Explain why you are cutting back on alcohol and what steps you plan to take to achieve your goal. Your loved ones may have concerns or reservations about your plan, but this is normal. Be receptive to their feedback and address any concerns that they may have. Remember, you are not alone in this journey and it is important to have a support system in place. Keep drinking at this reduced level for four days, then try to cut down by another 10%. Excessive drinking can lead to numerous long-term health issues like liver damage, heart disease, mental health problems, and even cancer.
The main downside of cold turkey is how unpleasant and risky it can be. If you drink heavily, alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be harsh, dangerous, and even fatal. For this reason, it’s generally best to avoid quitting abruptly, or at bare minimum speak with a doctor first and have someone looking out for you.
Benefits of drinking less alcohol
An effective tapering schedule may include cutting out one drink at a time at regular intervals. It might help to set goals and reward yourself when you reach them. If you have a severe level of addiction or dependency, you may need a detox program. Talk to a medical professional to find the best detox option for you. It is sometimes possible to taper your alcohol use at home if your AUD isn’t severe. Although, you’ll need support if you want to successfully and safely taper at home.
Alcohol detox centers have professionals trained to recognize and treat complications caused by alcohol withdrawal. When you quit drinking, you should also seek medical advice about any alcohol withdrawal symptoms you experience. This includes early symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, such as mild tremors and anxiety.
When Drinking Becomes a Problem
Anyone wanting to stop using alcohol may benefit from tapering if they first consult with their doctor to ensure they are tapering safely. People who have successfully tapered from alcohol before may be especially likely to benefit from this strategy. However, even the best-designed tapers can Sober Living Program in Kerrville Texas put you at risk for alcohol withdrawal syndrome. For this reason, you should never start an alcohol taper before clearing with your doctor. The experience of withdrawing from alcohol can be uncomfortable and difficult. Some people may relapse, or drink alcohol again, to relieve the symptoms.
The craving for alcohol will be a persistent challenge during withdrawal. There will be multiple points throughout the process where you will be tempted to have a drink. It’s helpful to think of your craving as a wave; Cravings build, peak, crash and then dissipate.
Articles Related to Alcoholism
It’s physically dangerous, and it may also cause emotional instability. Anxiety and depression are common alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Discussing these issues with a loved one can help you avoid relapse. The medical provider will give you feedback based on their assessment as well as treatment recommendations.
- If you’re consistently thinking about alcohol, struggling to control your drinking, or experiencing physical symptoms when abstaining, it might be time to seek help.
- Local groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) can give you the moral support and strength you need.
- However, understanding how an alcohol taper works and what the process is like can help you prepare yourself and find the support you need.
- This will help you figure out a baseline to start your taper.
- However, it can be challenging to stick with a long-term tapering schedule, so you have to find the right balance for you.
Remember that you’re not alone, and that many people have successfully overcome alcohol addiction and improved their lives. Our medical detox program provides 24/7 medical supervision and support to ensure safe withdrawal from alcohol. https://en.forexpamm.info/what-is-a-sober-living-house/ The taper schedule below is slightly less aggressive than that. In this schedule, the biggest drop occurs during the first couple days. During this time you’ll likely experience the worst portion of withdrawal symptoms.
Reach out for support
Give your loved ones as much information as you can about your self-tapering strategy. Let them know your plan, your progress, and how withdrawals are going for you. Follow your patient contract as well as your provider’s medication regimen and treatment recommendations.
Keep in mind the reasons you chose to cut back on or quit alcohol. It’s common to have a difficult time when making big changes, but good self-care practices can help you manage overwhelming feelings and take care of your mind and body. What’s most important is looking at your drinking habits and finding a way to cut back that works for you. Becoming more aware of your alcohol triggers and reasons for drinking can help you plan ways to help manage the urge to drink. Maybe you don’t think you depend on alcohol exactly, but you still wonder whether you might be drinking too much.