When it comes to getting healthy before going in for a surgery weaning off of alcohol is often a necessary part of a patient’s pre-surgery plan. But how, exactly, do you safely stop drinking before surgery—especially if happy hour has become a habit for you? Today, we’re talking everything you need to know when it comes to safely weaning off of alcohol before your procedure. Read on for our top medical tips. 

1. Understand you’re not alone.

Most of us enjoy a drink at the end of a long work day or over the weekend with friends—so no judgment here when it comes to imbibing! But, with the stresses of everyday life, it’s easy for the escape of happy hour to become a daily habit. If it has for you, know that you’re not alone. In fact, one 2018 study found that 40% of Americans drink too much alcohol. If you fall into this category, weaning yourself off of alcohol alone might not be right for you (more on this below), but know that there are plenty of resources and options to help you on your quest for presurgery health. Above all, be transparent and honest with your physician about your drinking habits so she can help you personalize a plan to safely stop drinking before surgery. 

2. Know that weaning off of alcohol alone isn’t for everyone.

Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome (AWS) is a serious—and even life-threatening—case of severe withdrawal that can happen to those trying to quit drinking. Those who drink heavily and/or regularly and try to suddenly stop “cold-turkey” are at a particular risk for AWS. AWS symptoms can range from profuse sweating and shaking to confusion and seizures. 

According to Ocean Breeze Recovery, “The severity of symptoms experienced during alcohol withdrawal varies from person to person. Your personal physical conditions and severity and history of alcohol use greatly affect how likely you are to experience severe withdrawal symptoms.” If you think your drinking habits may put you at higher risk for AWS, speak with your physician before you try to stop drinking before surgery on your own. 

3. Take steps to taper if “cold-turkey” isn’t safe for you.

If you’ve become dependent on alcohol, tapering can often be a safer choice than “cold-turkey,” as it’s all about making incremental change—rather than shocking the body by quitting suddenly.  If you and your physician have deciding tapering slowly is the right route for you, there are a number of ways you can work to reduce your alcohol intake: 

• Lower-Proof Beverages: The Recovery Village recommends switching to lower-proof beverages: “Hard liquors, for example, contain higher alcohol-by-volume measures than other beverages. It is recommended when attempting to taper off alcohol that an individual should substitute these stronger options for wine or beer — or at least hard liquor with a smaller proof.” 

• Weaker Cocktails: Reducing the amount of alcohol in cocktails is another option for tapering off of alcohol. According to The Recovery Village, “Mixed drinks can be made with greater proportions of mixer to alcohol content or replaced with non-alcoholic drinks to mimic the act of alcohol consumption.”

• Slow Weaning: Reducing your intake overtime before you stop drinking before surgery is another option for tapering yourself off of alcohol. According to LiveStrong, “Gradually reduce your intake over a period, from a day to a week. If you feel no need for a drink by that time, you can quit completely and monitor any symptoms.”

4. Drink plenty of water and eat healthy.

If you’re trying to stop drinking before surgery, know that alcohol doesn’t have to be your only focus. Just like with any other habits we’re trying to change, focusing on doing more of the positive (rather than focusing on doing less of the negative) can help keep us on track. According to LiveStrong, “Eat a diet high in vegetables and fruits. Alcohol displaces nourishing foods and can cause malnutrition.”

LiveStrong also recommends eating foods with lots of fiber and avoiding fat and sugar as you work to lower your alcohol intake. And, as always, water is your friend when detoxing. LiveStrong writes, “Drink lots of water to fight off dehydration as the alcohol leaves your system,” and The Recovery Village backs that same notion: “If nothing else, drink alternatives like water between drinks because hydration is essential for detox.” 

Overall, if you’re trying to stop drinking before surgery, take into account your drinking habits and any possible dependency you’ve developed before you try to stop on your own. Know that alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous and life-threatening—don’t be afraid to seek professional help.

Want even more pre-surgery tips? Browse the rest of the Mend Well blog for empowering pre-op information, helpful nutrition advice, and pro medical tips for ensuring your procedure—and recovery—are the best they can be.