How Does Tapering Off Alcohol Work?

There are many different options and resources that can help you learn how to quit drinking. Just remember that there is no single approach that works for everyone. There are effective treatment approaches that can help you quit, so talk to your doctor or a mental health professional if you need more help finding options that will work for you. 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.

If you answer “yes” to four to five questions, your symptoms align with moderate AUD. If you answer “yes” to six or more questions, your symptoms align with severe AUD. Consult with a licensed mental https://ecosoberhouse.com/ health professional to further explore AUD. Therapy can help you understand why you drink and learn new habits so you can live a healthy lifestyle that doesn’t rely on alcohol as a crutch.

Done With Alcohol? Here’s How To Stop Drinking

In the short run, I know for certain that I pissed a lot of people off. While cirrhosis scars from excessive drinking are irreversible, quitting alcohol and leading a healthier lifestyle can help your liver heal from alcohol-related liver disease. Like any big change, there might be times where it doesn’t feel easy, so it’s important to reward yourself with something as you make progress. It’s equally important not to be too hard on yourself if you slip up every once in a while. This guide has lots of practical tips on how you can stop drinking and the benefits you can expect.

  • “Your sleep should improve as you stop drinking,” says Carson.
  • Talk to your doctor or a drug treatment specialist about what to expect as you experience alcohol withdrawal.
  • Build a sober social network – If your previous social life revolved around alcohol, you may need to make some new connections.
  • “By cultivating this self-awareness, you can gain a deeper understanding of the patterns and catalysts that lead to alcohol consumption, enabling you to react in a more wholesome and healthier manner.”
  • Many people find themselves happier when they give up alcohol, regardless of whether they have a drinking problem or just find that alcohol takes more from their life than it offers.
  • Eating right will drastically improve the chances of successful alcohol detox.

You may not need to completely reinvent your life to quit drinking, but making a few changes in your surroundings to help avoid alcohol triggers can make a big difference. Family and friends can provide encouragement and support when you stop drinking. By opening up about your relationship with alcohol, you might also encourage others to explore their own drinking habits.

How to Taper Off Alcohol at Home

It can also help you gain a new perspective as you consider how your life will change without alcohol. Or maybe it’s a pregnancy that made you realize it’s time to stop drinking. Or maybe you’re just looking to improve your health, wake up hangover-free and give your liver (and your heart) a break. Once you’ve cut back on your drinking (so you’re at or below the recommended guidelines), examine your drinking habits regularly to see if you’re maintaining this level of drinking. Some people attain their goal only to find that old habits crop up again later. By avoiding alcohol, you’re taking a big step toward improving physical health.

  • However, medically supervised detox and professional rehab are more likely to help you maintain long-term sobriety.
  • No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
  • You may also consider joining an online support group to help you feel less alone.
  • Many people with a drinking problem don’t get the luxury of voluntarily giving up alcohol.
  • Natural consequences may mean that you refuse to spend any time with the person dependent on alcohol.
  • You might slowly begin to accept more and more unacceptable behavior.

We all become conditioned to have certain responses to triggers throughout our lives. It’s normal for certain stimuli to cause a reaction in your mind and body how to stop drinking at home without even being aware of it. Satisfying hobbies can distract you from wanting to drink, but they also help you relax — something everyone needs to do.