Can You Wean Off Alcohol?

For example, benzodiazepines have been shown to prevent both initial and recurrent seizures. Similarly, carbamazepine and the barbiturate phenobarbital probably can prevent AW seizures, although insufficient data exist in humans to confirm this hypothesis. In contrast, phenyotin, an anticonvulsant how to taper off alcohol medication used for treating seizures caused by epilepsy and other disorders, is ineffective for treating AW seizures. Because a diagnosis of AW-related seizures may require further evaluation, however, the agent is sometimes administered until other causes of seizures have been ruled out.

It can be tempting to just “rip off the Band-Aid” when getting sober, but tapering off alcohol is often much safer—and much less stressful. Rather than quitting drinking abruptly (or “cold turkey”), many professionals recommend gradually reducing your drinking over time. This can give your body the chance to adjust, helping you avoid the worst of withdrawal https://ecosoberhouse.com/ symptoms. Some people avoid medically supervised rehab because they prefer natural remedies for alcohol withdrawal. Slowly tapering off alcohol is the safest way to naturally overcome alcohol withdrawal, and many at-home remedies can help you cope with mild withdrawal symptoms. However, medical treatment is necessary to treat major symptoms of withdrawal.

Avoid Places or Situations that Involve Alcohol

Withdrawal symptoms can vary in severity and depend on many factors, such as drinking history, metabolism, age, medical condition, what other substances or medication you take, and more. Because everyone’s body reacts differently, there’s not a lot of research that proves tapering can decrease the effects of alcohol withdrawal. Quitting alcohol cold turkey, you can steadily reduce your consumption so that your body has time to gradually readjust to absence of alcohol. It’s important to note that stopping drinking can be dangerous and even life-threatening. Moderate or intermediate alcohol withdrawal usually occurs hours after the cessation of alcohol intake.

Can be difficult to remain focused, chances of returning to previous drinking habits are high. Trained Emergency Physician who has practiced for 15 years and also had guided alcohol and drug addiction programs for the past 20 years. We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Partial hospitalization programs are when you live off-premises but receive treatment in a medical facility during the day. Inpatient treatment offers residential accommodations and 24/7round-the-clock medical supervision.

Predictors of Alcohol Withdrawal Severity and Timeline

Detoxing at home usually takes longer because you should be cautious to avoid serious complications. 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. You should start by determining how much alcohol you drink per day in terms of standard drinks.

For one thing, it creates tangible goals for the person tapering to reach, helping to build their confidence in themselves and the belief that they can eventually stop drinking completely. Take our short alcohol quiz to learn where you fall on the drinking spectrum and if you might benefit from quitting or cutting back on alcohol. Learn more about alcohol withdrawal here and, once again, speak to a doctor first.

How To Wean Yourself off Alcohol Safely

In many cases, people with a moderate to severe alcohol use disorder may be advised to undergo medical detox, where they slowly rid the body of alcohol under medical supervision rather than a taper. If you’re struggling to stick to a taper or do not trust yourself to moderate your alcohol use, having strict supervision and support can help you meet your recovery goals. Whether you’re a daily imbiber, heavy drinker, or frequent binge drinker, you’re likely to experience withdrawal symptoms when you quit. Unfortunately, there’s little to no evidence that tapering off reduces the effects of alcohol withdrawal, some of which can be severe or even life-threatening. Quitting with proper medical supervision may be more important than whether you stop gradually or all at once.

• People with moderate to severe alcohol addiction may find an alcohol taper difficult to accomplish.
• The medications with the best efficacy and safety are the benzodiazepines.
• As a Certified Professional Recovery Coach, I often speak with people who want to wean off alcohol.
• The goal of tapering is to make the withdrawal process safer and more bearable.
• Smaller drinks with a higher percentage of alcohol are stronger than the same size drink containing a lower proof liquor.
• People struggling with alcohol may choose to progressively taper off alcohol rather than quit abruptly.