When a person is addicted or dependent on alcohol, their bodies are so used to the substance’s presence that it can be hard to function without it. Trying to quit drinking can be difficult since there is no immediate replacement for alcohol’s effects. This is where the need for alcohol detox comes in.
Detoxification or detox is the process of eliminating alcohol from one’s body. It’s a necessary process when people have engaged in prolonged or excessive consumption.
Since detox is the first step to alcohol addiction treatment, some people may attempt to do this on their own. Although detoxing at home seems like a good idea, it should never be attempted. Detox is dangerous, and medical supervision is required to ensure a person’s safety.
Risks and Complications of Alcohol Detox at Home
Detoxing at home isn’t recommended due to the risks and complications that come with it. Here’s why should detoxing from alcohol without medical supervision not be attempted:
Severe Withdrawal Symptoms
People who try to detox at home are at risk of experiencing severe, potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. Alcohol addiction is one of the addictions with the most dangerous withdrawal symptoms, and they need to be managed by medical professionals.
Detoxing at home means that there is no immediate medical help available. So, if a medical emergency arises, it can put the person in more danger. For instance, a person may experience seizures when they stop alcohol use after a prolonged time. These seizures can lead to injuries or loss of consciousness, and without immediate medical help, the risk of long-term harm increases.
Dehydration
Dehydration is a common complication that occurs during the detox process. Withdrawal symptoms often include vomiting, sweating, and diarrhoea, and they all increase dehydration. As the body lacks fluids and essential electrolytes, the risk of severe complications increases. People may experience kidney strain and worsening symptoms that make the detox process even more difficult.
A medical professional can monitor fluid intake and provide intravenous (IV) fluids. At-home setups lack the necessary tools and equipment to ensure hydration and a safe detox.
Risk of Relapse
Detoxing at home exposes a person to different triggers that can increase the risk of relapse. Unlike detoxing at a hospital or rehab centre, the environment at a person’s home can include stressors that make it difficult to stay sober.
For example, if a person stays in a home where alcohol is present, it can be an immediate temptation. Triggers are everywhere, too, even if alcohol is physically absent. People who try to stop drinking at home may already associate certain routines or locations with drinking. Certain events or places can create psychological cravings and make it difficult to quit alcohol.
Mental Health Issues
One symptom of alcohol withdrawal syndrome is extreme mood swings. People going through withdrawal were once dependent on alcohol for joy and happiness, and taking that away can make them feel emotionally empty. When a person detoxes at home, they lack the professional support that will help manage their emotions.
Through medically supervised detox, people struggling with alcohol abuse can ensure that these symptoms are managed safely. Medications can also be prescribed to alleviate withdrawal symptoms and prevent relapse.
Timeline of Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
The timeline of alcohol withdrawal symptoms will vary depending on a person’s overall health and intensity of alcohol use. In general, this is what people may experience after their last drink:
- 6 to 12 Hours: People may start experiencing mild withdrawal symptoms as the body slowly adjusts to the absence of alcohol.
- 24 to 48 Hours: Increased irritability and tremors occur since the central nervous system becomes more hyperactive.
- 48 to 72 Hours: Withdrawal symptoms may peak, and people may experience severe symptoms like seizures, hallucinations, and delirium tremens.
- 4 to 10 Days: Symptoms will gradually decrease in intensity but still be present.
- 10 Days Onwards: Most symptoms will be gone, but they will persist and intensify when triggers are around.
Precautions for a Safe Alcohol Detox
To ensure a safe alcohol detox, it’s important to seek help from a medical professional. A healthcare provider can assess a person’s overall health and their risk of severe withdrawal symptoms. Through medical monitoring, patients can rely on professionals to safely manage symptoms and prevent complications.
Proper health and nutrition is also important when a person is trying to stop alcohol use. This keeps the body well-supported during a physically demanding time. If possible, finding support through loved ones and support groups can make the detox process more manageable.
Medication for Alcohol Dependency
During medically assisted detox, professionals can prescribe medications to reduce cravings and manage withdrawal symptoms.
