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Instead of complete cessation of alcohol, you begin to slowly taper down on your consumption over a period of time. Going cold turkey can lead to acute alcohol withdrawal for those who have a history of long-term and/or heavy alcohol use. While this is a valiant effort and it can work for some people, an abrupt cessation of alcohol can be dangerous for those who have a long history https://ecosoberhouse.com/ of alcohol abuse and addiction. Once you have completely tapered off alcohol, you will have to decide if you want to follow a path of total abstinence or moderate alcohol use. If you choose moderate alcohol use, the best way to avoid alcohol withdrawal is to refrain from alcohol use two days in a row. If alcohol use is more frequent, try to abstain at least three days each week.
- Alcohol tapering is definitely possible, but the question of whether or not it works is not quite as straightforward.
- However, certain food groups also have benefits when it comes to helping with the discomfort of withdrawal symptoms and detoxification.
- Programs such asinpatientoroutpatientrehab,medical detox, individual or family therapy andsupport groupsare available.
- Withdrawal usually begins within 6 to 8 hours after the last drink and peaks within 72 hours.
However, the information provided by Alcohol Rehab Help is not a substitute for professional treatment advice. BetterHelp offers affordable mental health care via phone, video, or live-chat. cure for alcohol withdrawal symptoms Outpatient treatment is a safe and effective alternative to inpatient care, with fewer costs. Delirium tremens can begin 48 hours after your last drink and last up to five days.
How To Taper Off Alcohol Safely | Tips & Strategies
Quitting drinking can feel very isolating, making it even more difficult to do on your own at home without medical support. You should not begin a tapering plan before talking to your doctor. Based on your medical history, your doctor can advise you about the safety of the taper. However, it should not cause someone to become stuck on a step, which would defeat the purpose of a taper.
Her experience in behavioral health training, program development, and organizational leadership lead her to pursue a certification as a Project Management Professional in 2018. These symptoms can last for several days or weeks depending on how much alcohol you drink regularly and the length of time you have been drinking excessively. While these symptoms are not life-threatening per se, they can be pretty uncomfortable. It’s vital to speak with a medical professional before you begin weaning off alcohol to ensure you have a plan to do so safely.
Alcohol Tapering Methods
This is why it’s essential to surround yourself with the right support system, such as a 12-step community that can help you maintain your progress. Evan O’Donnell is an NYC-based content strategist with four years’ experience writing and editing in the recovery space. He has conducted research in sound, cognition, and community building, has a background in independent music marketing, and continues to work as a composer.
When the alcohol is completely taken away then this adrenaline and its cousins are left to run rampant in the brain. This leads to raised blood pressure, raised pulse rate, rapid breathing, fever, hallucinations, seizures and D.T.s. If you attempt to taper off using wine or hard liquor you might just wind up getting drunk again because these have higher alcohol content than beer. Try to limit yourself to drinking no more alcohol than necessary when you start tapering.
Can You Use Alcohol to Taper Off?
Little data is available about the safety and effectiveness of alcohol tapers. In contrast,robust evidencesupports quitting alcohol while under medical supervision. The Recovery Village Ridgefield medical detox center in Vancouver, WA, is a fully staffed rehab facility designed to help you wean off alcohol in comfort. We offer 16 detox beds and around-the-clock medical care provided by a multidisciplinary team of addiction experts. We personalize every aspect of your detox and offer counseling, treatment plans, nutrition services and options for continuing rehab treatment at The Recovery Village Ridgefield.