People with a greater dependency on alcohol may need to stretch out the process to gradually reduce their alcohol intake. Seizures can also occur within the first 24 to 48 hours, although these are less likely to occur in people with less severe alcohol dependency. Withdrawal seizures can be a sign of delirium tremens, which can occur as soon as 48 hours after a person’s last drink. If you are tapering yourself off alcohol for the first time, it can be helpful to know what symptoms to expect during the process. Although the symptoms can vary for each person based on personal factors, many people share common experiences during this process.
Recognize Dangerous Withdrawal Symptoms
- For this reason, you should never start an alcohol taper before clearing with your doctor.
- Quitting drinking can feel very isolating, making it even more difficult to do alone at home without medical support.
- However, remember that every individual is different, and what works for one person may not be safe for everyone.
In many cases, medical professionals will be able to provide you with advice as to which treatment options will work best for you and may be able to refer you to a treatment program if needed. It is important to note that prescription medication should not be used for a substitution taper unless it has been prescribed as part of a medical detox program. In the case of switching to a different beverage, it is recommended to count the number of drinks consumed daily and gradually replace them with a beverage that contains less alcohol, such as beer.
Dangers of Marijuana Maintenance in Recovery
It can also involve substituting the drink of choice with another drink; for example, a person may taper off hard alcohol with beer. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms consistent with DTs, call 911. DTs can be fatal, and a person going through them should have medical support in a hospital or rehab facility. As such, there is only limited guidance available about the best ways to taper.
Guidance and Support
When someone stops drinking, they must decide whether to quit “cold turkey” or taper their alcohol use. Quitting cold turkey involves suddenly stopping all alcohol use, while tapering involves slowly decreasing the amount of alcohol a person drinks daily. Weaning off alcohol reduces the chance of experiencing withdrawal or the severity of withdrawal symptoms. Outpatient treatment can be an option for individuals with mild-to-moderate alcohol withdrawal symptoms. If you are a frequent drinker determined to reduce or stop your alcohol intake, the safest way to do this at home is through a gradual tapering process.
Weaning (or Tapering) Off Alcohol: What it Means
When coming off drugs or alcohol tapering is the best way to prevent severe withdrawal symptoms. Tapering is the act of gradually reducing alcohol use until completely abstinent. By creating a schedule to monitor your alcohol use you can see https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/alcohol-and-headaches-why-does-alcohol-cause-migraines/ just how much of the substance you are drinking. You should always seek medical advice before attempting any kind of alcohol withdrawal. People with moderate to severe alcohol addiction may find an alcohol taper difficult to accomplish.
Tapering Off Alcohol vs. Going Cold Turkey
It’s a significant step towards recovery, and while it may be challenging, it’s a journey worth undertaking for improved health and well-being. Although most people who go through alcohol withdrawal make a full recovery, symptoms such as sleep changes, rapid mood changes, and fatigue may last for months. Understanding the severity of alcohol withdrawal underscores the importance of seeking professional help and support when trying to wean off alcohol. The most severe form of alcohol withdrawal is known as delirium tremens, which develops in about 3 to 5% of people with severe alcohol addiction. Delirium tremens is also more common in people of older age, those with a history of seizures, and people with co-occurring illnesses or disorders.
Choosing to taper off alcohol is an admirable decision and a step in the right direction. As with many self-detox methods, the risks and rewards go hand in hand when attempting to overcome an alcohol substance use disorder. But, with a little prior knowledge on how how to taper off alcohol at home to taper off alcohol, adequate planning and professional consultation from a healthcare provider, it can certainly be done. Anyone wanting to stop using alcohol may benefit from tapering if they first consult with their doctor to ensure they are tapering safely.
How To Deal With Alcohol Withdrawal
However, some groups have published tapering examples to assist those trying to quit drinking. 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. Prolonged and excessive alcohol consumption can impact your brain, causing changes to the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors. 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.
- It’s always best to consult a physician on the best strategy, especially if you drink heavily.
- While you may not feel like exercising during withdrawal, a small amount of exercise is a great tool for coping with alcohol withdrawal.
- According to the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 61.6 million people binged on alcohol in 2020, which is excessive drinking that elevates one’s blood-alcohol concentration to 0.08% or higher.
- If it’s too hard to control how much you drink each day, weaning might not be the right strategy.
- In addition, home detox may not be effective, appropriate, or safe.
- If you are tapering yourself off alcohol for the first time, it can be helpful to know what symptoms to expect during the process.
- Although tapering down has many advantages, it is critical that you consult with a medical or addiction treatment professional first.
As you prepare to wean off alcohol, consider taking the following steps ahead of time to have a clear path to success. Did you know most insurance companies will cover the cost of drug and alcohol detox? Sustainable recovery is possible and the best version of youself awaits at our Norcross addiction recovery center. We’ll give you skills to discover your self-worth and show you the tools for a life of hope and promise. You should develop this plan while you are in treatment, so you can use it to protect and maintain your sobriety once your stint in treatment ends. Therapy can help you understand why you drink and learn new habits so you can live a healthy lifestyle that doesn’t rely on alcohol as a crutch.
