Signs of Being Roofied & How to Recover FHE Health

Contact your local law enforcement agency or the police immediately. Provide them with all the relevant information, including the details of the incident, any potential witnesses, and any evidence you may have. Reporting the incident ensures that the authorities are aware of the situation and can take appropriate action to investigate and prevent further incidents. Preserving any potential evidence can be crucial in cases of suspected drugging. Recognizing the symptoms of being roofied is crucial for identifying potential danger and seeking help promptly. The effects of these drugs can vary depending on the dosage, the individual’s tolerance, and the presence of other substances.

Educate Yourself About the Dangers and Risks of Being Roofied

You might feel like you mysteriously lost a chunk of time or only remember what happened up until a certain point. Thirteen percent of all college students experience rape or sexual assault through “physical force, violence, or incapacitation,” according to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network, or RAINN. As a trusted Georgia recovery center, we are dedicated to serving our clients through various alcohol and drug addiction programs. We have a firm belief that it is possible for YOU to achieve and sustain long-term recovery. On rare occasions, you might notice a slight bitter or salty taste if a substance has been added. However, this isn’t a reliable indicator, so it is best to always be cautious.

If you are experiencing symptoms of being roofied and suspect someone has slipped you an illicit drug, call 911 immediately. Don’t drive, and don’t leave the area you’re at unless you’re in danger. Try to stay around as many people as possible until help arrives, and drink as much water as you can to help flush the drug from your system. The signs and symptoms of being roofied closely mimic those of simply having consumed too much alcohol, particularly if consumed in combination with cannabis products. This means it can be difficult to discern the difference, in some cases, between someone who’s been slipped drugs and someone who’s overindulged.

Almost all have a hotline and advocates who can give you advice on what to do and where to go, as well as provide emotional support, Riviello said. Indications that you’ve been drugged and sexually assaulted include painful urination, genital pain, and possible genital bruising or tenderness, Riviello said. Stay alert, stay safe, and remember that help is available whenever you need it.

Its effects, like sedation and memory loss, usually last 6 to 12 hours. In blood, it can be found for about a day, and in urine for a few days. Being roofied can make a person really sick, especially when they are given a drug in combination with alcohol, or they are taking prescription drugs already. Roofied symptoms often include sensations such as sudden dizziness, confusion, nausea, difficulty breathing, and loss of consciousness. It can be helpful to watch for signs of being roofied like loss of consciousness, dizziness, difficulty moving, or nausea and vomiting. Rohypnol causes extreme drowsiness, blackouts, reduced inhibitions, impaired judgment, and overall debilitation that can make a person unaware and unresisting to sexual assault.

Stay Vigilant and Aware

  • Because these effects can occur rapidly, victims may not realize they have been roofied until it is too late.
  • In short, the feeling of euphoria will only be felt on the higher dose of the drug as the body has developed the tolerance of the lower doses and cannot get high from it.
  • Additionally, the trauma can lead to substance abuse as a coping mechanism, potentially resulting in addiction.

It’s good practice only to drink something you’ve made or opened yourself. If you’re at a bar, keep an eye on the person preparing your drink, remembering that expert predators need less than a second to spike your drink. Getting roofied can cause extensive physical and psychological damage, especially if you don’t notice the symptoms early enough. Contrary to expectations, you don’t have to be at a bar or club to get roofied. A family member or romantic partner can slip a roofie into your drink when making or holding it for you.

In high doses, a person can become unconscious and may not remember what happened to them. Rohypnol is a central nervous system (CNS) depressant, which means that if you have been roofied you will often feel overly relaxed, sleepy, disorientated, and calm. Once intoxication sets in—roughly minutes after ingestion—a person will pass out and remain unconscious for at least a few hours.

  • Boca Recovery Center is here to provide the best quality care in the treatment of drug and alcohol addiction.
  • It could also simply mean monitoring you while the drug wears off, or connecting you with mental health providers who can help you deal with any emotional fallout from the experience.
  • This drug also impairs motor coordination and relaxes muscles, making it difficult to move or stay alert.
  • Stay alert, stay safe, and remember that help is available whenever you need it.

“Getting Roofied”: What Are the Effects of Rohypnol?

It is almost impossible to quit them once the body starts physically dependent on them. Roofies are generally found in the form of white, yellow, or green tablets. Criminals use roofies because they lack any color, odor, or taste and can be easily crushed and dissolved in drinks — roofies can be quickly spiked in the drinks of unsuspecting victims.

