That’s why it’s important to remember that relapse is not failure. It will take time and effort to grow these newfound friendships—but it will be worth it. A therapist can help you understand your triggers and develop healthy coping skills for dealing with them. Soon, they will become second nature and your triggers will not have as much of an effect on you. Relapses happen during rehabilitation, but what’s important is how you move forward from it.
How to Stop Drinking: Making a Plan That Works for You
Family and friends can provide encouragement and support when you stop drinking. By opening up about your relationship with alcohol, you might also encourage others to explore their own drinking habits. Knowing why you drink is essential, says Cyndi Turner, LCSW, LSATP, MAC, a Virginia therapist specializing in addiction treatment and alcohol moderation.
Withdrawal and Safety When Tapering Off Alcohol
Your doctor can help by prescribing medications for alcohol withdrawal that can alleviate or even stop some of your symptoms. If you are tapering off of alcohol, the time it takes depends entirely on how long the taper is and how well you adhere to it. One of the reasons that medical professionals tend to avoid tapers is that they can be difficult to follow and may be more likely to be unsuccessful than https://ecosoberhouse.com/ faster options. These include direct tapers, where you regularly decrease the amount of alcohol you consume, and substitution tapers, where you replace alcohol with another substance. These strategies work in different ways to help you quit drinking, and one may be more appropriate for you based on your needs. Tapering off alcohol can be a reasonable strategy for anyone who desires to stop drinking.
Timeframe and Individualization
Making a clean break, however, provides a sense of finality and commitment. Ideally, your support network will include mental health, medical, and addiction treatment professionals, as well as friends and family. Only a licensed medical professional can accurately assess how to taper off alcohol your current condition and whether it’s safe for you to taper down. They will also be able to prescribe you medications that can curb your cravings or reduce your withdrawal symptoms. Tapering down also increases the likelihood that the individual will achieve sobriety.
- But if heavy drinkers cut back on their average number of drinks too quickly, they may be at risk of life-threatening withdrawal symptoms.
- Tapering is the process of gradually weaning off alcohol rather than quitting cold turkey.
- When you consider how to go about giving up alcohol, account for factors like how much you drink and your reasons for drinking.
- Here’s how to wean off alcohol—including useful strategies, how to create a tapering schedule, and how to stay safe throughout the process.
Loop in a Therapist or Addiction Specialist
When it comes to weaning off alcohol, seeking medical supervision is highly recommended. Alcohol withdrawal can cause a range of symptoms, ranging from mild to severe, and in some cases, can even be life-threatening. Therefore, it is essential to have an honest conversation with a healthcare professional about drinking habits before initiating the weaning process.
- People with AUD may be unable to quit drinking alcohol on their own or have attempted to quit before and relapsed.
- However, it’s important to note that the severity and duration of symptoms can vary based on individual circumstances, such as the amount and duration of alcohol consumption.
- It can also involve substituting the drink of choice with another drink; for example, a person may taper off hard alcohol with beer.
- You may decide to seek medical treatment for your withdrawal symptoms or make the choice to enter a professional detox or rehab center.
When Is It Safe to Detox from Home?
