In the same year, 28.3 million people had an alcohol use disorder (AUD). It can be tempting to throw yourself into an alternative behavior or substance use in order to distract from the difficulties of recovery. If you notice an urge to use other substances, observe your feelings and consider talking to a counselor to help navigate the emotional impact of tapering your alcohol use.

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• “In some ways, not drinking at all is easier because you take the decision-making out of it,” says Treloar Padovano.
• If you show up to a social event and suddenly feel a little overwhelmed and nervous, head over to the bathroom for a deep-breathing break.
• Creating a systematic approach to tapering off alcohol is essential in the journey towards sobriety.
• As long as safety precautions are taken, there’s no wrong way to begin a sobriety or moderation journey.
• The manifestations of alcohol withdrawal can range from mild to severe and can have significant effects on an individual’s well-being.

However, it might spread out the withdrawal symptoms over a longer period of time. The duration of an alcohol taper varies depending on the individual’s alcohol consumption and may be adjusted if withdrawal symptoms occur. Implementing a gradual reduction approach, setting SMART goals, and utilizing resources and support are key strategies for safely reducing alcohol consumption. It is important to remember that seeking professional help is crucial for individuals with severe alcohol dependence. Little data is available about the safety and effectiveness of alcohol tapers. In contrast, robust evidence supports quitting alcohol while under medical supervision.

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If you notice severe hallucinations, extreme brain fog, the world slows down around you; you feel drunk when you’re not, you may have warning signs of delirium tremens (DTs). Always have one of your drinks late at night before you go to bed, to prevent this from happening while you’re sleeping. The chances of seizures and DTs are low if you’re tapering, but they happen even in controlled rehab environments. In this study on tapering with a benzo, about 1% of patients had a seizure after completing their taper. This does not, by any means, mean that you have a 1% chance of a seizure if you taper with alcohol according to the schedule above. The actual percentage could be significantly higher for tapering with alcohol.

How to Gradually Stop Drinking

All of a sudden, I was able to see that my struggle was simply part of the process, rather than a statement about my ability or character. Discomfort and overwhelm are expected, and a few “missteps” are common. There is no widely accepted schedule, and https://ecosoberhouse.com/ you can develop one that meets your needs. The key is to adhere to the plan you have developed consistently. Emotionally, you may feel some anxiety or sadness about ending a chapter of your life and nervousness about the future. Sitting and talking with others who share your struggle can help you feel supported.

Prompt treatment, even for mild symptoms, can help prevent the development of more severe withdrawal symptoms in subsequent episodes 6. Seeking support and utilizing available resources can greatly benefit individuals who are weaning off alcohol. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) provides valuable weaning off alcohol guidance and support for individuals looking to reduce their alcohol consumption safely. They offer resources such as informational materials, treatment locators, and helpline services to assist individuals throughout their journey.

You’ll get better at navigating spaces without an alcoholic beverage in hand and build up the muscle to deal with the anxiety you have about not drinking. But, it might also come Sobriety with seemingly some discomfort or disappointment from friends. Those moments can be thought of as a “them thing, and less of a you thing,” says Shani Gardner, LCSW, a therapist at Soulful Grace Therapy.

• If you’re interested in medication-assisted treatment, medication to curb cravings can be a helpful tool for reducing your consumption.
• Serenity at Summit is a network of addiction treatment facilities in the Northeastern United States, with centers in New Jersey and Massachusetts.
• When someone stops drinking, they must decide whether to quit “cold turkey” or taper their alcohol use.
• These can include improved liver function, better sleep quality, enhanced cognitive function, and a lower risk of developing alcohol-related diseases.
• Utilizing resources such as the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) can provide additional guidance and support throughout your journey.