How to Taper Off of Drugs and Alcohol
Understanding the Slow Taper Method of Alcohol and Drug Detox
When it comes to getting off drugs or quitting alcohol, there are two basic methods – the cold turkey approach and the slow taper off process. If you have been struggling with alcoholism or drug addiction for some time, you have probably tried one or both of these methods on your own, but the results may have been less effective than what you had hoped.
When you try to quit cold turkey, your body rebels, triggering severe withdrawal symptoms that can cause even the most dedicated person to give up. That is why the slow taper off method is the preferable approach, but only if administered in a safe, controlled, and supportive environment.
To help you understand the methods, keep reading to learn about the slow taper off approach during alcohol or drug detox and how it slowly removes the substance you have been using. This process gives your body the time and space it needs to heal completely so you can get on with the rest of your life.
What Is Tapering Off?
Tapering off of drugs or alcohol is just what it sounds like, and this method of detox can be far gentler, far less painful, and far more effective than the cold turkey approach you may have taken in your previous efforts to get clean.
One of the most significant advantages of the slow taper method is that it allows the doctors and nurses to mitigate and minimize any withdrawal symptoms you may feel, keeping you safe, comfortable, and supported throughout the entire process.
There are many approaches to the slow taper method, and the treatment center needs to tailor the methods used to your unique situation. Several factors will play into this decision, from how much you weigh and how long you have been using alcohol and drugs to the state of your current health and any preexisting health conditions you may have.
At WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab, we can develop a treatment plan that is customized just for you that gives the slow taper method time to work and allows your body time to heal itself from the inside out.
Methods of Tapering Off Drugs and Alcohol
Since there is no such thing as a typical drug addict or alcoholic, the individualized approach to drug and alcohol detox is the best way to get better. We are big believers in the slow taper method for drug and alcohol treatment, but we do not take a one-size-fits-all approach to help you heal.
There are many methods used to taper off drugs, starting with a simple drawing down of the dose you have been taking. In this slow taper method, you are given the drug you have been using in a safe and highly controlled environment, mitigating the withdrawal symptoms you would otherwise feel and giving your body time to heal.
Other approaches to the slow taper method may involve the use of similar but less toxic medications. This method can be especially effective when it comes to treating opioid abuse. No matter which method is ultimately chosen, taking the first step is the best way to get your life back.
The Slow Taper Method Offered at WhiteSands
If you are ready to get clean or stop drinking, the staff at WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab is ready to help. The slow taper method has proven to be the most effective detox approach for many different drugs, from legal substances like alcohol to street drugs like heroin and other opioids. But no matter what kinds of substance use disorder you have been struggling with, you can take your life back and live more successfully. Things may look dark now, but we can assure you that there is a better, brighter, and safer life on the other side of your addiction.
You have already taken the first step to a lifetime of recovery just by coming here and reading these words, and now we encourage you to keep going. Your path to recovery begins with a single phone call or visit to our facilities, so please reach out to us today.
If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.
About the Author
Jackie has been involved in the substance abuse and addiction treatment sector for over five years and this is something that she is truly eager about. She has a passion for writing and continuously works to create informative pieces that not only educate and inform the public about the disease of addiction but also provide solutions for those who struggle with drug and alcohol abuse.