How to Wean Off Alcohol & Safely Taper Drinking

Some people withdrawing from alcohol could be at risk for delirium tremens (DTs). According to MedLinePlus, delirium tremens is a severe form of alcohol withdrawal. If 30 days seems overwhelming, try breaking up the goal into smaller chunks to build upon. For example, start by limiting alcohol to no more than one drink per day, and the next week, try no more than five drinks each week.

Tapering at Our Medical Detox Facility in Washington

We offer 16 detox beds and around-the-clock medical care provided by a multidisciplinary team of addiction experts. We personalize every aspect of your detox and offer counseling, treatment plans, nutrition services and options for continuing rehab treatment at The Recovery Village Ridgefield Drug and Alcohol Rehab. He earned a Bachelor’s degree at Lincoln University of Pennsylvania while pursuing his CAC-AD. With strong ties to Victory Christian Church and the 12-step community, Federico shares an amazing personal story of redemption and long-term recovery. With over 32 years in the arena of addiction and sobriety, he uses his vast experience to provide a unique approach to mentorship and guiding our clients toward a supportive lifestyle of recovery.

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James is a CCAR Recovery Coach and believes in developing meaningful relationships, and providing highly individualized therapy and client care. In 2017, James had the opportunity to combine his business experience and passion for recovery to start The Freedom Center. Each method has pros and cons, but regardless of which one you choose, you must have the knowledge and resources to make a quit attempt successful. If you’re quitting drinking cold turkey and need help, please find professional help from an addiction rehab center. Even if you think either option sounds like something that could work for your situation, we still recommend talking to a doctor before proceeding.

should you wean off alcohol

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More serious alcohol withdrawal symptoms may require medical attention. If you have a friend or family member who knows that you’re A Guide To Sober House Rules: What You Need To Know trying to taper off alcohol, you shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help. They can take you to the hospital or help you get medical support. The long and the short of it is–tapering off alcohol with medical support can help you quit drinking.

A 6-bed recovery oasis providing tailored luxury care for addiction and mental health for clients seeking the ultimate in treatment, privacy, and comfort. Quitting binge drinking may require different strategies than either tapering or cold turkey. The main downside of tapering off is that it requires discipline. You’ll need to stick with gradual reduction every day and not revert to previous levels of consumption, otherwise it won’t work. If it’s too hard to control how much you drink each day, weaning might not be the right strategy. That said, there are now several medications that can help reduce your cravings and make weaning off alcohol easier.

Soon, they will become second nature and your triggers will not have as much of an effect on you. Alcohol withdrawal can cause many symptoms, some of which can be fatal. Delamere describes the different stages that you go through while detoxing from alcohol6. Welcomes up to 8 clients to their mansion on pristine Hawaiian land with ocean views, empowering them to overcome addiction and forge a new sense of purpose.

  • This is what causes many of the positive and negative effects of drinking, and it causes the effects of prescription depressants.
  • For one thing, it creates tangible goals for the person tapering to reach, helping to build their confidence in themselves and the belief that they can eventually stop drinking completely.
  • They can help you decide if it’s the safest way to start your recovery, and they can help you make a taper plan.
  • The first night I barely slept because of auditory hallucinations and the second night I had tunnel vision and felt like a stroke victim.

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Alcohol withdrawal can be deadly, especially for people with alcohol use disorder. If you or your loved one are suffering from alcoholism, seek out professional help from a detox facility or rehab to wean off alcohol. If you’ve been drinking heavily for a long time and think you might experience withdrawal symptoms, it’s best to talk with a medical professional before you begin a taper. They can help you decide if tapering is the safest option for you. If you experience severe withdrawal symptoms while tapering off alcohol, adjust your plan. The goal of tapering is to make the https://thecinnamonhollow.com/a-guide-to-sober-house-rules-what-you-need-to-know/ withdrawal process safer and more bearable.

What he has found to be most rewarding about working in the addictions treatment field is being able to help suffering addicts and alcoholics to realize their fullest potential. In addition to the title of Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Kevin is also licensed by the state of Maryland as a Clinical Drug and Alcohol Counselor. He holds a Master of Science degree in Counseling and has over 26 years of experience as a substance use/mental health counselor with the Montgomery County Government. Whether he’s leading groups or providing individual and family therapy, Kevin’s passion for serving those suffering from substance use disorders is always on display. When he’s not busy treating The Freedom Center’s clientele, you might find Kevin engaged in his other passion as an actor/director in the local theater community.

It’s important to recognize that quitting alcohol “cold turkey” can lead to dangerous, even fatal withdrawal symptoms. Tapering off alcohol gradually lowers the amount of alcohol used over time, resulting in less severe withdrawal symptoms. However, it might spread out the withdrawal symptoms over a longer period of time. The duration of an alcohol taper varies depending on the individual’s alcohol consumption and may be adjusted if withdrawal symptoms occur.

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  • For people with moderate to severe alcohol addiction, utilizing an alcohol detox center is always the safest option.
  • There is a residential inpatient treatment program with medical supervision.
  • “Any relative reduction in daily alcohol intake is healthy and headed in the right direction,” explains Lee.
  • I’ll be honest, your chances of staying sober on your own are slim to none.
  • Over the past several months, Erin has worked with our team to create a strong clinical program for our residential location in Buckeystown.

Everything you say is confidential and you’re paying them to HELP you. If you repeatedly cannot cut back on your drinking or otherwise cannot get lower than a certain point in the taper, this might not be the right method for you. You can look into medication assisted treatment, such as getting the anti-craving medication Naltrexone, see if your doctor will give you benzodiazepines to taper with, or go to rehab/detox.

should you wean off alcohol

These strategies should be implemented according to an individual’s specific needs and drinking habits, under the guidance of a healthcare professional or addiction specialist. Guidance for tapering off alcohol can vary, and there’s limited specific advice available. However, some sample tapering schedules suggest reducing alcohol intake by two drinks each day until reaching zero drinks for individuals who drink fewer than 20 standard drinks a day.