How To Detox An Alcoholic At Home

Watching a loved one struggle with alcohol dependence can be devastating. Alcohol addiction is a problem that affects millions of people in the UK.

If somebody you know is struggling with addiction, the best thing they can do is seek support and begin an alcohol detox programme.

However, not everybody wants to attend alcohol rehab and move out of their homes to recover from alcoholism. Some people would rather detox from the comfort of their own homes.

If your loved one is planning to detox from home, it’s important that they have someone there to support them. Read on to find out how you can detox an alcoholic loved one at home safely.

Determine Whether it is Safe

First and foremost, you need to determine whether it is safe for your loved one to detox from alcohol at home.

The general rule of thumb is that the more severe the addiction, the more severe the detox process will be. This means that if your loved one has a severe alcohol dependence, they will benefit from inpatient detoxification (at a detox facility) with medical supervision.

That being said, detoxing from alcohol at home can be safe for some individuals. It’s essential to approach it with caution and professional guidance.

Safety can depend on factors such as the severity of alcohol dependence and any underlying health conditions.

Mild to moderate alcohol withdrawal symptoms may be easier to manage at home. However, severe symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.

In summary, home detox can be safe with professional guidance for mild cases. However, it’s risky for severe withdrawal symptoms.

Always consult a healthcare provider or addiction specialists (such as ourselves at Home Detox UK), to determine the safest approach for your specific situation.

Enquire About a Home Detox Kit

At Home Detox UK, we offer an effective at-home alcohol detox kit. However, it’s essential that you check your eligibility first of all.

If you are reading this on behalf of a loved one, ensure that they complete an initial consultation. This will determine their eligibility for at-home medical detox treatment.

These kits are not suitable for those who regularly abuse more than 30 alcohol units a day, or have a history of fits, seizures and/ or epilepsy.

It’s important that you make us aware of any medical conditions and medications – this is in case any medications your loved one takes conflict with anti-addiction medications.

This at-home detox plan involves a 1-1 assessment with a prescriber. Your friend, family member or loved one will be prescribed anti-addiction medication. This withdrawal treatment will help them through the withdrawal process. They will then receive regular follow-ups and ongoing support.

If you want your loved one to safely detox from alcohol, we can help. Contact us today to learn more.

Prepare for Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

When you’re helping a loved one detox from alcohol at home, it’s crucial that you understand what withdrawal symptoms to expect.

It’s also important to understand how long these withdrawal symptoms can persist. Typically, withdrawal symptoms will kick in around eight hours after the last drink – and may worsen for the next 48 hours. In many cases, symptoms will peak on the third day. Some symptoms may persist for longer periods.

Some withdrawal symptoms are more common than others – for example, feeling anxious or experiencing an upset stomach.

• Anxiety – feeling on edge, restless, and anxious
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sweating and clammy skin
• Shaking or tremors, especially in the hands
• Insomnia – difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• Hallucinations – seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not real (more common in severe cases).
• Seizures – uncontrolled muscle spasms (more common in severe cases)

Given the potential severity of withdrawal symptoms, approach at-home detox with caution and under the supervision of a medical professional.

Delirium Tremens (DTs) is the most severe form of alcohol withdrawal. It is a severe and life-threatening condition characterised by confusion, high fever, and severe tremors. Although it is uncommon, it is extremely serious and requires hospitalisation.

Encourage a Healthy Lifestyle

Proper nutrition is vital during the alcohol detoxification process. Alcohol can dehydrate the body, so it’s essential that your loved one drinks plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Eating nutritious foods can also help support the body during detox. Ensure they eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, and avoid processed foods and excessive caffeine intake, which can exacerbate anxiety and sleep disturbances.

Encourage them to engage in physical activity to boost their mood and overall well-being. It’s not just physical health you need to consider – support your loved one in stress management too.

Provide Ongoing Support

Alcohol addiction and alcohol abuse often come with emotional and psychological challenges. Be sure to provide a safe space for your loved one to talk about their experiences and challenges. Avoid judgement and anger, and try to be there for them as much as possible.

Upon detoxing from alcohol at home, your loved one should consider therapy. If you want to help an alcoholic friend or family member, be sure to point them in the direction of a therapy provider.

This can address the social and psychological issues associated with alcoholism. Consult with an addiction specialist to outline their alcohol treatment options.

Therapy can provide your loved one with coping strategies and emotional support throughout the alcohol addiction recovery process. Support groups can also be beneficial, providing extra support.

Helping your loved one stop drinking alcohol can be a tough task, and can be emotionally taxing. Be sure to take care of yourself during this time too – don’t neglect your own mental health.