In many societies today, drinking is a common part of social life for many of us. This is especially true in social settings where alcohol is often present during gatherings. In such situations, it can be easy to ignore the health and social issues linked to drinking.
Alcohol is a form of harmful and brain-altering substance that can lead to dependence and addiction. Globally, there are 4.7% accounted cases for diseases associated with harmful use of alcohol. What is more alarming is that repeated and chronic use of this common substance leads to over 2.6 million deaths each year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
The dangers and negative effects of alcohol consumption have been thoroughly studied and documented over the years. Hence, there has been a wide range of treatments available for people who are struggling with alcohol addiction. One of which is alcohol detox.
In this article, our experts from Luxe Recovery share with you if it is a good idea to get an alcohol detox at home.
When Is Alcohol Detox Necessary?
If you or someone you care about is facing challenges with alcohol addiction or alcohol use disorder, it is crucial to seek a professional assessment from an addiction specialist to ensure safety. One of the initial and necessary treatments being used for people with alcohol addiction is detox.
When determining the necessity of medically supervised alcohol detox, several key factors should be evaluated, including the frequency and quantity of your alcohol consumption, the duration of your drinking habits, any history of withdrawal symptoms, and any physical health concerns like irregular heart rate or seizures, and if there is a presence of underlying mental health issues such as anxiety disorder or depression,
The Risks Of Attempting To Detox At Home
Detoxing at home, particularly without medical supervision, poses considerable risks. If severe alcohol detox symptoms manifest, detoxing at home can delay how you receive treatment immediately. In addition, detoxing alone increases the likelihood that the symptoms may progress to further health risks. Hence, a medical team is essential as they can keep an eye on symptoms and provide medications to help when necessary.
Even in cases where detox is not inherently dangerous or when there are mild symptoms, the absence of medical support can still lead to a more challenging experience. People who undergo detox with professional assistance are statistically more likely to complete the process successfully compared to those who attempt it at home.
Alcohol Withdrawal And Detox Symptoms
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms due to detox can vary from person to person and can range from mild to severe. It all depends on the alcohol amount taken, duration of alcohol use, your age, physical health, and underlying mental health conditions.
Some of the most common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal include:
- Excessive sweating
- Tiredness
- Irritability
- Sleep problems
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Cravings
- Hallucinations
Who Can Detox From Alcohol At Home?
Detoxing at home can be very risky and is not advisable. It is much safer to go through alcohol detoxification in a treatment program supervised by medical experts.
Although some people may be less at risk of serious detox symptoms, particularly those who are mildly dependent on alcohol.
How To Safely Detox From Alcohol At Home
If you are planning to undergo at-home detox, it is crucial to understand that there are many factors affecting the intensity of potential withdrawal symptoms. When you stop drinking alcohol suddenly, it can be extremely dangerous, so minimizing the risk is the least one can do. Some of the tips include:
Speak To A Professional
Before you completely decide on starting an alcohol detox, it is essential to talk to a healthcare provider. They can evaluate your specific needs and decide if home detox is right for you. Your provider can also help you handle withdrawal symptoms and support your recovery process.
Reduce Or Cut Back On Intake
It might also be a good idea that you attempt to reduce how you drink alcohol gradually over a few days or weeks before you stop drinking entirely to lessen the severity of withdrawal symptoms.
Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is vital during alcohol detox because dehydration can be extremely risky. Make sure to drink enough water and other fluids.
Get Exercise
Exercise can enhance both your physical and psychological health while detoxing. Aim for regular exercise as part of daily activity, even as simple as walking, can be beneficial.
Eat Healthy Foods
Being on a healthy diet can aid your recovery and lessen withdrawal symptoms. Try to have small, regular meals that are rich in various nutrients.
Promote Calmness
Alcohol detox can trigger anxiety problems as a withdrawal symptom. Hence, it is recommended to promote calmness by engaging in various mindfulness and meditation activities.
Join A Support Group
A solid support system is key for a successful home detox. Be around friends, family, or support groups who can provide emotional support, keep you motivated, and help ensure your safety.
Who Should Never Attempt A Home Detox
As mentioned, it is dangerous to undergo alcohol detox at home, especially for those with other health issues that may worsen the symptoms. Other reasons why detox at home is not recommended include:
Escalation Of Withdrawal Symptoms
People who want to do alcohol detox at home but don’t know how should avoid it, as this can lead to worse withdrawal symptoms. If these symptoms are left untreated, they can be fatal.
Delirium Tremens
Delirium tremens (DT) is a serious condition that can happen to individuals who withdraw from alcohol, especially after heavy drinking for a long time. This situation is a medical emergency that requires urgent care. Symptoms may include severe autonomic hyperactivity, impaired consciousness, hallucinations, and alcohol withdrawal seizures.
Relapse
Those with a history of drug or alcohol addiction relapse should not attempt to do alcohol detox at home. Undergoing this procedure without assistance from a professional may lead to more addiction relapse.
Mental Health Concerns
During detox, the mental symptoms of withdrawal can be just as intense as the physical ones. If a person has a mental health condition, whether diagnosed or not, it may get worse or become serious during detox.
Benefits Of Medically-Supervised Detox
Detoxing is the process of removing harmful substances from the body. It can be difficult, exhausting, and sometimes dangerous. Doing detox without medical help raises the chances of failure and may discourage someone from trying it again later.
On the other hand, having supervised or medical alcohol detox can help ease withdrawal symptoms and treat other health issues, which increases the chances of a successful recovery.
Medical Detox Timeline
A detox program takes place in a treatment center. Health experts watch over you all day and night and provide medical support to help with withdrawal symptoms. When you undergo detox, the timeline of going through the process depends on several factors, such as the amount of alcohol typically consumed, how often you drink, your overall health, and any presence of a co-occurring condition.
Possible Complications
Complications in alcohol detox cannot be completely prevented. Hence, there are some complications that people may experience, ranging from mild to severe withdrawal symptoms.
Residential Treatment
Inpatient or residential rehab is an effective treatment program for treating alcohol addiction. It requires you to stay at a rehab center for your treatment. You will have round-the-clock access to doctors and specialists, so you can feel secure knowing help is always nearby.
Typically, you will be following a structured daily routine that includes scheduled meals, followed by therapy sessions, counseling, and various activities throughout the day.
Get Professional Help With Detox And Withdrawal
Overcoming alcohol addiction and achieving sobriety is possible, but detoxing at home is not safe. Although it may feel intimidating to join a treatment program, it is the safest way to detox.
The best way to detox from alcohol and tackle alcohol abuse is to seek professional treatment. In a treatment program, you will be cared for by trained medical professionals who can help you through the detox process and support your recovery journey.
If you are planning to undergo detox or you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms, it is crucial to get professional help and continue with treatment after detox. Here at Luxe Recovery, our professionals are ready to guide you through every step of your recovery journey.
