Very few people who have successfully recovered from alcohol dependence would say that detox is easy. It is not. But some would say that alcohol detox at homeis easier in the sense that home provides a comfortable and familiar place for healing.
Your home can support healing during alcohol detox, but the detox process itself must still be handled in accordance with medical standards. Home detox patients generally work with doctors or detox specialists for the safest and most complete experience. Generally speaking, DIY detox at home is not recommended.
Home Detox for Mild Dependence
Whether detox happens at home or in a clinic depends on the individual patient and their level of dependence. A patient’s health history also comes into play when deciding on the best detox environment.
The NHS generally advises that home detox is best for people withmild dependence. They recommend that it be done with GP support and, when necessary, prescription medications like chlordiazepoxide. By contrast, hi-risk patients are usually referred to a supervised or inpatient care program.
Most importantly, UK specialists go out of their way to make it clear that unsupervised, unapproved home detox is risky. It can lead to serious complications and even death. So before an alcohol-dependent person begins home detox, a thorough medical assessment is recommended.
When Home Detox Is Not Advised
If you are looking to detox at home and you qualify as a low-risk patient with a good health history, there are plenty of providers ready and waiting to assist you. But please consider other alternatives if you are a high-risk patient. Home detox is generally not advised under the following circumstances:
Heavy Drinking – Patients who drink heavily or have been diagnosed with long-term dependence really need a more structured and controlled detox experience.
Serious Withdrawal Symptoms – Home detox is not advised for patients who have experienced significant withdrawal symptoms, including seizures, confusion, hallucinations, and delirium tremens.
Serious Health Problems – Home detox is also not advised for patients with serious physical or mental health problems. This includes heart and liver diseases.
Substance Use – If a patient uses other substances, like benzodiazepines, home detox isn’t advised. Likewise for combining alcohol with multiple drugs.
The side effects of alcohol detox are uncomfortable but manageable in most situations. But some cases result in serious side effects. Side effects like seizures, heart problems, and delirium tremens are both scary and potentially life-threatening. Less serious side effects, like psychosis and agitation, can still be problematic.
Your Home as a Healing Space
If you are a good candidate for alcohol detox at home, you can help your own cause by preparing. Make your home a comfortable and familiar healing space that will encourage success rather than fighting against you. Here are some helpful tips:
1. Create a Calm Environment
Whether you plan to limit your activities to a single room or continue moving throughout the entire house during detox, do your best to create a calm environment before you begin.
A calm environment is a low-stimulus environment. Make the space quiet and comfortable. Adjust the temperature and lighting so that they are not distracting. Then set up a place where you can sit and/or lie down easily.
Also be sure to remove all alcohol and drinking paraphernalia from the space. Anything that could remind you of drinking or trigger the urge to drink should also be removed.
2. Plan for Basic Necessities
It is helpful to prepare your basic necessities in advance. Gather enough water and other non-alcoholic beverages so that you don’t have to work hard to stay hydrated. Also prepare easy, nutritious meals that will support healing and address any nutritional deficits you might experience. Soups, fruit salads, and whole grains are ideal.
3. Create a Daily Routine
Expect anxiety, mood swings, and sleeping problems during the first few days. You can combat these issues by creating a daily routine that combines light exercise, rest, and scheduled meals.
Some experts recommend incorporating relaxation techniques to make home detox easier. Mindfulness, yoga, meditation, and controlled breathing exercises can help you keep things together when things get stressful.
4. Ask for Help and Support
One of the most important things you can do to prepare for home detox is to ask for help and support from family members and friends. Ask a few trusted people to stay with you or check in frequently. They can offer both emotional support and an extra measure of safety.
In addition, plan to hook up with a local support system after detox. You might consider professional counselling or a peer group. Community alcohol services often help with post-detox continuity.
Home detox from alcohol is possible in the UK. If you qualify, your home can be a comfortable and safe place for healing and recovery. If you would like to know more, we can help.