HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Suggest Ways To Quit Drinking

I am a 27 year old overweight male . I have been drinking 6-8 beers a night for 6 years. I want to stop drinking but I am concerned about withdrawals.i do not drink during the day at all but at night around 7 -10 pm I do . The last drink I have had was Sunday morning at 1 a.m. Before bed . Should I continue this cold turkey method or taper ?
Mon, 1 Jun 2020
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hi,

Brief answer: It is safer to taper your alcohol consumption than to stop cold turkey. Detailed answer: Too much alcohol has many health effects both physical and mental. It is great that you recognize your problem with alcohol and want to quit drinking.

The safest way to quit on your own at home is to slowly taper your alcohol consumption.

Quitting cold turkey can cause your body to withdrawal, which can cause your blood pressure to increase, tremors, and possibly seizures.

In my opinion, based on the amount you drink daily, you should reduce your alcohol consumption by 2 drinks every day until you are no longer drinking.

If you notice withdrawal symptoms like hands shaking, you should drink enough until these symptoms stop, and then you can proceed with the slow taper.

Many patients find it difficult to quit drinking alcohol on their own, so seeking support from family and friends or an AA support group can help. There are also medications to help one with quitting drinking alcohol.

I suggest that you talk to your doctor about your desire to quit drinking alcohol so that you can get advice on the most appropriate care and treatment for you.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care

Regards,
Dr. Aaron Shapiro
I find this answer helpful

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
Suggest Ways To Quit Drinking

Hi, Brief answer: It is safer to taper your alcohol consumption than to stop cold turkey. Detailed answer: Too much alcohol has many health effects both physical and mental. It is great that you recognize your problem with alcohol and want to quit drinking. The safest way to quit on your own at home is to slowly taper your alcohol consumption. Quitting cold turkey can cause your body to withdrawal, which can cause your blood pressure to increase, tremors, and possibly seizures. In my opinion, based on the amount you drink daily, you should reduce your alcohol consumption by 2 drinks every day until you are no longer drinking. If you notice withdrawal symptoms like hands shaking, you should drink enough until these symptoms stop, and then you can proceed with the slow taper. Many patients find it difficult to quit drinking alcohol on their own, so seeking support from family and friends or an AA support group can help. There are also medications to help one with quitting drinking alcohol. I suggest that you talk to your doctor about your desire to quit drinking alcohol so that you can get advice on the most appropriate care and treatment for you. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care Regards, Dr. Aaron Shapiro