For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Quitting with proper medical supervision may be more important than whether you stop gradually or all at once.
Tapering Off Alcohol vs.
Verywell / JR Bee
Going Cold Turkey
Tapering off is a standard medical practice for many other drugs.
Typically,quitting cold turkeyfrom a 12-beer-a-day habit is going to be more stressful than tapering off slowly.
In addition, home detox may not be effective, appropriate, or safe.
Individuals who’ve consumed higher amounts of alcohol over time can develop life-threatening complications when trying to quit.
This is why it is important to stop regular, heavy drinking only under the supervision of medical staff.
They can provide medications and additional support to make quitting alcohol safer, and more comfortable.
Generally speaking, alcohol home detox is neither the most effective nor the safest method ofquitting alcohol.
Tapering is not an open-ended process.
You don’t have to let thefear of alcohol withdrawalstop you fromcutting back or quitting.
Whatever you do, it is better to act than not act.
Don’t give up.
- doi:10.1002/14651858.CD011479
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.What is a standard drink?
