Many ask: can you safely detox from alcohol at home? The risks of attempting to rid your body of alcohol without medical assistance can be grave, including having seizures, delirium tremens, or even dying. Therefore, it is best to detox with the help of a medical professional in a controlled atmosphere such as a hospital or rehabilitation center so that medical treatment can be given right away if necessary. Moreover, detoxing at home might not address the psychological health problems that may have caused the alcohol addiction, potentially leading to a return to drinking without the aid of therapy and support.
Continue reading to learn more about various alcohol detox options, what to expect during detox, and much more.
Detoxing from alcohol at home can be dangerous as it can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms such as seizures, delirium tremens, and even death, and it is important to detox under medical supervision.
Can You Safely Detox From Alcohol At Home?
Detoxing from alcohol at home is generally not suggested due to the risk of experiencing serious consequences like seizures, delirium tremens, and even death. It is far more secure to detox in a setting such as a hospital or treatment center where medical care can be offered instantly if needed. Furthermore, detoxing in a home setting may not address any psychological health problems that may have added to the alcohol addiction and could result in a return to drinking without the proper counseling and assistance.
Alcohol Detox Options
Different types of alcohol detox treatment are available and each has its own unique approach and level of support. These options range from outpatient programs to inpatient, with most including medication-assisted treatment and therapy. The proper treatment for an individual will depend on their personal needs and situation, and it is important to talk with a medical professional to decide on the best plan. The most common alcohol detox options include the following:
Outpatient Alcohol Detox
Outpatient alcohol detox is an effective treatment for individuals in need of assistance with alcohol addiction. It allows individuals to receive care while living at home, reducing the need for a residential treatment center stay. Outpatient detox typically involves visiting a clinic or treatment center on a regular basis for medication and therapy, helping to manage the withdrawal symptoms in a safe setting. With the help of medical professionals, outpatient detox can provide individuals with the tools they need to make a successful recovery from alcohol addiction.
Inpatient Alcohol Detox
Inpatient alcohol detox is an effective form of treatment for individuals struggling with alcohol addiction. It involves residing in a residential facility where the patient receives 24-hour care and support, as well as medication-assisted treatment and therapy. This type of treatment is highly beneficial as it provides a safe and secure environment to focus on recovery. Inpatient alcohol detox can also be tailored to meet the individual needs of the patient, ensuring they have the best opportunity to develop a successful recovery plan.
At-Home Alcohol Detox
At-home alcohol detox is a popular treatment option, as it allows individuals to detox in the comfort of their own environment with the support of a healthcare professional or treatment team. This type of treatment requires medications and therapy, and regular check-ins with a qualified team to ensure the safety and success of the process. With this type of care, individuals can take an active role in their recovery journey, giving them an increased sense of autonomy and control.
Rapid Detox
Rapid detox is a type of treatment that is used to quicken the detox process from alcohol. Medications are administered to the patient to quickly remove alcohol from their system, making it easier for them to break their addiction. This treatment is usually conducted in an inpatient setting and should not be used for everyone due to certain risks that come with it. Therefore, it is important to discuss with your doctor and weigh out all the possible options before making a decision.
What to Expect During an Alcohol Detox Program
Once someone decides to go through with an alcohol detox program, they may experience a variety of withdrawal symptoms as their body adjusts to being without alcohol. These can be mild to severe and may include feeling tired, having difficulty sleeping, feeling anxious or depressed, experiencing tremors, or in extreme circumstances, seizures or DTs. The very first step is usually to do a thorough medical assessment, which takes into consideration the person’s physical and mental health, as well as the level of alcohol dependency. This will help decide the right kind of care and if any medications should be used to control the withdrawal symptoms.
When someone is having intense withdrawal symptoms, they may be put into an inpatient detox program for close observation and assistance. Generally, inpatient detoxification programs offer 24-hour medical management and may contain medicines to lower withdrawal signs, such as benzodiazepines for anxiety and sleeplessness, and anti-seizure medicines to stop seizures. If the withdrawal symptoms are moderate to mild, a person may be put into an outpatient detox program which allows them to remain at home while getting regular care and assistance.
During the detoxification process, a medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is also available; this approach uses drugs such as naltrexone, acamprosate, or disulfiram to decrease signs of withdrawal and urges and to assist people in achieving abstinence. After their detoxification is over, individuals will often switch to a rehabilitation program to investigate the root of their dependence and create tactics for staying sober. This could involve therapy, guidance, and support groups.
How Long Does Alcohol Detox Last?
The period of time it takes for somebody to experience withdrawal from alcohol varies based on the person and details such as how long, how often, and how heavily they consumed alcohol. For the majority of people, the detox period usually begins around seven hours after their last drink and can last for a few days. It usually takes seven to eight hours for someone going through alcohol withdrawal to start displaying signs. For many, the indications start to reduce in the range of 48 to 72 hours, yet everyone is different and some may still be unpleasantly affected for a few days or more.
Generally, the most serious conditions are likely to be over after the initial two days. Those who consume alcohol in large amounts should be ready for potentially extreme side effects, for example, convulsions and delirium tremens, to occur between 24 to 48 hours.
For those with severe withdrawal symptoms or a condition known as delirium tremens, the process may take up to a week or even longer, and for some unlucky individuals, protracted withdrawal may last for as long as a full year. Quitting alcohol without the help of a supervisor is highly dangerous and should never be done.
What Happens After Alcohol Detox?
After detox, it is essential to take the next step in the recovery process and look for ongoing treatment options. Different forms of therapy such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) are included in most intensive addiction treatment programs and can be helpful in addressing underlying issues that may be contributing to the addiction.
Medication in the form of medication-assisted treatment (MAT) can also help manage symptoms of withdrawal and reduce cravings. Support groups provide a safe and caring environment to discuss challenges and successes while maintaining sobriety. Lastly, making lifestyle changes such as increasing physical activity, eating healthier, and creating new routines can significantly help individuals resist relapse. It is important to remember that detox is only the start of the journey and continuous support is necessary to maintain long-term sobriety.
Alcohol Detox in Los Angeles, CA
If you’re in Los Angeles and are struggling with alcohol addiction, it is important to get help right away. MD Home Detox is devoted to assisting those who are struggling with substance abuse. Taking back control of your life and becoming sober starts with eliminating the toxins built up in your body from alcohol addiction. MD Home Detox offers supervision and clinical support when you go through the detoxification process.
We also provide various treatments and services to allow people to regain control of their lives and meet their goals. Our experts are devoted to helping you defeat addiction, offering various psychological and medical services to create a rewarding and healthy life.
If you would like to know more about our alcohol detox services or any other programs MD Home Detox provides, please feel free to contact us today.