Tapering withdrawals...
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Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 25,373
Well, there are a whole lot of people for whom tapering just doesn't work.
There will be some withdrawals no matter how you quit, but if it's that uncomfortable maybe you need medical detox? It's a simple process to do - have you thought of it?
There will be some withdrawals no matter how you quit, but if it's that uncomfortable maybe you need medical detox? It's a simple process to do - have you thought of it?
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Join Date: May 2012
Location: Wisconsin, USA
Posts: 16,945
Tapering is one of the most asked about/discussed/sometimes debated topic here on SR, but that's fine to ask of course.
In some parts of the world tapering is even recommended by doctors, other places it's frowned upon. I think regardless of your motives or intentions to try it, seeking medical advice first is a good idea. Quitting "cold turkey" can have serious consequences for some, but that's really something only a medical doctor or addiction specialist can assess.
The other main difficulty people have with tapering is that it is really a form of "control" of your drinking. And for most of us, the very reason we are here is that we can't control our drinking once we start. Thus, tapering is very difficult and more often than not it doesn't work.
In some parts of the world tapering is even recommended by doctors, other places it's frowned upon. I think regardless of your motives or intentions to try it, seeking medical advice first is a good idea. Quitting "cold turkey" can have serious consequences for some, but that's really something only a medical doctor or addiction specialist can assess.
The other main difficulty people have with tapering is that it is really a form of "control" of your drinking. And for most of us, the very reason we are here is that we can't control our drinking once we start. Thus, tapering is very difficult and more often than not it doesn't work.
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Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Northwest U.S.
Posts: 778
I tried tapering and failed many times. Finally, with some really good discipline and hard work, I tapered successfully all the way down to zero. The problem was that, once I got to zero, I had no plan in place to stay sober. It was like I reached zero and thought that I had solved the problem when, in fact, I had done absolutely nothing to build the tools necessary to actually recover. As a result, the first "big stress" event that came along after my taper (which of course came only a day or so later) resulted in my drinking.
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 14
Originally Posted by ScottFromWI 
Tapering is one of the most asked about/discussed/sometimes debated topic here on SR, but that's fine to ask of course.
In some parts of the world tapering is even recommended by doctors, other places it's frowned upon. I think regardless of your motives or intentions to try it, seeking medical advice first is a good idea. Quitting "cold turkey" can have serious consequences for some, but that's really something only a medical doctor or addiction specialist can assess.
The other main difficulty people have with tapering is that it is really a form of "control" of your drinking. And for most of us, the very reason we are here is that we can't control our drinking once we start. Thus, tapering is very difficult and more often than not it doesn't work.
In some parts of the world tapering is even recommended by doctors, other places it's frowned upon. I think regardless of your motives or intentions to try it, seeking medical advice first is a good idea. Quitting "cold turkey" can have serious consequences for some, but that's really something only a medical doctor or addiction specialist can assess.
The other main difficulty people have with tapering is that it is really a form of "control" of your drinking. And for most of us, the very reason we are here is that we can't control our drinking once we start. Thus, tapering is very difficult and more often than not it doesn't work.
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 14
Originally Posted by soberandhonest
I tried tapering and failed many times. Finally, with some really good discipline and hard work, I tapered successfully all the way down to zero. The problem was that, once I got to zero, I had no plan in place to stay sober. It was like I reached zero and thought that I had solved the problem when, in fact, I had done absolutely nothing to build the tools necessary to actually recover. As a result, the first "big stress" event that came along after my taper (which of course came only a day or so later) resulted in my drinking.
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Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 8,674
"Be a man about it."
Respectfully, getting sober (or not) has nothing to do with gender. Nor does it have to do with willpower, in the long term, IMO. There's more to it which is why we need help of some kind(s).
I am stringently pro-cold turkey and anti-taper. There are endless mind games and justifications I (anyone) could have made with when and how many and just one more week and....
There are medical resources most places- even if "just" an ER or a short (ie 3 day) hospital stay at a detox facility- that can get you going if you are concerned about cold turkey. I chose an uncertain short-term experience of difficulty and pain and illness over a certain death by drinking.
