If you’re unable to reduce how much you drink, you may have a disease called alcoholism that requires professional addiction treatment. Alcohol rehab helps you taper off alcohol, and it treats other side effects and causes of alcoholism. If you’re addicted to alcohol, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to recover without some form of addiction treatment. You may be able to detox at home and recover from alcoholism with the help of support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous.
You might be surprised to find that you don’t need alcohol to enjoy certain events and previously would drink out of habit. “Replacing time or events spent drinking with other enjoyable activities is helpful. Exercise, family time, or cooking may provide distraction and promote your wellness,” Dr Lee said. You might select a light beer instead of a harder liquor, like whiskey.
But deciding to cut back on drinking is much more important than the length of your alcohol taper. Getting curious about a life without alcohol is already an incredible step, and a healthier lifestyle is within reach. If you properly taper your alcohol use, you’re less likely to experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Gradually reducing the amount of alcohol you drink can help give your body the time it needs to adjust to the lack of alcohol. If you find that you cannot stop drinking, even if it is obvious that it is negatively impacting your life, you may need to seek help for alcohol use disorder. There is no shame in this — a chemical dependency on alcohol can cause severe withdrawal symptoms, and seeking medical attention is important to ensure recovery.
Can You Quit Alcohol Cold Turkey?
Then come up with a reduction rate you think will be safe, and that you can stick to. Generally, light to moderate drinkers should plan to taper for a week or more. Discover how alcohol affects muscles, from protein synthesis to performance. Discover tips for staying sober on Thanksgiving, from mindful practices to navigating social gatherings.
Why Do You Experience Withdrawal Symptoms?
Seltzers, sparkling water, or mocktails can provide the sensation of having a drink in your hand without the alcohol. These alternatives can be a psychological aid, making it easier to stick to your tapering plan. Establishing new habits and routines, and dealing with the underlying causes of your drinking habits, are essential to lasting recovery.
Decreased Risk of Alcohol-Related Death
“I’m a stubborn Aries, so I was very dedicated to this challenge,” she says. “I say that we both ended up winning because it changed my perspective entirely about how alcohol is affecting my brain, my body, my mood, my life, and my career,” she says. Having a conversation in advance can also help set expectations on your friends’ part.
How Long Does It Take to Recover From Alcohol Addiction
The alcohol withdrawal symptom delirium tremens (DT) is estimated to kill up to 5% of those attempting to quit suddenly after chronic usage. This is a staggering number considering that many other drugs do not even have the possibility of lethal withdrawals. For this reason, experts advise that alcohol cessation be monitored safely with steady effort between oneself and https://appsychology.com/living-in-a-sober-house/ a physician. Tapering helps people stop using alcohol and other substances in small and manageable steps.
Is it possible to moderate my drinking instead of quitting altogether?
- Proper nutrition, including a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins, can support your body’s recovery and improve overall health.
- Understand ‘dependence vs. addiction’, unpack their complexities, and explore recovery strategies.
- Developing a robust support system is essential for effective relapse prevention.
- Certain vitamins have shown potential benefits in supporting individuals during alcohol withdrawal.
- It provides a safer transition compared to sudden cessation, which can lead to more severe withdrawal symptoms.
- Based on your medical history, your doctor can advise you about the safety of the taper.
Research has shown that professional help improves your ability to overcome an addiction to alcohol or cut back if you have found it difficult. The most common research technique among those surveyed is an internet search (61%), followed by asking a doctor or medical professional (55%). If you’re relying on internet searches to find potential treatment centers, make sure to ask these ten questions to find a licensed facility that can meet your needs. It can also be a good idea for people who don’t want to, or can’t, attend any type of full detoxification program. Replacing alcoholic beverages with non-alcoholic alternatives can be helpful during the weaning process.
Global Consequences of Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol also changes your brain chemistry, which can result in higher levels of anxiety and depression for the first several months. Finally, just because you’ve gotten past the withdrawal phase doesn’t mean you won’t continue to face psychological aspects of addiction—including alcohol cravings and drinking triggers. Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that affects your brain.
Can Tapering Your Alcohol Intake Reduce Withdrawal Symptoms?
For example, those who drink more heavily may need more time to taper than those who drink less alcohol. Further, if you start to develop alcohol withdrawal symptoms during the taper, your doctor may instruct you to pause or slow the taper as a result. These factors can make one person’s taper last longer than another person’s taper. The amount of time it takes to taper off of alcohol can vary greatly from person to person. Some people can taper quickly and quit alcohol completely, while others may take longer.
One of the primary advantages of tapering off alcohol is the ability to minimize withdrawal symptoms. For people who experience mild alcohol withdrawal symptoms, there are safe ways to detox at home. People who experience tremors, shakes or confusion when they quit drinking should consider medically supervised detox. You should talk to a doctor sober house about the safest way to detox if you experience any withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking. For individuals looking to wean themselves off alcohol safely, seeking professional help is highly recommended. Professional assistance can provide the necessary support, guidance, and medical supervision to ensure a successful recovery journey.