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For people who are addicted to alcohol, there comes a time when you realize that enough is enough. You are tired of blacking out due to alcohol and waking up with a hangover headache all the time. You are tired of all the guilt and shame associated with drinking and wish to stop disappointing family and friends time and again. This realization alone is the first step toward recovery. But what comes next?
Getting over alcoholism can be a tedious process that usually begins with a detox, a process during which you attempt to kick out all alcohol toxins from the body. While a detox process typically takes place at a rehabilitation facility, some people prefer doing it at home. While the process is generally not advised by most experts, many people have attempted and succeeded at it by following the appropriate home remedies and tips.
How to Safely Detox From Alcohol At Home
A person ready to detox may wish to start the process immediately. While the feeling is understandable, it is imperative to find a healthcare provider you can work with to develop a suitable plan. Some common steps included in an appropriate home detox treatment plan include the following:
Evaluation
The first step involves getting an assessment by a healthcare provider. The process involves discussing a patient’s drinking patterns with the doctor. It also involves blood tests to check the liver’s health and other nutrient levels.
Recommendations
Based on the results of the evaluation, the medical provider will discuss the proposed treatment recommendations, such as medication-assisted therapy, etc.
Treatment Contract
The provider will then ask patients to sign a treatment contract so that they can be on the same page as a patient. A contract may include conditions about periodic urine drug screens and breathalyzer tests.
Instructions
A healthcare provider will then communicate clear instructions to every patient, such as how much medication to take, if any, and how often they should seek medical advice and follow-up.
Starting Detox
Once all the steps are covered, the doctor may give a head start to commence detox.
How to Safely Detox From Alcohol At Home? Commencing a Home Detox Program
As you commence the detox process at home, knowing what to expect from the program and how to make it more successful is imperative.
Regular Contact with Medical Provider
The first thing to expect during a detox program is a daily review by a general practitioner or nurse for at least the first four days. Some people may also go for telehealth services where the detoxing individuals can keep in touch with professionals using phones or laptops. Sometimes, a rehab implants peripheral devices on people to remotely measure their blood oxygen levels and blood pressure whereas a local pharmacy dispenses the appropriate medications as needed.
Physiological Experience
Another thing to anticipate during the withdrawal process is its physiological experience. Even with the supervision and guidance of medical practitioners, many people still experience withdrawal symptoms although they may be less severe. Consider talking to a doctor beforehand to know exactly what to expect during this process.
Record of Drinking Patterns
Some medical providers encourage patients to maintain a daily diary of alcohol use and cravings. Some things you can note down in the diary include:
- Date and time that you had the craving
- The feelings and thoughts you had during that moment
- What triggered the craving
- The amount of alcohol you consumed, if any
Maintaining this diary helps you become consciously aware of the emotions and thoughts related to drinking. This information can also help people feel in control of what’s happening to them.
Withdrawal From Alcohol at Home: Tips to Remember
If you have decided to go for alcohol detox at home, it is essential to get through the process safely. For this purpose, keep the following how-to-stop-drinking alcohol home remedies in mind:
Make your home alcohol-free.
This tip may seem obvious, but it is crucial when self-detoxing. As soon as you kickstart the process, you will experience withdrawal symptoms, including cravings. These cravings can be extremely intense and may ultimately force you to start drinking again. To prevent this from happening, make sure there is no alcohol at home.
Clear your schedule
Alcohol detox usually takes around 7 to 12 days but may go on for a longer duration for some people. Because of its tedious nature, consider clearing your schedule and taking leaves from work so that you can completely focus on healing while putting aside your daily responsibilities even for a short time period.
Look for support
There is no reason to detox from alcohol alone, even if you do it from home. Find a reliable family member or friend who can keep you safe during the process, check up on you from time to time and get you medical help in case the withdrawal symptoms get unbearable.
Gradually taper the alcohol dose.
