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Although the symptoms can vary for each person based on personal factors, many people share common experiences during this process. Medical detox programs for alcohol dependency commonly offer medications to ease the discomfort or pain of withdrawal. This is a benefit that isn’t available to all who attempt to taper at home. Medicines can be used to reduce nausea, severe anxiety, other flu-like symptoms, and treat seizures. Quitting alcohol cold turkey is not recommended and can be dangerous.
The Recovery Village Ridgefield medical detox center in Vancouver, WA, is a fully staffed rehab facility designed to help you wean off alcohol in comfort. We offer 16 detox beds and around-the-clock medical care provided by a multidisciplinary team of addiction experts. We personalize every aspect of your detox and offer counseling, treatment plans, nutrition services and options for continuing rehab treatment at The Recovery Village Ridgefield. https://ecosoberhouse.com/ Anyone wanting to stop using alcohol may benefit from tapering if they first consult with their doctor to ensure they are tapering safely. Tapering is a more cost-effective method of stopping alcohol use, especially for those who do not have healthcare insurance or the resources needed to get a professional detox. People who have successfully tapered from alcohol before may be especially likely to benefit from this strategy.
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This is dangerous because if you have unsuccessfully tried to stop drinking in the past with only mild withdrawal symptoms, you may assume you can handle another attempt on your own without help. Unfortunately, your brain may be sensitized to withdrawal due to kindling, which can set you up for unexpectedly severe withdrawal symptoms. This means that there is little data about the best way to taper your drinking.
If you go through a medical detox the people they may rehydrate you with an IV and may also give you vitamin shots. If you are doing a self detox be sure to drink lots and lots of fluids and to take vitamin pills. If you choose to drink water make sure that you get enough salt for electrolyte balance so that you avoid water intoxication.
Why Is Alcohol Withdrawal Dangerous?
Further, if you start to develop alcohol withdrawal symptoms during the taper, your doctor may instruct you to pause or slow the taper as a result. These factors can make one person’s taper last longer than another person’s taper. However, it’s important to note that people with moderate to severe alcohol addictions may struggle with sticking to a taper schedule and end up relapsing to heavier alcohol use. It’s physically dangerous, and it may also cause emotional instability.
- Many insurance companies will help pay for some or all of the treatment costs, which may be vital to recovery.
- If you’re addicted to alcohol, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to recover without some form of addiction treatment.
- Medical detox is then followed by inpatient and outpatient rehab to help you maintain your sobriety over the long term, and medication-assisted treatment may be prescribed as medically appropriate.
- Further, if you start to develop alcohol withdrawal symptoms during the taper, your doctor may instruct you to pause or slow the taper as a result.
Someone should only direct taper if their drink of choice is beer with a low alcohol percentage. For example, healthcare providers usually don’t take patients off antidepressants suddenly; rather, they gradually reduce the dosages. You can taper off alcohol if you worry that you are developing alcohol addiction. Avoid taking prescription drugs that your doctor hasn’t prescribed to you.
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As a result, little information is available regarding the best way to taper. That said, some independent groups have stepped in, publishing sample tapering schedules to guide people who are trying to cut back on drinking. It can take different people varying amounts of time to taper off alcohol. How long it takes depends on factors like how much you typically drink. A person who drinks more alcohol will probably have a longer taper than a person who drinks less alcohol.
Whether you decide to taper down your alcohol use or safely begin with abstinence, having a sobriety toolkit and support system will be the most important factor towards success in reaching your goals. Getting curious about a life without alcohol is already an incredible step, and a healthier lifestyle is within reach. As a Certified how to taper off alcohol Professional Recovery Coach, I often speak with people who want to wean off alcohol. The thought of abstaining from alcohol completely can feel daunting, and in some cases, it can even be dangerous without medical supervision. Below I share some key information so you can determine if weaning off alcohol is right for you.
More concerningly, alcohol is widely accepted by families, friends, and society in general. As one of the most difficult substances to quit, alcohol consumption can carry many adverse effects ranging from cancer to heart disease. To make matters worse, alcohol is also one of the hardest substances to quit once abuse becomes a pattern. Quitting alcohol can even prove fatal for heavy drinkers if not done with medical supervision. Many who are facing the realities of alcohol addiction may wonder, is tapering off alcohol safe as a method for quitting?
