How To Taper Off Alcohol Risks of Quitting Alcohol Cold Turkey

Consultation with a medical professional or recovery coach is strongly recommended. For people with moderate to severe alcohol addiction, utilizing an alcohol detox center is always the safest option. Alcohol detox centers have professionals trained to recognize and treat complications caused by alcohol withdrawal. Because alcohol withdrawal symptoms can sometimes be unpredictable and may escalate quickly, having an on-site medical team that can quickly intervene is the safest way to quit heavy drinking. Some people can just quit drinking alcohol cold turkey without having significant withdrawal symptoms. Other people, however, may suffer significant withdrawal symptoms when they suddenly stop drinking.

• Her primary focus is to provide all clients with a safe, structured environment while coordinating their care.
• If you choose to drink water make sure that you get enough salt for electrolyte balance so that you avoid water intoxication.
• This can be a very dangerous thing to do if not done by following medical advice.
• In particular, it alters the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid .
• Support groups, from Alcoholics Anonymous to SMART Recovery, are one free way to find a community of people on the same journey.
• Obviously quitting cold turkey from a 12-beer-a-day habit is going to be more stressful than tapering off slowly.

By talking with your doctor or an addiction treatment specialist, together you can determine a safe tapering schedule that suits your needs. The length of the tapering process can vary based on the needs of the person. People with a greater dependency on alcohol may need to stretch out the process to gradually reduce their alcohol intake. One of the best ways to stop drinking and get on the road to recovery is to taper off your alcohol consumption. It is worth noting that the effectiveness will differ from person to person, so this is why it will be important to get professional treatment advice. Bunmi is a recent graduate of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a concentration in Human Services.

Relapse Prevention Strategies

If you decide to suddenly stop drinking alcohol, you will experience symptoms of withdrawal. Individuals who seek help at a treatment center are able to find help either outpatient or inpatient, with inpatient helping more moderate to severe issues. In an inpatient treatment center, the individual is able to be treated for withdrawal symptoms, and begin therapy. Medical detox programs for alcohol dependency commonly offer medications to ease the discomfort or pain of withdrawal. This is a benefit that isn’t available to all who attempt to taper at home. Medicines can be used to reduce nausea, severe anxiety, other flu-like symptoms, and treat seizures.

For example, one 12-ounce can of beer contains the same amount of alcohol as a 5-ounce glass of wine or a mixed drink containing 1.5 ounces of alcohol. For some drinkers, cutting down on the amount of alcohol they drink simply does not work. They may cut back for a short period of time, but they soon find themselves back to drinking at their usual level. This is especially true of heavy drinkers who are surrounded by the triggers that encourage drinking and lack the support needed to encourage change.

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A medical professional can help you determine if a fast or slow taper, or quitting altogether, is appropriate based on a thorough medical assessment and evaluation of your withdrawal how to taper off alcohol risk. However, it is important to be aware of the risks of attempting a taper on your own. Sometimes, people think that if their symptoms are mild, they don’t need medical help.

Throughout history alcohol has been used for a number of different issues, including tapering off to overcome alcohol use. If, upon reflection, you are continuing to have difficulty meeting your drinking goal, consult with your doctor or other health professional. Again, a medical professional can help you determine what’s the right fit for you based on your history and symptoms or problems.

Why Should You Taper?

Tapering can be an excellent way to prevent harmful withdrawal effects after ceasing alcohol intake. Let your doctor know whether you had any trouble tapering off opioids in the past. He or she may recommend alternate pain medication, especially if you have a chronic pain condition. Have you, or someone around you, reached a point where drinking alcohol has become a bit more than an occasional thing? Although it is difficult to be considered, according to the CDC, someone who is alcohol dependent, it doesn’t make it any easier to stop drinking if you’ve made a habit of it.

To avoid severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms, it will always be best to examine your treatment options and find the best program for you and your particular circumstances. Alcohol abstinence can feel impossible early in the recovery process, and you should not expect yourself to face it alone. The Recovery Village Palm Beach Florida at Baptist Health can help you get started on your recovery with alcohol addiction treatment — safely, comfortably and with your future in mind. Reach out to one of our supportive professionals and begin the healing process. Generally, alcohol withdrawal starts within eight hours of the last drink, but can occur anytime within the first several days after you stop drinking.