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But, with a little prior knowledge on how to taper off alcohol, adequate planning and professional consultation from a healthcare provider, it can certainly be done. Depending on how much alcohol you drink to start with, the amount of time an alcohol weaning schedule takes may vary. For example, those who drink more heavily may need more time to taper than those who drink less alcohol.
Is it safe to stop drinking immediately?
If you suddenly stop drinking, this can cause rapid fluctuations in these neurotransmitters, which can affect the nervous system. We call these detox effects withdrawal symptoms. Because your brain will be used to high-alcohol volumes, you will feel intense cravings for alcohol as the brain tries to balance itself.
Medical professional can assess your mental and physical health frequently throughout the day to make sure symptoms do not escalate. AW is often treated, discussed and studied as an entity distinct from alcoholism treatment. One should remember, however, that withdrawal and its treatment represent a brief period of time (i.e., several hours up to a few days) in the alcoholic’s drinking career.
Drink water.
Thus, a user will likely seek out alcohol again to rid themselves of the uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. Typically, alcohol withdrawal symptoms begin to appear within 6-12 hours after your last drink and can last for several days. The most severe symptoms usually peak within hours and then gradually subside. Talk with a healthcare professional if you’re concerned you may experience detox symptoms when quitting drinking or cutting back. However, it’s important to note that people with moderate to severe alcohol addictions may struggle with sticking to a taper schedule and end up relapsing to heavier alcohol use. In particular, it alters the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).
If you think you are drinking too much alcohol and want to stop, having a plan can help you get started. Consider staging a family meeting or an intervention, but don’t put yourself in a dangerous situation. Build a sober social network – If your previous social life revolved around alcohol, you may need to make some new connections.
Staying Social When You Quit Drinking
AW is a clinical syndrome that affects people accustomed to regular alcohol intake who either decrease their alcohol consumption or stop drinking completely. Consequently, when the alcohol level is suddenly lowered, the brain remains in a hyperactive, or hyperexcited, state, causing withdrawal syndrome. https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/why-cant-i-cut-down-or-control-my-drinking/ Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can shift quickly and violently – you can experience minor symptoms to extremely severe side effects in a matter of hours. There are many alcohol treatment programs that focus on helping individuals overcome drinking problems, no matter how minor or how serious.
Is it too late to stop drinking?
In reality, it is never too late for you to stop drinking alcohol and recover from its harms.
This phase is less common and is known as post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS). PAWS involves withdrawal symptoms that occur after acute withdrawal and can make post-rehab life challenging for some individuals. Depending on the severity of your alcohol abuse, PAWS can last anywhere from a few weeks to a year. Many patients who experience mild withdrawal symptoms do not seek treatment at all.
These tips will help you cut back on drinking alcohol.
Don’t let the fear of possible withdrawal symptoms prevent you from getting the help you deserve. Learn more about treating alcoholism and support options by reaching out to a treatment provider. Alcohol withdrawal syndrome occurs when a person abruptly how to stop drinking at home stops drinking after heavy alcohol use and may trigger life-threatening health complications. Belinda Gordon-Battle is a licensed clinical therapist and life consultant based in Miami while providing therapeutic services across the globe.