What Are The Repercussions Of Abruptly Discontinuing Alcohol Consumption?

Posted on Wed, 21 Jun 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 21 Jun 2017 Answered on

Tue, 11 Jul 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : I drink 4-5 glasses of wine every night. I recently read that it is unsafe to stop alcohol consumption abruptly. I take ativan to fly. Can I taper with ativan?

Answered by Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (8 minutes later)

kindly be precise , you want to taper wine with ativan continuous or what ?
your details are important to guide precisely
thanks regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (15 minutes later)

I did not realize drinking wine daily was dangerous. I want to stop drinking completely; however I don't want to suffer the ill effects of stopping all at once- as it can be dangerous. I am wondering how to taper safely.

When I fly, I do not drink because I take two 1 mg doses of ativan (for a 6 hour flight)and i have not experienced alcohol withdrawal symptoms. If I detox at home with ativan, how much should I take so that I do not risk dangerous side effects?

Answered by Dr. Bhagyesh V. Patel (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Sudden alcohol withdrawal has effects,tapering guidelines with ativan suggested .

Detailed Answer:
Hello XXXXXXX
Thanks for using HealthcareMagic.com
I have evaluated your query in depth .

* First of all congratulations on your decision to quit alcohol consumption as it
has many detrimental effects on liver and general health on long term basis .

* Sudden withdrawal is associated with variety of symptoms including nausea ,
headache , tremors , hallucinations , anxiety , nervousness .

* You can detox at home with ativan with following guidelines .

- Reduce wine quantity by 1 glass every 10 days
- Ativan helps in shakiness , anxiety , confusion
- Nutritional supplements like extra minerals , zinc , iron , magnesium , calcium
vitamin C also support a lot during this period
- Meditations , concentration exercises & YOGA are vital supporters

Hope this will help you definitely .
Welcome for further assistance .
Regards .

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy