Late symptoms begin between two and four days after the last drink, and they usually include changes in heart rate, breathing and blood pressure. Serious symptoms caused by delirium tremens include hallucination and seizure. You should start by determining how much alcohol you drink per day in terms of standard drinks. Nanci Stockwell of Advanced Recovery Systems discusses the risks of detoxing at home and the benefits of detoxing from alcohol and other drugs in a safe environment.
Withdrawal and Safety When Tapering Off Alcohol
Many insurance companies will help pay for some or all of your treatment costs. Excessive drinking can weaken the immune system, increasing the body’s likelihood of developing an infection. https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/alcohol-vs-drugs-comparison-of-addictions/ Diseases like pneumonia and tuberculosis are more frequent in individuals who chronically drink. Generally, light to moderate drinkers should plan to taper for a week or more.
Identify a Support Network
However, some groups have published tapering examples to assist those trying to quit drinking. It is important to note that prescription medication should not be used for a substitution taper unless it has been prescribed as part of a medical detox program. Additionally, if you used other substances while drinking—such as heroin, prescription medications, cocaine, or meth—withdrawal symptoms may be worsened or unpredictable. Many people are under the impression that detoxing from alcohol isn’t as dangerous as detoxing from other drugs. There are serious, potentially life-threatening risks involved with detoxing from alcohol—especially when you’re doing it on your own.
Ask For Support From a Loved One
When you are detoxing from alcohol at a rehab center, nurses and doctors monitor vital signs, provide adequate nourishment and treat complications if they occur. Alcohol is the third-leading preventable cause of mortality in the United States, with approximately 95,000 people dying from alcohol-related causes each year. By gradually tapering off alcohol, you can lower your risk for alcohol-related accidents or death. If you’re struggling to wean off alcohol, it might be best to seek addiction treatment. Various treatment programs are available to help you recover from addiction.
Although it is possible to taper at home, having medical supervision and assistance can ensure a successful taper. A doctor can supervise your tapering progress, helping you manage your cravings and prevent relapse. Overall, getting professional help can improve your chances for long-term sobriety. A substitution taper refers to switching strong liquor for an alternative that contains less alcohol, like beer. Once you’ve changed to a less alcoholic option, you can gradually reduce your drink amount. There are two ways to taper off alcohol—a direct or substitution taper.
Then come up with a reduction rate you think will be safe, and that you can stick to. Overall, do whatever you can to make yourself as comfortable as possible. If you’re sweating, place a cold towel on your forehead or on the back of your neck. Prepare a playlist of your favorite songs or movies to pass the time. Seizures can occur within the first 24 hours, but seizures occur only in about 25 percent of patients, according to the NIAAA. Alcohol withdrawal can cause many symptoms, some of which can be fatal.
- Working with a physician on the Monument platform can help determine what timeline will work for you based on your past drinking habits and risk of withdrawal.
- Talk to a medical professional to find the best detox option for you.
- We can leverage our resources and team to help you reduce and eventually end your alcohol use.
- Letting others know about your choice to stop drinking may help motivate you to stick with your decision.
No one should ever attempt a substitution taper with prescription medication unless their doctor specifically prescribed it for that purpose in a medical detox program. Unfortunately, your brain may be sensitized to how to taper off alcohol at home withdrawal due to kindling, which can set you up for unexpectedly severe withdrawal symptoms. In addition, social pressures can make it hard to quit drinking, especially if your friends or family also drink heavily.
- Various treatment programs are available to help you recover from addiction.
- The main ways to prevent alcohol withdrawal are to avoid alcohol altogether or to get professional help as soon as possible if you think you’re developing alcohol use disorder.
- We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals.
- When you quit drinking, you should also seek medical advice about any alcohol withdrawal symptoms you experience.
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