Respectfully, getting sober (or not) has nothing to do with gender. Nor does it have to do with willpower, in the long term, IMO. There's more to it which is why we need help of some kind(s).
I am stringently pro-cold turkey and anti-taper. There are endless mind games and justifications I (anyone) could have made with when and how many and just one more week and....
There are medical resources most places- even if "just" an ER or a short (ie 3 day) hospital stay at a detox facility- that can get you going if you are concerned about cold turkey. I chose an uncertain short-term experience of difficulty and pain and illness over a certain death by drinking.
Life Goes On
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Posts: 6,069
I am one of those who has detoxed with alcohol and with medical help. The medical route (particularly inpatient) is less uncomfortable than tapering.
One of the times I used alcohol, I cut my consumption by two drinks/day until I was done. Pain in the butt with measuring and pouring out (I only kept enough alcohol to be what I intended to drink that night).
Last time I did it, I cut the amount in half (from a 5th to a pint) and just made that 500ml last for the entire day and night. I was somewhat uncomfortable, but it wasn't unbearable - when the shakes were more intense, I would take a sip of a mixed drink then put it away. I timed this so that throughout the day and night the time between sips was longer and longer. Around 10pm, I was ready for bed. One drink was left "in case." I did not find a need for that drink and threw it out the next day. This method for me involved a lot of pacing and Netflix - it was all I could handle.
You are absolutely right about that plan. I truly believe that the key to my sobriety of 17 days is because I had a plan of action to jump into right away the next day. The toolkit and plan isn't for when I'm tempted or on the way to the store - that's too late. For me, I need to stay ahead of it so that when a craving hits, I'll have a solid foundation.
In consideration of the many here who had surprise medical complications detoxing on their own, I would strongly urge that you have someone around that knows what you're doing in case you need to get to the ER. If you choose to go this route - inpatient is really better. Mine took three overnights and it was done.
O
One of the times I used alcohol, I cut my consumption by two drinks/day until I was done. Pain in the butt with measuring and pouring out (I only kept enough alcohol to be what I intended to drink that night).
Last time I did it, I cut the amount in half (from a 5th to a pint) and just made that 500ml last for the entire day and night. I was somewhat uncomfortable, but it wasn't unbearable - when the shakes were more intense, I would take a sip of a mixed drink then put it away. I timed this so that throughout the day and night the time between sips was longer and longer. Around 10pm, I was ready for bed. One drink was left "in case." I did not find a need for that drink and threw it out the next day. This method for me involved a lot of pacing and Netflix - it was all I could handle.
You are absolutely right about that plan. I truly believe that the key to my sobriety of 17 days is because I had a plan of action to jump into right away the next day. The toolkit and plan isn't for when I'm tempted or on the way to the store - that's too late. For me, I need to stay ahead of it so that when a craving hits, I'll have a solid foundation.
In consideration of the many here who had surprise medical complications detoxing on their own, I would strongly urge that you have someone around that knows what you're doing in case you need to get to the ER. If you choose to go this route - inpatient is really better. Mine took three overnights and it was done.
O
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 14
Originally Posted by August252015
"Be a man about it."
Respectfully, getting sober (or not) has nothing to do with gender. Nor does it have to do with willpower, in the long term, IMO. There's more to it which is why we need help of some kind(s).
I am stringently pro-cold turkey and anti-taper. There are endless mind games and justifications I (anyone) could have made with when and how many and just one more week and....
There are medical resources most places- even if "just" an ER or a short (ie 3 day) hospital stay at a detox facility- that can get you going if you are concerned about cold turkey. I chose an uncertain short-term experience of difficulty and pain and illness over a certain death by drinking.
Respectfully, getting sober (or not) has nothing to do with gender. Nor does it have to do with willpower, in the long term, IMO. There's more to it which is why we need help of some kind(s).
I am stringently pro-cold turkey and anti-taper. There are endless mind games and justifications I (anyone) could have made with when and how many and just one more week and....
There are medical resources most places- even if "just" an ER or a short (ie 3 day) hospital stay at a detox facility- that can get you going if you are concerned about cold turkey. I chose an uncertain short-term experience of difficulty and pain and illness over a certain death by drinking.