Symptoms of Being Roofied: How To Recover From Being Roofied

Roofies affect each person differently, especially if they have alcohol or other drugs in their system. This is why it is critical to consult medical professionals to make sure there is nothing that can cause long-term harm still in the victim’s system. Because roofies can make a person throw up, it can be hard to tell if a person has been roofied or is just recovering from alcohol consumption. However, with roofies, a person might have nausea and vomiting even if they have only had one or two drinks.

How can I tell if I’ve been roofied the day after?

If you have been roofied, you should have someone trustworthy with you throughout the night to make sure you are okay. Going to a hospital can help ensure a person gets proper care and monitoring to make sure they are safe. You may feel embarrassed that you let yourself get into that situation, or that you should brush off the experience since you do not have a firm memory of what happened. However, it is crucial that you advocate for yourself and reach out for help. It does this by increasing the effects of a chemical called GABA, which makes you feel very relaxed and sleepy. It also slows breathing, which can be dangerous or even fatal, especially if combined with alcohol or other sedatives.

We hear a lot about so-called ‘date rape drugs’ – but alcohol is also commonly used by perpetrators of rape and sexual assault who spike their victims. Be prepared to provide emotional support even after they’re discharged and the side effects of being roofied start. Remind them that the traumatic event wasn’t their fault, especially if they were sexually assaulted or raped. If you suspect you’ve been roofied, it’s crucial to immediately head to an emergency room for a comprehensive medical examination. Healthcare professionals can administer a rape kit to collect evidence and may also provide pregnancy prevention medication as a precautionary measure.

If a person has been sexually assaulted after being spiked, they may experience depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), flashbacks, or suicidal thoughts. Drink spiking a person to sexually assault or rape them is also known as alcohol or drug-facilitated sexual ruffied meaning assault. ‘Being roofied’ is a phrase meaning someone unknowingly took drugs before being sexually assaulted or raped.

This is part of our ongoing commitment to ensure FHE Health is trusted as a leader in mental health and addiction care. In the sections that follow, you’ll find important safety information that will help you better protect yourself from the dangers of being roofied. We’ll cover the signs of being roofied, its prevalence, what to do if you suspect you’ve been a victim, and other roofie prevention tips and considerations.

Seventy-nine percent of those who reported being drugged were women, and women were more likely to experience sexual assault after being drugged. Although it does seem to be more prevalent among the college crowd than among the population as a whole, middle and high school students, as well as older adults, have all reported being roofied. The uncertainty about what happened and the physical symptoms can be overwhelming. If you suspect that you were roofied, get medical attention and talk to someone you trust for support. Sadly, people often use these drugs to take advantage of others, so understanding roofies meaning and the signs of being drugged can help you stay safe. Supporting survivors of being roofied is crucial in their healing process and can help raise awareness as well.

What Are Whippets? Everything You Need to Know

what is a whipit

Rather than treating symptoms, treatment often focuses on therapies that change behaviors. Chronic use can lead to the development of neurological conditions that may range in severity. Many of the long-term effects of inhalant abuse are irreversible. This is because inhalants can damage the protective sheath around nerve fibers in the brain and nervous system. It can cause extensive damage comparable to neurological diseases and may lead to the development of long-term abnormalities or impairments.

Is it Illegal to do Whippits?

When someone uses opiates, cocaine, or MDMA, the substance tells their brain’s reward system to release chemicals like serotonin and dopamine. Detroit recently launched a Whippet Wipe-Out campaign after a man jumped a river bridge as it was opening while intoxicated with whippets. Volunteers say they’ve collected nearly 25 thousand empty whippet cartridges since launching the campaign. An Ohio student was suffocated by nitrous oxide in an “extensive hazing” and forced to drink a gallon of alcohol.

Certain medical conditions make doing whippets more dangerous

Sudden oxygen deprivation called hypoxia can trigger symptoms of central nervous system damage, like paralysis, nerve damage in extremities, and serious organ damage. People using whippets tend to consume several canisters in one evening, bombarding their central nervous system with much more nitrous oxide than it would receive in a doctor’s office. Since whippets are so easy to access and they produce no obvious smell, that’s led to a resurgence in recreational use, especially among teens and young adults. Combining nitrous oxide with alcohol ups the risks of both substances.

