How to Wean Yourself Off Alcohol Safely

Excessive drinking has numerous impacts on your body and mind, ranging from mild to severe. By the end of Week 3, you will have substantially reduced your alcohol intake, and you’ll have experienced how your body feels without alcohol for a short period. However, some groups have stepped in to try to bridge this gap and have published sample tapering schedules to help those trying to stop drinking. One of the keys to a successful taper is taking gradual steps that will cause as few side effects as possible. There are several ways to taper your alcohol consumption without therapy. As you navigate this question, it can be helpful to think about how you typically prefer to approach change.

Practice Mindful Drinking

Delirium tremens (DTs) can begin 48 hours after your last drink and last up to five days. Educate your loved ones on dangerous symptoms, too, so they can look out for you and get you medical attention if you need it. Serenity Lane is here for all Oregonians in need of help to overcome alcohol addiction. The annual cost of excessive alcohol use to Oregon’s economy each year is $3.5 billion due to lost productivity, health care expenses, criminal justice costs, and motor vehicle crashes. By prioritizing your needs and communicating openly with those around you, you can create a supportive environment that helps you achieve your goals.

The importance of setting boundaries in recovery

Relapse is a very normal part of the recovery process, and a majority of those in recovery will relapse at some point. A therapist can help you understand your triggers and develop healthy coping skills for dealing with them. Soon, they will become second nature and your triggers will not have as much of an effect on you. All your goals should follow SMART rules; they should be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time bound. Start by estimating how much you drink on a daily basis—and be honest with yourself.

Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)

Don’t wait— reach out today to take the first step toward taking control of your life. These can indicate a life threatening condition called delirium tremens. It’s important to seek urgent medical care if you experience any of these symptoms.

The Impact of Music Therapy on Mental Health Treatment

Two important aspects to consider are medical detoxification programs and the role of vitamin supplements. The peak of withdrawal symptoms typically occurs between 24 and 72 hours after the last drink, according to the Cleveland Clinic. However, it’s important to note that some symptoms may persist for weeks, especially for individuals who have been heavy and long-term alcohol users.

• We utilize a three-pronged, holistic approach that combines the right psychotropic medications, cutting-edge clinical therapy, and an environment of supportive peers.
• It’s a significant step towards recovery, and while it may be challenging, it’s a journey worth undertaking for improved health and well-being.
• Despite the potential effectiveness of tapering off alcohol, the complexities involved in this process make it crucial to seek professional guidance.
• The process is aimed at minimizing withdrawal symptoms, managing cravings, and creating sustainable habits for long-term sobriety or healthier alcohol use.

Along with withdrawal symptoms, it may be even more difficult to cut back or taper your alcohol use if you struggle with an alcohol use disorder (AUD). AUD makes it difficult to control alcohol use — it may seem like the alcohol is controlling you. A taper may not be right for you if you frequently drink more than you intended, try to cut back but cannot or feel that your alcohol use is affecting your life. People with AUD may be unable to quit drinking alcohol on their own or have attempted to quit before and relapsed.

• Researched, fact-checked and transparent articles and guides that offer addiction and mental health insight from experts and treatment professionals.
• To overcome this, you may want to find hobbies and social activities that enrich your life.
• However, there is always hope and the potential for a healthier well-being and a more enriching life.
• The Recovery Village Cherry Hill at Cooper offers comprehensive addiction treatment for drug and alcohol addictions and co-occurring mental health conditions.
• Rather than beginning your sober life drained and dazed from a week of feeling ill, you can already be getting on your feet.
• Maintaining motivation doesn’t mean ignoring your achievements this far.

How to rebuild trust after addiction

A popular way to taper off alcohol is to gradually reduce the number of drinks you consume over a period of time. For example, if you normally drink 6 glasses of wine each night, you can try reducing that to 5 glasses of wine a night. Eventually, after a period of time, you will have tapered down to zero drinks. If you’re interested in medication-assisted treatment, medication to curb cravings can be a helpful tool for reducing your consumption. If alcohol negatively impacts your Alcoholics Anonymous life or you’re unable to control your drinking, consider reaching out to a healthcare provider or addiction specialist for support. As you progress in your journey to wean off alcohol, celebrate your accomplishments and milestones along the way.

How to recognize the signs of substance abuse

This may work for many people, but in practice each individual will respond best to a different pace, and each doctor will have their own recommendations. The risk of tapering too slowly is that you won’t stick with it, while the risk of tapering too fast is severe withdrawal. If you experience dangerous signs such as high blood pressure, racing heart, or arrhythmias, slow your taper and seek assistance. Weaning off alcohol gives your body chemistry a chance to adjust, reducing the shock to your system. It also lets you start working new habits and routines into your day to replace drinking, starting the transition. Rather than beginning your sober life drained and dazed from a week of feeling ill, you can already be getting on your feet.