How to wean yourself off of alcohol?

Answer 1

I've done this several times and being a daily drinker let me just say that it's always easier said than done. This is how I do it. If I'm averaging about a pint of vodka a day (whatever the equivalent of that is in beers or wine), if on Saturday I have a full pint, then Sunday

I drink half of that, which is obviously a half pint. That half pint may not even register in terms of how "buzzed" I feel after it. If I drink it fast (within five to ten minutes) I may feel something close to a buzz, but not for long. This is where it gets tough, because if you are like me, you can't help but think of getting another half pint if not more. But I remind myself that I'm weaning off, not increasing the amount I'm drinking. It's also helps to remember the reason I'm doing this to begin with. In my case for example, I do it for several reasons, one is that I know from experience just how miserable I feel when I'm feeling the withdrawal symptoms when I've tried to do it cold turkey. The other, which is the main one really, is that I want to feel better and not have to depend on alcohol to feel better or get by. I always have a real hard time sleeping that first night, it's normal if I don't get any sleep at all. I'm so sick of people saying (usually AA types) that lack of sleep doesn't kill you. It is not pleasant to say the least, but if I really want to wean off completely, it's the price I have to pay. Because of the lack of sleep, I'm very tired and irritable that whole next day (Monday) so instead of cutting it down again to a quarter of a pint, I just keep it at a half pint that night. I do sleep Monday night, but not well, and not for very long. Usually not more than four or five hours, but compared to an hour or no sleep at all, it's a lot. Tuesday I do cut it down to a quarter pint, or switch to a couple of beers. Again, I may not get much sleep that night but because I slept ok the night before I usually have the energy to go for a long walk, for at least an hour (sometimes two hours if I have the time) this I do just to physically tire myself so I may get some sleep, if any. Amazingly enough, the exercise does the trick. Again if I don't sleep well or at all, I'm not happy about it, but it's all part of the process.

Come Wednesday I have a quarter pint or two beers again. I should mention that I usually don't go out to drink during this whole process, simply because it's too easy to

just blow the whole plan of weaning off if I'm out. I stay in and don't really socialize

by going out until I'm done weaning off. Even then it's hard for me to go out and not drink. When Thursday comes is when I don't have any alcohol at all. Believe me, my body misses it, and I've blown it at this point several times. If I can get that Thursday and Friday without any, I'm in the clear. The only problem I have is sleeping. The only way I know to handle that is by exercising, usually just long walks, sometimes biking

is good too. Hope this helps.

Answer 2

You can try the Master Cleanse, also known as the Lemonade diet. It doesn't cost a lot since you are only using lemons, maple syrup and cayenne pepper. It is also easy to make.

Answer 3

Alcoholics may need to detox under medical supervision.