How To Cut Back On Drinking Alcohol: Therapists Share Tips
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. By seeking professional help, individuals can access the necessary expertise, support, and resources to successfully navigate the process of weaning off alcohol.
If These 3 Celebrities Were Able to Conquer Addiction, You Can Too
However, here is a sample timeline of what the average person can expect. Withdrawal symptoms occur when the body becomes accustomed to the regular presence of alcohol and then experiences a sudden reduction or cessation of its consumption. These symptoms can vary in severity and duration, depending on factors such as the level of alcohol dependency and individual differences. Support groups can take various forms, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), SMART Recovery, or other community-based groups.
Still, it has a decreased level of success when compared to the alternative and requires discipline that can be difficult for those with an addiction. Weaning yourself off alcohol is a safer way to quit drinking than going cold turkey. With these tips and strategies, you can wean yourself off alcohol safely and successfully.
- With the right strategies and professional guidance, it is possible to wean oneself off alcohol safely and successfully.
- Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water can help flush out toxins and minimize withdrawal symptoms.
- Alcohol is the third-leading preventable cause of mortality in the United States, with approximately 95,000 people dying from alcohol-related causes each year.
- Weaning yourself off alcohol safely is a process that requires time, patience, and commitment, but it can be done.
Substance Abuse Treatment Plan Facets
These centers offer a range of services and treatments, including counseling, medication-assisted treatment, and group therapy. Set clear limits on what behaviors or situations are acceptable to you. For example, you may choose not to attend events where alcohol is served or ask that the person not offer you drinks.
Let’s talk about your recovery
Physically, excessive alcohol consumption can lead to a range of health issues, including liver damage, cardiovascular problems, and an increased risk of certain types of cancer. It can also affect mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and cognitive impairments. Direct tapering is not recommended for liquor drinkers as it is challenging to measure amounts and can result in binge drinking. Additionally, mixed drinks may contain sugar or other additives that could exacerbate withdrawal symptoms and should be avoided during the taper. By looking at your medical history and alcohol intake, your doctor can determine whether you need to taper in a medical detox facility or can safely detox at home. People who want to reduce their alcohol consumption often do not realize how much of their social and daily routines alcohol has become.
Quitting Drinking: How to Taper Off Alcohol
- You should include strategies to both reduce drinking and prevent relapse.
- A healthcare professional can help develop a personalized plan for weaning off alcohol safely.
- This strategy can help manage withdrawal symptoms and facilitate a safer and more comfortable tapering process.
- Identifying and understanding your personal triggers is an important step in the recovery process.
- Remember, reaching out to professionals and building a strong support system can greatly enhance your chances of success.
“Some will experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop abruptly, which is an indicator for medically managed alcohol withdrawal treatments from a health professional. They can provide personalized advice, monitor your progress, and ensure your safety throughout the tapering process. Gradually reducing alcohol consumption is an effective strategy to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and successfully wean yourself off alcohol. This method involves slowly decreasing the amount of alcohol consumed over time. By gradually tapering off, you give your body and mind the opportunity to adjust to lower levels of alcohol.
- They can offer strategies, coping mechanisms, and resources to help you successfully navigate the challenges of alcohol withdrawal.
- By sharing your experiences and offering encouragement, you can contribute to the well-being of others and strengthen your own commitment to sobriety.
- Once you have successfully quit drinking alcohol, it’s important to develop strategies to stay sober and prevent relapse.
- Alcohol addiction can be difficult and sometimes dangerous to handle on your own.
- Avoid taking prescription drugs that your doctor hasn’t prescribed to you.
Tapering is a more cost-effective method of stopping alcohol use, especially for those who do not have healthcare insurance or the resources needed to get a professional detox. People who have successfully tapered from alcohol before may be especially likely to benefit from this strategy. Expect to feel some discomfort, including anxiety, sweating or irritability. If you feel more severe symptoms, such as paranoia, increased pulse, or tremors sometimes called alcohol shakes, you should taper more slowly and consider seeking professional help. If you feel severe symptoms, such as hallucinations, rapid heartbeat or disorientation, call 911 immediately.
This 20-minute break allows the alcohol to hit your bloodstream and reduces the cravings for another drink, preventing you from overdoing it. Cutting back on drinking requires you to be honest with yourself about what makes you want to drink. These are called “triggers” and they subconsciously encourage you to drink alcohol. Set a goal for how many drinks you want to have a week and stick to it.
Introspection in Recovery
Only about 5% of people with alcohol withdrawal experience delirium tremens. However, remember that every individual is different, and what works for one person may not be safe for everyone. It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before starting an alcohol tapering plan. Creating a systematic approach to tapering off alcohol is essential in the journey towards sobriety. This involves carefully assessing your current alcohol consumption, setting achievable goals, https://www.inkl.com/news/sober-house-rules-a-comprehensive-overview and continuously monitoring and adjusting your plan as needed. By following the steps outlined in this guide and finding support, you can take control of your life and overcome alcohol addiction.
Assessing Your Current Alcohol Consumption
This method works best with gradual reduction, as alcohol withdrawal symptoms can start within 12–24 hours after stopping drinking. Generally, alcohol-free days are better towards the end of a gradual reduction, not towards the beginning. Mixing alcohol with certain medications can have adverse effects on health.
This method involves gradually decreasing the amount and frequency of alcohol consumption over a set period of time. The gradual reduction approach allows the body to adjust to lower alcohol levels, minimizing the risk of severe withdrawal symptoms. The time it takes to wean off alcohol depends on the person’s individual circumstances, including how much they drink and for how long. It’s important to take a gradual approach to avoid severe withdrawal symptoms.
Remember, recovery is a journey, and having a supportive network sober house can make all the difference. When it comes to safely weaning off alcohol, building a strong support system can play a crucial role in the recovery process. These medications, such as Acamprosate, Disulfiram, Naltrexone, and Nalmefene, have different mechanisms of action to prevent relapses or limit alcohol intake 5.
Heavy drinking can lead to a reduction in the sensitivity of your brain to the amount of GABA produced. If you abruptly stop consuming alcohol, your brain may not have enough sensitivity to GABA, which can result in hyper-excitability and withdrawal symptoms. Our state-specific resource guides offer a comprehensive overview of drug and alcohol addiction treatment options available in your area. Research has shown that professional help improves your ability to overcome an addiction to alcohol or cut back if you have found it difficult. The most common research technique among those surveyed is an internet search (61%), followed by asking a doctor or medical professional (55%).
