Can Tapering Off Reduce Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms?

One of the major challenges for people attempting to address a serious drinking problem is the potential to experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms. These can be very unpleasant, dangerous and even fatal, which is why detox should always be properly managed.

Some people and programmes advocate a gradual alcohol reduction in order to reduce these effects. But can tapering off alcohol reduce withdrawal symptoms effectively?

What is Alcohol Withdrawal?

People who drink heavily for a long period of time may develop an alcohol dependency. Essentially, their system becomes used to the presence of alcohol and adjusts accordingly, while neurotransmitters and receptors begin to work differently.

When the alcohol intake is suddenly stopped or even drastically reduced, the person may experience a wide range of physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms. These can vary in type and severity depending on a range of factors, including the heaviness and length of alcohol use, age, sex and genetic predispositions.

Some common withdrawal symptoms can include:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Shakiness or trembling
• Sweating
• Fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting
• Headaches
• Restlessness or insomnia

More severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms can include:

• Agitation
• Confusion
• Disorientation
• Seizures
• Fever
• Hallucinations

The most severe form of alcohol withdrawal is known as delirium tremens. It occurs in less than 5% of withdrawals but can prove fatal. It can involve other severe withdrawal symptoms as outlined above and is usually characterised by severe confusion and disorientation, hallucinations, the risk of seizures and autonomic overactivity – a potentially life-threatening condition affecting the central or peripheral nervous systems.

The Role of Tapering in Alcohol Withdrawal Management

Tapering is when you cut down on drinking to bring about a gradual alcohol reduction and may sometimes be referred to as ‘weaning off’ alcohol. This is a different approach to stopping suddenly all at once, which is sometimes known as going ‘cold turkey’.

Some people may prefer this approach as it aims to reduce the shock to the system, potentially lessening withdrawal symptoms when they eventually get to the point where they are ready to quit entirely.

It can be very difficult to manage, though, especially for long-term heavy drinkers. People may still experience some withdrawal symptoms even while tapering and proper guidance from healthcare professionals is recommended during the process.

Can Tapering Reduce Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms?

In many cases, gradually reducing the amount of alcohol you consume can reduce your chances of experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms. Various NHS trusts and alcohol charities advise tapering or gradually reducing alcohol intake as a potential way to reduce withdrawal symptoms.

In all cases, though, you are advised to do so in a carefully controlled manner. This is especially true if you are a heavy drinker with a severe alcohol dependency. While tapering may reduce specific symptoms, it does not eliminate the need for professional guidance.

The Risks of Tapering Off Alcohol Alone

Tapering should be done with the goal of reducing alcohol dependency and any withdrawal symptoms that the drinker may experience with sudden cessation. The approach is not risk-free, however, and should generally be done in a controlled manner under medical advice where possible.

Alcohol tapering is not guaranteed to eliminate the chances of withdrawal symptoms entirely, as they may be experienced when a dependent drinker reduces the amount they drink rather than stopping entirely.

One NHS guide advises cutting down by no more than 10% of your total units per day and (ideally) cutting down by 10% every four days – particularly for those drinking more than 25 units per day. Such schedules require careful management, including drinking diaries, and it can be easy to lose track. Cutting down too quickly may lead to withdrawal symptoms, while failing to taper steadily will simply maintain the drinking problem.

Heavy-dependent drinkers may also find it very difficult to maintain a constant tapering and can relapse into heavier drinking. It’s also worth remembering that there is no safe level of alcohol, and while you continue to drink, you increase the risk of numerous physical and mental health problems, from depression to liver disease and several types of cancer.

Safe and Effective Alternatives to Self-Tapering

Tapering is not the only method of safe alcohol withdrawal. Medically supervised detox can help you to cease drinking in a safe environment, with medical assistance on hand to manage any withdrawal symptoms. Dedicated rehab centres like Asana Lodge can provide monitored alcohol detoxification in a safe environment, with medications to help reduce and manage withdrawal symptoms where appropriate.

Rehab also goes beyond this initial detox stage with a more comprehensive approach aimed at addressing the psychological aspects and root causes of addiction, with the aim of providing a full and long-lasting recovery.

When Should You Consider Professional Help?

If your drinking adversely affects your life, you regularly drink more than the safer drinking guidelines of 14 units per week, have experienced withdrawal symptoms or have unsuccessfully tried to cut down in the past; it may be time to seek professional help.

There are different levels of alcohol problems but left untreated; a less severe issue can easily become more serious. If you are already physically dependent on alcohol, professional treatment is by far the safest and most effective way to reduce your intake or, preferably, stop drinking entirely.

What to Expect at Asana Lodge for Alcohol Detoxification

Alcohol withdrawal management programmes at Asana Lodge are carried out in line with the National Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence & CQC guidelines. The detox process varies from individual to individual, and we are always aware that people have their own unique circumstances and challenges.

You will, however, be coached through the entire detox and withdrawal process in a safe and comfortable environment under medical supervision and alcohol detox support.

Tapering is one way of lowering the amount you are drinking and potentially reducing any withdrawal symptoms you experience, but it should only be done under medical advice and in a carefully controlled way. If you need advice on this or want to know more about our alcohol detox and rehab programmes, please get in touch today.