In addition, she has enjoyed decorating and preparing a safe, comfortable environment for clients and staff. With her passion and drive to bring success to our residential program, Erin is excited for the opportunity to lead our team in Buckeystown as the Program Director. Erin is grateful to be a part of the dedicated, caring and compassionate Freedom Center Team. Being a person in long term recovery, Erin wanted to give back and help those struggling with the disease of addiction. Erin decided to switch careers and went back to school to obtain her Addiction Counseling certification.

The complex nature of severe alcohol dependence requires specialized care and expertise that healthcare professionals can provide. Attempting to taper off alcohol without professional guidance may pose significant health risks and may not effectively address the underlying addiction issues. If you drink heavily, this includes making sure you have a safe plan for quitting alcohol. Heavy drinkers should never abruptly quit alcohol without medical supervision, as alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous. Tapering involves slowly decreasing alcohol use over time, which helps to reduce withdrawal symptoms and improve safety when quitting alcohol. An alcohol addiction is dangerous, and the best way to reduce the risks of drinking is to stop using alcohol.

Creating an Alcohol Taper Schedule

A person should contact their doctor if they have an addiction to drugs or alcohol as these can be extremely harmful to their health. If a person is quitting cold turkey, they are more likely to succeed with the right support. Some research suggests that when it comes to smoking, cold turkey can be a more effective method of quitting than gradual reduction. However, this depends on the amount of support a person receives while they are quitting.

• Aside from unavoidable triggers, tapering off alcohol can also have side effects which can be difficult to manage at home.
• Throughout his recovery, James has used his personal story to help make a difference in the lives of others.
• Individuals can adjust the taper speed according to their preference, such as reducing the drink count by three instead of two if desired.

Alcohol withdrawal can range from uncomfortable to life-threatening, so anyone considering stopping alcohol should speak with a medical professional to determine which method is best for them. Quitting alcohol on your own can also increase the risk of relapse due to the lack of accountability and support. Withdrawing from alcohol is not only physically but also psychologically strenuous, making the support of others crucial for a successful recovery. Tapering alcohol is beneficial because you can avoid alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

Finding An Alcohol Rehab

Thus, a user will likely seek out alcohol again to rid themselves of the uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. But cold turkey may not be the most effective way to quit — especially for people who are dependent on a substance. Quitting too quickly can lead to uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms and a powerful urge to start using the substance again. When dealing with alcohol addiction, cutting out alcohol can be intimidating.

• Addiction alters the chemical balance in a person’s brain, making it extremely difficult to quit drinking alcohol on one’s own.
• If you’ve decided to taper off alcohol, you’ll need to be prepared with some strategies to make the process easier.
• Through her relentless pursuit of excellence, Sydney empowers individuals on their journey towards recovery, offering hope and healing to those in need.
• However, there may be some questions of risk for individuals who drink heavily.
• When you slowly taper your alcohol intake over time instead of quitting cold turkey, you reduce the likelihood of withdrawal symptoms.
• However, it is inexpensive and may be suitable for someone whose job, relationships, and well-being are not in jeopardy.
• If you’re interested in medication-assisted treatment, medication to curb cravings can be a helpful tool for reducing your consumption.

A person who quits cold turkey completely stops consuming the substance with immediate effect. The other approach involves gradually decreasing the consumption or use of the substance https://ecosoberhouse.com/ until a person can stop entirely. While tapering off alcohol means you can still drink to some extent, it’s still important that you eliminate as much temptation as you can.

Tapering Off Alcohol is Key to Overcoming Alcoholism

When the alcohol is completely taken away then this adrenaline and its cousins are left to run rampant in the brain. This leads to raised blood pressure, raised pulse rate, rapid breathing, fever, hallucinations, seizures and D.T.s. https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/how-to-taper-off-alcohol/ Between hours 12-24, hallucinations may occur, and the individual may experience a heightened sense of confusion and disorientation. Mark joined the medical team at The Freedom Center in September 2018 as the Medical Director.

More severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous if you have no medical assistance on hand. Whether you decide to taper down your alcohol use or safely begin with abstinence, having a sobriety toolkit and support system will be the most important factor towards success in reaching your goals. Getting curious about a life without alcohol is already an incredible step, and a healthier lifestyle is within reach.

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol addiction, you may be wondering if it is possible to quit drinking on your own. If you struggle with drinking, the safest way to quit is under a doctor’s care. If you drink heavily, your doctor may recommend quitting with the help of a medical detox center.

She earned her Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling from Johns Hopkins University with an undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Maryland. She has served in both clinical and leadership positions in a number of roles, in inpatient and outpatient settings, as a Primary Therapist and Clinical Supervisor. Himself, an alumni of The Freedom Center, Michael brings a personal experience of the program to his role. A resident of Gaithersburg, Michael has planted roots and established a network in the local recovery community. Michael’s goal is to connect current client and alumni with resources to strengthen their life in recovery.

These symptoms range from mild to severe based on how long you took the drug, and how much of it you took. Research on quitting smoking is mixed, but some studies have found abrupt stopping to be more effective than a gradual reduction. You have already taken the first step to a lifetime of recovery just by coming here and reading these words, and now we encourage you to keep going. Your path to recovery begins with a single phone call or visit to our facilities, so please reach out to us today.