Belinda Gordon-Battle is a licensed clinical therapist and life consultant based in Miami while providing therapeutic services across the globe. BGB, as her clients and colleagues call her, is an advocate of “removing the stigma” and normalizing the therapeutic process. She incorporates cultural relevance and non-traditional interventions and strategies to strengthen her clients’ steps towards goals of behavioral, emotional, social and mental wellness. If you’ve become dependent on alcohol, cutting it out of your life may produce withdrawal symptoms, such as a rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, sweating and shaking. Psychological symptoms can include irritability, anxiety and restlessness. The length of the tapering process can vary based on the needs of the person.
- Whatever method you use to taper down, your plan should also be approved and monitored by a healthcare profession to ensure your safety.
- Staying hydrated and maintaining proper nutrition is also vital, as alcohol withdrawal can lead to dehydration and nutrient imbalances.
- These strategies work in different ways to help you quit drinking, and one may be more appropriate for you based on your needs.
- You don’t have to let the fear of alcohol withdrawal stop you from cutting back or quitting.
Substance Information and Advice Library
Drink a cup of soothing tea or a tall glass of water before you imbibe—once your thirst is quenched, you may not feel the need for as much—or any—alcohol. Instead of aiming for complete abstinence, for instance, aim to drink fewer than seven days a week. “Try sober Mondays or sober Mondays through Wednesdays,” he says. You’ll get a 100% https://thebostondigest.com/top-5-advantages-of-staying-in-a-sober-living-house/ custom plan, then use daily texts to track your progress and help you stay on target. When you call our team, you will speak to a Recovery Advocate who will answer any questions and perform a pre-assessment to determine your eligibility for treatment. If eligible, we will create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Figure out how much you actually drink
Tapering off alcohol involves gradually reducing the amount of alcohol you drink. Besides its positive health benefits, it can help you quit drinking after weeks or months. Contact emergency health services if you or someone you know experiences more than Top 5 Advantages of Staying in a Sober Living House one symptom of severe alcohol withdrawal. Some find tapering is not a suitable option to stop drinking due to various factors such as social responsibilities or peer pressure. For many people, tapering alone is insufficient to help heal their addiction.
- Another crucial element is the individual’s health status, including any co-occurring medical conditions and medications that could interact with alcohol.
- Use the NIAAA’s drink size calculator to determine the amount of alcohol in various drinks.
- Meditation can help clear your mind to focus on what really matters.
- You’ll likely face the urge to drink more than you’ve planned each day, but there are some good tricks to help you delay that next serving and keep yourself honest.
Chemsex: Staying Safe and Getting Back in Control
However, quitting cold turkey or tapering is not advisable for people with an AUD. Weaning off alcohol gives your body chemistry a chance to adjust, reducing the shock to your system. It also lets you start working new habits and routines into your day to replace drinking, starting the transition. Rather than beginning your sober life drained and dazed from a week of feeling ill, you can already be getting on your feet. The amount of time it takes to detox from alcohol depends on several factors, including whether you’re detoxing at home or with medical supervision.
How to Talk to Someone about Your Alcohol or Drug Use
Learn 18 ways to keep your mind occupied while facing alcohol withdrawal. Once you can start eating again, it’s important to focus on eating a healthy diet. Eat foods from a variety of food groups in the right amounts to help meet your caloric needs.