Tapering off alcohol, rather than stopping all at once, is the most effective way to avoid serious withdrawal symptoms and other problems such as dehydration. “Try doing a ‘dry’ month like Dry January, Go Dry for July or Sober October,” says Moore. In January 2020, more than 6 million people reportedly participated in Dry January, a campaign to reduce alcohol consumption organized by Alcohol Change UK. Follow-up research suggested that most tended to drink in healthier amounts afterward.
- Alcohol withdrawal causes a range of symptoms when a person with alcohol use disorder stops or significantly decreases their alcohol intake.
- If you’re struggling to wean off alcohol, it might be best to seek addiction treatment.
- If you are struggling with severe alcohol use or addiction, tapering off alcohol at home may not be a safe option.
- Quitting with proper medical supervision may be more important than whether you stop gradually or all at once.
If you slip, return to your plan.
Often, people are tempted to turn back to alcohol to ease the discomfort of withdrawal symptoms. However, it still poses some serious risks, especially for individuals with long-term and/or how to taper off alcohol at home severe alcohol problems. It is of the utmost importance that anyone considering tapering off alcohol first consult with a medical professional to determine their treatment needs.
When to Seek Help
However, tapering can be dangerous if you have severe AUD, leading to uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. If you start noticing these symptoms, contact a medical professional immediately. Some alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be so severe that they can lead https://ecosoberhouse.com/ to death. Contact a medical professional immediately if you notice any withdrawal symptoms. Dr. Streem says that if your goal is to stop drinking altogether, you’re more likely to have success quitting all at once, rather than weaning off alcohol.
How To Detox from Alcohol Safely
If you’ve become dependent on alcohol, cutting it out of your life may produce withdrawal symptoms, such as a rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, sweating and shaking. Psychological symptoms can include irritability, anxiety and restlessness. If you’ve been drinking for a long time, tapering off can cause withdrawal symptoms. Getting professional help can mitigate harmful withdrawal symptoms and ensure success. Going “cold turkey” means abruptly stopping drinking entirely, leading to uncomfortable withdrawal effects. The intensity of the withdrawal symptoms depends on the severity of the alcoholism.
By avoiding alcohol, you’re taking a big step toward improving physical health. As you begin to notice those health benefits, you’ll likely feel more energized and inspired to keep up your progress. Research shows that most people believe that drinking can make them feel better. However, when alcohol makes up part of your typical routine, drinking can become something of an automatic response, especially when you feel stressed or overwhelmed. Turner notes the importance of bringing along a trusted support person when attending events that involve alcohol. It’s often easier to turn down a drink when you don’t have to do it alone.
- Establishing new habits and routines, and dealing with the underlying causes of your drinking habits, are essential to lasting recovery.
- Although you can use methods to taper off alcohol at home, the best way to taper is to talk to a doctor.
- If you’re used to drinking less than 20 beers per day, HAMS recommends reducing your alcohol consumption by two beers per day until you achieve sobriety.
- The length of the tapering process can vary based on the needs of the person.
Can I Just Quit Alcohol Cold Turkey?
