There are a variety of resources to explore, including 12-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Sober House Rules: A Comprehensive Overview SMART Recovery, Lee explained. “Any relative reduction in daily alcohol intake is healthy and headed in the right direction,” explains Lee. If you start to experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
The timeline for alcohol withdrawal will be different for each individual. However, here is a sample timeline of what the average person can expect. It is important to only attempt a taper while under a doctor’s care.
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If your health, wellness, and even life may be at risk, quitting alcohol should only be attempted with the help of a medical professional. Some alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be so severe that they can lead to death. Contact a medical professional immediately if you notice any withdrawal symptoms. Cutting back or completely stopping alcohol consumption is challenging, even if you are not at the point of addiction. The support of medical professionals and psychologists can help you in this process. If you want to change your relationship with alcohol, it’s important to have an honest conversation with a doctor about your drinking habits before you start tapering off.
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Remember your motivation for cutting back and set realistic goals. Stopping alcohol use is the first step of the recovery journey, but staying sober for longer and longer periods is the goal. Getting professional treatment and long-term support are two of the most valuable strategies for avoiding relapse.
How Long Does It Take To Taper Off Alcohol Safely?
If you find it difficult to cut down on your number of drinks per day, try making your drinks weaker by using less alcohol per drink. You may also find it easier to stick to your taper schedule if you avoid certain places and situations. Weaning off alcohol involves gradually decreasing the amount of alcohol you drink. This can be done by reducing the number of drinks, increasing time between drinks or choosing a weaker drink with a lower alcohol content.
Every person has unique needs, and tapering off may not be an adequate solution to reduce or stop drinking. Although you can use methods to taper off alcohol at home, the best way to taper is to talk to a doctor. They can monitor your intake and adjust it accordingly to reduce the risk of withdrawal symptoms. The time it takes to taper off alcohol varies based on how much a person drinks. Regardless, The initial detoxification process may take several days. Any medicinal use should be discussed with a medical professional prior to use.
You Have a High Risk of Addiction or Complications From Drinking
Follow a healthy diet with fruits and vegetables, and take a multi-vitamin. With tapering, you start slowly to minimize the chances of severe withdrawal and relapse, avoiding the shock quitting cold turkey can cause. Alcohol tapering should be personalized, based on how much and the length of time someone has been drinking. Along with withdrawal symptoms, it may be even more difficult to cut back or taper your alcohol use if you struggle with an alcohol use disorder (AUD).
Don’t try to reduce your alcohol intake based on what feels right. Always consult a medical professional before starting any tapering schedule. Licensed medical professionals review material we publish on our site.
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More concerning is the prevalence of binge drinking and heavy alcohol use. In the same year, 28.3 million people had an alcohol use disorder (AUD). With a Master’s Degree from Tufts School of Medicine and Emerson College in Health Communication, Laura has continued to find excitement and challenge in her chosen field.
Various treatment programs are available to help you recover from addiction. Quitting too quickly can lead to withdrawal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting and intense cravings. Any medications being used to treat a current problem are dangerous to stop taking without discussing first with your health care provider.
- In fact, 30 million people have alcohol use disorder1 in the United States alone.
- It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.
- Over time, you can decrease the alcoholic drinks while increasing the non-alcoholic ones while still following the same behaviors you were used to.
- Sober living homes provide a comfortable, safe place for you to focus on your healing.
- An alcohol use disorder can also have an impact on your social, psychological, and financial health.
They can take you to the hospital or help you get medical support. It’s physically dangerous, and it may also cause emotional instability. Discussing these issues with a loved one can help you avoid relapse. The kindling effect refers to the increasing severity of withdrawal symptoms each time you go through alcohol detox.
For example, one 12-ounce can of beer contains roughly the same amount of alcohol as a 5-ounce glass of wine or a mixed drink containing 1.5 ounces of alcohol. A doctor can supervise your tapering progress, helping you manage your cravings and prevent relapse. Overall, getting professional help can improve your chances for long-term sobriety. A direct taper means you continue to drink your regular drinks but slowly decrease the amount over time. Direct tapers are better if you prefer drinks that contain a low percentage of alcohol.
Some find tapering is not a suitable option to stop drinking due to various factors such as social responsibilities or peer pressure. For many people, tapering alone is insufficient to help heal their addiction. For people who moderately consume alcohol, tapering off may be a good option. However, quitting cold turkey or tapering is not advisable for people with an AUD. Tapering is also a strategy used by people with a substance or alcohol use disorder (AUD).