Originally Posted by Obladi
I am one of those who has detoxed with alcohol and with medical help. The medical route (particularly inpatient) is less uncomfortable than tapering.
One of the times I used alcohol, I cut my consumption by two drinks/day until I was done. Pain in the butt with measuring and pouring out (I only kept enough alcohol to be what I intended to drink that night).
Last time I did it, I cut the amount in half (from a 5th to a pint) and just made that 500ml last for the entire day and night. I was somewhat uncomfortable, but it wasn't unbearable - when the shakes were more intense, I would take a sip of a mixed drink then put it away. I timed this so that throughout the day and night the time between sips was longer and longer. Around 10pm, I was ready for bed. One drink was left "in case." I did not find a need for that drink and threw it out the next day. This method for me involved a lot of pacing and Netflix - it was all I could handle.
You are absolutely right about that plan. I truly believe that the key to my sobriety of 17 days is because I had a plan of action to jump into right away the next day. The toolkit and plan isn't for when I'm tempted or on the way to the store - that's too late. For me, I need to stay ahead of it so that when a craving hits, I'll have a solid foundation.
In consideration of the many here who had surprise medical complications detoxing on their own, I would strongly urge that you have someone around that knows what you're doing in case you need to get to the ER. If you choose to go this route - inpatient is really better. Mine took three overnights and it was done.
O
One of the times I used alcohol, I cut my consumption by two drinks/day until I was done. Pain in the butt with measuring and pouring out (I only kept enough alcohol to be what I intended to drink that night).
Last time I did it, I cut the amount in half (from a 5th to a pint) and just made that 500ml last for the entire day and night. I was somewhat uncomfortable, but it wasn't unbearable - when the shakes were more intense, I would take a sip of a mixed drink then put it away. I timed this so that throughout the day and night the time between sips was longer and longer. Around 10pm, I was ready for bed. One drink was left "in case." I did not find a need for that drink and threw it out the next day. This method for me involved a lot of pacing and Netflix - it was all I could handle.
You are absolutely right about that plan. I truly believe that the key to my sobriety of 17 days is because I had a plan of action to jump into right away the next day. The toolkit and plan isn't for when I'm tempted or on the way to the store - that's too late. For me, I need to stay ahead of it so that when a craving hits, I'll have a solid foundation.
In consideration of the many here who had surprise medical complications detoxing on their own, I would strongly urge that you have someone around that knows what you're doing in case you need to get to the ER. If you choose to go this route - inpatient is really better. Mine took three overnights and it was done.
O
Member
Join Date: Aug 2017
Location: California
Posts: 534
I tapered successfully but I know it's not for everyone. A lot of the people who choose to taper do it because they cannot miss work for rehab and there were also those who don't want it on their medical records. I told my doctor I planned to taper and she was very against it. I don't think she thought I could do it but I'm glad I was able to minimize my detox symptoms without a medical detox. For some, it is a very bad idea though.
I tapered with one glass a wine a day for a week and then a half glass every day for another week. I was drinking a half bottle to a bottle every day.
I tapered with one glass a wine a day for a week and then a half glass every day for another week. I was drinking a half bottle to a bottle every day.
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Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 14
Originally Posted by leanabeana
I tapered successfully but I know it's not for everyone. A lot of the people who choose to taper do it because they cannot miss work for rehab and there were also those who don't want it on their medical records. I told my doctor I planned to taper and she was very against it. I don't think she thought I could do it but I'm glad I was able to minimize my detox symptoms without a medical detox. For some, it is a very bad idea though.
I tapered with one glass a wine a day for a week and then a half glass every day for another week. I was drinking a half bottle to a bottle every day.
I tapered with one glass a wine a day for a week and then a half glass every day for another week. I was drinking a half bottle to a bottle every day.
Edit: I mean I would die at some point...soon.
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Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 5,229
i tapered because i was afraid of getting the DT's i just figured i'd drink one less daily or so. I was very very serious about quiting tho so i new i had to stick to this plan. but when i was at the 5 beer a night level i got pissed off and went cold turkey. I thoguht i cant just get **** drunk why bother at all. I new i was playing with fire but was ready to hit the ER if i had too or even drink again if it meant saving my life till i could get to an ER or something.
thats how it went for me anyhow
thats how it went for me anyhow
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Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 14
Originally Posted by leanabeana
Shame is part of the deal. My understanding is that those feelings diminish with time and we learn to forgive ourselves. I sure hope so.
