Tapering Off Alcohol vs Quitting Cold Turkey

Content

• Therapy
• When to get medical advice
• Withdrawal treatment
• How to Stop Drinking [Temporarily or Forever]
• Alcohol addiction treatment options

Working with a medical professional to taper your alcohol consumption can help the likelihood and severity of alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Instead of quitting alcohol cold turkey, you can steadily reduce your consumption so that your body has time to gradually readjust to absence of alcohol. It’s important to note that stopping drinking can be dangerous and even life-threatening. It’s vital to speak with a medical professional before you begin weaning off alcohol to ensure you have a plan to do so safely. AW is often treated, discussed and studied as an entity distinct from alcoholism treatment.

Treatment options for alcohol withdrawal syndrome typically involve supportive care to ease the effect of the symptoms. The continued use of alcohol causes changes in the central nervous system and neurotransmitter production in the brain. When the supply of alcohol is suddenly stopped or decreased, withdrawal symptoms can develop. While some of the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal syndrome are similar to a hangover, they are not the same condition.

Therapy

Symptoms such as sleep changes, rapid changes in mood, and fatigue may last for months. People who continue to drink a lot may develop health problems such as liver, heart, and nervous system disease. How well a person does depends on the amount of organ damage and whether the person can stop drinking completely. Alcohol withdrawal may range from a mild and uncomfortable disorder to a serious, life-threatening condition. When you get a mental health and well-being boost, you are more likely to exercise, reduce stress levels, and go out of your way to buy healthier foods — all of which contribute to weight loss.

She graduated from The University of Maryland with a master’s degree in social work. As a licensed clinician, Cheryl stands ready to diagnose and treat a wide spectrum of mental, behavioral, and personality disorders that sometimes present alongside a substance use disorder. Her experience in behavioral health training, program development, and organizational leadership lead her to pursue a certification as a Project Management Professional in 2018. Drug and alcohol addiction is a serious health condition that can destroy lives.

When to get medical advice

Consequently, the clinician’s initial assessment also serves to exclude other conditions with symptoms similar to those of AW. Examples of such conditions include subdural hematoma (i.e., the collection of blood in the space between the membranes surrounding the CNS), pneumonia, meningitis, and other infections. Similarly, seizures and DT’s may be confused with other conditions that should be excluded during initial assessment. Thus, a diagnosis of DT’s and AW seizures should be made only after other reasonable causes for these complications have been excluded. Those signs include severe agitation, rapid heartbeat (i.e., tachycardia), high blood pressure, and fever. About five percent of the patients who experience DT’s die from metabolic or cardiovascular complications, trauma, or infections (Victor and Adams 1953; Cutshall 1964).

You can read all about mindful drinking in this article by a licensed therapist at Monument. If you or someone you love is struggling with drinking, Orlando Recovery Center can help. We offer a full continuum of care and are an in-network 5 Tips to Consider When Choosing a Sober Living House provider for a range of insurance companies, including Aetna, Cigna and America’s Choice. Contact us today to learn more about the insurance we accept and find an alcohol addiction treatment program that can work well for your situation.