How to Wean Off Alcohol Safely and Effectively

As such, there is only limited guidance available about the best ways to taper. BetterHelp offers affordable mental health care via phone, video, or live-chat. Generally, light to moderate drinkers should plan to taper for a week or more. Understanding how to taper off drinking the importance of the right equipment and techniques makes bottle-feeding your baby a better experience. You can start weaning your baby (introducing them to solid foods) when they are around 6 months of age.

• To avoid severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms, you should slowly reduce alcohol consumption.
• Techniques such as mindfulness, meditation or gentle exercise might help alleviate stress.
• Cutting down your alcohol intake may not be as easy as it sounds.

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Replacing alcoholic beverages with non-alcohol drinks is a great method of helping during a taper. By substituting alcoholic drinks for non-alcoholic drinks, you can still engage in most of your habit without getting the alcohol that makes it addictive. This can taper you off alcohol while still helping you keep up with your normal drinking routine, making the process easier.

How To Taper Off Alcohol at Home

The alcohol withdrawal symptom delirium tremens (DT) is estimated to kill up to 5% of those attempting to quit suddenly after chronic usage. This is a staggering number considering that many other drugs do not even have the possibility of lethal withdrawals. For this reason, experts advise that alcohol cessation be monitored safely with steady effort between oneself and a physician. Over time, this can help you slow down and make more intentional choices about how much you’re drinking. You can read all about mindful drinking in this article by a licensed therapist at Monument.

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Direct tapering is not recommended for liquor drinkers as it is challenging to measure amounts and can result in binge drinking. Additionally, mixed drinks may contain sugar or other additives that could exacerbate withdrawal symptoms and should be avoided during the taper. Prolonged and excessive alcohol consumption can impact your brain, causing changes to the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors.

Benefits of Tapering off Alcohol

It’s much better to focus on something you enjoy than to focus on the discomfort of your withdrawal symptoms. Addiction tends to make everything else in life seem less enjoyable. Music you used to love may no longer have the same draw while you are using alcohol. You may find a renewed interest in music during your detox and should pursue the distraction it offers from cravings or withdrawal symptoms. Like deep breathing, meditation can help you stay balanced and relaxed during your withdrawal.

• Alcohol withdrawal symptoms range in severity depending on how extensive the misuse behavior was.
• This method is safer than abruptly stopping alcohol consumption, especially when switching from hard liquor to beer.
• Track your progress, note how you feel, and adjust if necessary.
• One potential way to quit drinking is through tapering, which involves slowly reducing your alcohol intake over time.
• Relapse after a period of sobriety can be dangerous because your tolerance has gone down.
• Get professional treatment and long-term support to prevent relapse.

Because of the risk of a lower success rate and prolonged alcohol exposure, most healthcare professionals will recommend a professional detox over tapering. Foods rich in vitamins and minerals, like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains, can support the body’s recovery. Hydration is also important, so drinking plenty of water and avoiding caffeine is advised.

Counting each drink you consume may seem simple, but all drinks are not created equal. 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. It is important to note that alcohol tapers are generally not recommended as the best way to stop using alcohol.

Alcohol Detox at Home

Over the long term, many health benefits occur throughout your body. Your risk of certain diseases decreases, you will begin sleeping better, and your overall health can significantly benefit. These include direct tapers, where you regularly decrease the amount of alcohol you consume, and substitution tapers, where you replace alcohol with another substance. These strategies work in different ways to help you quit drinking, and one may be more appropriate for you based on your needs.