Your Guide to Tapering Off Alcohol

If you have trouble controlling how much you drink or experience significant alcohol cravings, you may need professional help instead of trying to taper your alcohol use at home. If you suddenly quit drinking, your body can struggle to catch up. Because alcohol https://www.kushnirs.org/2021/08/ is a central nervous system depressant, quitting drinking can cause your body to have too much of an excitatory substance called glutamate as it tries to rebalance. This can trigger alcohol withdrawal symptoms, which can be dangerous in some cases.

Prepare for potential alcohol detox

It is also very important when tapering off to fight dehydration and to replenish lost vitamins. If you go through a medical detox the people they may rehydrate you with an IV and may also give you vitamin shots. If you are doing a self detox be sure to drink lots and lots of fluids and to take vitamin pills. If you choose to drink water make sure that you get enough salt for electrolyte https://www.celine-bags.org/luxurious-slumber-bags-for-girls-and-boys-for-gift/ balance so that you avoid water intoxication. Following medical detox, individuals are typically encouraged to enter a comprehensive addiction treatment program, which may include therapy, counseling, and other therapeutic modalities. During medical detox, you are closely monitored round the clock by medical staff who can intervene if withdrawal symptoms become severe.

Why Alcohol Withdrawal Occurs

Unfortunately, your brain may be sensitized to withdrawal due to kindling, which can set you up for unexpectedly severe withdrawal symptoms. Gradually reducing alcohol consumption can be achieved through a substitution taper. This can involve switching to a different alcoholic http://lovi-moment.com.ua/chem-razbavit-seryj-interer-primer-kvartiry-v-shvecii/ beverage or replacing alcohol with a prescription drug, but the latter should only be done under the guidance of a medical professional. Direct tapering is not recommended for liquor drinkers as it is challenging to measure amounts and can result in binge drinking.

• Alcohol detox medications can make the process safer and more comfortable.
• This can help your body adjust, and it can be easier to manage than quitting cold turkey.
• Some alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be so severe that they can lead to death.
• Mild withdrawal symptoms can be managed with hydration, rest and a quiet environment.
• You may also consider joining an online support group to help you feel less alone.

Quitting cold turkey is the preferred method of withdrawal, but only if done under medical supervision, where symptoms can be treated as they occur. The phrase cold turkey refers to abruptly stopping drug or alcohol use. Typically, when a person thinks about the word tapering they think of tapering off medications like opioids. With that being said, tapering is a lot safer than going cold turkey.

Challenges of Cutting Down Your Alcohol Intake

This can cause seizures and delirium tremens, a severe form of withdrawal marked by tremors and hallucinations. If you taper off alcohol slowly or with medical supervision, the brain has time to adapt without causing severe side effects. 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 professionals at home.