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How to Taper off Alcohol Safely and Effectively

how to wean off alcohol

Deciding to quit drinking and following through isn’t just about willpower. Many other factors go into play with these difficult and trying scenarios. Tolerance, dependence, social habits, setting, the biology of the individual and more must all be considered. Most people experience the most severe symptoms from about 36–72 hours after stopping drinking. The amount of time it takes to detox from alcohol depends on several factors, including whether you’re detoxing at home or with medical supervision.

  • This is why it is important to stop regular, heavy drinking only under the supervision of medical staff.
  • Excessive drinking can weaken the immune system, increasing the body’s likelihood of developing an infection.
  • Eating nutritious food, exercising, and getting enough sleep can help reduce some withdrawal symptoms, such as mood swings.

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Although it is possible to taper your alcohol use alone, professionals highly advise that you seek medical attention. After two weeks, continue to listen to your body, adding more alcohol-free days and seeking support as needed. Quitting alcohol can be extremely hard, especially without medical support. Further, mental health disorders like anxiety and depression are extremely common in those who struggle with drinking, and these disorders can make it even harder to stay sober. Prolonged and excessive alcohol consumption can impact your brain, causing changes to the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors. Heavy drinking can lead to a reduction in the sensitivity of your brain to the amount of GABA produced.

how to wean off alcohol

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However, individuals who suffer from alcohol addiction require professional rehab. It’s common to experience emotional ups and downs during the weaning process. Anxiety, depression, and mood swings can all arise as your body adjusts to lower alcohol levels. Stay in tune with your mental health and seek professional support if needed. Talking to a counselor or joining a support group can help you stay emotionally balanced as you learn how to taper off alcohol.

  • The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) provides valuable guidance and support for individuals looking to reduce their alcohol consumption safely.
  • A standard drink is a term used because different alcoholic beverages have different concentrations of alcohol, giving you varying amounts of alcohol depending on the fluid you drink.
  • This can trigger alcohol withdrawal symptoms, which can be dangerous in some cases.
  • They can provide recommendations to help you avoid harmful side effects.

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how to wean off alcohol

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how to wean off alcohol

Cutting back or completely stopping alcohol consumption is challenging, even if you are not at the point of addiction. The support of medical professionals and psychologists can help you in this process. For those who’ve consumed alcohol regularly, a gradual reduction might be safer and more manageable than abrupt cessation. Stretch this timeframe out as needed; the only goal is how to wean off alcohol to ease your usage down gradually. Unfortunately, your brain may be sensitized to withdrawal due to kindling, which can set you up for unexpectedly severe withdrawal symptoms.

  • Tapering can help minimize these symptoms, but you might still experience some of them while your body adjusts to the lack of alcohol.
  • This may work for many people, but in practice each individual will respond best to a different pace, and each doctor will have their own recommendations.
  • Learn to recognize the signs and take action to support their well-being.
  • Any general advice posted on our blog, website, or app is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace or substitute for any medical or other advice.
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