How to Safely Taper Off Alcohol Alcohol Detox Programs

For those who are determined to stop drinking, it may be tempting to go “cold turkey”. However, quitting alcohol cold turkey isn’t recommended for moderate drinkers and heavy drinkers. You will be at serious risk of withdrawal symptoms, which can even prove deadly for some who suffer from alcohol addiction. For those at risk for severe withdrawal symptoms, medically-supervised detox is often the safest choice for beginning their sobriety or moderation journey.

It is very important that you estimate your BASELINE ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION in terms of standard drinks in order for you to be able to set up a taper schedule. Just for reference a 12 ounce regular strength (5%) beer is one standard drink. A standard (750 ml) bottle of wine at 12% alcohol contains 5 standard drinks. It is also very important when tapering off to fight dehydration and to replenish lost vitamins. If you go through a medical detox the people they may rehydrate you with an IV and may also give you vitamin shots.

Long-Term Alcohol Use and Tapering

I now enjoy working with others and helping them get through the hard times of early recovery. I still engage in a daily program of recovery myself and also enjoy fitness and health, nature, sports, horror movies, video games, cooking and spending time with family and friends. I have been on both sides of the fence, active addiction and recovery, and continue to choose recovery every day. Sydney Tubbs is a driven and compassionate Operations Director at The Freedom Center. With a profound understanding of the complexities surrounding addiction, Sydney has dedicated her career to improving the lives of individuals struggling with substance abuse.

• Research shows that sudden abstinence may not be effective for everyone.
• This is because drinking heavily over a long period can cause your body to become physically dependent on alcohol.
• It is best to consult with a medical professional first before reducing or stopping alcohol use.
• For example, healthcare providers usually don’t take patients off antidepressants suddenly; rather, they gradually reduce the dosages.

Some of the common symptoms include sweating, restlessness, cravings, and tremors. For instance, a young man named Alex, after a long day at work, looks forward to the calming embrace of a beer-filled glass. However, over time, that one glass becomes two, then three, and before he knows it, Alex finds himself in the throes of a gripping dependency. Like Alex, many of us may find ourselves caught in this ever-tightening cycle. In this blog post, we will take a compassionate look at the process of gradually weaning off alcohol.

How do I taper off with other meds?

This is a time where there is a lot of concern surrounding the spread of COVID-19 and we know that many clients are choosing to stay home in order to avoid the virus and stop it’s spread. Social distancing is extremely important to us as we understand that it’s going to take a group effort in order to slow down the spread of the virus. Unfortunately, this is also a time when many people are turning to substances as a way to cope, and there are many others who currently need treatment.

Tapering your alcohol intake, or slowly reducing it over time, can help you avoid severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Even though tapering off alcohol can help reduce withdrawal symptoms, it’s not a perfect detox method. For individuals https://ecosoberhouse.com/ with severe alcohol addictions, seeking professional help is strongly recommended. The complex nature of severe alcohol dependence requires specialized care and expertise that healthcare professionals can provide.

How Does Alcohol Use Disorder Develop?

Anyone wanting to stop using alcohol may benefit from tapering if they first consult with their doctor to ensure they are tapering safely. 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. If you or someone you love is struggling with drinking, Orlando Recovery Center can help. We offer a full continuum of care and are an in-network provider for a range of insurance companies, including Aetna, Cigna and America’s Choice.

An alcohol taper is the process of slowly reducing your alcohol intake. When you gradually drink less instead of quit cold turkey, you give your body a chance to get used to smaller amounts of alcohol. An alcohol taper1 can be an effective strategy to begin recovery and help set a realistic goal for people who are not ready to quit alcohol completely, but they’re not for everyone. Someone who has been drinking heavily for a how to taper off alcohol at home long period of time may struggle with cravings and alcohol withdrawal symptoms, leading to relapse. Because alcohol withdrawal symptoms vary from person to person, anyone struggling with an alcohol use disorder should seek professional medical assistance before considering an alcohol taper. Due to the risk of withdrawal symptoms like seizures, many people benefit from a stable environment provided by medical detox centers.