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Tapering down before rehab

answered 03:09 PM EST, Tue June 04, 2013
anonymous anonymous
If I try to taper down for a couple of weeks before going to rehab is that going to make it easier to quit once and for all. I am addicted to cocaine and weed and alcohol. Part of me wants to just hit it hard for one last good time before I go in but the part that doesn’t want to lose his family is trying to fight with that more irresponsible part.

Zelik Mintz Says...

Tapering down using before rehab will certainly help the physical withdrawal when you enter rehab.  The psychic withdrawal from using in order to deal with uncomfortable emotional states is an ongoing process which using less before abstaining will help when you start the process.  Wanting to "hit it hard one last time" before quitting is understandable and is part of the addiction that is bargaining.  Your mind wants a reason to use so it tells itself "tomorrow I will quit" to rationalize using.  Hitting it hard one last time could also jeopardize your relationships with your family.  I suggest cutting down as much as possible to give yourself a head start when you enter detox/rehab.

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Page last updated Jun 04, 2013

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Alcoholism and Mental Illness Wet House

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