A standard drink is a term used because different alcoholic beverages have different concentrations of alcohol, giving you varying amounts of alcohol depending on the fluid you drink. This can equate to as much as a full bottle of beer or less than two tablespoons of whisky. It is important to measure your alcohol use in standard drinks while tapering to allow for an accurate comparison of how much you use from day to day. While the safest way to taper is with professional help in a detox facility, this may not be an option for everyone. A person may need to detox at home for many reasons, including cost or time. A direct taper means drinking the regular substance of choice but lowering the amount consumed daily.

Blending modern and traditional approaches, a residential treatment center addressing substance use disorders with equine therapy in Scottsdale, Arizona. It’s common for the first symptoms to appear within a few hours after your last drink. Discover the reasons people may become codependent and learn effective strategies for recovery. Discover what Xanax does to you, the risks involved, and the journey towards recovery. Discover what makes Steps to Recovery the best rehab, from personalized treatments to robust support systems. Explore student opioid addiction rehab options, from medications to tailored therapies, for reclaiming lives.

Medical Supervision and Treatment Programs

Explore how to wean yourself off alcohol safely, from tapering plans to handling severe symptoms. We are dedicated to transforming the despair of addiction into a purposeful life of confidence, self-respect and happiness. We want to give recovering addicts the tools to return to the outside world completely substance-free and successful. Medically assisted detoxification (detox) is an inpatient program that keeps you stabilized during alcohol withdrawals.

Achieve Sobriety with IOP

They can serve as a source of encouragement, reminding you of your goals and providing a listening ear when needed. If you find it difficult to cut down on your number of drinks per day, try making your drinks weaker by using less alcohol per drink. You may also find it easier to stick to your taper schedule if you avoid certain places and situations. Weaning https://www.inkl.com/news/sober-house-rules-a-comprehensive-overview off alcohol involves gradually decreasing the amount of alcohol you drink.

Medication-Assisted Treatment: A Natural Approach

Because symptoms such as seizures and delirium tremens can be fatal, reducing alcohol consumption can be dangerous for some. It is therefore extremely important that you talk to your doctor before you start the process of weaning off alcohol. The amount of alcohol it takes to cause withdrawal symptoms can vary from person to person. For this reason, you should always talk to your doctor before attempting to quit drinking. Implementing stress-reducing techniques can aid in managing alcohol cravings and reducing the risk of relapse during the weaning process. Techniques such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, or engaging in hobbies can help individuals cope with stress and emotions without relying on alcohol as a coping mechanism.

Staying Sober and Preventing Relapse

While cutting it out for a month certainly has its benefits, it’s not the only way to change your relationship with alcohol. You might be surprised to find that you don’t need alcohol to enjoy certain events and previously would drink out of habit. “Replacing time or events spent drinking with other enjoyable activities is helpful. Exercise, family time, or cooking may provide distraction and promote your wellness,” Dr Lee said. Taking days off within the week is a common strategy to encourage drinking less overall.

• However, it is important to be aware of the risks of attempting a taper on your own.
• Those attempting to quit drinking should seek professional advice on managing alcohol cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
• Having a supportive network can provide a safe space for you to share your struggles, seek advice, and celebrate your successes.
• Under medical supervision, healthcare providers can develop personalized treatment plans tailored to individual needs.
• Withdrawing from alcohol use disorder leads to several uncomfortable side effects, with a common one being sleep disturbances…
• At Legacy, we’re dedicated to fully healing your mind, body, and spirit from the ravages of alcoholism.

• Learn which signs to look out for, and how to care for your well-being.
• Tapering alcohol may be uncomfortable, and there may be subconscious triggers that stimulate the desire to drink alcohol.
• For people with moderate to severe alcohol addiction, utilizing an alcohol detox center is always the safest option.
• For this reason, you should always talk to your doctor before attempting to quit drinking.

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.

Tapering alcohol may be uncomfortable, and there may be subconscious triggers that stimulate the desire to drink alcohol. Stress is a common trigger that makes it hard to modify your alcohol intake. Finding a different, more healthy way to unload stress may go a long way in helping someone succeed in cutting back on their alcohol use. Explore effective ways to reduce alcohol use, understand health risks, and discover treatment options.

How to Wean Yourself Off Alcohol Safely: A Guide to Taking Control of Your Life

By identifying your triggers and developing strategies to manage them, you can create a plan that works for you and helps you achieve your goals. Reducing the amount of the chosen substance consumed daily is known as a direct taper, but it may not be effective for everyone. It is only advisable to direct taper if the preferred drink is beer with a low alcohol percentage. If you do relapse, talk to your therapist or addiction treatment specialist who can help you quickly get back on track and prevent it from happening again.