How to safely detox from alcohol at home

Adjustments should be made in consultation with a medical professional, particularly when medication-assisted treatment is indicated. This schedule is a guideline and should be adjusted based on individual needs and responses to tapering. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional before beginning a taper, as they can provide personalized https://ecosoberhouse.com/ advice and monitor for any complications. Additionally, creating a supportive environment and having strategies to manage triggers are crucial to a successful taper. Early symptoms of alcohol withdrawal usually start about six hours after the last drink. Early symptoms include headache, sweating, tremors, vomiting and difficulty concentrating.

If you feel more severe symptoms, such as paranoia, increased pulse, or tremors sometimes called alcohol shakes, you should taper more slowly and consider seeking professional help. If you feel severe symptoms, such as hallucinations, rapid heartbeat or disorientation, call 911 immediately. If you’re used to drinking less than 20 beers per day, HAMS recommends reducing your alcohol consumption by two beers per day until you achieve sobriety. Before beginning a tapering schedule, speak with your doctor about the risks of detoxing at home. Tapering off alcohol may complicate other medical conditions or co-occurring mental health disorders.

Challenges of Quitting Alcohol

You’ll talk about different topics regarding addiction and recovery and bond over shared feelings and experiences. Now that you’ve successfully completed the detoxification process, it’s time to build your sobriety toolkit through treatment. Studies show that those who receive some type of formal treatment after detox are more likely to maintain sobriety8. An exclusive and confidential rehab focusing on the root cause of addiction—offering daily individual sessions and a holistic approach in a luxurious setting. While this process isn’t enjoyable, there are so many benefits in the new sober life that you’re creating for yourself.

There’s no set time frame for tapering off alcohol that works for everyone. Even if your situation seems like someone else’s, your body may respond differently to the tapering process. All of these withdrawal symptoms are common during acute alcohol withdrawal syndrome. For example, depression could cause suicidal thoughts, and eating poorly can weaken your immune system. Or maybe it’s a pregnancy that made you realize it’s time to stop drinking. Or maybe you’re just looking to improve your health, wake up hangover-free and give your liver (and your heart and brain) a break.

How Long Does It Take To Taper Off Alcohol?

Through therapy, support groups and medication, you’ll be supported on your path to recovery. 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. People who try tapering off alcohol won’t https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/how-to-taper-off-alcohol/ have the guided support of medical professionals that they would at inpatient treatment. In contrast, in-patient care can be more beneficial and less expensive in the long-term. Establishing new habits and routines, and dealing with the underlying causes of your drinking habits, are essential to lasting recovery.

Some elements of the program, including the belief in a higher power, aren’t the right fit for everyone. Fortunately, if AA doesn’t work for you, there are other options. As you navigate this question, it can be helpful to think about how you typically prefer to approach change.

Can people successfully use alcohol to taper off?

However, individuals may encounter several challenges during this process. One of the primary challenges is managing the withdrawal symptoms that can occur even with a gradual reduction in alcohol intake. These symptoms can range from mild discomfort to severe health issues, making the tapering process difficult without proper guidance and support.

• Other people use medication-assisted treatment, which can help reduce alcohol cravings as you cut back.
• For example, some people choose to write a list of reasons why they want to stop drinking alcohol, and revisit the list to remind themselves after a relapse.
• TSM makes use of naltrexone to control cravings over time, and boasts a 78 percent long-term success rate.
• Proper hydration and nutrition must be maintained throughout the tapering process, as alcohol withdrawal can result in dehydration and nutrient imbalances.
• The exact symptoms of alcohol withdrawal depend upon how much you drink and your individual body chemistry, but they tend to follow a similar pattern.
• Quitting binge drinking may require different strategies than either tapering or cold turkey.