They can provide recommendations to help you avoid harmful side effects. Yes, therapy, especially cognitive behavioural therapy, is highly effective in helping you reduce alcohol intake. It helps you address underlying triggers of alcohol use, develop coping strategies, and bring you back on track when you relapse. Excessive drinking can lead to numerous long-term health issues like liver damage, heart disease, mental health problems, and even cancer. If you’ve encountered health problems as a result of your drinking, seeking help is crucial. Despite the challenges, tapering off alcohol can lead to significant health improvements and overall quality of life.
You’ll have to cut your sugar intake at the same time you’re weaning off artificial sweeteners to teach your tongue to taste again. Katz calls the process “taste bud rehab,” a term he coined more than a decade ago. Alcohol addiction recovery doesn’t end with the cessation of alcohol consumption. It’s a lifelong commitment requiring continuous effort and support.
Can You Quit Alcohol Cold Turkey?
Working with a medical professional to taper your alcohol consumption can help the likelihood and severity of alcohol sober house withdrawal symptoms. Instead of quitting alcohol cold turkey, you can steadily reduce your consumption so that your body has time to gradually readjust to absence of alcohol. It’s important to note that stopping drinking can be dangerous and even life-threatening. It’s vital to speak with a medical professional before you begin weaning off alcohol to ensure you have a plan to do so safely. Seeking professional help is essential, especially for individuals with severe alcohol dependence. A healthcare provider or counselor specializing in addiction treatment can provide guidance, support, and evidence-based interventions to aid in recovery.
- There’s no set time frame for tapering off alcohol that works for everyone.
- It’s common to experience difficulty when making big changes, but good self-care practices can help you manage overwhelming feelings and take care of your mind and body.
- If you are looking to reduce your alcohol consumption safely, contact Legacy Healing.
- If you’re someone who wants to drink less alcohol but you are intimidated by Dry January (or Dry July or Sober October), don’t fret.
Saved Costs and Time
It is important to remember that seeking professional help is crucial for individuals with severe alcohol dependence. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
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Getting professional treatment and long-term support are two of the most valuable strategies for avoiding relapse. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms range in severity depending on how extensive the misuse behavior was. The alcohol withdrawal symptom delirium tremens (DT) is estimated to kill up to 5% of those attempting to quit suddenly after chronic usage. This is a staggering number considering that many other drugs do not even have the possibility of lethal withdrawals.
Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant, or a substance that reduces arousal and stimulation. Alcohol, or ethanol (the type of alcohol in beverages), is an intoxicating or strong ingredient found in beer, wine, and liquor. Alcohol is produced by the fermentation, or the breakdown, of yeast, sugars, and starches. Xenia Ellenbogen (she/they) is a journalist specializing in health, mental health, and wellness. Her writing has appeared in publications such as Everyday Health, Well+Good, Rewire News Group, Prism, and more. If you’re having trouble doing the same things you used to do, try new hobbies to fill your time.
Get Enough Sleep and Maintain a Healthy Diet
Insomnia, anxiety and paranoia — the opposite effects of alcohol — are the expected results. Thus, a user will likely seek out alcohol again to rid themselves of the uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor can https://www.inkl.com/news/sober-house-rules-a-comprehensive-overview determine if tapering alcohol is safe for your unique situation and help you create a plan to quit drinking alcohol. Gradually reducing alcohol intake can lead to various physical health benefits.
- It can also help you gain a new perspective as you consider how your life will change without alcohol.
- Tapering off alcohol is generally safer and more effective than quitting cold turkey.
- Alcohol tapering should be personalized, based on how much and the length of time someone has been drinking.
- Becoming more aware of your alcohol triggers and reasons for drinking can help you plan ways to help manage the urge to drink.
- As many as 71% of people who go through alcohol detox experience symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
The support of an alcohol detox program may help you wean off alcohol more quickly and with fewer unpleasant side effects. Some detox programs also offer therapy to prepare you for addiction treatment. Medically assisted detoxification (detox) is an inpatient program that keeps you stabilized during alcohol withdrawals. Staffed by medical professionals, these programs offer 24-hour monitoring so you always have support if any complications arise. Gradually reducing alcohol consumption can be achieved through a substitution taper.
What To Do After You Finish Tapering Off
If drinking has become a regular part of your life and you’re worried about overconsumption, quitting is the right decision. Understanding how to quit alcohol, the support systems available, and the management of alcohol withdrawal symptoms will set you on the right path. This comprehensive guide will take you through the process of quitting with helpful tips, familiarise you with the benefits of quitting, and assist you with overcoming the challenges. Outpatient treatment can be an option for individuals with mild-to-moderate alcohol withdrawal symptoms. For people who drink heavily and frequently, it’s wise to consult with a medical professional before tapering.
You might select a light beer instead of a harder liquor, like whiskey. To curb habitual drinking, alternating between alcohol and water is useful. Severe withdrawal symptoms, called delirium tremens (DT) can be fatal. Reframe supports you in reducing alcohol consumption and enhancing your well-being. Here are some tips and strategies for how to taper off alcohol safely.
More severe symptoms can include hallucinations, seizures, and delirium tremens, characterized by confusion, rapid heartbeat, and fever. Part of an alcohol tapering plan should include ways you’ll tend to yourself during times when you have a craving or a bad day. Planning for social situations where you know there will be alcohol can help you navigate how to respond. Gradual reduction can help minimize withdrawal symptoms and make the process more manageable. Abrupt cessation, especially for regular drinkers, might lead to severe withdrawal symptoms that could be harmful.
