How to Wean Off Alcohol & Safely Taper Drinking

Our proven program has helped millions of people around the world to drink less and live more. A healthy, balanced diet can aid our bodies in healing from the impacts of alcohol. Foods rich in vitamins and minerals can help replenish our bodies, while staying hydrated can alleviate some withdrawal symptoms like headaches and fatigue. For instance, a young man named Alex, after a long day at work, looks forward to the calming embrace of a beer-filled glass. However, over time, that one glass becomes two, then three, and before he knows it, Alex finds himself in the throes of a gripping dependency. Like Alex, many of us may find ourselves caught in this ever-tightening cycle.

You may feel you’re in control of your addiction, and that it’s okay to have a cheat day and drink a little more. Easier said than done, but if you go down this path, you’ll be right back where you started. If you need to taper in the first place, you have already proven that you can’t drink like a normal person. You may find success decreasing your number of drinks by a set amount each day.

Tips for Tapering Off Alcohol

One of the most common types of medications used during the alcohol tapering process is benzodiazepines. The only way to safely taper yourself off of alcohol is to detox at a medical facility. Attempting to taper at home is dangerous and often results in a relapse. Enrolling in an alcohol detox program will offer you the ability to safely and comfortably overcome the detoxification process. Tapering is done to prevent the body from being disrupted after becoming dependent on a substance.

We are ready to cheer you on as you continue down the road of recovery toward a healthier, happier you. A 2019 survey found 7.4% of adult (ages 18 and over) Oregonians reported having alcohol use disorder in the past year. This is a significant difference from the overall United States average of 5.7% of U.S. adults that reported having alcohol use disorder in the past year. The annual cost of excessive alcohol use to Oregon’s economy each year is $3.5 billion due to lost productivity, health care expenses, criminal justice costs, and motor vehicle crashes. That expense comes out to $2.08 per drink consumed by Oregonians. Are you or your loved one actively struggling with alcohol use?

Why Stigma Makes Addiction Worse (and How We Can End It)

After graduating high school, he attended college at the University of Coastal Carolina & Salisbury University. In 2014, Corey moved to Florida where he worked in retail sales. In 2015, Corey was given the opportunity how to taper off alcohol to join Amethyst Recovery Center’s Business Development team. In 2018, Corey had the opportunity to partner with Amethyst and USR to open The Freedom Center in his to hometown of Gaithersburg, MD.

Depending on the severity of alcohol dependence, symptoms may range from mild to moderate or severe. It is also important to note that the degree of symptoms will depend on how much alcohol you have been using, the frequency of use, and how long you have been drinking. If your drinking is minimal, you may experience mild withdrawal. If you are an average to moderate drinker – a couple drinks a night, several nights a week – then you may experience moderate withdrawal.