This process temporarily restores homeostasis, or chemical balance, in an effort to counteract the impact of long-term alcohol use on the brain. Relapses happen during rehabilitation, but what’s important is how you move how to taper off alcohol forward from it. You may want to talk with a loved one or therapist about why it happened and what you can do differently next time. Remove all alcohol from your home or ask a friend or family member to do it for you.
- By weaning yourself from drinking, you allow your brain to adjust its sensitivity to GABA.
- It can be a particularly helpful way to help you get a clearer understanding of your drinking habits and your relationship with alcohol.
- Take the first step toward addiction treatment by contacting us today.
- However, some groups have published tapering examples to assist those trying to quit drinking.
When you are detoxing from alcohol at a rehab center, nurses and doctors monitor vital signs, provide adequate nourishment and treat complications if they occur. Having a plan can help you stay on track and it can keep you safe. One of the keys to a successful taper is taking gradual steps that will cause as few side effects as possible. By Buddy T
Buddy T is a writer and founding member of the Online Al-Anon Outreach Committee with decades of experience writing about alcoholism.
Getting Professional Help
Alcohol withdrawal will last about a week to a week and a half for most people, with symptoms peaking two to three days into withdrawal. Some people choose to taper more quickly by cutting the amounts in half–for example 20, 10 5, 2, 0. But if you start having major withdrawal symptoms like bad shakes or pulse over 100 or high blood pressure you are tapering too fast and should slow it down.
- Minor symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can be overcome with rest and at-home remedies, and it is possible for some people to taper off alcohol without supervision.
- Addiction experts have not conducted many studies on alcohol tapering, as tapering is not considered the ideal way to quit alcohol.
- If you’re relying on internet searches to find potential treatment centers, make sure to ask these ten questions to find a licensed facility that can meet your needs.
- Alcohol detox centers have professionals trained to recognize and treat complications caused by alcohol withdrawal.
The success of these strategies will depend on how much you drink and what you drink. About 10 percent of people experience more severe symptoms, such as fever, fast breathing, and heavy sweating. Here are some tips and strategies for how to taper off alcohol safely. Daily drinking can have serious consequences for a person’s health, both in the short- and long-term.
What Is an Alcohol Taper?
Contact us today to speak with a representative and begin on the road to lasting addiction recovery. Each of these challenges requires a unique approach and often the support of professionals, loved ones and support groups. Understanding and preparing for these difficulties can greatly enhance the chances of successful recovery. 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.
But that does not mean home detox is effective, appropriate, or safe. While many can reduce consumption without professional assistance, some will need additional help. Those who consume large amounts of alcohol might be at risk of developing withdrawal symptoms if they stop suddenly. Many people might not be aware that their alcohol intake is excessive. “A lot of heavy drinkers often hang out with other heavy drinkers,” Humphreys said.
Identifying a Standard Drink
If alcohol is interfering with your health or your personal, financial, or professional life, consider quitting. This article discusses alcohol withdrawal, its symptoms, and potential complications. It also provides an overview of the alcohol withdrawal timeline process and when to discuss your drinking with your healthcare provider. However, tapering can be dangerous if you have severe AUD, leading to uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.
Local groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) can give you the moral support and strength you need. Ark Behavioral Health offers 100% confidential substance abuse assessment and treatment placement tailored to your individual needs. Educate your loved ones on dangerous symptoms, too, so they can look out for you and get you medical attention if you need it. As you navigate this question, it can be helpful to think about how you typically prefer to approach change. Metaphorically speaking, do you like to dip your toe in first, or cannonball right in? As long as safety precautions are taken, there’s no wrong way to begin a sobriety or moderation journey.