Support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous can help reinforce your goals and boost your spirits. Surrounding yourself with those going through the same process you are, and learning the same life lessons you are, can make a big difference in your healing journey. You’ll talk about different topics regarding addiction and recovery and bond over shared feelings and experiences. Tapering off alcohol is a step in the right direction, but there’s more to the story.
Tapering Off vs. Cold Turkey
The Recovery Village Cherry Hill at Cooper offers comprehensive addiction treatment for drug and alcohol addictions and co-occurring mental health conditions. Usually, alcohol withdrawal symptoms occur within 12–24 hours after stopping alcohol and can last 2–10 days. Your doctor can determine if tapering alcohol is safe for your unique situation and help you create a plan to quit drinking alcohol. However, tapering can be dangerous if you have severe AUD, leading to uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.
Ways To Cut Back on Drinking Alcohol Without Quitting
But, it might also come with seemingly some discomfort or disappointment from friends. Those moments can be thought of as a “them thing, and less of a you thing,” says Shani Gardner, LCSW, a therapist at Soulful Grace Therapy. Switching up your behavior might make people question their https://thecinnamonhollow.com/a-guide-to-sober-house-rules-what-you-need-to-know/ own and result in them projecting onto you. Approach that with kindness and compassion—but don’t take it personally, she says.
- They often try to not drink at all during the week, and allow for moderate drinking Friday through Sunday,” Dr Lee said.
- If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction, contact us to learn more and get started with alcohol addiction treatment.
- Surrounding yourself with supportive friends and family who understand your journey can provide the encouragement needed during challenging times.
- Direct tapering is not recommended for liquor drinkers as it is challenging to measure amounts and can result in binge drinking.
Mental Health Resources
- When you reduce alcohol intake, your body might seek other sources of sugar, leading to cravings.
- For this reason, you should never start an alcohol taper before clearing with your doctor.
- Tapering alcohol may be uncomfortable, and there may be subconscious triggers that stimulate the desire to drink alcohol.
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- Because quitting cold turkey produces such intense withdrawal symptoms, people are more likely to consume alcohol to stop them.
Find out if Cigna covers addiction treatment in Kansas and explore your options for comprehensive care. Additionally, it is crucial to identify and manage personal triggers. These triggers might include specific social settings or emotional states that prompt cravings. By recognizing these factors ahead of time, you can prepare strategies that make it easier to navigate challenging situations. Because tapering is not the recommended way to stop using alcohol, there is no recommended tapering schedule.
Evidence Based
Implementing healthy coping mechanisms is essential to replace the role alcohol plays in an individual’s life. This could include engaging in new hobbies, exercising, or seeking support from friends, family, or support groups. Additionally, understanding and avoiding personal triggers can help prevent relapse. Alcohol tapering, the gradual reduction of alcohol intake, presents several challenges, each requiring strategic solutions to ensure a safe and successful journey towards sobriety. If you’ve confirmed it is safe for you to wean off alcohol at home, set goals for yourself and make a plan as to how you will achieve those goals. Also, your insurance should cover addiction treatment services, so look for therapists and/or rehabs in your network to help reduce the costs.
Can You Stop Drinking Alcohol Cold Turkey?
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In contrast, robust evidence supports quitting alcohol while under medical supervision. If you struggle with drinking, the safest way Sober Houses Rules That You Should Follow to quit is under a doctor’s care. If you drink heavily, your doctor may recommend quitting with the help of a medical detox center.
Establishing an Action Plan and Support System
Tapering can be an excellent way to prevent harmful withdrawal effects after ceasing alcohol intake. If you struggle to stop drinking, avoid places and situations that tempt you to drink alcohol. You may even ask your friends and family not to drink while around you. You can taper off alcohol if you worry that you are developing alcohol addiction.
We created this guide to support you in finding treatment that meets your needs. 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. Jeff’s work has been used in rehabs across the country as tools to help patients achieve sobriety. At Legacy, we’re dedicated to fully healing your mind, body, and spirit from the ravages of alcoholism.