  • Unlike with other forms of substance misuse, abusing whippets does not cause any direct physical withdrawal symptoms when use stops.
  • Coupling substance abuse treatment with a vast array of specialty therapy options ensures clients are provided with well-rounded, in-depth treatment to improve recovery outcomes.
  • Take note that there are also substances that must not be combined with Nitrous oxide.
  • In extreme cases, individuals who inhale nitrous oxide experience seizures and sudden death.
  • With regards to the whippits drug classification, the DEA scheduling status for Nitrous oxide in the United States is an unscheduled drug, illegal for recreational use.
  • If you need help doing so, a qualified addiction treatment center can provide you with a supportive, clinical environment in which to heal.
  • Use of whippits and other inhalants is often a social activity, and it can be difficult to break patterns of use because it requires behavioral changes in order to be successful.

The term ‘whippit’ refers to a pressurized canister of nitrous oxide used to charge a whipped cream dispenser. Whippits are a valuable tool in the culinary world and have a great many legitimate applications. However, they have also become a common inhalant used for recreational drug abuse. While nitrous oxide is safe in medical environments, the recreational use of whippets poses several health risks. Doctors and dentists often administer oxygen side-by-side with nitrous oxide to prevent brain damage, for example.

Whippets: What You Need to Know About These Inhalant Drugs

According to the Global Drug Survey, in 2016, Nitric oxide has become the seventh most abused recreational drug globally. As this substance causes dangers to the health, it is a must to know what are the signs and symptoms of Whippets drugs addiction and abuse and who are most at risk of this abuse. Whippets fall under the drug category called ‘inhalants’ which are primarily made up of household solvents and aerosols that are breathed into the lungs to provide a euphoric high. As the nitrous oxide in whippets can cause hallucinations and other effects when abused, as well as adverse side effects, they are classed as a substance of abuse.

Whippits, also known as whippets or whip-its, are nitrous oxide dispensers commonly used in whipped cream dispensers. Nitrous oxide, sometimes referred to by slang terms ‘laughing gas’ or ‘hippy crack’, is used as an anesthetic for some procedures such as small dental work. It is a legal and readily available substance, making it an increasingly popular recreational drug. Its medical use along with how easy it is to purchase can lead to the development of misconceptions regarding safety of use. A demographic group that is at high risk of whippets drug abuse consists of students and young adults who use it as a party drug.

what is a whipit

Short-Term Side Effects Of Whippets Drugs

Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight are crucial to ensure their well-being. It is often prescribed to dentistry patients as an anesthetic. These doses are always carefully controlled to prevent complications and any potential damage to the brain.

  • You can cover your face and the canister with a bag or a mask.
  • Boca Recovery Center is here to provide the best quality care in the treatment of drug and alcohol addiction.
  • These kinds of solvents can cause a heart attack or death if they are inhaled.
  • Enter your phone number and one of our treatment professionals will reach out to you as soon as possible.
  • As mentioned earlier, the long-term side effects of nitrous oxide are not common.
  • To find another treatment program, browse the top-rated addiction treatment facilities in each state by visiting our homepage, or by viewing the SAMHSA Treatment Services Locator.

The name “laughing gas” was coined in 1799 by a chemist called Humphry Davy. Davy described inhaling the gas as a state of ideal existence and began encouraging his friends and family to share the intense experience. Like other inhalant drugs, whippets can be easy for young people to get ahold of and abuse. Dr. Carl advises parents to be cognizant of whippets and other household products that can be dangerous when used incorrectly. Like abusing other kinds of inhalants, such as paint thinners or glue, whippets use can pose threats to your health.

Anytime what is a whipit you purposefully inhale or ingest things not meant to be put in your body, you’re not doing great things for your health. Excessive nitrous oxide use can cause asphyxia or a lack of oxygen. If you or someone you know is addicted to whippits, contact a medical professional.

