Tapering Off Alcohol: Does It Work? Is it Safe?

Your doctor can determine if tapering alcohol is safe for your unique situation and help you create a plan to quit drinking alcohol. Some alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be so severe that they can lead to death. Contact a medical professional immediately if you notice any withdrawal symptoms.

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Alcohol withdrawal can begin within hours of ending a drinking session. Alcohol withdrawal occurs when neurotransmitters that combat the effects of alcohol on the nervous system suddenly have nothing to counteract them. Essentially, when an individual drinks, the brain amplifies certain activities to counterbalance the depressive effect alcohol has on it. When that numbing sensation disappears entirely, the brain is left dangerously overstimulated. Insomnia, anxiety and paranoia — the opposite effects of alcohol — are the expected results. Thus, a user will likely seek out alcohol again to rid themselves of the uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.

Deciding what to drink

However, you may experience withdrawal symptoms or relapse if you’re not tapering correctly and safely. The time it takes to taper off alcohol varies based on how much a person drinks. Regardless, The initial detoxification process may take several days. Deciding to taper off alcohol is a slower process that requires planning, but it can decrease both the chase of experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms and relapse.

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Alcohol works by increasing the potency of a neutral chemical in the brain called GABA, or gamma-Aminobutyric acid. GABA is a neurotransmitter responsible for your brain’s rest and digest response, which helps to facilitate sleep, relaxation, and anxiety release. However, your body is adaptable, and after a period of regular, heavy drinking, your nervous system will adapt to the presence of alcohol. You should not begin a tapering plan before talking to your doctor.

Someone should typically only direct taper if their drink of choice is beer with a low alcohol percentage. Late symptoms begin between two and four days after the last drink, and they usually include changes in heart rate, breathing and blood pressure. Serious symptoms caused by delirium how to taper off alcohol tremens include hallucination and seizure. Stopping alcohol use is the first step of the recovery journey, but staying sober for longer and longer periods is the goal. Getting professional treatment and long-term support are two of the most valuable strategies for avoiding relapse.

• If The Recovery Village is not the right fit for you or your loved one, we will help refer you to a facility that is.
• Cutting down your alcohol intake may not be as easy as it sounds.
• When you quit drinking cold turkey, your body suffers from a cascade of changes caused by the sudden shift.
• Contact us today to speak with a representative and begin on the road to lasting addiction recovery.

Smaller drinks with a higher percentage of alcohol are stronger than the same size drink containing a lower-proof liquor. Ethanol, the chemical name for drinkable alcohol, can also bind to GABA receptors. It doesn’t take GABA’s place; rather, it binds to a different site on the receptor and makes GABA even stronger. When GABA opens the channel to a negative charge, ethanol keeps that channel open for longer, leading to feelings of sedation, muscle relaxation, and other depressant-like effects.

Some find tapering is not a suitable option to stop drinking due to various factors such as social responsibilities or peer pressure. For many people, tapering alone is insufficient to help heal their addiction. It’s always best to speak with a healthcare provider when changing your relationship with alcohol. Every person has unique needs, and tapering off may not be an adequate solution to reduce or stop drinking. Although you can use methods to taper off alcohol at home, the best way to taper is to talk to a doctor. They can monitor your intake and adjust it accordingly to reduce the risk of withdrawal symptoms.

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. However, tapering can be dangerous if you have severe AUD, leading to uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. If you start noticing these symptoms, contact a medical professional immediately.

Does Your Alcohol Tolerance Go Down if You Stop Drinking?

If you and your doctor decide that a taper is proper for you, it is crucial to remember there isn’t a one-size-fits-all strategy. The key is to find a method that aligns with your goals and ensures safety during the transition. Give your loved ones as much information as you can about your self-tapering strategy. Let them know your plan, your progress, and how withdrawals are going for you.

Creating an Alcohol Weaning Schedule

• Avoid taking prescription drugs that your doctor hasn’t prescribed to you.
• These can indicate a life threatening condition called delirium tremens.
• Unmanaged withdrawal from alcohol can be dangerous if you are dependent on alcohol.
• They can provide recommendations to help you avoid harmful side effects.
• If you drink heavily on a regular basis, it can be dangerous to stop alcohol cold turkey.

Tapering can be an excellent way to prevent harmful withdrawal effects after ceasing alcohol intake. When you drink heavily and frequently, your brain compensates for the suppressive effects of alcohol by becoming more hyperactive. This balances out the effects of alcohol and makes your brain function more as it should while you have alcohol in your bloodstream. Take the first step toward addiction treatment by contacting us today.