Moreover, substituting one kind of beverage for another does not help you taper off alcohol if you consume the same number of standard drinks as you usually have. For example, one 12-ounce can of beer contains roughly the same amount of alcohol as a 5-ounce glass of wine or a mixed drink containing 1.5 ounces of alcohol. For some drinkers, cutting down on the amount of alcohol safely taper off alcohol they drink simply does not work.
Decreased Risk of Alcohol-Related Death
For others, simply cutting back the number of drinks can bring on alcohol withdrawal symptoms, making it more difficult to stop. Generally speaking, alcohol home detox is neither the most effective nor the safest method of quitting alcohol. However, it may be suitable for someone with a lower risk of experiencing alcohol withdrawal, or a person who has access to medical https://ecosoberhouse.com/ professionals at home.
What Is a Sober Living Home and How Can It Help?
- If you struggle with drinking, the safest way to quit is under a doctor’s care.
- He believes that empathy, respect and trust are integral traits that all providers must possess.
- It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.
- Alcohol proof is the amount of alcohol found in distilled spirits or liquor.
- You’ll likely face the urge to drink more than you’ve planned each day, but there are some good tricks to help you delay that next serving and keep yourself honest.
A relapse alcoholism can serve as an opportunity for you to refocus on your larger goals, practice self-forgiveness, and find ways to stay motivated. An example of a short-term goal would be to reduce alcohol consumption by half within the next month. An example of a long-term goal would be to achieve complete abstinence from alcohol within six months. You should develop this plan while you are in treatment, so you can use it to protect and maintain your sobriety once your stint in treatment ends. BetterHelp can connect you to an addiction and mental health counselor.
Alcohol Tapering Timeline
It’s physically dangerous, and it may also cause emotional instability. Discussing these issues with a loved one can help you avoid relapse. Despite its benefits, there are some important drawbacks when considering tapering off alcohol. That is why healthcare professionals discourage people from attempting tapers. Instead, doctors and nurses encourage them to quit cold turkey with their help. If you find that you are a person who cannot taper their alcohol consumption consistently, or if you find that you begin to experience withdrawal symptoms by merely cutting back, don’t give up.
Sustained Recovery
Our drug detox in Charlotte, NC if fully staffed with expert clinicians who are dedicated to making this process as safe and comfortable as possible. Weaning off alcohol in a safe way can help reduce the severity of some withdrawal symptoms. Orlando Recovery Center says that when you taper your alcohol intake over time, you reduce the likelihood of withdrawal symptoms7.
Consult a Medical Professional
If you feel severe symptoms, such as hallucinations, rapid heartbeat or disorientation, call 911 immediately. 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.
Consider Medically Assisted Detox
- Don’t let the fears of the detox process prevent you from taking control of your life.
- You can taper off alcohol if you worry that you are developing alcohol addiction.
- Just as what is a useful method for one person may not be for another, what is a safe method for someone may not be for someone else.
- Explore “I Am Not Resistant” and learn strategies to overcome addiction and embrace a transformative journey.
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. As such, there is only limited guidance available about the best ways to taper. One of the keys to a successful taper is taking gradual steps that will cause as few side effects as possible. Educate your loved ones on dangerous symptoms, too, so they can look out for you and get you medical attention if you need it. Give your loved ones as much information as you can about your self-tapering strategy.