Know that your provider will be there to support you, not to judge you. Talk therapy is an important part of treatment for alcohol use disorder, but Dr. Streem says just about anyone who is making a life change, like quitting drinking, can benefit from therapy. Whether you’re sober curious, know for sure you’re ready to quit, or fall somewhere in between, Dr. Streem shares advice for how to stop drinking.
How to stop drinking alcohol completely
If it’s too hard to control how much you drink each day, weaning might not be the right how to taper off alcohol strategy. That said, there are now several medications that can help reduce your cravings and make weaning off alcohol easier. The time it takes to taper off alcohol varies based on how much a person drinks. Regardless, The initial detoxification process may take several days.
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A substitution taper can involve substituting a prescription drug for alcohol. It can also involve substituting the drink of choice with another drink; for example, a person may taper off hard alcohol with beer. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms consistent with DTs, call 911.
Addiction Help Offered at Rehabilitation Centers in PA
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. Talk to a medical professional if you have any concerns about tapering off alcohol. They can provide recommendations to help you avoid harmful side effects. Explore effective ways to reduce alcohol use, understand health risks, and discover treatment options. Drug rehab is highly effective in aiding long-term sobriety through personalized care, strong support systems, and therapeutic interventions.
- Alcohol withdrawal can cause something called kindling to occur in your brain.
- Alcohol detox centers have professionals trained to recognize and treat complications caused by alcohol withdrawal.
- Creating a tapering schedule you can stick with is a crucial part of weaning yourself off alcohol.
- Talk with a healthcare professional if you’re concerned you may experience detox symptoms when quitting drinking or cutting back.
Instead of criticizing yourself for having a hard time or slipping up and having a drink, remember that no one’s perfect. What matters most is your ability to maintain an open, curious outlook as you learn what does and doesn’t work for you. Satisfying hobbies can distract you from wanting to drink, but they also help you relax — something everyone needs to do. It’s common to have a difficult time when making big changes, but good self-care practices can help you manage overwhelming feelings and take care of your mind and body. If you turn to alcohol to manage emotional distress, the added overwhelm can prompt the urge to drink, making success seem even more out of reach. What’s most important is looking at your drinking habits and finding a way to cut back that works for you.
Does Alcohol Tapering Work?
Among other things, you might find you have more energy, that you’re sleeping better, or that you’ve lost a fair amount of weight. Identifying your ‘triggers’ (situations or https://ecosoberhouse.com/ places where you’re tempted to drink) is important. Avoiding the pub is an obvious one for many people, but remember to think about whether alcohol is still readily available at home too.
The most common research technique among those surveyed is an internet search (61%), followed by asking a doctor or medical professional (55%). If you’re relying on internet searches to find potential treatment centers, make sure to ask these ten questions to find a licensed facility that can meet your needs. However, even the best-designed tapers can put you at risk for alcohol withdrawal syndrome. For this reason, you should never start an alcohol taper before clearing with your doctor.
