Weaning off alcohol can benefit people who drink moderately or have support systems. If you have a severe alcohol addiction, it might be best to seek professional addiction treatment. Slowly tapering your alcohol sober house use can help you manage mild withdrawal symptoms and decrease the risk of AUD.
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If it’s too hard to control how much you drink each day, weaning might not be the right strategy. That said, there are now several medications that can help reduce your cravings and make weaning off alcohol easier. Weaning off alcohol gives your body chemistry a chance to adjust, reducing the shock to your system. It also lets you start working new habits and routines into your day to replace drinking, starting the transition.
Withdrawal and Safety When Tapering Off Alcohol
She spends most of her time interviewing expert sources about the latest fitness trends, nutrition tips, and practical advice for living a healthier life. Olivia previously wrote for New York Magazine’s The Cut, PS (formerly POPSUGAR), and Salon, where she also did on-camera interviews with celebrity guests. She’s currently training for her first half marathon, inspired by her many colleagues at WH who have run one. At the end of the day, remember that drinking is just one of the many activities you can do with loved ones, says Gardner. Adding some variety can help not only decrease your weekly drink count, but also expose you to new hobbies.
Local groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) can give you the moral support and strength you need. Light exercise and a proper diet can help you adjust to the detox. Exercise can reduce stress, improve mood, and bolster your immune system. Do anything and everything you can to distract yourself from drinking. Whether that’s watching TV, cooking dinner, cleaning the house, going for a walk, or taking a bath. Force your self to do normal activities, but nothing too strenuous or physical beyond what you might normally do.
“Any relative reduction in daily alcohol intake is healthy and headed in the right direction,” explains Lee. If you start to experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. If you are struggling with alcohol use, Dove Recovery can help. Our programs are designed to treat alcohol use disorder effectively and with dignity. https://appsychology.com/living-in-a-sober-house/ If you or your loved one is suffering, contact us to learn more about a brighter, sober tomorrow. There is no shame in admitting this — the National Survey on Drug Use and Health found that 28.9 million Americans suffered from alcohol use disorder in 2023 alone.
Consult a Medical Professional
But if you start having major withdrawal symptoms like bad shakes or pulse over 100 or high blood pressure you are tapering too fast and should slow it down. Monitoring you pulse and blood pressure can be a very good idea while you are tapering especially if you have high blood pressure. If your pulse exceeds 100, your blood pressure goes very high, or you have irregular heart beat then this means that you are tapering too fast and you need more beer. Serenity Lane offers rehabilitation for alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder. We offer safe medical detox for those withdrawing from alcohol. Our hope is to create the safest, most comfortable environment for you to begin your treatment journey.
A full continuum of care treating addiction and mental health through an evidence-based approach, relapse prevention, and holistic healing with beach activities. A 6-bed recovery oasis providing tailored luxury care for addiction and mental health for clients seeking the ultimate in treatment, privacy, and comfort. While this process isn’t enjoyable, there are so many benefits in the new sober life that you’re creating for yourself. You’ll look and feel healthier, have more energy, and save money.
It is all part of the process, and no one’s process is the same. Alcohol withdrawal can cause many symptoms, some of which can be fatal. Overall, do whatever you can to make yourself as comfortable as possible. If you’re sweating, place a cold towel on your forehead or on the back of your neck. Prepare a playlist of your favorite songs or movies to pass the time. Dr Lee explains that choosing a non-alcoholic beer or a caffeinated beverage can help provide a small buzz.
Trying Non-Alcoholic Drinks
When you reduce alcohol intake, your body might seek other sources of sugar, leading to cravings. Embarking on the path to reduce or eliminate alcohol can sometimes lead to withdrawal symptoms, especially for those who’ve had a long or heavy reliance on alcohol. Understanding and addressing these symptoms can make the transition smoother and safer. Remember, the goal of this plan is to provide a structured approach that can be adjusted based on individual needs. Listen to your body, seek support when needed, and celebrate every step you take towards your goal. During medical detox, you are closely monitored round the clock by medical staff who can intervene if withdrawal symptoms become severe.
The Recovery Village Cherry Hill at Cooper offers comprehensive addiction treatment for drug and alcohol addictions and co-occurring mental health conditions. Alcohol addiction can be difficult and sometimes dangerous to handle on your own. If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction, contact us to learn more and get started with alcohol addiction treatment.
You should also throw away any alcoholic drinks at home and avoid situations that might cause you to drink, such as bars and parties. Making alcohol difficult to access can help you avoid temptation and increase the chances of a successful detox. 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. Your friends and family may not be the best support system, unless they’re also recovering addicts/alcoholics.
- It’s an ongoing process that nurtures a healthier lifestyle, ultimately leading to improved health outcomes and social interactions.
- If you feel severe symptoms, such as hallucinations, rapid heartbeat or disorientation, call 911 immediately.
- Individuals experience alcohol withdrawal when they stop giving their bodies alcohol.
- If you decide to taper with benzos, don’t mix them with alcohol.
- Remember to set milestones and celebrate achievements, which reinforces dedication and progress toward a healthier, alcohol-free lifestyle.
Do I Need Rehab?
It can be tempting to just “rip off the Band-Aid” when getting sober, but tapering off alcohol is often much safer—and much less stressful. Rather than quitting drinking abruptly (or “cold turkey”), many professionals recommend gradually reducing your drinking (or tapering) over time. This can give your body the chance to adjust, helping you avoid the worst of withdrawal symptoms. For those with mild to moderate alcohol dependence, a self-guided tapering plan might work. Cutting back your drinking each day can help your body and mind adjust to a new normal.
Coping with Withdrawal Symptoms
Build a network of people you can go to when you need help, join a support group or see a therapist. To create an effective taper, you must know how much you drink daily on average. It can be easy to underestimate how much you drink, and being as accurate as possible is important. Did you know most insurance companies will cover the cost of drug and alcohol detox? They provide a place for you to share your story, listen to other people’s stories, and learn from them.
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 balance so that you avoid water intoxication. Support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous can help reinforce your goals and boost your spirits. Surrounding yourself with those going through the same process you are, and learning the same life lessons you are, can make a big difference in your healing journey. You’ll talk about different topics regarding addiction and recovery and bond over shared feelings and experiences.