If you drink heavily, the safest way to cut back is by gradually reducing how much you drink to avoid alcohol withdrawal. Reach out if you're unsure how quickly you can decrease your intake.
For instance, if you drink eight drinks a day, try cutting back to six drinks a day for one week. The next week, cut back a bit more.
Most people struggle to decrease their alcohol use on their own, so we recommend emotional support and possibly medication to help.
If you suddenly stop drinking after drinking regularly, you can go into alcohol withdrawal.
The most common symptoms of withdrawal are shaking, sweating, nausea or stomach upset, agitation, inability to sleep, and anxiety. If you have these symptoms, please go to your local urgent care for an evaluation.
Severe symptoms include:
- Seizures or passing out
- Hallucinations
- Severe confusion
- Fever
- Very high blood pressure or irregular heart beat
If you're worried you may have severe symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, call 9-1-1 or have someone take you to your local emergency room (ER) right away.
Some people with severe withdrawal can die, so it's very important you get help quickly.
Getting help will support you achieve your goals.
As a starting point, we recommend:
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)'s helpline
- Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
If you're interested in discussing additional treatment options that might be right for you, please let us or another medical provider know.
Options include medications, one-on-one therapy, outpatient treatment centers, inpatient detoxification centers, and more.
It's great that you're thinking about cutting back or quitting alcohol use. We're here to help!
