How to Detox from Alcohol at Home
In This Article
Detoxing from alcohol at home can be a challenging and potentially dangerous process. While it’s possible to do it under certain circumstances, it’s important to weigh the risks and benefits carefully.
Alcohol withdrawal can be severe, and without proper medical supervision, it can lead to serious health complications, including seizures, hallucinations, and delirium tremens (DTs). Let’s discuss what you can do.
7 Tips to Safely Detox from Alcohol at Home
Detoxing from alcohol at home or self-detox isn’t universally recommended because the withdrawal process can be dangerous, especially for people with alcohol use disorder (AUD). Oftentimes, you’ll need medical support and supervision for a successful recovery.
Additionally, detoxing at home can increase your risk of medical complications and relapse. However, it is possible to detox at home, and here are some of our tips that can help you achieve a successful detox:
1. Set Aside Time to Focus on The Detox
Quitting alcohol can take a significant amount of time. The detoxification timeline varies based on the severity of the alcohol addiction.
Overall, the process can take weeks, and you might still feel withdrawal symptoms for months. Setting aside time to focus on the detox can help you prepare for withdrawal.
2. Remove All Access to Alcohol
Having little to no access to alcohol can help you stop drinking. Consider avoiding bars and liquor stores, as well as avoiding routines that involve alcohol.
You should also throw away any alcoholic drinks at home and avoid situations that might cause you to drink, such as bars and parties. Making alcohol difficult to access can help you avoid temptation and increase the chances of a successful detox.
3. Ask For Support From a Loved One
Ask friends or family to check on you throughout the detox process. Aside from providing emotional support, they can also call medical professionals if something goes wrong.
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be painful and potentially life-threatening, so it’s important to have people you can rely on.
4. Gradually Taper Your Alcohol Intake
Gradually tapering your alcohol use can ease withdrawal symptoms and reduce alcohol cravings. It can also help your body adjust to the lack of alcohol.
Unfortunately, tapering does increase the duration of the detox process. But it might be better for you in the long run and increases your chances of a successful recovery.
5. Find New Hobbies or Activities to Avoid Triggers
Keeping yourself busy can help you stay sober. Start a new hobby or plan a project to keep your mind off cravings and triggers.
You can even use this as an opportunity to develop healthier habits such as exercise, meditation, art therapy, etc.. Overall, having a hobby you’re passionate about can improve your mental health.
6. Exercise and Diet
Light exercise and a proper diet can help you adjust to the detox. Exercise can reduce stress, improve mood, and bolster your immune system.
Eating healthier helps your body heal from the effects of alcohol. It also ensures your body has proper nutrition to maintain stamina during the stress it will go through during detox.
7. 12-step Programs
12-step programs and other support groups can provide an empathetic community of people who understand your struggles. They can teach you different coping strategies and techniques to manage cravings.
They provide a place for you to share your story, listen to other people’s stories, and learn from them. These support groups require no commitment from attendees, and you can attend meetings online.
How Dangerous is Self-Detox?
When you detox from alcohol, you may feel withdrawal symptoms, especially if you’ve become physically dependent on alcohol. A self-detox can be dangerous because you don’t have access to medical care for the most severe symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
Other risks of self-detox include:
- Low rate of success
- Difficulty avoiding triggers and alcohol cravings
- Alcohol withdrawal seizures
- Hallucinations
- Delirium
- Heart failure
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
If you don’t experience intense withdrawal symptoms, an at-home detox may be a good option. However, alcohol withdrawal syndrome is dangerous and requires supervision from medical professionals.
These symptoms include:
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Tremors
- Insomnia
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Elevated heart rate and blood pressure
- Delirium tremens (DTs)
Delirium tremens (DT) is a life-threatening condition that requires medical attention. If you experience nausea, seizures, and hallucinations, seek help.
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How Can a Medical Detox Help?
A medical detox provides professional monitoring and support in a safe, structured environment. It can ensure that care is immediately available if serious symptoms arise.
By being in a medical facility, you can focus on detoxing without feeling stressed or tempted by alcohol. It provides relapse prevention techniques, therapeutic interventions, and aftercare support.
Additionally, medical professionals will treat co-occurring mental health conditions and can even support family members.
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Pros and Cons of Detoxing from Alcohol at Home
Although an at-home detox has its risks, it does come with some benefits. For example:
| Pros | Cons |
| Save money | Increased risk of withdrawal |
| Detoxing in the comfort of your home | Higher risk of relapse |
| Provides access to family and friends | Lack of access to medications for withdrawal symptoms |
| Provides anonymity and privacy | Increased risk of stress, anxiety, and depression |
| Allows you to meet work, school, and family obligations | Puts greater pressure on your support system |
Treatment Options for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)
If you are considering at-home detox, speak with your doctor before beginning the process. They can help you determine the best and safest action for your needs.
However, there are plenty of available treatment programs that can help you overcome alcohol addiction. Available treatment options for alcohol addiction include:
- Inpatient treatment: A treatment plan that provides 24/7 medical supervision at a professional treatment facility.
- Partial hospitalization treatment: A treatment program where you stay at a rehab facility for a day and return home at night.
- Outpatient treatment: A similar treatment program to inpatient treatment, but you’re allowed to leave the facility and go on your own time.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy: A short-term therapy technique that explores the link between thought patterns and alcohol use.
- Medication-assisted therapy: Involves using medication, counseling, and therapy to treat addiction.
- Support groups: Groups that provide a much-needed community to help maintain sobriety after treatment.
Detoxing from alcohol at home is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s important to consider the risks and benefits carefully and seek professional guidance if you’re unsure.
If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol addiction, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. There are resources available to support you on your journey to recovery.
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- Davis, C. “Home Detox – Supporting Patients to Overcome Alcohol Addiction.” Australian Prescriber, 2018.
- Tam et al. “Alcohol Screening and Brief Interventions in Primary Care – Evidence and a Pragmatic Practice-Based Approach.” Australian Family Physician, 2016.
- “How Can You Reduce or Quit Alcohol?” Australian Government Department of Health, 2019.
- Das, SK. “Detoxification of drug and substance abuse.” Medical Toxicology, 2020.
- Shahrouz et al. “Telemedicine detoxification treatment for alcohol, opioid, or sedative-use, hypnotic-use or anxiolytic-use disorders.” Addictive Disorder and Their Treatment, 2018.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. “Detoxification and substance abuse treatment: A treatment improvement protocol (TIP 45).” U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2015.
- Rahman A., Paul M. “Delirium Tremens.” StatPearls, 2021.
