Going how to taper off alcohol can lead to acute alcohol withdrawal for those who have a history of long-term and/or heavy alcohol use. While this is a valiant effort and it can work for some people, an abrupt cessation of alcohol can be dangerous for those who have a long history of alcohol abuse and addiction. However, achieving sobriety is a process that can take quite some time. To speed up the processes, many choose to try going “cold turkey,” aka, stop drinking and never pick up a glass again.

The types of medications administered will depend on each individual and what they are going through. Once the withdrawal process has been completed, the individual can begin therapy and education to help move towards recovery. This process can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the addiction, and seeking help is never a bad idea. In certain circumstances, individuals may start out strong, tapering off alcohol, but then fall back into their usual habits. In these circumstances, the best ways how to taper off alcohol simply don’t work and the need for extra help may be necessary.

Can You ‘Wean Off’ Alcohol?

Medical detox is then followed by inpatient and outpatient rehab to help you maintain your sobriety over the long term, andmedication-assisted treatmentmay be prescribed as medically appropriate. Typically, alcohol withdrawal symptoms happen for heavier drinkers. Alcohol withdrawal can begin within hours of ending a drinking session.

Likewise if your average consumption is 6 standard drinks per day you can set a taper schedule of 4, 2, 0. If you or someone you love is struggling with drinking, Orlando Recovery Center can help.

Who is likely to have significant alcohol withdrawal symptoms?

By setting a social limit for yourself, you are creating a safe zone. This is where you can still have a drink, but not to the point of compromising your sobriety. Use distractions, have a trusted friend to talk to and keep a reminder of your reasons to quit in a place that’s easy to reach, such as a wallet or phone.

Licensed medical professionals review material we publish on our site. The material is not a substitute for qualified medical diagnoses, treatment, or advice. It should not be used to replace the suggestions of your personal physician or other health care professionals. A final strategy to assist with an alcohol taper is to get a good network of peer support. The best way to taper off alcohol is to find healthcare professionals who can assess one’s current intake. This will be the basis of the protocol to taper off the substance to increase the chances of success. Providers may prescribe medications such as benzodiazepines to reduce the effects of alcohol withdrawal.

How much alcohol should I drink when tapering off?

This is especially true of heavy drinkers who are surrounded by the triggers that encourage drinking and lack the support needed to encourage change. If you plan to taper your drinking in order to stop, make sure that you limit your intake consistently, avoid fluctuations, and adhere to a weekly reduction schedule with a set date to stop. Tapering off is a standard medical practice for many other drugs. For example, healthcare providers usually don’t take patients off antidepressants suddenly; rather, they gradually reduce the dosages.

The good news is that https://ecosoberhouse.com/ from addiction is possible for those who seek help. Professional treatment programs are designed to provide the… These symptoms can last for several days or weeks depending on how much alcohol you drink regularly and the length of time you have been drinking excessively. While these symptoms are not life-threatening per se, they can be pretty uncomfortable.