signs such as high blood pressure, racing heart, or arrhythmias, slow your taper and seek assistance. Monitoring an individual’s progress during alcohol tapering is a critical component of a safe and effective withdrawal management strategy. It involves observing and documenting a range of physical and psychological indicators to ensure the tapering process is proceeding as planned and to adjust the schedule if necessary. This schedule is a guideline and should be adjusted based on individual needs and responses to tapering. It is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before beginning a taper, as they can provide personalized advice and monitor for any complications. Additionally, creating a supportive environment and having strategies to manage triggers are crucial to a successful taper.
Tapering Off Alcohol: Does It Work? Is it Safe?
Ultimately, you shouldn’t taper off of alcohol unless you’ve checked with your doctor first. Because of the risk of a lower success rate and prolonged alcohol exposure, most healthcare professionals will recommend https://appsychology.com/living-in-a-sober-house/ a professional detox over tapering. Quitting cold turkey means suddenly stopping all alcohol consumption.
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If you go through a medical detox the people they may rehydrate you with an IV and may also give you vitamin shots. If you are doing a self detox be sure to drink lots and lots of fluids and to take vitamin pills. If you choose to drink water make sure that you get enough salt for electrolyte balance so that you avoid water intoxication. Dealing with alcohol withdrawal is a challenging process, and it’s crucial to understand the potential severity of symptoms and the need for medical intervention. This is particularly true when the symptoms are severe and potentially life-threatening.
The chance of experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms increases if you’ve had them before, or if you’re older. The rest of this guide addresses pre-planning, withdrawal symptoms, planning, creating a taper schedule, and the next steps after a taper. I’d encourage you to read them all, but at the very least, please read the sections on withdrawal symptoms and the schedule itself. Track your progress, note how you feel, and adjust if necessary. Always consult a medical professional before starting any tapering schedule.
How To Safely Taper Off Alcohol
Because tapering is not the recommended way to stop using alcohol, there is no recommended tapering schedule. If you plan to taper, you must create a schedule that is right for you. Substitution involves replacing alcoholic beverages with non-alcoholic ones.
If you are already at risk of heart attacks or strokes because of conditions such as obesity or preexisting high blood pressure, monitor your blood pressure carefully. Check out this medical article which provides further detail on withdrawal from alcohol. Find a reason to stay sober and keep that in mind as you go through this process. Ultimately, you need to decide to get sober for yourself, but if getting sober for someone else or something else motivates you in the beginning, it’s still a step in the right direction.
Alcohol withdrawal is the most dangerous form of substance withdrawal, creating unpleasant symptoms that can be potentially deadly for those with more severe symptoms. Alcohol withdrawal will last about a week to a week and a half for most people, with symptoms peaking two to three days into withdrawal. Before you begin an alcohol taper, a little preparation can go a long way, especially when it involves handling your triggers and tracking how much you drink. Always start with a professional consultation with your doctor.
Working with a medical professional to taper your alcohol consumption can help the likelihood and severity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Instead of quitting alcohol cold turkey, you can steadily reduce your consumption so that your body has time to gradually readjust to absence of alcohol. It’s important to note that stopping drinking can be dangerous and even life-threatening.