How to Wean Off Alcohol & Safely Taper Drinking
If your health, wellness, and even life may be at risk, quitting alcohol should only be attempted with the help of a medical professional. Quitting alcohol can be done safely, and it may be important for someone with a substance use problem. Chronic alcohol abuse can cause serious health problems, including heart and liver disease.
Will I Have a Seizure? Will I have DTs?I don’t know.
You may need to do a slower taper than someone else who was drinking the same amount as you. Remember, you can always slow your taper, drink more alcohol, or seek medical help if needed. You can use an app like AlcoTrack (Android) or DrinkControl (Apple) to keep a log of your daily drinking and see your progression. You can enter in the type of drinks you consume and when you drink them to determine the total amount of alcohol you consume each day.
Learn how to wean yourself off alcohol safely with expert tips and strategies for a smoother transition. We take care of your physical, mental and emotional health to help you achieve long lasting recovery. One of the keys to a successful taper is taking gradual steps that will cause as few side effects as possible.
Are Inpatient Programs Effective and How Do They Work?
These groups offer emotional support, coping mechanisms, and guidance throughout the process of quitting alcohol. Sharing experiences with others who have gone through similar challenges can provide a sense of community and understanding. Seeking professional help is crucial when weaning off alcohol to ensure a safe and successful recovery. Medical professionals, such as doctors or addiction specialists, can provide personalized treatment plans tailored to individual needs.
Benzo Detox and Withdrawal Symptoms & Treatment Methods
It can take a little longer for your mind and body to get used to sobriety, however. Reframe supports you Halfway house in reducing alcohol consumption and enhancing your well-being. By the end of Week 3, you will have substantially reduced your alcohol intake, and you’ll have experienced how your body feels without alcohol for a short period.
Some discomforts may be felt, but the tapering process helps decrease the chances of deadly side effects. Simply going clean is never enough by itself to conquer addiction, however. One must also address the issues that led to addiction in the first place, and develop and main healthier coping mechanisms tend to ensure a better outcome. It is used as a substitute drug for someone looking to overcome use disorders or addictions to other benzos. Although everyone’s withdrawal experience will be slightly different, Valium withdrawal follows a general timeline. This timeline can be longer than that of short-acting benzos, as Valium itself is a long-acting drug.
- If you’re experiencing insomnia, you may want to take your dose at night.
- You’ll be tempted to drink more of the beverages with lower alcohol content, but this taper only works if you slow down consumption.
- You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.
- Alcohol can dehydrate the body, so it’s important to replenish fluids by drinking water regularly.
If you’re struggling with substance use and aren’t sure how to avail of in-person therapy, you can also try online counseling through a platform like BetterHelp. Online therapy platforms allow clients to match with a therapist, often within 48 hours. In addition, you can send messages to your therapist throughout the week, asking questions as you go through your process of tapering off alcohol. Weaning yourself off alcohol can be a difficult process, but it’s worth it in the end. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey, and there are many resources available to help you along the way.
As you reduce your alcohol consumption, you may notice improvements in mood, anxiety, and overall mental well-being. However, the initial stages of tapering can also bring emotional challenges, as your body and mind adjust to lower levels of alcohol. Engaging in therapy during this time can provide essential support and coping strategies. It should https://csatlantico.co/succeed-in-breaking-the-cycle-of-addiction/ not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider. If you experience severe withdrawal symptoms or have been a heavy drinker, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional before making drastic reductions in your alcohol consumption. They can provide guidance on a safe reduction strategy or recommend alcohol detox programs.
By seeking professional help, you gain access to a range of resources and strategies to assist you in your journey towards sobriety. They can help you navigate the challenges of withdrawal symptoms, develop coping mechanisms, and provide guidance on relapse prevention. Professionals can also monitor your progress, adjust treatment plans as needed, and offer a safe and confidential space for you to share your experiences and how to wing yourself off alcohol concerns. The tapering approach may minimize withdrawal symptoms’ severity and reduce the risk of life-threatening complications. However, if you experience severe withdrawal symptoms, seek medical attention. Treatment may involve medications to control symptoms and supportive care such as fluids and electrolytes to prevent complications.
I’d try to shoot for your original goal the following day if the physical withdrawals were subsiding. Don’t just give up and drink a fifth because you had your 6 drinks before noon when you meant to have 6 drinks over the whole day. If you must get drunk during your taper, do yourself a favor and just get buzzed, not completely trashed. It includes a logging section you can use to keep track of your daily alcohol intake, along with some withdrawal warnings. The chances of seizures and DTs are low if you’re tapering, but they happen even in controlled rehab environments. In this study on tapering with a benzo, about 1% of patients had a seizure after completing their taper.
