Planning ahead for these obstacles greatly increases your likelihood of success. If you notice signs of DTs in yourself or someone else, seek emergency medical help immediately by calling 911. Because DTs are potentially fatal, prompt and professional treatment in a hospital or rehab setting is crucial. However, it increases the risk of not completing the taper or relapsing afterward. This is because each withdrawal attempt increases the severity of the next.
Can You Die of Heroin Withdrawal? Risks, Challenges & Management
Your body has become used to, and dependent on, certain levels of drug addiction treatment alcohol. Alcohol depresses your nervous system2, so your body creates more receptors for neurotransmitters, or messengers, to stimulate the nervous system. If you’re a treatment provider and have a question, please reach out and someone from our Customer Success team will be in touch with you shortly.
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be both physical and psychological and often include:
Quitting cold turkey is likely to cause more intense withdrawal symptoms than if you taper off alcohol slowly. However, the self-control it takes to taper can be challenging for someone with an AUD. For that reason, it’s best to speak to a doctor or clinician when you’ve decided to stop drinking before you quit cold turkey. Another advantage is the ability to address underlying health issues exacerbated by alcohol use. Chronic drinking can lead to liver disease, gastrointestinal problems, and nutritional deficiencies, among other conditions. Medical professionals can conduct comprehensive evaluations, provide necessary treatments, and monitor progress to ensure overall health improves alongside alcohol reduction.
Minimize Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms Slowly
Generally, light to moderate drinkers should plan to taper for a week or more. But, perhaps most importantly, understand that setbacks happen and that progress takes time or may look different than imagined. You’ll also want to measure spirits intake to see how many average drinks you take. Before you head to your first appointment, there are a few things you can do to prepare. Keep the big picture in mind through a goal such as reducing your drinking overall in a week, month, or year,” Dr Lee said. Dr Lee explains that choosing a non-alcoholic beer or a caffeinated beverage can help provide a small buzz.
How Do You Safely Taper Off Alcohol?
Chronic alcohol abuse can cause serious health problems, including heart and liver disease. An alcohol use disorder can also have an impact on your social, psychological, and financial health. Tapering involves gradually reducing the amount of alcohol consumed over a period, rather than stopping abruptly. This method aims to allow the body to slowly adjust to decreasing alcohol levels, minimizing the sudden shock to the central nervous system.
For these individuals, the potential for uncontrolled, severe withdrawal or a return to heavy drinking outweighs any perceived benefit of self-management. Always talk to a health provider before you attempt any sort of alcohol withdrawal plan. If your alcohol dependence is moderate to severe, tapering on your own might not be effective or safe. In addition, if you have powerful cravings or struggle to limit your intake, it’s a sign you may need professional assistance.
However, moderate drinkers may be able to quit abruptly with minimal risk. how to taper off alcohol Tapering is generally safer and more manageable, as it allows the body to adjust gradually to reduced alcohol levels. It’s less likely to trigger severe withdrawal symptoms and provides a structured path to sobriety. However, tapering can be challenging due to the prolonged exposure to alcohol and the need for strict adherence to the plan. Cold turkey, on the other hand, offers a quicker path to sobriety but comes with higher risks, especially for those with significant alcohol dependence. It requires immediate and intense commitment, as well as access to medical support in case of emergencies.
Pros of Tapering Down Alcohol Intake
- It’s important to note that stopping drinking can be dangerous and even life-threatening.
- 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.
Making a plan for tapering alcohol is a crucial part of the process to ensure a healthy outcome. It’s important to note that severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms, such as hallucinations, seizures, or delirium tremens, can be life-threatening. Once you have set realistic goals, it’s time to establish a tapering schedule. A tapering schedule outlines the specific steps you’ll take to gradually reduce your alcohol intake over time.
How to Taper Off Alcohol: A Safe, Step-by-Step Guide
Alcohol works by increasing the potency of a neutral chemical in the brain called GABA, or gamma-Aminobutyric acid. GABA is a neurotransmitter responsible for your brain’s rest and digest response, which helps to facilitate sleep, relaxation, and anxiety release. However, your body is adaptable, and after a period of regular, heavy drinking, your nervous system will adapt to the presence of alcohol. Alcohol tapering is definitely possible, but the question of whether or not it works is not quite as straightforward. In the same way that everyone person is unique and their experience with addiction is going to be unique, the most effective method of recovery is also going to vary from person to person. For many other drugs, tapering is actually a standard treatment during medical detox.