Home Alcohol Detox

Once the decision has been made to detox and to do so at home, there are a number of steps that you can take that will make the process significantly easier, safer, and more likely to be successful in the long run. For the sake of this article, we will consider a patient who has an ongoing alcohol dependency but has made the decision to quit drinking for good before severe or irreparable organ damage has occurred. 

1. Consult a physician – We cannot overstate how important this step is. Alcohol detox is associated with many painful and uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, and depending on your unique condition, a physician might recommend certain medications or even medical supervision for the detox period. Going cold turkey could, in certain cases, be fatal. Consult a doctor or addiction specialist who can assess the risks before you start. 
2. Understand the risks – Go into detox with the understanding that you might experience symptoms such as hallucinations, seizures and delirium tremens (DTs). Create a plan for dealing with these complications should they arise, such as having a physician on call or having someone on hand who can take you to the hospital.
3. Secure a support system – You will most likely feel incredibly poorly over the coming days, both mentally and physically. Having friends or family around who can support you emotionally and in practical ways allows you to focus on your recovery. 
4. Prepare your environment:
   • Remove all alcohol from your home. This is non-negotiable, and failing this step all but guarantees an unsuccessful home alcohol detox.
   • Stock up on nutritious foods rich in vitamins and minerals. If you’re detoxing alone, easy-to-prepare meals are a good idea, but ensure that they are nutritious and healthy. Unhealthy or nutritionally lacking foods will worsen cravings.
   • Ensure that you have a calm, comfortable, and quiet place to rest. If possible, prepare extra clean bedding (you’re likely to sweat a lot) and a place where you can be outside but away from temptation. A balcony or private yard fits the bill nicely.
5. Stay hydrated – Water helps accelerate the flushing of alcohol metabolites from the body and will replace the moisture lost due to sweating. Soft drinks, soda, and energy drinks are not a replacement for water! Dissolvable electrolytes could be beneficial, but don’t overdo it or you risk developing diarrhoea or stomach pain.
6. Prepare nutritional supplements and over-the-counter medications – Many detox patients report that vitamin and mineral complexes, especially ones containing B-vitamins, magnesium, and thiamine, can help during detox. Non-prescription sleep aids and analgesics (painkillers) could help alleviate insomnia and low-level pain. Make sure to consult with a healthcare professional before taking these medications to avoid harmful interactions. 
7. Stay active – Low-exertion exercises like walking or yoga help to reduce anxiety and restlessness and can help improve your mood. 
8. Avoid triggers – Steer well clear of people or situations that might tempt you to drink. If you’re going for a walk, don’t walk past your favourite bar. If invited out with your drinking buddies, remember that your recovery is your priority and explain the situation to them. Real friends will support you. 
9. Stay connected with others – Feelings of isolation and loneliness quickly turn into excuses to start drinking again. Staying in regular contact with a support group, even if only through online meetings, can help you remain motivated to recover. A quick Google search will help you find in-person and online support groups all around the UK.
10. Seek medical help when needed – As stated earlier, alcohol detox can be fatal. If you experience hallucinations, seizures, uncontrollable vomiting, or delirium tremens (DTs), DO NOT try to ride it out. Seek professional medical assistance immediately.
11. Plan for post-detox – Alcohol detox typically lasts for anywhere between 3 days and 2 weeks, depending on a variety of factors. During this period, the body will expel toxic ethanol metabolites in an attempt to reach homeostasis (normal body function). While this is the most difficult and painful step in recovering from alcohol misuse, it’s not the last. Detoxing and immediately returning to the bottle will have very few positive effects (if any), and the only real desirable post-detox outcome is a permanent change in habits and lifestyle. 

Planning for a new life after a home alcohol detox with steps such as continued support or group therapy and developing new and healthy habits can give you the motivation and desire to live a happy, meaningful, and content life without resorting to alcohol just to get by.