You may experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms when you quit drinking alcohol. This can happen whether you’re quitting alcohol cold turkey or tapering. When done under medical supervision, tapering off alcohol has few downsides.
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Hydration is also important, so drinking plenty of water and avoiding caffeine is advised. Some people find that smaller, more frequent meals help if nausea is an issue. A good diet won’t lessen withdrawal effects but will support your body’s ability to deal with them. Many people with addictions convince themselves that they are alone and are the only ones going through their experiences. It can be very comforting to know that many people have gone through withdrawal before.
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As such, there is only limited guidance available about the best ways to taper. Alcohol can stay in your system for several hours depending on how much you drink. Once it begins to leave your body, early symptoms of withdrawal begin. Tapering can help you overcome alcohol dependence, which is a side effect of chronic alcohol use that causes cravings and withdrawal. Detox doesn’t treat addiction, which is a disease characterized by compulsive behaviors, such as chronic alcohol use. Alcohol also inhibits the glutamate receptor–which is the cause of staggering, slurring, and general interference with muscular coordination.
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This method can lessen withdrawal symptoms, allowing your body to adjust to decreased alcohol levels slowly. It does, however, result in any withdrawal symptoms that do occur being prolonged over the entire period of the taper. Still, it has a decreased level of success when compared to the alternative and requires discipline that can be difficult for those with an addiction. The Recovery Village Cherry Hill at Cooper offers comprehensive addiction treatment for drug and alcohol addictions and co-occurring mental health conditions. Usually, alcohol withdrawal symptoms occur within 12–24 hours after stopping alcohol and can last 2–10 days.
- Melody is here to help as you adjust to a life with less (or no) alcohol.
- Many people with alcohol use disorder struggle with dehydration and nausea during withdrawal.
- This can be done by reducing the number of drinks, increasing time between drinks or choosing a weaker drink with a lower alcohol content.
- A popular way to taper off alcohol is to gradually reduce the number of drinks you consume over a period of time.
- Establishing new habits and routines, and dealing with the underlying causes of your drinking habits, are essential to lasting recovery.
If you taper off alcohol slowly or with medical supervision, the brain has time to adapt without causing severe side effects. They can provide guidance on a safe reduction strategy or recommend alcohol detox programs. If you are struggling with severe alcohol use or addiction, tapering off alcohol at home may not be a safe option.
It’s much better to focus on something you enjoy than to focus on the discomfort of your withdrawal symptoms. Addiction tends to make everything else in life seem less enjoyable. Music you used to love may no longer have the same draw while you are using alcohol. You may find a renewed interest in music during your detox and should pursue the distraction it offers how to taper off beer from cravings or withdrawal symptoms. Weaning off alcohol involves gradually decreasing the amount of alcohol you drink. This can be done by reducing the number of drinks, increasing time between drinks or choosing a weaker drink with a lower alcohol content.
