At Home Alcohol Detox Medications: What Are They?

Alcohol addiction is a widespread issue across the UK, with approximately 602,391 people with alcohol dependence in England. It is something that can impact all areas of your life, from your physical and mental health to your career, relationships and finances.

Deciding to seek help for alcohol addiction is a significant step toward recovery, and in most cases, this journey begins with alcohol detoxification.

While inpatient detox programmes are available, some people prefer the privacy and convenience of at-home detox.

This option may involve the use of specific medications to help manage withdrawal symptoms and alcohol cravings.

But what are at-home alcohol detox medications, and are they safe? That’s what we’ll be exploring in this blog post.

What is Alcohol Withdrawal?

Before delving into at-home alcohol detox medications, you should have an understanding of the process of alcohol withdrawal and alcohol withdrawal syndrome.

When someone who has been regularly consuming alcohol decides to quit or significantly reduce their intake, they often experience a range of physical and psychological symptoms.

These withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable and, in some cases, life-threatening. Common alcohol withdrawal symptoms include:

• Tremors
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sweating
• Anxiety and restlessness
• Insomnia
• Increased heart rate
• High blood pressure

Delirium tremens (DTs) is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition. It is characterised by confusion, fever, and severe agitation.

Some other severe withdrawal symptoms include seizures and hallucinations. If you notice these symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, you should seek medical attention.

Because alcohol withdrawal can be severe, we recommend medical supervision during alcohol detox if you have a history of severe withdrawal symptoms, or if you have a severe dependence.

Why Would I Need Detox Medication?

In short, you may need detox medication if you’re trying to stop drinking alcohol. When you’ve been drinking alcohol for a while, your body gets used to it.

When you suddenly stop drinking, it can make you feel unwell. You may experience symptoms such as shaking, nausea, and more.

Detox medicines help ease these symptoms and make it safer for you to stop drinking. They can also help reduce your cravings for alcohol. It’s like getting some extra help to make quitting easier and safer, so you can start on your path to a healthier life.

Ultimately, detox medication can make it easier for you to detox from alcohol. Some medicines can ease the withdrawal symptoms, and others can help prevent you from drinking during a detox.

What Detox Medications Will I Be Prescribed?

During a medical detox, many medications could be prescribed. One size does not fit all when it comes to alcohol withdrawal treatment, and what works for you may not work for someone else, and vice versa. Here are some of the most commonly prescribed medications for alcohol withdrawals:

Acamprosate

Acamprosate is another medication that helps reduce alcohol cravings. It works by stabilising chemical imbalances in the brain caused by long-term alcohol use.

When you stop drinking, your brain chemistry gets imbalanced. This can lead to cravings and uncomfortable feelings. Acamprosate works by restoring this balance. It helps reduce the desire to drink and eases the anxiety and restlessness that often come with alcohol withdrawal.

You take Acamprosate as a pill, usually three times a day. It’s most effective when used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may include therapy and support.

While it won’t magically make you stop drinking, it can be a valuable tool in your journey to recovery, making the process smoother and more manageable.

Disulfiram

Disulfiram (Antabuse) is a medication that discourages alcohol consumption by causing unpleasant side effects when alcohol is ingested. It can be an effective deterrent for individuals committed to sobriety.

If you take Disulfiram and then drink alcohol, it can lead to nausea, headache, and other uncomfortable sensations.

This creates a strong deterrent to drinking, as people want to avoid these negative reactions. It’s important to use Disulfiram under medical supervision, as it can be dangerous if alcohol is still in the system. It’s a tool to support sobriety, but it doesn’t address withdrawal symptoms directly.

Benzodiazepines

In some cases, you may be prescribed benzodiazepines, such as diazepam (Valium) and lorazepam (Ativan). Like most other detox medications, these are used to manage alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

They have a sedative effect on the central nervous system. This helps reduce anxiety, tremors, and seizures. However, they should be used cautiously and under medical supervision due to the risk of developing a benzodiazepine addiction.

Naltrexone

Naltrexone works by blocking certain receptors in the brain, which reduces the pleasurable effects of alcohol.

When you take Naltrexone, it makes alcohol less appealing, which can help in controlling alcohol cravings.

However, it doesn’t directly ease the physical symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. It’s most effective when used as part of a broader treatment plan that includes therapy/ counselling and ongoing support. It is a tool that makes alcohol less rewarding, assisting you in your journey to sobriety.

Is Detoxing From Home Safe with Medication?

In short, alcohol detox at home with medication can be safe, but it depends on several factors. For example, whether there is medical supervision/ medical assistance or not.

It is crucial to have a medical professional oversee the at-home detox treatment to monitor progress, adjust medication dosages, and address any potential complications.

When taking medications, it’s important to stick to the prescribed dosage to reduce the risk of developing a prescription drug addiction. Some medications used during detox, like benzodiazepines, have a potential for dependence if not used as prescribed. Be sure to stick to the prescribed dosage at all times.

An at-home detox may not be suitable if you have a history of severe withdrawal symptoms, as it may not provide the level of medical monitoring required for your safety. If you have a severe alcohol dependence, inpatient alcohol rehab may be the best option.

The Benefits of At-Home Alcohol Detox Medications

First and foremost, detoxing from home is convenient. You don’t have to live in an inpatient facility, and you can continue to live your life whilst detoxing from alcohol. It provides the flexibility to continue daily life, including work and family responsibilities, while receiving medical support.

Additionally, you can detoxify in the privacy of your own home, which can be more comfortable and less stigmatising than seeking inpatient treatment.

Detoxing from home is generally more cost-effective than inpatient treatment. This is because it eliminates the need for a residential programme and associated expenses.

One of the key benefits of an at-home detox is that it allows for more personalised treatment plans. Your plan can be completely tailored to your unique needs and circumstances.

Opt for an At-Home Detox Kit Today

If you are looking to detox from alcohol at home, look no further than Home Detox UK. We can provide you with an effective home detox kit, tailored to your unique needs.

Getting an at-home detox kit with Home Detox UK is a great choice for a few important reasons. Firstly, it offers convenience by allowing you to detox from the comfort and privacy of your own home. You won’t need to disrupt your daily life or routine by attending inpatient addiction treatment.

These kits are carefully designed by experts, so you’ll have the right medications and guidance to manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings safely.

Plus, you will receive support from experienced professionals who can answer your questions and monitor your progress remotely. In short, our at-home detox kits offer a comfortable, guided, and effective way to start your journey towards recovery from addiction.

Overcome alcohol abuse and addiction, and begin your recovery journey today with Home Detox UK.