Someone who has been drinking heavily for a long period may struggle with cravings and alcohol withdrawal symptoms, leading to relapse. For people with moderate to severe alcohol addiction, utilizing an alcohol detox center is always the safest option. Alcohol detox centers have professionals trained to recognize and treat complications caused by alcohol withdrawal. When you quit drinking, you should also seek medical advice about any alcohol withdrawal symptoms you experience. This includes early symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, such as mild tremors and anxiety. The reason for this is that alcohol withdrawal symptoms can quickly snowball and worsen.
Mental and Physical Impacts of Weaning off Alcohol
However, understanding how an alcohol taper works and what the process is like can help you prepare yourself and find the support you need. Tapering can be a long process that takes weeks or even months to finish. Although it is possible to taper at home, having medical supervision and assistance can ensure a successful taper.
How To Taper off Alcohol Safely and Effectively
- Although you can use methods to taper off alcohol at home, the best way to taper is to talk to a doctor.
- It is also very important when tapering off to fight dehydration and to replenish lost vitamins.
- You should always seek medical advice before attempting any kind of alcohol withdrawal.
- Hydration is also important, so drinking plenty of water and avoiding caffeine is advised.
The craving for alcohol may be a persistent challenge during and after withdrawal. There will be multiple points throughout the process where you will be tempted to drink. It’s helpful to think of your craving as a wave; Cravings build, peak, crash and dissipate. The point is that eventually, your craving will go away — how to wean off beer the wave will crash. Learn 18 ways to keep your mind occupied while facing alcohol withdrawal.
When To Seek Medical Attention
One potential way to quit drinking is through tapering, which involves slowly reducing your alcohol intake over time. Alcohol dependence and addiction are serious medical conditions. Minor symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can be overcome with rest and at-home remedies, and it is possible for some people to taper off alcohol without supervision.
- As you prepare to wean off alcohol, consider taking the following steps ahead of time to have a clear path to success.
- If you properly taper your alcohol use, you’re less likely to experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
- Others may discover after consulting with a doctor that it’s safe for them to quit alcohol cold turkey if they choose to.
- The Recovery Village Atlanta offers comprehensive addiction treatment for drug and alcohol addictions and co-occurring mental health conditions.
If you drink heavily, alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be harsh, dangerous, and even fatal. For this reason, it’s generally best to avoid quitting abruptly, or at bare minimum speak with a doctor first and have someone looking out for you. If you experience severe withdrawal symptoms or have been a heavy drinker, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional before making drastic reductions in your alcohol consumption. They can provide guidance on a safe reduction strategy or recommend alcohol detox programs.
