Content
Withdrawal usually begins within 6 to 8 hours after the last drink and peaks within 72 hours. For instance, many people binge drink on the weekend without drinking during the week. They may have a mild-to-moderate substance use problem without being chemically dependent. Still, they may need to consider cutting back for other physical, mental, and social health reasons. Some people may be at greater risk of developing an alcohol use disorder, which is why some can drink in moderation, while others struggle with drinking. Not everyone who drinks excessively develops an alcohol use disorder or becomes an alcoholic.
Drinks that Contain Electrolytes Water is important, but individuals should also consume beverages that contain electrolytes. Electrolytes are vital nutrients, including calcium, potassium and sodium. Alcohol intoxication and withdrawal can create electrolyte imbalances, which causes side effects such as muscle spasms, numbness and seizures. A Healthy Diet A healthy diet includes eating foods that contain the proper balance of carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, proteins and fats. If a person is malnourished, the body doesn’t have the energy it needs to recover from alcohol dependence. Learn more about the role of nutrition during recovery A Shower Taking a shower doesn’t help you sober up, and it doesn’t help alcohol leave your body more quickly. But it can relieve some symptoms of alcohol withdrawal by helping you relax.
Lincoln Recovery
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. The amount of alcohol it takes to cause withdrawal symptoms can vary from person to person.
- Outpatient treatment is a safe and effective alternative to inpatient care, with fewer costs.
- They will typically peak in 1 to 3 days for a lighter drinker, but may last for a week with heavy drinkers.
- Continue to abstain from alcohol and monitor cravings or urges to drink.
- However, some groups have stepped in to try to bridge this gap and have published sample tapering schedules to help those trying to stop drinking.
If you start to experience significant withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking, a taper can provide a much safer method to detox from alcohol. https://ecosoberhouse.com/ Tapering can be done by using alcohol itself or various medications; however, can only be done safely under the supervision of a physician.
Tapering Off Alcohol vs. Quitting Cold Turkey
Data on comparisons between benzodiazepines and other drugs, including α-blockers, carbamazepine and clonidine could not be pooled, but none of them was found to be superior to benzodiazepines. Another meta-analysis concluded that BZD reduce withdrawal severity, reduce incidence of delirium and seizures .
- Without alcohol, there is not enough GABA to suppress neuron firing, which can lead to tension, anxiety, insomnia, and additional harmful symptoms.
- As long as safety precautions are taken, there’s no wrong way to begin a sobriety or moderation journey.
- Maintain a healthy diet with lots of B vitamins (especially thiamine/B1), as alcohol makes it hard for the body to absorb vitamins.
- While there are websites that tout home remedies for alcohol withdrawal, and an overall weaning process, this process can be very dangerous.
- If you or a loved one are considering quitting alcohol or changing your drinking habits, it is important to seek medical advice.
You may even ask your family members and friends not to drink while they are around you. At Ethos Recovery, we know that overcoming alcoholism is a life-long journey. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge and support you need to become a thriving recovering alcoholic. While many may choose to attempt the process alone, how to taper off alcohol it’s highly advised that you undergo the process under the supervision of a trained medical team via either inpatient or outpatient treatment. That way, you can rest assured that your vitals are being monitored and you are taking the necessary steps to achieve a full recovery with very minor, if any, medical complications.
