Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

za

Independent & Authentic

Newspaper menu

FOR A SELECT AUDIENCE​

How to Wean Yourself Off Alcohol Safely

By Editor Rob. Robinson

Experience has shown me most people who continue using other hard substances simply get high and then continue drinking. Don’t quit other lighter substances while you’re detoxing from alcohol. I’m specifically talking about things like weed, cigarettes, and vaping.

Some detox programs also offer therapy to prepare you for addiction treatment. Talking to your friends and family about your decision to quit drinking is an important step in the process. It’s natural to feel hesitant or embarrassed about discussing your struggles with alcohol, but remember that reaching out for support can make all the difference. When it comes to weaning yourself off of alcohol, identifying your triggers is a crucial step. Triggers are situations or emotions that make you want to drink, and they can vary from person to person. By taking the time to identify your triggers, you can develop strategies to avoid or manage them, which can help you stay on track with your goals.

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. Below are some ideas to help people reduce their drinking by alcohol tapering. You don’t have to mention anything about your drinking if you don’t want to, but make sure you’re in good shape. Remember, doctors are (usually) intelligent people who spent over a decade studying medicine to help people.

Who Should Consider Alcohol Tapering?

Seeking help from a professional can provide you with the support and resources you need to successfully overcome your addiction. It takes time, patience, and commitment to wean yourself off of alcohol, but with the right support and strategies, it is possible. Remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and that you are not alone in your journey towards recovery. This means that there is little data about the best way to taper your drinking. However, some groups have published tapering examples to assist those trying to quit drinking.

Remember to consult with a healthcare professional or addiction specialist to determine the appropriate reduction rate for your circumstances. The journey of quitting alcohol safely can be a challenging one, but the benefits gained make it a worthwhile endeavor. With the right support and resources, anyone can start their journey towards a healthier, alcohol-free life. Engaging in activities that promote relaxation and self-care, such as taking baths, practicing yoga, or spending time in nature, can also be beneficial.

The severity and duration of these symptoms can vary depending on the individual’s alcohol consumption patterns, genetics, overall health, and other factors. It’s important to note that some individuals may not experience any withdrawal symptoms, while others may experience symptoms at lower blood alcohol concentrations than usual 6. Understanding the global impact of alcohol consumption and the need for action is a crucial step toward implementing effective strategies to reduce harm and promote healthier behaviors.

Alcohol withdrawal is a clinical syndrome that occurs when individuals accustomed to regular alcohol intake either decrease their consumption or stop drinking completely. The manifestations of alcohol withdrawal can range from mild to severe and can have significant effects on an individual’s well-being. Understanding the symptoms, clinical manifestations, and the central nervous system (CNS) adaptations can help in assessing severity and determining appropriate treatment options. By implementing these support strategies and incorporating healthy habits while avoiding triggers, individuals can increase their chances of safely weaning off alcohol.

Our Newfane rehab & health care center can help you along the path to a healthy, successful, and stable life.

  • If you drink alcohol and are thinking about quitting, it is important to make sure you do so safely.
  • Remember, it’s not about achieving immediate perfection but about making steady progress towards your goal of sobriety.
  • Finding healthy outlets for stress relief can reduce the risk of relapse and support long-term sobriety.
  • Working with a physician on the Monument platform can help determine what timeline will work for you based on your past drinking habits and risk of withdrawal.
  • If you’ve decided to quit drinking, and tapering seems like the right approach, we’ve got you covered.
  • The withdrawal symptoms are less severe and dangerous, and the individual is more likely to achieve a lasting sobriety.

However, it is important to be aware of the risks of attempting a taper on your own. Sometimes, people think that they don’t need medical help if their symptoms are mild. Unfortunately, alcohol withdrawal symptoms can worsen quickly, and they can include agitation and hallucinations that make it more difficult to seek help. For this reason, it is best to seek medical advice on whether you should taper at home or under medical observation.

weaning yourself off alcohol

If you experience a relapse, it’s important not to give up on your goals. Consider talking with a therapist or counselor to help identify triggers and develop strategies for avoiding future relapses. Abstinence, or total and lifelong avoidance of alcohol, is the best treatment for those who have gone through alcohol withdrawal. There’s no set time frame for tapering off alcohol that works for everyone. Even if your situation seems like someone else’s, your body may respond differently to the tapering process.

Rehab Resources

You can use an app like AlcoTrack (Android) or DrinkControl (Apple) to keep a log of your daily drinking and see your progression. You can enter in the type of drinks you consume and when you drink them to determine the total amount of alcohol you consume each day. The idea is to religiously take this like medicine for the next week or two.

Healthcare Professional Guidance

  • Governments play a vital role in addressing the harmful use of alcohol by adopting evidence-based policies and interventions.
  • More serious alcohol withdrawal symptoms may require medical attention.
  • Creating a supportive environment that eliminates exposure to triggers can facilitate the weaning-off process.
  • You could post about your experiences anonymously online in r/dryalcoholics, they’re a fairly open and supportive group of people.
  • 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.
  • Once you know it is medically safe to stop drinking, you should loop in a therapist or addiction specialist.

They can help you develop a personalized treatment plan, address any underlying issues contributing to your alcohol use, and provide ongoing support. The Recovery Village Ridgefield medical detox center in Vancouver, WA, is a fully staffed rehab facility designed to help you wean off alcohol in comfort. We offer 16 detox beds and around-the-clock medical care provided by a multidisciplinary team of addiction experts. Anyone wanting to stop using alcohol may benefit from tapering if they first consult with their doctor to ensure they are tapering safely.

Support groups can take various forms, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), SMART Recovery, or other community-based groups. These groups often follow a structured program that includes regular meetings, discussions, and support from peers who have similar experiences. Through these interactions, you can gain insights, learn from others’ journeys, and find encouragement to stay sober. At Legacy, we’re dedicated to fully healing your mind, body, and spirit from the ravages of alcoholism. We utilize a three-pronged, holistic approach that combines the right psychotropic medications, cutting-edge clinical therapy, and an environment of supportive peers. Give yourself personal rewards such as taking yourself to a special, non-alcoholic meal, buying yourself a meaningful item, hosting a sober celebration, or planning a day out.

Note that in some states, doctors may commit individuals at risk of harming themselves to 72 hours of involuntary treatment for addiction. These states include, but are not limited to, California, Colorado, Delaware, DC, Florida, Maine, Mass, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, and Washington. Adjust your goals and milestones based on your personal circumstances and progress.

weaning yourself off alcohol

Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that leads to an increase in brain neurotransmitters that slow down your brain’s functions, such as sober house gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). When you drink heavily over a long period, your brain and body adapt to expect this. Withdrawal symptoms occur when the body becomes accustomed to the regular presence of alcohol and then experiences a sudden reduction or cessation of its consumption. These symptoms can vary in severity and duration, depending on factors such as the level of alcohol dependency and individual differences.

Mental Health Treatment

You should not begin a tapering plan before talking to your doctor. Based on your medical history, your doctor can advise you about the safety of the taper. This method is safer than abruptly stopping alcohol consumption, especially when switching from hard liquor to beer. Drinking beer can also help maintain hydration throughout the taper.

Special Addition

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

Subscribe for newsletters & updates

© 2022 Citynewsza. All rights reserved.Site designed by Rapid Web Development