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. If you struggle to stop drinking, avoid places and situations that tempt you to drink alcohol.

Alcohol withdrawal can have dangerous effects

After several days of 5 glasses of wine, you can reduce that down to 4. Eventually, after a period of time, you will have tapered down to zero drinks. If you’re interested in medication-assisted treatment, medication to curb cravings can be a helpful tool how to taper off alcohol for reducing your consumption. That said, tapering off alcohol doesn’t completely eliminate withdrawal symptoms. Alcohol withdrawal is dangerous and it’s important to be careful throughout the process. Once alcohol is stopped, your brain continues to be hyperactive until it readjusts to the absence of alcohol.

Benefits of Getting Professional Help for Tapering Off

• Alcohol proof is the amount of alcohol found in distilled spirits or liquor.
• For some drinkers, cutting down on the amount of alcohol they drink simply does not work.
• Individuals can taper off alcohol alone, though it is generally safer and more effective to do so under the supervision of addiction professionals.
• There are multiple health benefits you can experience when you start drinking less alcohol.
• Alcohol causes serious changes in the brain, and prolonged symptoms such as sleep problems, mood changes and fatigue may take months to overcome, according to the U.S.

They may cut back for a short period of time, but soon find themselves back to drinking at their usual level. This is especially true of heavy drinkers who are surrounded by the triggers that encourage drinking and lack the support needed to encourage change. Whether you choose to adopt mindful drinking practices or explore other approaches to cutting back, the key is to be intentional about your choices and prioritize your well-being.

Phone, Video, or Live-Chat Support

• Finding a therapist can also be a great starting point if you’re uncomfortable opening up to your healthcare professional.
• Alcohol addiction, often known as alcohol use disorder, is a serious medical condition that causes people to lose their freedom to choose whether or not to drink.
• When a person drinks alcohol, the central nervous system compensates for the depressant effects of alcohol by increasing its activity.
• Smaller drinks with a higher percentage of alcohol are stronger than the same size drink containing a lower-proof liquor.

Making a schedule to slowly reduce your alcohol intake is a safe way to taper off the substance. This will ensure that you are not quitting cold turkey which could result in severe and debilitating  withdrawal symptoms or even death. Depending on how much alcohol you’ve been consuming, it can take days or over a week to gradually reduce your dose safely and get off alcohol.

• Many gyms offer group classes, allowing individuals to connect with others who share similar fitness goals.
• Also, learn to cope with and avoid situations that might cause you to want to drink more.
• If you’ve decided to quit drinking, and tapering seems like the right approach, we’ve got you covered.

Individuals can taper off alcohol alone, though it is generally safer and more effective to do so under the supervision of addiction professionals. For people with severe alcohol dependence, clinical evidence shows that tapering is a safer alternative to the “cold turkey” method, which involves quitting alcohol entirely all at once. Ultimately, it is crucial to understand that quitting alcohol is generally not sufficient to keep a person permanently sober.

You can also get help by reaching out to a professional rehab facility directly, like The Recovery Village. We can leverage our resources and team to help you reduce and eventually end your alcohol use. If you’re seeking help for yourself or a loved one, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way. The effects of alcohol can vary depending on weight, gender, age and other factors. Withdrawal usually begins 6 to 8 hours after the last drink and peaks within 72 hours. There are several ways to taper your alcohol consumption without therapy.

• This is because when you drink heavily for months or years, your body can start to depend on alcohol to function normally.
• Finally, finding a therapist or a recovery coach can help you develop new coping mechanisms and move forward in your life.
• If you’re not sure if cold turkey or tapering is right for you, you can join the Monument Community to hear from others who have confronted similar questions.

Meditation is another effective relaxation technique that can help you manage alcohol cravings. To practice deep breathing, find a quiet, comfortable place to sit or lie down. Breathe in slowly through your nose, feeling your belly rise as your lungs fill with air.

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This can be especially helpful when you’re trying to cut back on drinking, as stress and anxiety drug addiction are common triggers for alcohol cravings. If you find that you’re consistently meeting your goals, consider setting new, more challenging targets. For example, if your initial goal was to reduce your alcohol intake by 25% and you’ve successfully achieved that, you might aim for a 50% reduction next.