Should i taper off alcohol reddit?
Stopping alcohol use is the first step of the recovery journey, but staying sober for longer and longer periods is the goal. Getting professional treatment and long-term support are two of the most valuable strategies for avoiding relapse. 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. The chances of seizures and DTs are low if you’re tapering, but they happen even in controlled rehab environments. In this study on tapering with a benzo, about 1% of patients had a seizure after completing their taper. This does not, by any means, mean that you have a 1% chance of a seizure if you taper with alcohol according to the schedule above.
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- Excessive drinking can weaken the immune system, increasing the body’s likelihood of developing an infection.
- I’m specifically talking about things like weed, cigarettes, and vaping.
- The chances of seizures and DTs are low if you’re tapering, but they happen even in controlled rehab environments.
- I’ve heard of some people doing 10% a week and having success that way.
- If your BASELINE ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION is less than 20 drinks per day then we recommend reducing consumption by two standard drinks per day.
I have researched the different ways to taper, but they often conflict with other experiences. I believe that measuring my intake and reducing it by an ounce every day might be a controllable method that will have less impact on my personal & professional life. I am at peace with the fact that cold turkey is not a method that I can sustain. I would love to hear some stories about how you successfully tapered off. Whether you’re a daily imbiber, heavy drinker, or frequent binge drinker, you’re likely to experience withdrawal symptoms when you quit.
Don’t Quit Weed or Cigs (yet)
Studies have shown that 13–71% of people undergoing alcohol detox develop withdrawal symptoms. Factors such as pattern of alcohol use, other medical conditions, genetics and how your body responds to alcohol can play a role in withdrawal symptoms. While tapering off alcohol is a common approach, it may not work for everyone.
Tapering off alcohol was long ago considered the primary approach for alcoholism treatment. While it is possible to manage alcohol detoxification without medical supervision, it is extremely dangerous and can be fatal. Along with increased direct risks to one’s health, tapering also results in a much higher relapse rate. Here we will examine the unique risks and methods that people have used to taper off alcohol.
For Treatment Providers
This is the same thing they’ll do if you go to a detox facility or hospital, except they’ll use medications instead of alcohol for the taper. It requires a lot of willpower and you will be uncomfortable, but it can be done. I know because I’ve done it and I’ve met others who have done it. Only people who are tapering down from very large quantities of alcohol such as a liter of vodka per day will need to start drinking in the morning in order to taper. If you are tapering from smaller quantities and feel no withdrawal symptoms until afternoon or evening then you can wait until then to consume your taper beers. Remember that you are not drinking for pleasure—you are drinking medicine—so only drink what is needed.
- Diseases like pneumonia and tuberculosis are more frequent in individuals who chronically drink.
- Seemed like they were written by sober people who never had to taper themselves or were never big alcoholics.
- If you’re struggling to stick to a taper or do not trust yourself to moderate your alcohol use, having strict supervision and support can help you meet your recovery goals.
- Alcohol Tapering is a method of decreasing alcohol intake slowly and in a manageable manner.
- I have researched the different ways to taper, but they often conflict with other experiences.
- Getting curious about a life without alcohol is already an incredible step, and a healthier lifestyle is within reach.
Can You Quit Alcohol Cold Turkey?
These complications can develop within a few hours or days and appear in the form of seizures, delirium tremens (DTs), and hallucinations, sometimes even leading to death. Some individuals experience a neurological condition known as the “kindling effect” as a result of repeated alcohol withdrawal. Individuals who have experienced the kindling effect may have more severe symptoms, including seizures, even when they use small amounts of alcohol. sober house Support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous can help reinforce your goals and boost your spirits. Surrounding yourself with those going through the same process you are, and learning the same life lessons you are, can make a big difference in your healing journey. You’ll talk about different topics regarding addiction and recovery and bond over shared feelings and experiences.
Planning for social situations where you know there will be alcohol can help you navigate how to respond. If you are struggling to stop or cut down through alcohol tapering, this may be a sign to seek more help, Lee said. There are a variety of resources to explore, including 12-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or SMART Recovery, Lee explained.
Mental Health Resources
Yes, some medications, such as benzodiazepines, can be prescribed by a healthcare professional to help manage withdrawal symptoms during the tapering process. Tapering helps people stop using alcohol and other substances in small and manageable steps. This can help your body adjust, and it can be easier to manage than quitting cold turkey. Cutting down your alcohol intake may not be as easy as it sounds. People who want to reduce their alcohol consumption often do not realize how much of their social and daily routines alcohol has become.
Create a Plan
If you plan to taper your drinking in order to stop, make sure you limit your intake consistently, avoid fluctuations, and adhere to a weekly reduction schedule with a set date to stop. After you have completely tapered off alcohol, you will have to decide if you want to follow a path of total abstinence or moderate alcohol use. If you choose moderate alcohol use, the best way to avoid alcohol withdrawal is to refrain from alcohol use two days in a row. If alcohol use is more frequent, try to abstain https://appsychology.com/living-in-a-sober-house/ at least three days each week.
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