Naltrexone
Naltrexone blocks opioid receptors in the brain so that people won’t feel the euphoric effects of drinking alcohol. It helps curb cravings, especially when a person has already gone through treatment for alcohol use disorder.
The medication binds to opioid receptors in the brain to mitigate cravings. It’s available as an oral tablet taken daily or an intramuscular injection administered monthly.
Disulfiram
Disulfiram makes drinking unpleasant, as it makes a person experience negative side effects. It also increases sensitivity to alcohol, making it easier for a person to avoid drinking.
Disulfiram is a medication that prevents the body from processing alcohol properly. When someone takes disulfiram and then drinks alcohol, their body builds up a harmful substance called acetaldehyde. This causes unpleasant side effects like nausea, vomiting, and rapid heartbeat.
Acamprosate
Acamprosate is a drug that stabilises brain chemistry and receptors that have been negatively impacted by prolonged alcohol use. Taking this drug can calm overactive brain cells and reduce cravings. It’s an effective medication that many people use to maintain long-term abstinence.
Therapy for Alcohol Detox
Aside from the physical effects of withdrawal, detox can also be an emotionally difficult time. As such, therapy also becomes an important part of a medically assisted detox.
Some of the therapies used during alcohol detox include:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): During CBT, clients can challenge their negative beliefs about alcohol and drinking. It’s an intervention where people learn how to manage triggers and cravings so that they can live a sober life.
- Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT): DBT is typically used in situations wherein patients have a hard time managing intense emotions. During DBT, clients learn how to tolerate emotional pain without turning to substance use. It emphasises the importance of interpersonal effectiveness through communication and relationship skills.
- Motivational Interviewing (MI): In MI, therapists help clients get over ambivalence by asking a series of questions that motivate change. It creates a supportive environment where clients can have a safe and open dialogue about their thoughts and feelings surrounding alcohol use.
- Group Therapy: Group therapy is when multiple clients come together to find support for their disorder. Instead of a one-on-one setting, it becomes an experience where people can find community and learn from one another.
- Family Therapy: When a person struggles with substance abuse, their family is also affected. Through family therapy, clients can work through their addiction with their loved ones. Family members also get to better understand the client’s situation and learn how to support them effectively.
How To Find a Detox Program
Finding a detox program can be quite tough, given that there are several factors to consider. The process should be taken seriously as it can mean the difference between a safe recovery and potential setbacks.
Here are some tips on how to find the right detox program.
- Assess Different Treatment Programs: Different treatment centres will have varying approaches to detox and the whole addiction treatment program. Take a good look at their programs and how they conduct detox. For those with severe cases of withdrawal, a structured program with 24/7 medical supervision is the ideal choice.
- Verify Accreditation: Checking the accreditation of a detox centre can help ensure safety. An accredited facility means they have passed strict quality and safety standards. It also shows that the professionals are operating under ethical guidelines.
- Check Costs and Locations: Costs and locations can determine the accessibility of a recovery facility. Taking these two factors into consideration will help in finding the most suitable detox program.
- Read Reviews and Get References: Reading reviews and getting references can help narrow down choices. Centres with good reputations can generally mean they provide a better detox process. You can read reviews online or get references from people you know or your GP.
Detox and Alcohol Addiction Treatment at Orchid
At Orchid, we provide detox and alcohol addiction treatment for those suffering from alcohol abuse. While we provide detox in our facility, severe cases may be referred to the National Hospital located 30 minutes away from our facility. Our team is here to ensure a safe recovery process so that clients can achieve a substance-free life. Contact us today to learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about how to detox from alcohol.
How successful is alcohol detox?
Various factors determine the success of alcohol detox, with one of the biggest factors being the client’s level of commitment. Those with better overall health and a stronger support system are more likely to successfully go through alcohol detox.
Can I prevent alcohol withdrawal?
There is no one sure way to prevent alcohol withdrawal. However, proper medical intervention can reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms. The guidance of a healthcare professional can help ease the transition from addiction to sobriety.
