Seeking professional guidance is advisable to ensure a safe and effective tapering process. Always consult a medical professional before starting any tapering schedule. Ultimately, you shouldn’t taper off of alcohol unless you’ve checked with your doctor first. Because how to taper off beer of the risk of a lower success rate and prolonged alcohol exposure, most healthcare professionals will recommend a professional detox over tapering. Vitamins B1 (thiamine), B9 (folate), B12 and C are often recommended to aid recovery.
Tips for quitting alcohol
Cutting back or completely stopping alcohol consumption is challenging, even if you are not at the point of addiction. The support of medical professionals and psychologists can help you in this process. Weaning off alcohol in a safe way can help reduce the severity of some withdrawal symptoms.
You Have a High Risk of Addiction or Complications From Drinking
Studies show that those who receive some type of formal treatment after detox are more likely to maintain sobriety8. While this process isn’t enjoyable, there are so many benefits in the new sober life that you’re creating for yourself. You’ll look and feel healthier, have more energy, and save money. Alcohol withdrawal usually lasts for a few days, but some effects may linger for months. Symptoms are most severe around day 34, and the total process can last for 2 to 10 days. Each of these challenges requires a unique approach and often the support of professionals, loved ones and support groups.
How to safely taper off your alcohol consumption
It’s important to nurture a healthy relationship with your body so you can have a healthy relationship with your mind. You can start building the foundation for a happy future by going to rehab for alcohol. A private oceanside center treating addiction and co-occurring mental health with tailored plans, evidence-based care, fun beach activities, and support for working professionals. Alcohol detox medications can make the process safer and more comfortable. They can also ensure your alcohol detox is successful by making it nigh impossible to relapse if symptoms get difficult. Substituting a prescription drug for alcohol should only happen with the help of a medical professional.
If you’re struggling to wean off alcohol, it might be best to seek addiction treatment. Various treatment programs are available to help you recover from addiction. Proper nutrition and hydration are essential components of medical detox. Nutritional support is provided to address any deficiencies and promote overall health.
- Mild withdrawal symptoms can be managed with hydration, rest and a quiet environment.
- If you have developed an addiction to alcohol, we can help you with effective medication-assisted treatment at Gratitude Lodge in Newport Beach and Long Beach, CA.
- However, tapering can sometimes be unsafe if you attempt to do so on your own without a doctor’s knowledge.
- Gradually reducing the amount of alcohol you drink can help give your body the time it needs to adjust to the lack of alcohol.
- You’ll need to stick with gradual reduction every day and not revert to previous levels of consumption, otherwise it won’t work.
- BetterHelp can connect you to an addiction and mental health counselor.
- If you begin to experience serious withdrawal symptoms, drink enough to make the symptoms subside.
- But if you’re living with alcohol use disorder, drinking is more than a habit.
- Let’s dive into the why and the how of reducing or quitting alcohol and the science behind it.
The most effective option for alcoholics to stop drinking is to find a treatment program that offers medical detox services. If you are interested in medical detox, contact one of our Vertava Health treatment specialists to find alcohol detox programs near you. Medications are often used to manage the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal safely. Benzodiazepines, such as diazepam (Valium) or lorazepam (Ativan), are commonly prescribed to reduce withdrawal symptoms and prevent complications like seizures.
- Often, cravings can come quickly and in succession of each other.
- That’s why we have a comprehensive set of treatment providers and don’t charge for inclusion.
- Benzodiazepines, such as diazepam (Valium) or lorazepam (Ativan), are commonly prescribed to reduce withdrawal symptoms and prevent complications like seizures.
- When an individual has developed a substance use disorder or dependence on alcohol, stopping its use outright can seem virtually impossible.
- The purpose of tapering off alcohol is to avoid major withdrawal symptoms so you can achieve sobriety safely.
- If you properly taper your alcohol use, you’re less likely to experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
- Within 5 minutes, you’ll receive an email with these details – free of charge.
Tapering off alcohol is a method of reducing your alcohol intake gradually. This process can help your body break its dependency on alcohol with minimal side effects. Tapering off alcohol is a step in the right direction, but there’s more to the story. It’s vital in this process to have professional help, so you can stay safe and as comfortable as possible. You can master the necessary life skills to maintain your sober lifestyle through treatment. Slowly decreasing the amount you drink over time can spare your body from withdrawal symptoms.