Start a new hobby or plan a project to keep your mind off cravings and triggers. However, certain food groups also have benefits when it comes to helping with the discomfort of withdrawal symptoms and detoxification. But, as many in recovery will tell you, it is only the first chapter in a long process. There are several ways to taper your alcohol consumption without therapy. Nanci Stockwell of Advanced Recovery Systems discusses the risks of detoxing at home and the benefits of detoxing from alcohol and other drugs in a safe environment. Having a plan can help you stay on track and it can keep you safe.
Tapering and Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
Use the NIAAA’s drink size calculator to determine the amount of alcohol in various drinks. If you identify with any of the scenarios above, try the expert tips below for reducing your alcohol consumption (or even eliminating it altogether). https://ecosoberhouse.com/ You’ll get a 100% custom plan, then use daily texts to track your progress and help you stay on target. To determine whether—and where—you fall in the alcohol use disorder (AUD) spectrum, answer the following questions.
Tapering vs Cold Turkey
Some people avoid medically supervised rehab because they prefer natural remedies for alcohol withdrawal. Slowly tapering off alcohol is the safest way to naturally overcome alcohol withdrawal, and many at-home remedies can help you cope with mild withdrawal symptoms. However, medical treatment is necessary to treat major symptoms of withdrawal. If you’ve been drinking heavily for a long time and think you might experience withdrawal symptoms, it’s best to talk with a medical professional before you begin a taper.
Talk about it
And consider joining a support group such as Alcoholics Anonymous. Relapse is a very normal part of the recovery process, and a majority of those in how to taper off alcohol at home recovery will relapse at some point. A therapist can help you understand your triggers and develop healthy coping skills for dealing with them.
– Ride out the cravings.
- Some people may relapse, or drink alcohol again, to relieve the symptoms.
- A standard drink is a term used because different alcoholic beverages have different concentrations of alcohol, giving you varying amounts of alcohol depending on the fluid you drink.
- Exercise can reduce stress, improve mood, and bolster your immune system.
- In contrast, robust evidence supports quitting alcohol while under medical supervision.
It can be very comforting to know that many people have gone through withdrawal before. We recommend reaching out to others who are also going through withdrawal or joining group therapy. Professional detox is highly recommended for those likely to experience moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms and will support you during detox.
- If you tend to drink too much whenever there is any alcohol in the house, get rid of it altogether, the NIAAA recommends.
- They can also ensure your alcohol detox is successful by making it nigh impossible to relapse if symptoms get difficult.
- Detoxing from alcohol can be dangerous if you don’t do it properly.
- Many involve a combination of group psychotherapy (talk therapy) and medications.
- You may also consider joining an online support group to help you feel less alone.
Talk to your doctor or a drug treatment specialist about what to expect as you experience alcohol withdrawal. Identify a family member or friend who you can call on to provide emotional support. If you’ve confirmed it is safe for you to wean off alcohol at home, set goals for yourself and make a plan as to how you will achieve those goals. Read on to learn how to wean off alcohol, whether alcohol withdrawal can kill you, and other common questions about quitting drinking.
What is the prognosis for someone with alcohol withdrawal?
Quitting alcohol cold turkey is not recommended and can be dangerous. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that leads to an increase in brain neurotransmitters that slow down your brain’s functions, such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). When you drink heavily over a long period, your brain and body adapt to expect this. It’s much better to focus on something you enjoy than to focus on the discomfort of your withdrawal symptoms.
Identifying a Standard Drink
It can help clear your mind and has many other great benefits beyond helping you deal with alcohol withdrawal. It may also help with hot flashes that can occur during alcohol withdrawal. Learn 18 ways to keep your mind occupied while facing alcohol withdrawal.
