How To Taper Off Alcohol Risks of Quitting Alcohol Cold Turkey

For others, simply cutting back the number of drinks can bring on alcohol withdrawal symptoms, making it more difficult to stop. Tapering gradually lowers the amount of alcohol that you use over time. This lessens the severity of withdrawal symptoms, as there is not an abrupt or dramatic change. Tapering will normally create less severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms but will spread them out over a prolonged period. Essentially, tapering provides less intense withdrawal symptoms but over a longer amount of time.

Alcohol Tapering Schedule

“I could easily sleep 12 hours a night and still feel tired the next morning.” The longer you’re abstinent, the more time your mind and body have to heal. By this time, people are often beginning to feel better and notice more energy.

• Whatever your reason to quit drinking, know that you’re doing yourself a favor.
• Tapering alcohol may be uncomfortable, and there may be subconscious triggers that stimulate the desire to drink alcohol.
• This is a benefit that isn’t available to all who attempt to taper at home.
• Symptoms that occur after two weeks are usually more psychological in nature and can last for several months in some cases.
• While cirrhosis scars from excessive drinking are irreversible, quitting alcohol and leading a healthier lifestyle can help your liver heal from alcohol-related liver disease.
• But severe or complicated alcohol withdrawal can result in lengthy hospital stays and even time in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Evaluate Your Drinking Habits

The amount of alcohol it takes to cause withdrawal symptoms can vary from person to person. For this reason, you should always talk to your doctor before attempting to quit drinking. That said, tapering off alcohol doesn’t completely eliminate withdrawal symptoms. Alcohol withdrawal how to taper off alcohol is dangerous and it’s important to be careful throughout the process. Contact your doctor for advice on how to manage symptoms of alcohol withdrawal or PAWS. They will be able to refer you to a treatment program to help you to manage your symptoms and reduce your risk of relapse.

• Two commonly used tools to assess withdrawal symptoms are the Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol Scale, Revised, and the Short Alcohol Withdrawal Scale.
• The alcohol content itself is important, and it depends on the percentage of alcohol, the proof of the alcohol and the actual amount of alcohol in the drink.
• Still, even if someone’s alcohol withdrawal experience does not include seizures of Delirium tremens, the more common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal still make for an overwhelmingly unpleasant experience.
• The length of the tapering process can vary based on the needs of the person.
• When you consider how to go about giving up alcohol, account for factors like how much you drink and your reasons for drinking.
• However, it is important to be aware of the risks of attempting a taper on your own.

Factors That May Influence the Detox Timeline

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.

• Tapering can help you overcome alcohol dependence, which is a side effect of chronic alcohol use that causes cravings and withdrawal.
• Here’s how to wean off alcohol—including useful strategies, how to create a tapering schedule, and how to stay safe throughout the process.
• If you’re continuing to suffer physical symptoms after two weeks of abstinence from alcohol, consult your healthcare provider.
• Identify a family member or friend who you can call on to provide emotional support.