How Do You Taper Off Alcohol Usage?

 

There are individuals who can just quit alcohol without experiencing considerable withdrawal symptoms.  However, there are others who may experience severe symptoms of withdrawal when they stop drinking suddenly.  Withdrawing from alcohol is potentially fatal and as such, it is extremely essential that you gradually detoxify from alcohol if you start to experience severe symptoms when attempting to quit.  Tapering off alcohol is a great way to gradually detoxify.   

Severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms are typically experienced by:

• Individuals who have remained drunk for several consecutive days
• Individuals who have consumed small quantities throughout the day for 30 days or more
• Individual who are known to have alcohol withdrawal symptoms
• Individuals who have become intoxicated each night for 30 days or more

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms can be classified as severe, moderate and mild.

Severe

Also known as D.T.s or Delirium Tremens, severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms typically happen 48 hours after the decrease or cessation of alcohol consumption.  Intense sweating, rapid breathing, blood pressure spikes, agitation, irregular heartbeat and disorientation are some of the characteristics of severe withdrawal.  Left untreated, D.T.s will kill approximately 1 in 5 individuals.

Moderate

This typically happens between 24 and 36 hours after the intake of alcohol has ceased.  It is usually manifested as tremors, high blood pressure, intense anxiety, racing pulse, seizures, hallucinations and insomnia. 

Mild

Typically, mild alcohol withdrawal happens with 24 hours of having the last drink.  Insomnia, increased pulse rate, upset stomach, panic, anxiety and twitching are some of the characteristics of mild withdrawal symptoms.

Is Tapering Off Alcohol Right For Me?

After not drinking, if you start to sweat profusely, your blood pressure spikes, your hands become visibly shaky or you have irregular or rapid pulse, tapering off alcohol would be would be ideal.  Prescription medication or alcohol can be used to taper off.

Using Alcohol to Taper Off

When tapering off alcohol, it is tremendously important to replenish lost vitamins and fight dehydration.  During a medical detoxification, an IV may be used for re-hydration and vitamin shots could also be administered.  If you are self-detoxifying, ensure that you take vitamin supplements and drink lots of fluids. 

Important Note About Tapering Off Alcohol

Tapering off alcohol by yourself is not suggested for those who experience moderate or greater withdrawals. If you are experiencing any type of withdrawals from alcohol, it is highly recommended that you seek treatment from medical professionals or through addiction treatments facilities and rehab.

SUMMIT ESTATE NORTHERN CALIFORNIA REHAB
Can Help You Do Identify Your Problems with Alcohol and Dispense Treatment for Alcoholism in Both Their Inpatient and Outpatient Treatment Facilities in Northern California:

Obvious Signs Of Alcohol Addiction - Where People Can Get Treated

 

It is important to realize that alcoholism is a problem that millions of people have in the world today. It's important to think about this if you happen to be part of that statistic. There are many signs of alcoholism that you might want to look at, including needing to have a drink every single day. According to most alcohol facts, overuse of alcohol can lead to damaged your kidneys, damaged your liver, and many other health problems. Alcohol addiction is a huge problem, which is why there are so many treatment centers all over the country. Here's how you can find alcohol abuse treatment center that is near you if you believe that you need help.

What Alcohol Is Good And Bad For You

Alcohol is something that is a double-edged sword. It has both positive and negative attributes. For instance, if you drink alcohol regularly, something like wine or an occasional beer, this is actually very beneficial for your body. On the other hand, if you are drinking a 12 pack every day, getting hammered and passing out on a regular basis, it is possible that you may develop sclerosis of the liver at some point in time which can cause your body to shut down. To get treatment for this, before it gets out of hand, here's what you need to do.

Treatment Centers For Alcohol Abuse

If you are abusing alcohol, and you need to stop, but you have no idea how you can do this on your own, you can either join a group like Alcoholics Anonymous, where you can find a treatment center where you can check-in and receive help everyday. Rehab centers are located all over the country, and if you believe that you need access to the help they can provide, you can find them on the web and set an appointment today.

Alcoholism, Depression and Self-Medication

 

I spent the majority of my 30's as a severe alcoholic. I was deep in the midst of alcoholism for over 10 years. I grew up in the 1970's and early 80's, when Alcoholics Anonymous was gaining popularity and treatment centers were beginning to use AA's 12 step program as model.

 Prior to that, alcoholics had to quit on their own or go to sanitarium to "dry out". Some were even subjected to electrical shock therapy. It is no small wonder that most alcoholics back then chose to try to quit on their own without medical help and only about 10% were able to achieve sobriety.

Fortunately, things have greatly advanced since then and there are inpatient and outpatient programs for alcoholics that can provide the medical supervision needed during withdrawal along with the therapy and coping skills that alcoholics need to succeed after detox. In most cases, alcoholism is simply a coverup for a deeper problem and that deeper problem needs to be identified and dealt with truly help the alcoholic learn to live a life without self medication their issues with alcohol.

But because I had grown up in a time when medical treatment and for alcoholism was so drastic, I chose to try to quit "the right way", without drugs or inpatient treatment. I gave it my best tried and ultimately failed. I was trapped in a 10 year downward spiral and it caused major issues in my family, caused me to lose multiple jobs and lose out on so much in life.

I finally turned to a counselor named Beth who was experienced in alcoholism. She was a recovering alcoholic who won her battle with alcohol in the 1960's, had gone on to college and earned her master's degree for psychology and counseling. I met with her a few times and she decided that referring me to a psychiatrist to get medication for depression would help. She felt untreated depression was a major factor in life and that I turned to alcohol to self-medicate to avoid the pain of chronic depression.

I was reluctant to take medication but Beth pointed that I had already tried to self medicate with alcohol for 10 years with no success. It was obvious that I needed to at least give it a try. I was given Prozac and was pleasantly surprised that I was feel stronger and better with each week that passed. Then came the day, when I went to see Beth. I was feeling good and it must have been shining through. She said something that I will never forget. She told me "Welcome back to real life".

Alcohol Addiction Can Be Conquered!

Mens Only Alcohol Addiction Treatment in Laguna Beach, CA:

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1755 Park Avenue
Laguna Beach , Ca 92651
(888) 632-7135