Can I Alcohol Detox at Home? 

The first step in addressing alcohol use disorder is typically detox. The process helps your body adjust to no longer having alcohol in your system. Doing this at home can be incredibly risky, especially for people with chronic alcohol addiction. Detox can lead to severe symptoms and is best completed in a clinical setting, such as a hospital or addiction treatment center. 

Learn more about the health risks associated with detoxing from home as well as the safest way to quit alcohol for good. 

Is It Safe to Detox From Alcohol at Home? 

It is not advised to try at-home detox because withdrawal can lead to uncomfortable, life-threatening symptoms and even death. If you struggle with severe alcohol addiction, you must seek professional detox services from a health provider. Physicians can monitor and manage your symptoms to help you safely eliminate alcohol from the body. 

There may be some individuals who can safely detox at home. However, it’s advised that you meet with a medical professional before making such a crucial decision for your health. For those with mild or moderate alcohol use disorder, you may consider the at-home detox option with medical supervision. 

When It Isn’t Safe to Detox at Home 

Some people should never detox at home, even under medical supervision. For those with an extensive history of excessive alcohol consumption, always seek medical help in a clinical setting to avoid serious health risks. 

The severity of your alcohol addiction depends on several factors, including the length of time you’ve been drinking and how much. It’s also important to consider a person’s physical health, primarily since alcohol addiction is known to cause several health issues, such as liver problems and diabetes. 

Stopping alcohol use abruptly on your own can lead to withdrawal syndrome, which can cause symptoms like: 

• Seizures 
• Hallucinations 
• Disorientation 
• Rapid heart rate 

• Profuse sweating 
• Increased breathing rate 
• Low-grade fever 
• Agitation 
• Loss of consciousness 

 

Early intervention and treatment can reduce your chances of experiencing the above symptoms, which is why alcohol detox at home is not recommended. 

How to Detox From Alcohol at Home for Those With Mild to Moderate Addiction 

While not recommended, if you decide that self-detoxing from alcohol is the right situation for you, you must do it safely. Here are factors to keep in mind if you choose to detox from alcohol at home: 

• Clear your schedule: It might be challenging to clear your schedule for a few days or weeks, but it’s critical for a successful at-home detox. Take time away from work and other responsibilities to focus solely on your recovery.  
• Remove alcohol from your environment: It’s critical to remove alcohol from your home when self-detoxing. You may not be able to control cravings as you begin experiencing withdrawal symptoms, so remove any temptation by getting rid of any alcohol nearby. 

• Get support: You may be detoxing at home, but that doesn’t mean you should go it alone. Always have a close friend or family member to keep you safe through the process. They can get you medical help if your withdrawal symptoms become too severe. 
• Eat nutritious foods: As your body withdraws from alcohol, it’s essential to maintain a healthy balanced diet. Alcohol affects how your body metabolizes and utilizes nutrients, making eating healthy critical in recovery. Eat foods from various food groups in the right amount, including fruits and vegetables, whole grains and proteins. 
• Stay hydrated: Alcohol withdrawal causes various symptoms, from fatigue to anxiety, loss of appetite and nausea. The symptoms may limit your ability to eat in the first 24 to 72 hours, so drinking plenty of fluids is crucial. This way, you can rehydrate your body and eliminate toxins. Water, juice and broth are all excellent hydration choices in the early withdrawal stages. 

What Is the Safest Way to Stop Drinking? 

Detoxing in a clinical setting under the care of medical professionals is the safest way to stop drinking and start your recovery journey. In addiction treatment centers, medical professionals provide around-the-clock care and supervision to help you detox safely and comfortably. Additionally, most 90-day rehab programs include counseling and other supportive services to help individuals navigate early recovery challenges. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol addiction, professionals can help in the following ways. 

Medical Detox  

During inpatient addiction treatment, medical professionals will gradually taper alcohol from your system through the use of prescription medications. By rebalancing the brain’s chemicals and blocking the effects of alcohol, these medications can help ease withdrawal symptoms and make cravings more bearable. Professionals may also provide vitamin and mineral supplements to help counteract any deficiencies caused by chronic alcohol use. 

In addition, physicians will monitor you around the clock to make adjustments as needed and ensure you are as comfortable and safe as possible. They can help ensure proper nutrition and hydration, which can be challenging during withdrawal yet essential in aiding recovery. Medically assisted detox can help individuals return to normalcy while seeking treatment. 

Individual Therapy 

As part of addiction treatment, you can attend individual therapy sessions. These behavioral therapies can help you address the underlying causes of addiction, learn about your triggers and develop healthy coping mechanisms to overcome them. 

Types of therapy often provided during inpatient treatment include: 

• Group therapy 
• Family therapy 

• Trauma therapy 
• Cognitive behavioral therapy 

In these therapies, you can learn coping skills needed for a life without alcohol. If you’ve been diagnosed with a mental illness along with AUD, dual diagnosis treatment can address symptoms of both conditions and help you understand how to manage them. 

Support Groups 

Building a support network is essential for addiction recovery, and support groups can aid in this process. In group therapy, you’re encouraged to share your thoughts and feelings in a safe, supportive environment. Peers and professionals hold everyone accountable to stay sober and help you through difficult times. You can also gain sobriety tips and build relationships vital for your recovery. 

Aftercare Programs 

Professional aftercare programs are often essential for a person’s recovery success. You might attend outpatient programs, continue therapy sessions or join 12-step groups once your time at the treatment center comes to an end. These programs can ensure you continue down a healthy, sober path. 

Overcome the Addiction Cycle and Start Your Journey to Sobriety 

Getting sober takes more than just ending your relationship with alcohol. At DreamLife Recovery, we can provide the skills needed to continue your path to sobriety. Alcohol detox at home can be unsafe and come with health complications. That’s why we provide medical detox during our alcohol addiction treatment program. 

You’ll work with highly trained and licensed physicians who can help you safely and comfortably detox from alcohol to prepare you for recovery. To learn more about our addiction treatment programs, call (844) 402-3592 or contact us online today.