This depends on several factors, including how much alcohol you typically consume, how long you’ve been drinking, and your overall health. For some, the process might take a few days, while others may need several weeks to safely taper off alcohol. It’s important not to rush the process and to adjust your plan based on how your body responds. A healthcare provider can give you a better idea of the timeline for your specific situation. Tapering refers to gradually reducing alcohol intake rather than stopping abruptly. Knowing how to taper off alcohol is key to preventing dangerous withdrawal symptoms such as seizures, tremors, and extreme anxiety.
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Here’s how to wean off alcohol—including useful strategies, how to create a tapering schedule, and how to stay safe throughout the process. Quitting alcohol is a journey that requires dedication, patience, and the willingness to change. With the right support, and by incorporating these ten strategies, you can effectively reduce or quit drinking.
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Identifying triggers for alcohol use is a crucial step in managing cravings effectively. Triggers can be emotional, like stress or loneliness, or situational, such as social events where alcohol is present. Reflect on moments when you’ve wanted to drink; recognizing these patterns can empower you to avoid these situations or develop coping strategies. After successfully completing detox, there are additional treatment options at Serenity Lane. There is a residential inpatient treatment program with medical supervision.
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. On the second day drink one beer every hour and a half for a total of ten beers.
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AUD makes it difficult to control alcohol use — it may seem like the alcohol is controlling you. A taper may not be right for you if you frequently drink more than you intended, try to cut back but cannot or feel that your alcohol use is affecting your life. People with AUD may be unable to quit drinking alcohol on their own or have attempted to quit before and relapsed. This method works best with gradual reduction, as alcohol withdrawal symptoms can start within 12–24 hours after stopping drinking.
However, even the best-designed tapers can put you at risk for alcohol withdrawal syndrome. For this reason, you should never start an alcohol taper before clearing with your doctor. Learn more about alcohol withdrawal here and, once again, speak to a doctor first. Once you’ve cut back on your drinking (so you’re at or below the recommended guidelines), examine your drinking habits regularly to see if you’re maintaining this level of drinking.
A solid support system can make a significant difference when reducing or quitting alcohol consumption. Sharing your goals with friends and family can encourage accountability and provide emotional backing during challenging moments. Supportive loved ones serve as a safety net, helping you stay motivated and ward off temptations when cravings arise. Moreover, discussing your decision openly can foster healthier relationships and increase understanding among those around you.
What are some activities I can do instead of drinking?
Ria Health offers several FDA-approved medications for alcohol use disorder. When combined with counseling, this approach is proven highly effective. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician. If you are worried you or your loved one might have an alcohol use disorder, there is hope — reach out to Dove Recovery alcohol rehab in Columbus, Ohio. We will help you find the resources you need for alcohol use disorder. Cutting back on drinking requires you to be honest with yourself about what makes you want to drink.
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Both methods allow the body to adjust gradually and reduce overall alcohol intake. These strategies should be implemented according to an individual’s specific needs and drinking habits, under Living in a Sober House: Fundamental Rules the guidance of a healthcare professional or addiction specialist. When you quit drinking cold turkey, your body suffers from a cascade of changes caused by the sudden shift. Since alcohol depresses central nervous system activity, quitting drinking can cause an imbalance of an excitatory neurotransmitter called glutamate. This excess glutamate triggers alcohol withdrawal symptoms, which can sometimes be dangerous.
- Overall, getting professional help can improve your chances for long-term sobriety.
- If you decide to taper with benzos, don’t mix them with alcohol.
- Alcohol withdrawal occurs when neurotransmitters that combat the effects of alcohol on the nervous system suddenly have nothing to counteract them.
- People who experience tremors, shakes or confusion when they quit drinking should consider medically supervised detox.
- Once you have a clear understanding of your current alcohol consumption, you can start setting achievable goals for reduction.
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To avoid severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms, you should slowly reduce alcohol consumption. Cautious tapering may take longer than medically supervised detox, but it will help you avoid major health problems. People who have alcohol use disorder that goes undiagnosed may have an especially difficult time cutting back on their alcohol consumption. If you’re struggling to stick to a taper or do not trust yourself to moderate your alcohol use, having strict supervision and support can help you meet your recovery goals.
How Long Does it Take to Wean Off Alcohol?
Our hope is to create the safest, most comfortable environment for you to begin your treatment journey. The chances of seizures and DTs are low if you’re tapering, but they happen even in controlled rehab environments. In this study on tapering with a benzo, about 1% of patients had a seizure after completing their taper. This does https://northiowatoday.com/2025/01/27/sober-house-rules-what-you-should-know-before-moving-in/ not, by any means, mean that you have a 1% chance of a seizure if you taper with alcohol according to the schedule above. The actual percentage could be significantly higher for tapering with alcohol. I couldn’t locate a study on people who tapered at home with alcohol, because it’s kind of hard to assess the topic, and no rehabs are detoxing people with alcohol.