I'm glad I found this community as well!
I'm glad I found this community as well!
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: East Coast
Posts: 1,906
I'm a chronic alcoholic. The day I gave up my sobriety I thought to myself, "I'm only going to do this a few times while my wife is away on a business trip."
That week turned into a 4 year relapse.
I tried for 3 of those years to taper. I just couldn't do it for some reason. It was just beyond me. I could get close but something invariably got to me and it knocked me off course again.
I agree with what was said, it just isn't a matter of will. My brain is wired differently from most. It's "ride or die" It's like a switch...on or off. There just isn't any in between no matter how much I tried or wished to be somewhat normal.
Me being the hard head that I was, it damn near killed me. I ended up in the hospital with so much damage to my body, some days I'm just not sure how I even survived. Well, I do know, but that's another topic. Anyhow, It was my neighbor who scooped me off my sidewalk and told me "my way doesn't work" and took me to the er. 4 months later, I was released. That was 18 months ago TODAY!!! Holy crap, I completely forgot!!!!!!
The fact that I did forget is a testament that I no longer obsess about this illness. I came here to check in. These people, helped save my life by listening to me.
Stick around...taper or not, well or not, now you're apart of the family here.
It's a wonderful place to be, and I wish you a warm welcome.
Good luck to you, we're always here if you need an ear.
That week turned into a 4 year relapse.
I tried for 3 of those years to taper. I just couldn't do it for some reason. It was just beyond me. I could get close but something invariably got to me and it knocked me off course again.
I agree with what was said, it just isn't a matter of will. My brain is wired differently from most. It's "ride or die" It's like a switch...on or off. There just isn't any in between no matter how much I tried or wished to be somewhat normal.
Me being the hard head that I was, it damn near killed me. I ended up in the hospital with so much damage to my body, some days I'm just not sure how I even survived. Well, I do know, but that's another topic. Anyhow, It was my neighbor who scooped me off my sidewalk and told me "my way doesn't work" and took me to the er. 4 months later, I was released. That was 18 months ago TODAY!!! Holy crap, I completely forgot!!!!!!
The fact that I did forget is a testament that I no longer obsess about this illness. I came here to check in. These people, helped save my life by listening to me.
Stick around...taper or not, well or not, now you're apart of the family here.
It's a wonderful place to be, and I wish you a warm welcome.
Good luck to you, we're always here if you need an ear.
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2017
Posts: 14
Originally Posted by BullDog777
I'm a chronic alcoholic. The day I gave up my sobriety I thought to myself, "I'm only going to do this a few times while my wife is away on a business trip."
That week turned into a 4 year relapse.
I tried for 3 of those years to taper. I just couldn't do it for some reason. It was just beyond me. I could get close but something invariably got to me and it knocked me off course again.
I agree with what was said, it just isn't a matter of will. My brain is wired differently from most. It's "ride or die" It's like a switch...on or off. There just isn't any in between no matter how much I tried or wished to be somewhat normal.
Me being the hard head that I was, it damn near killed me. I ended up in the hospital with so much damage to my body, some days I'm just not sure how I even survived. Well, I do know, but that's another topic. Anyhow, It was my neighbor who scooped me off my sidewalk and told me "my way doesn't work" and took me to the er. 4 months later, I was released. That was 18 months ago TODAY!!! Holy crap, I completely forgot!!!!!!
The fact that I did forget is a testament that I no longer obsess about this illness. I came here to check in. These people, helped save my life by listening to me.
Stick around...taper or not, well or not, now you're apart of the family here.
It's a wonderful place to be, and I wish you a warm welcome.
Good luck to you, we're always here if you need an ear.
That week turned into a 4 year relapse.
I tried for 3 of those years to taper. I just couldn't do it for some reason. It was just beyond me. I could get close but something invariably got to me and it knocked me off course again.
