It can also involve substituting the drink of choice with another drink; for example, a person may taper off hard alcohol with beer. It is important to only attempt a taper while under a doctor’s care. However, understanding how an alcohol taper works and what the process is like can help you prepare yourself and find the support you need.

They may have suffered the loss of a loved one and are struggling to overcome the grief. In fact, according to the NIAAA, someone with AUD is 3.6 times more likely to also suffer from a mood disorder. Eyer F, Schuster T, Felgenhauer N, Pfab R, Strubel T, Saugel B, et al. Risk https://ecosoberhouse.com/ assessment of moderate to severe alcohol withdrawal – Predictors for seizures and delirium tremens in the course of withdrawal. In patients who present with seizures, a thorough neurological and general medical evaluation is a must to detect alternative cause of seizures.

What is Tapering Off Alcohol?

Alcohol withdrawal can begin within hours of ending a drinking session. Anyone wanting to stop using alcohol may benefit from tapering if they first consult with their doctor to ensure they are tapering safely. 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. Obviously quitting cold turkey from a 12-beer-a-day habit is going to be more stressful than tapering off slowly.

DTs involve sudden and severe mental or nervous system changes. The best and safest first step is to consult with a medical professional to determine the best treatment plan for you. There can be medical risks to reducing or stopping alcohol use. A medical how to taper off alcohol professional will evaluate your medical history and current symptoms or problems to determine the best treatment plan to meet your unique needs. A veteran of two branches of the U.S. military, Max is continuing his education in healthcare administration.

Predictors of Alcohol Withdrawal Severity and Timeline

It depends on your individual metabolism and withdrawal symptoms. The purpose of alcohol tapering is to avoid some of the more dangerous symptoms of detox. The length of time for alcohol tapering depends entirely on your baseline of use. Ask loved ones to look out for signs of alcohol relapse to help you stay on track with your recovery process. The best way to safely quit drinking is by following the advice of a doctor or treatment center. If you attempt to taper off using wine or hard liquor you might just wind up getting drunk again because these have higher alcohol content than beer.