Whippets aren’t a new drug, but they are making a substantial return in popularity. Complete our fast, free, and easy verification process over the phone to determine the extent of your insurance coverage. Enter your phone number and one of our treatment professionals will reach out to you as soon as possible.

what is a whipit

Since it’s possible to become addicted to whippets, seek the help of a qualified addiction treatment center if need be. If you are pregnant or have a history of respiratory illness, mental health conditions or substance abuse, doing whippets is more dangerous for you. That is a psychoactive chemical also known as “laughing gas,” which is commonly used by dentists and other medical professionals, that can produce euphoric effects. Whip-it is a slang term that is used by some to describe the recreational use of whipped cream dispensers or canisters, a common household product. Because whippit abuse does not often lead to addiction, treatment often relies on changing the thoughts and behaviors that enable continued abuse. Use of whippits and other inhalants is often a social activity, and it can be difficult to break patterns of use because it requires behavioral changes in order to be successful.

Internal vs External Relapse Triggers

internal and external triggers

Developing strategies for processing and navigating difficult emotions is vital to prevent emotional turmoil from leading to a relapse. This might include seeking professional help, such as therapy or counseling, alcohol rehab to better understand and manage these emotions. By proactively addressing emotional turmoil, you can maintain your sobriety and continue on your recovery journey.

Preventing a Relapse with Agape Treatment Center

internal and external triggers

Internal triggers, however, demand consistent emotional work to build resilience over time. Internal triggers are emotional and psychological responses that come from within, often sparking cravings or even relapse during recovery. Get you or your loved one help for addiction or mental health issues today. Our dedicated team is here to help unravel the complexities of your triggers, providing guidance and support tailored to your unique needs. At its core, a trigger is any stimulus, event, or situation that evokes a specific reaction, be it a memory, feeling, or the urge to indulge in an addictive behavior.

Internal Triggers

internal and external triggers

External triggers are things in your environment or specific situations that bring back memories or associations linked to substance use. Unlike internal triggers, which stem from emotions or thoughts, these are tied to physical surroundings or events 4. For instance, a person who grew up feeling unworthy of love may become triggered when they perceive rejection, even if internal and external triggers it is objectively unintentional and not personal. Instead of viewing this reaction as a weakness, it can be seen as a signpost directing them toward healing self-worth issues. In this way, triggers serve as guides that point us toward the areas where we can cultivate inner-peace and self-acceptance and awareness. Identifying these internalized events requires self-reflection and sometimes professional help.

  • In early recovery, boredom and social isolation can be powerful triggers for relapse.
  • For internalized triggers, it often requires a deeper level of self-awareness and sometimes professional help to address the root causes.
  • This tailor-made insight can be your compass, guiding you away from potential pitfalls and towards recovery.

What Are Addiction Triggers?

Understanding internal and external triggers is a major part of navigating recovery. Both play a role in relapse, which affects 40-60% of individuals in treatment 1. Internal triggers often stem from emotions and thoughts, requiring mindfulness and emotional regulation. External triggers, on the other hand, are tied to surroundings or situations, calling for changes in the environment. Knowing the difference between internal and external triggers is key to developing effective coping methods during recovery.

Individuals may suffer from uncontrollable drug or alcohol cravings when exposed to certain cues. The cravings act as a reflex to external or internal triggers, and this response can even affect individuals who have abstained from drugs or alcohol for a long time. Stress is a potent internal trigger that can significantly impact individuals in recovery. It can stem from common sources like work, personal relationships, financial concerns, and self-imposed expectations. Without healthy coping mechanisms, individuals faced with stress are more likely to relapse.

internal and external triggers

With professional support and consistent effort, it’s possible to handle these challenges effectively 2. Learning to cope with external triggers involves developing strategies to avoid or deal with these triggering situations. This might involve steering clear of specific locations or individuals that could trigger a relapse. Alternatively, it might require using strategies such as diverting your attention, reaching out for help, or engaging in mindfulness exercises https://ecosoberhouse.com/ when confronted with a potential trigger.

internal and external triggers

Does Alcohol Dehydrate You? Heres What You Need to Know

is beer dehydrating

It can also be beneficial to hydrate well both before and after consuming alcohol, particularly if you’ve been involved in physical activity. Yes, even moderate alcohol consumption Alcoholics Anonymous can contribute to dehydration due to its diuretic effects. It is essential to balance alcohol intake with adequate non-alcoholic hydration to prevent dehydration.

Why Do Alcohol Drinkers Prefer Kratom While Taking A Break From Drinking?

is beer dehydrating

In addition, increased urination can cause the loss of electrolytes, especially potassium and sodium, which are crucial for maintaining the body’s fluid balance. The misconception that beer hydrates possibly stems from its water content. While beer does contain water, the dehydrating effects of alcohol overshadow any is beer dehydrating hydrating benefits. You can usually manage mild cases of dehydration by drinking more fluids that don’t contain alcohol. Whether you drink water between each alcoholic drink, after drinking, or even the next day, it’s vital to replace lost fluids.