I agree with what was said, it just isn't a matter of will. My brain is wired differently from most. It's "ride or die" It's like a switch...on or off. There just isn't any in between no matter how much I tried or wished to be somewhat normal.
Me being the hard head that I was, it damn near killed me. I ended up in the hospital with so much damage to my body, some days I'm just not sure how I even survived. Well, I do know, but that's another topic. Anyhow, It was my neighbor who scooped me off my sidewalk and told me "my way doesn't work" and took me to the er. 4 months later, I was released. That was 18 months ago TODAY!!! Holy crap, I completely forgot!!!!!!
The fact that I did forget is a testament that I no longer obsess about this illness. I came here to check in. These people, helped save my life by listening to me.
Stick around...taper or not, well or not, now you're apart of the family here.
It's a wonderful place to be, and I wish you a warm welcome.
Good luck to you, we're always here if you need an ear.
EDIT: YOU ARE PART OF THE TEAM DARNIT!
Member
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: England
Posts: 92
I was more of a binge drinker than an everyday dependant, but I can say tapering did not work for me. I tried for 3 years to control my drinking, but it never worked. Only drinking on a Saturday, or just having 4 drinks or whatever other BS reasons I gave myself. I always ended up passed out. For me enough was enough. How many times do I need to repeat this cycle before I learn? No amount of tapering or self control whilst drinking works for me.
Another thing that would get me was justifying having a glass of wine with a meal, the whole it compliments what I'm eating crap. It's only one. Then it would be one bottle, 4 beers after the meal and then out properly because I'd got the taste. I'd then wake up hating myself and come up with a load of reasons how it can be different next time.
Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results and when it came to my life pattern with alcohol I was insane. Thankfully I've noticed it and I'm trying to change it.
If you can taper, then every credit to you, because I can't. I have no self control. Stopping completely is the only thing that is working for me right now.
Good luck with whatever you choose. Just be wise to your behaviours. Being self aware is the key.
Another thing that would get me was justifying having a glass of wine with a meal, the whole it compliments what I'm eating crap. It's only one. Then it would be one bottle, 4 beers after the meal and then out properly because I'd got the taste. I'd then wake up hating myself and come up with a load of reasons how it can be different next time.
Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results and when it came to my life pattern with alcohol I was insane. Thankfully I've noticed it and I'm trying to change it.
If you can taper, then every credit to you, because I can't. I have no self control. Stopping completely is the only thing that is working for me right now.
Good luck with whatever you choose. Just be wise to your behaviours. Being self aware is the key.
Changing
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: NJ
Posts: 120
i had to stop and detox cold turkey because my disease plays mind games with me and once i drink even one, i know i'm having as much as i can before i black out or pass out. my last detox was horrible. they get worse and worse. i'm glad i'm choosing sobriety over feeding the alcoholism inside me it's alcohol. i actually think i will die if i drink and won't remember it. that thought freaks me out.
Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 5,229
I agree with the its the ON/OFF no in between. I think for me thats why when i got down to 5 beers a night or so i felt defeated was like i cant do this i either have to be getting drunk or not do this at all.
I also notice a lot of other alcholics find they cant moderate other things in life either. some can. But I know for me I"m not very moderate about much of anything its all in or all out. I just use this aspect about myself in a beneficial way now and i'm all in on healthy eating and excercise and a couple hobbies i have. I might still be unable to moderate per say but it keeps me out of trouble and off the streets if you will. and If i look at my activities i could say i spend my dime moderately with this and with that but when i'm doing those things i'm pretty obsessed with them and all in .
its always hot or cold with me rarely the middle of the road with anything really. even emotions and so on.
I also notice a lot of other alcholics find they cant moderate other things in life either. some can. But I know for me I"m not very moderate about much of anything its all in or all out. I just use this aspect about myself in a beneficial way now and i'm all in on healthy eating and excercise and a couple hobbies i have. I might still be unable to moderate per say but it keeps me out of trouble and off the streets if you will. and If i look at my activities i could say i spend my dime moderately with this and with that but when i'm doing those things i'm pretty obsessed with them and all in .
its always hot or cold with me rarely the middle of the road with anything really. even emotions and so on.
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