Alcohol & Health
Treatment
Helping Alcoholics
Medically Reviewed by Dr P. E. Pancoast, MD
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Alcohol detox is the first step in treating alcoholism. It involves flushing or detoxifying alcohol from the system (removing the poisons, usually by allowing them to be cleaned out naturally).
However, a detox should be done under medical supervision because of withdrawal symptoms. Symptoms will typically last for two weeks after detox, but they can last longer depending on the severity of your alcohol use disorder.
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Although it’s possible to detox from alcohol at home, it can be dangerous. There are severe, potentially life-threatening risks involved with alcohol detoxification.
For people with long-term dependency on alcohol for months or years, stopping use might cause withdrawal symptoms. The pain of withdrawal can be so bad that it causes them to start drinking again.
However, if you have a mild alcohol use disorder, it may be possible to detox safely at home. Be sure to receive a medical diagnosis if you would like to detox from alcohol at home. Ask your doctor if you need supervised detox.
The symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can range from mild to life-threatening. These symptoms include: 4
In some cases, you can develop alcohol-induced seizures or delirium tremens (DTs) if you’ve been drinking excessively for years.6 DTs is a life-threatening condition that can begin within two to five days after your last drink. It occurs in 5 to 10% of the population with alcohol abuse.
Withdrawal symptoms may persist for weeks or even months for heavy drinkers. These symptoms can worsen due to other substances like heroin, meth, etc.
Here are some ways to help you manage alcohol withdrawal symptoms at home:
When you’re dehydrated, you may experience the following:
Some people mistake symptoms of dehydration for symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. When detoxing at home, drink plenty of water to replenish your body.
Drinking water is essential, but individuals should also consume beverages with electrolytes. Electrolytes are important nutrients, including calcium, sodium, and potassium.
Alcohol intoxication and withdrawal can produce electrolyte imbalances. This can lead to side effects like
A healthy and balanced diet includes consuming foods that contain the proper balance of:
These nutrients help the brain, and other organs work properly. If someone is malnourished, the body won’t have the energy it requires to recover from alcoholism.
Showering doesn’t help you sober up, nor does it help alcohol leave your body more quickly. However, it can relieve some symptoms of alcohol withdrawal by providing relaxation.
A shower that is too hot or cold can lead to dangerous shifts in body temperature. However, a lukewarm shower may help relieve some minor withdrawal symptoms.
Breathing deeply can help with the stress that comes with alcohol withdrawal. Deep breathing helps the body receive oxygen, which can normalize heart rate and blood pressure.
On the other hand, shallow breathing limits oxygen intake and can lead to anxiety. Additionally, meditation can help you clear your mind and focus on the advantages of detoxing from alcohol.
A local AA support line can provide 24-hour phone support from almost any location without fees or obligations. In addition, calling a trusted family member or friend can help make at-home detox easier.
During this period, it’s common for people to have sleeping problems. Quality sleep can help support your body while detoxing from alcohol.7
Poor sleep can lead to:
This can significantly impact your overall health and affect the detox process.
Detoxing from alcohol can be an emotionally stressful experience. Keeping yourself busy can help distract you from the pain and discomfort of detox.
Here are a few activities you can try to distract yourself:
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If you want to detox from alcohol at home, you should do it safely. Here are some precautions to take when detoxing at home.
This may sound like an obvious step, but it’s essential when self-detoxing. You may struggle to control your cravings when you first start having withdrawal symptoms.
Avoid temptation entirely by removing any alcohol you have on hand. Pour it down the drain, rinse and recycle the bottles, or give your supply to someone who isn’t a heavy drinker. Tell them you are going to detox, so you aren’t tempted to ask for it back.
For some, it may seem almost impossible to clear your schedule for days or weeks, but it’s essential if you want your detox to be successful.
Take some time off work and temporarily put aside your responsibilities so you can focus on getting better.
Just because you’re detoxing at home doesn’t mean you should do it alone. Find a family member or friend to help keep you safe and keep an eye on you during the process. If your withdrawal symptoms become too severe, they can seek help from medical professionals.
AA is a readily available and free resource for those who have been through this process and are eager to help others.
While you should try to eat during detoxification, don’t force the food down. You may feel nauseous during detoxification. Eating what you can is essential, but don’t make yourself sick.
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There are both pros and cons of home detox:
Detoxing can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. The first 48 hours can be challenging as you experience uncomfortable and painful symptoms.
These first symptoms usually persist for three to seven days following your last drink. The time it takes to detox from alcohol depends on several factors, such as:
Most people stop experiencing detox symptoms four to five days after their last drink.
In most cases, you should detox at a professional facility. Medical professionals at recovery facilities and hospitals can help people with the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
Doctors and nurses can provide you with medications for anxiety and avoiding seizures.5 They also check your blood pressure and other essential signs to ensure you stay hydrated.
By entering an addiction treatment program, you can benefit from medical help that addresses alcohol withdrawal and any underlying co-occurring health problems.
After detoxification, you can focus on other areas of recovery, like different activities, therapies, and other support options. Treatment options that you can benefit from after a detox include:
Although it’s possible to detox at home, it’s not recommended. Medical professionals at a recovery facility can provide treatment and medication for a safe and efficient detox.
If you have a mild case of an alcohol use disorder, it may be possible to detox safely at home. However, you should still take precautions before you attempt a detox.
Without proper medical attention, an alcohol detox can be dangerous and even life-threatening. However, once you complete the detox stage, you can continue to other stages of recovery.
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