Cutting down or stopping drinking safely

Should I cut down or stop drinking?

Either can be the right goal. It depends on how much you drink, your health and what you want, and your GP can help you weigh it up.

Cutting down often suits people who drink more than the guidelines but aren't dependent on alcohol. Stopping is usually advised if you're dependent on alcohol, if cutting down hasn't worked, if alcohol is already harming your health, or if you're pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

Some people start with a break, like a month without alcohol, to see how it feels. That's fine too, as long as it's safe for you to stop.

Is it safe to stop drinking suddenly?

For people who drink lightly or now and then, yes. But if you drink heavily every day, or you get shaky, sweaty or anxious when you go without, stopping suddenly can be dangerous.

When your body is used to alcohol, taking it away quickly causes withdrawal. Most withdrawal is uncomfortable rather than dangerous, but it can sometimes cause:

• Seizures (fits), which can happen with little warning.
• Delirium tremens (the DTs), a medical emergency with severe confusion, shaking, sweating, and seeing or hearing things that aren't there.

The risk is higher if you've had withdrawal seizures or the DTs before, have other health or mental health problems, or also use other drugs or sedating medicines. Cutting back sharply, not only stopping, can bring on withdrawal.

If you drink heavily every day, don't stop or cut back sharply on your own. Talk to your GP first, or call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015 (24 hours) for advice. In an emergency, call 000.

What does alcohol withdrawal feel like, and how long does it last?

Symptoms usually start within a few hours of the last drink and last about two to seven days. They range from mild to severe.

• Shaking or tremor, especially of the hands.
• Sweating, a fast heartbeat and higher blood pressure.
• Feeling sick, vomiting or not wanting to eat.
• Anxiety, irritability and restlessness.
• Trouble sleeping.

The DTs, when they happen, usually start one to two days after the last drink and can last several days. That's why the first few days of stopping need a plan and someone close by.

When should I call 000 during alcohol withdrawal?

Call 000 straight away if someone who is withdrawing from alcohol:

• Has a seizure or fit.
• Becomes confused, doesn't know where they are, or is hard to wake.
• Sees, hears or feels things that aren't there.
• Has chest pain or trouble breathing.
• Talks about harming themselves.

Can I withdraw from alcohol at home?

Often, yes, with a plan from your GP. Home withdrawal suits people who are expected to have mild to moderate symptoms, have never had severe withdrawal, and have a safe, alcohol-free place to stay.

A home plan usually includes:

• A support person who can check on you every day, especially for the first three to four days.
• Regular contact with your GP or a drug and alcohol nurse.
• Short-term medicine to ease withdrawal symptoms, if your GP thinks you need it, taken exactly as prescribed.
• Clear instructions on what to do and who to call if things get worse.
• No alcohol in the house.

Your GP may recommend supervised withdrawal instead if you've had seizures or the DTs before, have other serious health or mental health problems, use other drugs, have tried home withdrawal before and it didn't work, or don't have a safe place or support at home.

What is supervised withdrawal (detox)?

Supervised withdrawal means staying in a withdrawal unit or hospital while staff watch you closely and treat symptoms as they come. It's usually a stay of several days.

Your GP can refer you, or you can contact your local public drug and alcohol service yourself. See counselling and support for numbers, including the Illawarra.

Withdrawal is a start, not the whole treatment. It's worth planning what support comes next before you begin.

What helps when cutting down on drinking?

Small, specific changes are easier to keep track of than a general promise to drink less. Pick a few that suit you.

• Decide on a limit before you start, and count your drinks.
• Have some alcohol-free days each week.
• Alternate alcoholic drinks with water or something non-alcoholic.
• Choose low-strength drinks and smaller glasses.
• Keep less alcohol in the house, or none.
• Eat before and while you drink.
• Plan something else for the times you usually drink, like after work.
• Tell someone you trust what you're doing.

This is general information. If you drink heavily every day, cut down only with your GP's advice.