Hydrate

is beer dehydrating

Very low alcohol beer will be able to hydrate you, and for centuries beer was used for hydration alongside water. As I said in the previous video, a lot of people try to compensate for the amount of dehydration that beer or alcohol inflicts on the body by drinking more water. It doesn’t really work because your body will only hold onto a percentage of the extra water that you’re bringing in, and it will get rid of the rest. Although it does help, it doesn’t help as much as it would do if you didn’t drink any alcohol at all. Between your Thursday night wine and your Saturday night cocktail, you have a fairly good sense of what kind of hangover you’re in for on Friday and Sunday mornings. But beyond the type of alcohol you’re imbibing, you might not realize how much dehydration enters into the hangover equation.

Does Alcohol Make You Pee More?

is beer dehydrating

Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it increases your urine output. If you’re peeing out more than you’re taking in, this can have a dehydrating effect. The only way to avoid the diuretic effect of alcohol is to abstain from drinking it.

  • However, alcohol interferes with this natural signal by switching it off, allowing the bladder to fill up with urine, which ultimately leads to an increased need to urinate.
  • Switching to smaller alcoholic drinks won’t help if you have frequent urination.
  • In addition to the hydration aspects, we will discuss the impacts of alcohol on nutrient metabolism, weight management, and sports performance.
  • As you can see, the amount of water you are expected to drink is much lower than that eight glasses of water guideline that the media often promotes.

How much alcohol does it take to dehydrate you?

Consuming alcohol carries other health risks besides dehydration. These risks change depending on how much alcohol a person consumes and how often. The key to avoiding dehydration is to pay attention to how your body responds to alcohol. Acetate and other waste products are then removed from the body as carbon dioxide and water, primarily through lungs. Although the kidneys remove waste products, most of the water loss is due to the effect of vasopressin. The action of suppressing this hormone exacerbates the diuretic effect and leads to dehydration.

However, very low alcohol beers (below 4% ABV) can hydrate you, and for centuries, beer was used for hydration alongside water. Most beers today are above 5% ABV, which is why they are questionable in terms of hydration. However, very low alcohol beers (less than 4% ABV) can hydrate you.

is beer dehydrating

Are there any health risks associated with using beer as a rehydration solution?

  • These things added can lead to numerous health issues and extreme dehydration conditions.
  • It has become a part of almost every culture since the cultivation of crops.
  • Dehydration can affect multiple bodily functions and cause a wide range of symptoms.
  • This can become fatal for your system and can lead to extreme cases of dehydration and hospitalization.
  • People believe that beer keeps them hydrated, but the truth is when drinking 200 ml of beer, you pass out 320 ml of water, that’s equivalent to 120 ml of dehydration.

So, of course, nothing is going to beat water (or even better, a drink packed with essential electrolytes such as Hydrant) for hydration. This is especially true when considering the short-term effects of alcohol, such as hangovers, and the damage it can do long term (weight gain, addiction, and even organ failure). However, it’s likely that a weak beer will do a better job of keeping your hydration levels topped up than drinking higher ABV wine or spirits.

  • It’s worth noting that while beer can provide hydration, it’s not as effective as drinking water or beverages that contain electrolytes.
  • It suppresses the action of vasopressin—a hormone that helps regulate the fluid balance in your body.
  • As a general rule, it is recommended to have a glass of water with every beer you drink.
  • Without adequate electrolyte levels, water can’t enter cells and tissues, leaving you at risk of dehydration despite drinking water.
  • Chronic heavy drinking can result in high blood pressure, which is a leading cause of kidney disease.

is beer dehydrating

Is there anything you can do to offset or prevent problems caused by dehydration from drinking alcohol? Dehydration can happen for many reasons, including alcohol consumption. Alcohol can cause increased urination, increased heart rate or body heat, vomiting, and other issues that can increase dehydration.

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.

PTSD: Not A Life Sentence

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

How Art Therapy Can Aid in Addiction Treatment

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.

Have Unused Prescription Meds? Properly Dispose of Them on National DEA Take-Back Day on April 27th

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.

Family Nurse Practioner

  • 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.