Can I Quit Alcohol Cold Turkey Safely?

Accepting that you or a loved one has an issue with alcohol is the first step to recovery. But is it safe to quit drinking all at once? It depends. The amount, frequency, and duration of drinking, the presence of co-occurring disorders, and physical health all play a role in determining the severity of withdrawal. Heavy drinkers have become accustomed to having alcohol in their bodies, and when they suddenly stop drinking, the central nervous system doesn't know how to respond properly.

According to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Addiction, more than 17 million people in the United States suffer from alcohol use disorder, while the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that nearly 40 million follow risky patterns of excessive drinking. To calm down and ease the symptoms of suddenly stopping drinking, many people end up drinking again. The surest way to avoid dangerous withdrawal symptoms is to gradually reduce alcohol consumption with the help of a professional recovery team. Dr.

Finn suggests that anyone who drinks large amounts of alcohol every day should try to reduce their consumption a little each week before suddenly quitting and see if they experience any withdrawal symptoms or discomfort, such as anxiety, tremors, restlessness or sweating. Long-term alcohol use, especially when it comes to excessive or binge drinking, can increase the risk of a variety of serious physical, mental, and neurological problems. Every person experiences alcohol addiction and the detoxification process differently. To reduce severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms and be more likely to overcome addiction, it's important to detoxify under medical supervision.

Quitting smoking suddenly is a phrase that means to stop consuming a substance abruptly instead of gradually reducing it. The term is now used to refer to conditions that people might refer to as alcohol dependence, abuse, or addiction.

Sophia Streeby
Sophia Streeby

Addiction recovery expert from experience and training - I want to help others Quit drinking alcohol and find freedom from addiction daily.