Instead of quitting alcohol cold turkey, you may consider going for a tapering schedule where you cut it off bit by bit every day. Doing so can help your body and mind slowly adjust to the lack of alcohol while lessening the intensity of the withdrawal symptoms.
Keep yourself busy
Try your best to keep yourself busy to avoid alcohol triggers. Consider picking up a new hobby or try doing something you have always wanted to keep your mind off triggers and cravings. You use this time as an opportunity to adopt more unique, healthier habits.
Attend a 12-Step Program.
Choosing to detox from home does not mean you cannot get support in a community setting. Plenty of facilities around you will be conducting 12-step meetings and therapy sessions that offer you help and support to get you through the complicated process with comfort and peace of mind. Even if you cannot attend them physically, some platforms also offer these meetings online.
Alcohol Withdrawal Treatment at Home: What to Eat During Self-Detox
When you are withdrawing from alcohol, food is going to be the last thing you worry about. However, keep in mind that eating is essential for a healthy recovery as alcohol affects how you break down and utilize nutrients. Keep the following dietary home remedies for alcohol withdrawal in mind to maintain your nutrition during this painful time.
Pay Attention to Hydration
Alcohol withdrawal leads to multiple symptoms, such as anxiety, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, and depression. These symptoms tend to be extremely severe during the first three days following the last dose and it can severely limit your oral intake.
Make sure to keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids. Juice, ice pops, water, and gelatin are all good choices to maintain good hydration during early withdrawal.
Maintain a Balanced Diet
Extreme nausea and vomiting during the early stages of alcohol withdrawal can hinder anyone from eating properly. But once you are out of that phase, focus on healthy eating. Choose foods from different food groups in the right quantities to meet your daily caloric needs. Include plenty of vegetables and fruits in your diet but without ignoring the importance of lean protein and whole grains.
Take Minerals and Vitamins
Whether you join a rehab or self-detox from alcohol, it is important to take your vitamins and minerals. A rehab team usually provides you with these supplements during your inpatient stay, but at home, you have to fulfill these needs on your own. Some of these supplements, such as vitamins B, C, and E, and minerals like calcium can also play a role in flushing out toxins and speeding up the detox.
FAQs
Is it possible to successfully detox from alcohol at home?
In general, experts advise against detoxing on your own at home. This is because alcohol is a harmful drug whose withdrawal can cause death. Hence, it is better if a doctor is overlooking the process.Â
Read Also About Withdrawal From Drugs
However, this does not negate the fact that many people have successfully detoxed from alcohol on their own at home. The ultimate choice depends on various factors, such as the severity of the addiction, an addict’s physical health, any co-existing issues, etc. Some people can be fit to detox at home with occasional follow-ups with a doctor. To know for sure if you qualify for a home detox, the best way is to schedule an appointment with a doctor and get an assessment.
At-home detox is usually not advised, experts say.
Who can be a good candidate for self-detox?
A person can safely opt for home detox if they:
- Have a good support system
- Have not recently drunk alcohol in large amounts
- Have stable housing
- Have the ability to go to medical appointments and pharmacy
- Are not using any other substances
- Are not experiencing suicidal tendencies
- Do not suffer from any co-occurring psychiatric or medical issues
- Do not have a history of delirium and seizures during withdrawal
How is self-detox at home different from detoxing at home?
Detoxing from home is different from a professional detox process in terms of the following:
- Low rate of success
- Difficulty avoiding triggers
- Lack of professional counseling and other resources
- Lack of medical attention in case serious complications arise
- Severe withdrawal symptoms
- Development of potentially life-threatening symptoms, such as seizures, delirium, hallucinations, and heart failure
What are the usual alcohol withdrawal symptoms that I need to be aware of before detoxing at home?
Before attempting to detox at home, it is imperative to familiarize yourself with some common alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Some of these include the following:
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sweating
- Insomnia
- Tremors
- Elevated heart rate
- High blood pressure
- Vomiting
- Delirium tremens
