Many people successfully overcome alcohol abuse with an at-home alcohol detox plan. However, it is important to note that this is not recommended for someone who has severe alcoholism. In most cases of alcohol abuse or addiction, professional detox is the best option. But, many people are unable to afford the cost of this type of treatment. For this reason, they choose to attempt detox at home.
If you are considering at-home alcohol detox, learn about the potential safety problems that might arise. The last thing you want to do is put yourself at risk of adverse reactions during withdrawals.
Guideline for a Safe and Successful At-Home Alcohol Detox
Now that you are ready to stop drinking for good, here are a few tips to help you proceed through the at-home detox with as few problems as possible:
- Plan ahead by talking with a counselor to get advice regarding options for the person who will be assisting you.
- Make arrangements ahead of time at a treatment center or clinic to treat you if an emergency arises.
- Outline a plan to avoid relapse after completing detox. Your physician might prescribe a mild medication for a few days.
- Rid your home of all alcoholic products. Make sure others won’t drink in your home or front of you.
- Have some nutritious foods in your home. Also, vitamins and herbs are helpful.
- Arrange for someone to stay with you for at least 48 hours or longer.
- Make sure the person staying with you is prepared to help you through the symptoms of irritability, depression, fatigue, anxiety, nightmares, and emotional changes.
- You and your helper should know that you will possibly experience headaches, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, sleep disturbances, and involuntary movements of the eyelids.
- Remember that you asked this person to support you through your detoxing attempt. You need his or her strength and advice. Accept the person’s advice and encouragement when you are having doubts about your ability to follow through with the process.
Although getting through detox is difficult, preventing relapse is another challenge that you will face daily. Fortunately, you can enter an outpatient program to help you stay on track. An outpatient program offers a flexible schedule that allows you to attend meetings a few times a week. Furthermore, you have someone available 24/7 when you need additional support or guidance. Many outpatient programs help clients obtain employment, arrange transportation, locate suitable housing if needed, and other services.
What to Do if Your Detox Plan Fails
Try not to lose hope if your at-home detox plan fails. Your alcohol addiction can still be overcome with professional help. The important thing to remember about professional detox is that you will have skilled addiction specialists monitoring you day and night. In this way, you are assured of receiving the best care available throughout the entire process. Detox facilities also offer a secure environment to protect you from outside influences that might jeopardize your recovery.
After detox is complete, you should enter a rehab facility to learn how to function in daily life without alcohol. Rehab offers counseling, skills training, cognitive behavioral therapy, nutritional guidance, aftercare services, and a variety of other options. The goal of rehab is to help you heal mentally, physically and spiritually to ensure a lasting recovery.
More information about at-home alcohol detox is available on-line. Or, you can call our toll-free number today to learn more about safety during detox. One of our representatives can recommend some other options that include affordable detox, or financial arrangements that might be beneficial to you.
