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But from a harm reduction standpoint, it’s much less likely to get you into trouble than alcohol, pills, or harder drugs. If you’re cross-addicted to harder drugs like stimulants or opiates, you need to stop using those. Experience has shown me most people who continue using other hard substances simply get high and then continue drinking. If you’re making mixed drinks, only use half a shot instead of a full shot, and turn it into two drinks (still count both as one combined). It’s okay to have a little drink, set it down, leave it for fifteen minutes, and come back to it later. Just don’t convince yourself that you can be a normal drinker after stressfully forcing yourself to do this a few times.

And the balance of risk and benefit likely varies from person to person, based on individual factors such as genetics and lifestyle factors. I don’t recommend tapering yourself at all, and I especially don’t recommend doing it rapidly, but it has been done. Some people have done a rapid taper in which they go from their baseline to zero in a weekend or so. If you regularly drink a handle of liquor (around 40 standard drinks) or more per day, please seek professional help. But you’ve been drinking so much you likely have other severe physical health issues going on other than just standard withdrawal, and your risk for severe withdrawals is much higher than most.

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However, quitting cold turkey or tapering is not advisable for people with an AUD. If you’re struggling to wean off alcohol, it might be best to seek addiction treatment. Various treatment programs are available to help you recover from addiction. But newer research has questioned some of the heart benefits of moderate drinking and has noted key limitations in many analyses. For example, nondrinkers may have had greater mortality simply because they were more likely to be poor or to have recently quit drinking for health reasons.

Recognizing that alcohol may be causing negative effects in one’s life is an important realization that can drive the motivation to take action. But, as many in recovery will tell you, it is only the first chapter in a long process. Overstimulation in your nervous system can affect important unconscious functions like your heart rate, blood pressure, and electrical impulses.

This can set you up for a safe and effective detox and put you in a good position to continue your recovery in rehab. By adopting a gradual reduction approach, individuals can minimize the risk of experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms and increase their chances of sustaining long-term change. It is important to note that for individuals with severe alcohol dependence, medical supervision or supervised detoxification may be necessary to ensure safety during the weaning process.

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Tracking also allows you to notice any patterns that may lead to increased drinking, such as stress or social situations. Being aware of your consumption is an essential part of how to taper off alcohol successfully. Tapering helps people stop using alcohol and other substances in small and manageable steps. This can help your body adjust, and it can be easier to manage than quitting cold turkey. Remember, professional guidance is crucial to ensure your safety and well-being during the tapering process. They can help you create an individualized tapering plan, monitor your progress, and make adjustments as needed.

It can also be a good idea for people who don’t want to, or can’t, attend any type of full detoxification program. Quitting any addictive substance can be extremely difficult, but quitting alcohol is often especially so. Many https://northiowatoday.com/2025/01/27/sober-house-rules-what-you-should-know-before-moving-in/ people fail to successfully quit drinking at least once before managing to attain sobriety.

Alcohol Tapering Timeline

Eating well and ensuring you are staying hydrated can stop dehydration and some of the nutrient deficiencies that come from prolonged alcohol use and withdrawal. Dr Lee explains that choosing a non-alcoholic beer or a caffeinated beverage can help provide a small buzz. “Using a medication such as naltrexone increases the overall chances that people can cut down or quit,” Lee said.

The Benefits of Tapering Off Alcohol

• A direct taper means drinking the regular substance of choice but lowering the amount consumed daily.
• There are also a number of anti-craving medications to help you avoid drinking again, or even help with your tapering process.
• It’s always best to consult a physician on the best strategy, especially if you drink heavily.
• This is why it’s always best to find some form of long-term support in sobriety.
• If you or someone you know is quitting alcohol and experiences seizures, DTs, hallucinations, or other major effects, seek immediate medical attention or call 911 for help.

In fact, some withdrawal side effects can be fatal without the right treatment. If you have tried to quit in the past, but the side effects of withdrawal caused you to drink again just to find relief, tapering off alcohol may be more effective. Medications can play a vital role in managing the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal and reducing the risk of seizures. The use of medications should always be done under the guidance and supervision of healthcare professionals.

If you don’t really like hard seltzer, like me, drink hard seltzer. If you don’t like beers, drink beers (find ones with lower alcohol, some have high concentrations). If you notice yourself going through severe withdrawal in the beginning, slow down.

Symptoms and Clinical Manifestations

• If it is a mixed drink, it can contain sugar or other additives that should not be included in the taper and may worsen the effects of withdrawal symptoms.
• Whether you’re a daily imbiber, heavy drinker, or frequent binge drinker, you’re likely to experience withdrawal symptoms when you quit.
• This approach helps to break the habit of constant alcohol consumption and promotes a healthier relationship with alcohol.
• There are various reasons to drink, from enhancing a meal to celebrating special occasions.
• 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.
• Always keep some extra alcohol available in the event you experience severe withdrawal symptoms.

But could weaning yourself off alcohol help you stay sober for good? In fact, 30 million people have alcohol use disorder1 in the United States alone. Luckily, this nationwide issue has resources Living in a Sober House: Fundamental Rules available to help you heal.

How Long Does it Take to Taper Off Alcohol?

However, it can be challenging to stick with a long-term tapering schedule, so you have to find the right balance for you. This condition most often occurs when someone who has long-term alcohol dependence stops drinking cold turkey. But if heavy drinkers cut back on their average number of drinks too quickly, they may be at risk of life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. Despite the potential effectiveness of tapering off alcohol, the complexities involved in this process make it crucial to seek professional guidance.

When combined with counseling, this approach is proven highly effective. Excessive drinking has numerous impacts on your body and mind, ranging from mild to severe. Learn which signs to look out for, and how to care for your well-being.

• Quitting alcohol cold turkey is not recommended and can be dangerous.
• We’ll give you skills to discover your self-worth and show you the tools for a life of hope and promise.
• When done under medical supervision, tapering off alcohol has few downsides.
• One of Arizona’s leaders in personalized residential addiction treatment, The Hope House boasts 10,000 sq ft facilities as home to just 10 patients at a time.
• Some people can taper quickly and quit alcohol completely, while others may take longer.

It is important to note that alcohol tapers are generally not recommended as the best way to stop using alcohol. Most healthcare professionals recommend a medically-assisted detox as the best way to get off alcohol. Replacing alcoholic beverages with non-alcoholic alternatives can be helpful during the weaning process. Seltzers, sparkling water, or mocktails can provide the sensation of having a drink in your hand without the alcohol. These alternatives can be a psychological aid, making it easier to stick to your tapering plan. Weaning yourself off alcohol can be a difficult process, but it’s worth it in the end.

If you have a severe alcohol addiction, it might be best to seek professional addiction treatment. Slowly tapering your alcohol use can help you manage mild withdrawal symptoms and decrease the risk of AUD. However, you may experience withdrawal symptoms or relapse if you’re not tapering correctly and safely. On the other hand, drinking in moderation (about one drink per day for women and two for men, respectively) poses a small risk for the average person, Rimm says. During this taper, you may notice you’re feeling pretty good again.