How to Quit Drinking or at Least Cut Back


Serenity at Summit is a network of addiction treatment facilities in the Northeastern United States, with centers in New Jersey and Massachusetts. We offer comprehensive, evidence-based treatment to support individuals in achieving and maintaining long-term sobriety. Alcohol is likely the most widely used recreational substance in the world.

  • People who try tapering off alcohol won’t have the guided support of medical professionals that they would at inpatient treatment.
  • They can help you create an individualized tapering plan, monitor your progress, and make adjustments as needed.
  • The exact benefits will depend on how much alcohol you were drinking and on factors such as your genetics, overall health, and how your body responds.
  • Discover the risks of mixing Latuda and alcohol addiction, and learn how to seek professional help.

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.

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Before beginning a tapering schedule, speak with your doctor about the risks of detoxing at home. Tapering off alcohol may complicate other medical conditions or co-occurring mental health disorders. If you’re unable to reduce how much you drink, you may have a disease called alcoholism that requires professional addiction treatment. Alcohol rehab helps you taper off alcohol, and it treats other side effects and causes of alcoholism. If you’ve been unable to quit on your own, you should consider attending an alcohol rehab center. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals.

Alcoholic Dementia: Overcoming Addiction

This approach helps to break the habit of constant alcohol consumption and promotes a healthier relationship with alcohol. 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 Sober Houses Rules That You Should Follow not drinking for pleasure–you are drinking medicine–so only drink what is needed. If you were to suddenly stop drinking alcohol, your receptors would become hyperactive because they are no longer being depressed. This is why you should taper off alcohol, or use a prescribed medication like benzodiazepines, during detox3.

how to slowly wean off alcohol

I am sober. Can I socialize with friends who drink?

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  • If that’s not possible, admit your desire to drink and don’t judge yourself for it.
  • Whether you are struggling with addiction, mental health or both, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way.
  • Drinking plenty of water and eating balanced, nutritious meals can help your body recover from the effects of alcohol dependency.

My Story About A Christmas Party Relapse

Besides its positive health benefits, it can help you quit drinking after weeks or months. Some find tapering is not a suitable option to stop drinking due to various factors such as social responsibilities or peer pressure. For many people, tapering alone is insufficient to help heal their addiction. One 12-ounce can of beer contains about 5% alcohol, and a standard glass of sherry is 3 to 4 ounces and contains about 17% alcohol, according to the NIAAA.

This is a highly personal decision, which can be made through self-reflection, and with the support of a medical professional and your peers. If it’s safe for you to quit cold turkey, you may find that cutting alcohol out entirely from the start helps you clearly uphold your boundaries. Or, you may find that quitting all at once is too drastic and decide to start by practicing harm reduction. 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. After several days of 5 glasses of wine, you can reduce that down to 4.

how to slowly wean off alcohol

Most people experience the most severe symptoms from about 36–72 hours after stopping drinking. If you feel comfortable doing so, discuss your challenges with your primary healthcare professional. Finding a therapist can also be a great starting point if you’re uncomfortable opening up to your healthcare professional. It teaches you healthy ways to cope with stress and techniques for overcoming the underlying causes of alcohol addiction. If you’ve become dependent on alcohol, cutting it out of your life may produce withdrawal symptoms, such as a rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, sweating and shaking. You should always seek medical advice before attempting any kind of alcohol withdrawal.

If the drink of choice is liquor, it is difficult to measure amounts and easy to binge drink. If it is a mixed drink, it can contain sugar or other additives that should not be included in the taper and may worsen the effects of withdrawal symptoms. Our state-specific resource guides offer a comprehensive overview of drug and alcohol addiction treatment options available in your area. However, even the best-designed tapers can put you at risk for alcohol withdrawal syndrome.

How Does Alcohol Dependence Work in the Brain?

To effectively quit drinking alcohol, it is crucial to identify the triggers and temptations that may lead to relapse. Triggers can be situations, emotions, or environments that make you crave alcohol. By understanding and addressing these triggers, you can develop strategies to navigate challenging situations and maintain your commitment to sobriety. Joining support groups can be immensely beneficial for individuals looking to quit drinking alcohol. Support groups provide a sense of community, understanding, and empathy. They offer a space where individuals can share their struggles, triumphs, and strategies for maintaining sobriety.

Alcohol withdrawal usually lasts for a few days, but some effects may linger for months. Symptoms are most severe around day 34, and the total process can last for 2 to 10 days. Reducing the amount of the chosen substance consumed daily is known as a direct taper, but it may not be effective for everyone.

how to slowly wean off alcohol

Discover tips for staying sober on Thanksgiving, from mindful practices to navigating social gatherings. Explore risky behaviors in recovery, from genetic influences to management strategies for lasting stability. Explore the benefits of inpatient treatment, from 24/7 support to high success rates, for https://yourhealthmagazine.net/article/addiction/sober-houses-rules-that-you-should-follow/ a solid recovery. If cravings become overwhelming, reach out for professional help or contact support services like SAMHSA’s National Helpline for additional resources.

Unrealistic expectations can lead to frustration and disappointment, potentially increasing the risk of relapse. Start by setting small, achievable goals that align with your overall objective of sobriety. Socially, alcohol addiction can strain relationships and lead to conflicts with family, friends, and colleagues. It may also result in legal issues, financial difficulties, and a decline in overall well-being. Understanding these consequences is crucial in recognizing the need for change and taking the first step towards a healthier and happier life.


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