Detoxing from alcohol can be dangerous if you don’t do it properly. “Management of moderate and severe alcohol withdrawal syndromes.” September 15, 2023. Always consult a medical professional before starting any tapering schedule. If you or someone you know is quitting alcohol and experiences seizures, DTs, hallucinations, or other major effects, seek immediate medical attention or call 911 for help. Individuals who’ve consumed higher amounts of alcohol over time can develop life-threatening complications when trying to quit.
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Most people experience the most severe symptoms from about 36–72 hours after stopping drinking. Tapering off alcohol helps some people start their recovery journeys. It can also be a good idea for people who don’t want to, or can’t, attend any type of full detoxification program. Tapering helps people stop using alcohol and other substances in small and manageable steps. This can help your body adjust, and it can be easier to manage than quitting cold turkey. Tell your family and friends that you’re aiming to stop drinking alcohol and explain why.
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Typically, quitting cold turkey from a 12-beer-a-day habit is going to be more stressful than tapering off slowly. In addition, home detox may not be effective, appropriate, or safe. Dr. Streem says that if your goal is to stop drinking altogether, you’re more likely to have success quitting all at once, rather than weaning off alcohol.
Is it Safe to Detox from Alcohol at Home?
Eating nutritious food, exercising, and getting enough sleep can help reduce some withdrawal symptoms, such as mood swings. If don’t have much of an appetite, you may want to take a multivitamin or drink a beverage high in electrolytes, such as a sports drink. If you take prescription medication, continue to take it as directed. Substitution how to taper off alcohol involves replacing alcoholic beverages with non-alcoholic ones. This can help address the habitual aspect of drinking, like having a beverage in hand at social events without the alcohol content. Over time, you can decrease the alcoholic drinks while increasing the non-alcoholic ones while still following the same behaviors you were used to.
- The most effective option for alcoholics to stop drinking is to find a treatment program that offers medical detox services.
- Local groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) can give you the moral support and strength you need.
- Someone who has been drinking heavily for a long period may struggle with cravings and alcohol withdrawal symptoms, leading to relapse.
- 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.
- To avoid or reduce the impact of the withdrawal symptoms, people struggling with alcohol may choose to progressively taper off alcohol rather than quit abruptly.
Challenges of Tapering Off Alcohol
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