And, if you abused alcohol as a coping mechanism, you might feel lost without it. Individuals with AUD will also experience withdrawal symptoms when they are not drinking, leading them to drink to alleviate the pain. This would be an opportune moment to speak about finding help in a medical treatment center. Unfortunately, alcohol tapering has not been extensively studied. This means that there is little data about the best way to taper your drinking. However, some groups have publishedtapering examplesto help assist those who are trying to quit drinking. Quitting alcohol cold turkey is not recommended and can be dangerous.

It also can reduce the risk of relapse by not trying to attempt too much too soon, failing, and then going back to regularly using alcohol to cope with the feelings of failure. For one thing, it creates tangible goals for the person tapering to reach, helping to build their confidence in themselves and the belief that they can eventually stop drinking completely.

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Throughout his how to taper off alcohol, James has used his personal story to help make a difference in the lives of others. Over the years he grew into becoming an advocate for people in recovery or seeking recovery from substance use disorders. James is a CCAR Recovery Coach and believes in developing meaningful relationships, and providing highly individualized therapy and client care. In 2017, James had the opportunity to combine his business experience and passion for recovery to start The Freedom Center.

As you navigate this question, it can be helpful to think about how you typically prefer to approach change. Metaphorically speaking, do you like to dip your toe in first, or cannonball right in? As long as safety precautions are taken, there’s no wrong way to begin a sobriety or moderation journey. This journey is often non-linear, and your goals can change over time. Read all about mindful drinking in this article by a licensed therapist at Monument. Medication to curb cravings can be a helpful tool for reducing your consumption.

Alcohol tapers are a strategy used to slowly decrease the amount of alcohol a person consumes.

This is why many of the alcohol withdrawal symptoms seem to be related to overstimulation, like shaky hands, racing thoughts, and insomnia. Tapering gradually lowers the amount of alcohol that you use over time.

If you’re trying to quit cold turkey and need help, please find professional help from an addiction rehab center. Even if you think either option sounds like something that could work for your situation, we still recommend talking to a doctor before proceeding. If you only drink two to three drinks per week, you can easily quit cold turkey without experiencing major withdrawal symptoms. However, tapering off may be the way to go if you drink heavily or have more than six drinks per week. In 2019 the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administrationreported that 14.5 millions of americans suffered from Alcohol Use Disorder.

Pros and Cons of Tapering Off Alcohol Intake

All content created by Alcohol Rehab Help is sourced from current scientific research and fact-checked by an addiction counseling expert. However, the information provided by Alcohol Rehab Help is not a substitute for professional treatment advice. CBT treatment can help people with AUD explore the reasons for certain drinking habits and reinforce positive changes in behavior and decision-making processes. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms are more likely in heavy drinkers.