If you suddenly quit drinking, your brain can start to make more of an excitatory substance called glutamate. This excessive glutamate level can lead to alcohol withdrawal symptoms, which can be dangerous. If you want to cut back your alcohol consumption or stop drinking alcohol altogether, tapering may help. Tapering is the process of gradually weaning off alcohol rather than quitting cold turkey. In medical detox, doctors and nurses provide around-the-clock care while helping you detox from alcohol.
- Did you try Dry January or have otherwise worked to reduce your drinking?
- To cut down, they might need to address what’s prompting them to drink.
- An effective tapering schedule may include cutting out one drink at a time at regular intervals.
- Sitting and talking with others who share your struggle can help you feel supported.
- The risk of tapering too slowly is that you won’t stick with it, while the risk of tapering too fast is severe withdrawal.
- The alcohol content itself is important, and it depends on the percentage of alcohol, the proof of the alcohol and the actual amount of alcohol in the drink.
- This lessens the severity of withdrawal symptoms, as there is not an abrupt or dramatic change.
A taper may not be right for you if you frequently drink more than you intended, try to cut back but cannot or feel that your alcohol use is affecting your life. People with AUD may be unable to quit drinking alcohol on their own or have attempted to quit before and relapsed. When you quit drinking cold turkey, your body suffers from a cascade of changes caused by the sudden shift.
Between 12 and 24 Hours
Individuals should be prepared to be uncomfortable during this period and have medical help available if needed. This is the period in which delirium tremens is most likely to occur, which requires how to taper off alcohol immediate medical attention. Delirium tremens is a medical emergency that can result in death. If you or someone you know shows signs of delirium tremens, go to the emergency room immediately.
Take the first step toward addiction treatment by contacting us today. Another clue that can be an indication of an unhealthy relationship with alcohol is if you make “rules” around drinking. Research shows people who have a supportive social network are more likely to remain alcohol-free after withdrawal.
Calculate a Healthy Tapering Plan
Getting professional help can mitigate harmful withdrawal symptoms and ensure success. The support of an alcohol detox program may help you wean off alcohol more quickly and with fewer unpleasant side effects. Some detox programs also offer therapy to prepare you for addiction treatment. Because tapering can be tricky and alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous, you should never start a taper before talking to your doctor.
But if heavy drinkers cut back on their average number of drinks too quickly, they may be at risk of life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. It’s physically dangerous, and it may also cause emotional instability. Discussing these issues with a loved one can help you avoid relapse. This is a highly personal decision, which can be made through self-reflection, and with the support of a medical professional and your peers. If it’s safe for you to quit cold turkey, you may find that cutting alcohol out entirely from the start helps you clearly uphold your boundaries.
Is Quitting Alcohol Cold Turkey Dangerous?
If you’re interested in medication-assisted treatment, medication to curb cravings can be a helpful tool for reducing your consumption. Weaning off alcohol can benefit people who drink moderately or have support systems. If you have a severe alcohol addiction, it might be best to seek professional addiction treatment. Slowly tapering your alcohol use can help you manage mild withdrawal symptoms and decrease the risk of AUD.
Working with a medical professional to taper your alcohol consumption can help the likelihood and severity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Instead of 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. It’s vital to speak with a medical professional before you begin weaning off alcohol to ensure you have a plan to do so safely.
