People looking to quit drinking may consider either tapering or going cold turkey, meaning they abruptly stop all alcohol consumption without weaning. In most cases, the longer you take to wean off the effects of alcohol, the less severe your withdrawal symptoms should be. alcoholism treatment However, it can be challenging to stick with a long-term tapering schedule, so you have to find the right balance for you. 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.

What are the benefits of 10 days without alcohol?

It can be hard to find (or even know) the balance of how much alcohol your body is able to handle. If you’re not sure if your drinking crosses a certain line or not, try measuring your alcohol intake. “Nutrition optimization is actually the most evidence-based and most can you wean off alcohol important intervention aside from stopping drinking,” points out Dr. Lindenmeyer.

• There are two ways to taper off alcohol⁠—a direct or substitution taper.
• These groups offer a supportive environment where individuals can share their struggles, successes, and coping strategies.

Support Systems and Resources to Help You Successfully Taper Off Alcohol

Quitting any addictive substance can be extremely difficult, but quitting alcohol is often especially so. Many people fail to successfully quit drinking at least once before managing to attain sobriety. Explore how to wean yourself off alcohol safely, from tapering plans to handling severe symptoms. Recovery is a lifelong process, and safely tapering off of alcohol is the first step towards achieving the life you want.

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• Unfortunately, Valium is not completely soluble in water, meaning you would get unpredictable amounts of the drug in your system, which is both dangerous and can interfere with the taper.
• Gradual alcohol reduction is when you seek to gradually decrease alcohol levels from your body after a period of heavy, chronic alcohol use.
• It is only advisable to direct taper if the preferred drink is beer with a low alcohol percentage.
• Lifestyle changes, such as developing new hobbies, maintaining a healthy diet, and getting regular exercise, can also be beneficial.

If you have a severe alcohol addiction, it might be best to seek professional addiction treatment. 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.

An effective tapering schedule may include cutting out one drink at a time at regular intervals. Establishing new habits and routines, and dealing with the underlying causes of your drinking habits, are essential to lasting recovery. Alcohol also changes your brain chemistry, which can result in higher levels of anxiety and depression for the first several months.