AT SOUND RECOVERY

IN LACEY, WASHINGTON

Get Free and Confidential Help 24/7

Is Alcohol Detox at Home Safe?

Table of Contents

For those struggling with alcohol addiction, the thought of seeking professional help can be intimidating. Because of this, they may want to try detoxing from alcohol at home. But is alcohol detox at home safe? The answer is complex and depends on a number of factors.

Many so-called home alcohol detox remedies are not reliable or even safe in many cases. This is why it is crucial to detox from alcohol at a supervised medical detox program. Sound Recovery Centers offers structured alcohol detox services to help you start your sobriety the right way.

What Is Alcohol Detox?

Alcohol detox is the process of withdrawing from alcohol while under constant medical supervision. When someone with alcohol dependence suddenly stops drinking, they can develop withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms can be a deterrent for those looking to detox at home from alcohol. 

These can include a range of unpleasant and potentially dangerous symptoms. In some cases, they can even be life-threatening. Alcohol detox programs provide the structure and support necessary to combat these symptoms.

Why Is Alcohol Detox Important?

Detox programs can be crucial in preventing life-threatening complications during the early stages of recovery. When detoxing from alcohol, the body can go into shock due to its lack of access to the abused substance.

This can cause people to experience severe symptoms, including seizures, vomiting, and even death. The medical professionals who run detox programs can provide life-saving medical interventions, as well as emotional support.

Because of this, detox programs are a key first step in the recovery journey from alcohol addiction. They provide the necessary support individuals need to establish a solid foundation for lasting sobriety. 

When Does Someone Need Alcohol Detox?

Anyone who struggles with alcohol abuse should consider looking into an alcohol detox program. Even minor addictions can take a toll on a person’s physical and mental well-being. Detox programs can help address both the surface-level abuse as well as the underlying causes.

That said, there are certain signs that can indicate whether a person should seek out alcohol detox, such as:

  • They experience withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop drinking, such as anxiety, tremors, insomnia, nausea, or vomiting.
  • They have had seizures or delirium tremens (DTs) in the past when they stopped drinking.
  • They drink alcohol every day or almost every day.
  • They drink more alcohol than they intend to.
  • They have tried to cut down or stop drinking in the past but have been unsuccessful.
  • They have health problems that are caused or worsened by alcohol use.
  • They have problems at work, school, or home because of their drinking.

If you recognize any of these signs in yourself or a loved one, it is important to seek help. Alcohol abuse can have drastic consequences. But, with the right support and treatment, recovery is possible.

Alcohol Abuse Statistics

As shown by the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 28.9 million people ages 12 and older met the criteria for an alcohol use disorder (AUD) in the past year. This, unfortunately, highlights the very real issue of alcohol abuse in the United States.

In response to these numbers, Sound Recovery Centers has made it our mission to provide high-quality and compassionate care to those struggling with alcohol addiction. Our goal is to provide safe alcohol detox services that prioritize a whole-health approach to recovery.

What Happens When Someone Undergoes Alcohol Detox?

Alcohol detox can be a challenging but necessary process for individuals with alcohol use disorder. If you are thinking about participating in a detox program, it can be helpful to know what to expect ahead of time.

The detox experience can vary depending on the severity of your alcohol dependence and individual factors. Generally, though, this process will start with an initial assessment. A healthcare professional will assess your drinking history, overall health, and any existing medical conditions. 

This allows them to gain a better understanding of what treatments will be best suited to your recovery needs and goals. After the assessment, the detox process can officially begin. During this time, you will be gradually weaned off of alcohol.

To help prevent any withdrawal symptoms or other complications, your treatment team will administer a combination of therapies and medications. You will also be provided with nutritional counseling and a strict diet. This will help address any nutritional deficiencies caused by your alcohol abuse and help your body heal.

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

Alcohol withdrawal can cause many symptoms, ranging from mild to severe. The severity of these symptoms can vary widely depending on several factors. These can include the level of alcohol dependence, the amount of alcohol consumed, and underlying health factors.

Generally, though, the most common alcohol withdrawal symptoms include:

Mild to Moderate Symptoms:

  • Anxiety or nervousness
  • Depression
  • Fatigue
  • Irritability
  • Jumpiness or shakiness
  • Mood swings
  • Nightmares
  • Difficulty thinking clearly
  • Sweating
  • Headache
  • Insomnia
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Rapid heart rate

Severe Symptoms:

  • Agitation
  • Confusion
  • Hallucinations
  • Seizures
  • Delirium Tremens (DTs)

How Long Is Alcohol Detox?

The alcohol detox timeline can vary depending on the severity of your addiction and whether you have any co-occurring disorders that may complicate this process. With that said, your detox timeline may look something like this:

  • Early withdrawal (6-12 hours): Mild symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, headache, and nausea may begin within a few hours after the last drink.
  • Peak withdrawal (24-72 hours): Symptoms typically worsen and peak within 24 to 72 hours. This is when the risk of severe complications like seizures and delirium tremens (DTs) is highest.
  • Late withdrawal (after 72 hours): For most people, physical symptoms start to improve after 72 hours. However, some psychological symptoms like anxiety, depression, and insomnia may persist for several weeks or even months.

Because this timeline can be unpredictable, it is important to seek professional help when detoxing from alcohol. They can help you manage your symptoms and adjust your treatment plan as needed. Withdrawal symptoms can happen to those undergoing detox at home or at a treatment facility. A treatment center can help manage them. 

Is Alcohol Detox at Home Safe?

While trying home detox can seem like a good idea, it is important to understand that this route comes with many potential risks and consequences. For starters, most home alcohol withdrawal treatments, such as detox pills and juices, are not reliable.

In fact, these so-called quick fixes are either placebos with no real effect or harmful substances that can do more damage than good. Furthermore, going the cold turkey route (or simply cutting off your alcohol supply entirely) can also be dangerous.

When someone is addicted to alcohol, their body has become dependent on this substance in order to function properly. If its access to alcohol is suddenly cut off, this can send the body into shock. This can cause serious and even fatal withdrawal symptoms.

With all these factors, it is impossible to safely manage alcohol withdrawal at home. To ensure your health and well-being during the detox process, it is essential to seek professional help. A medical detox program can ensure your safety and success during the initial stages of recovery.

Professional Medical Detox for Alcohol Addiction

When seeking professional medical detox for alcohol addiction, your best bet for long-term recovery is with Sound Recovery Centers. We use a comprehensive approach to recovery, incorporating evidence-based and holistic treatment options.

This allows you to heal in mind, body, and spirit. Our professional medical detox program for alcohol addiction utilizes several key treatment components. These include:

  • Individualized Treatment Plans
  • Expert Medical Staff
  • Relapse Prevention

Individualized Treatment Plans

Addiction is a complex disease. As such, we offer individualized treatment plans to each of our clients. We work with you on a one-on-one basis to determine your specific needs and build a recovery plan that is best suited to addressing these needs. In providing individualized treatment plans, we allow you to heal and grow the way you need.

Expert Medical Staff

Sound Recovery Centers works with a diverse team of expert medical staff. Each of these professionals works with you to build a supportive and compassionate recovery environment. From therapists to licensed clinicians, nutritional counselors, case managers, and more, we offer the highest level of support possible.

Relapse Prevention

One of the core components of recovery is relapse prevention. For many people, detox is just the beginning of their recovery journey. At Sound Recovery Centers, we offer several ongoing care options to ensure our clients maintain their sobriety.

This includes inpatient and outpatient treatment, ongoing therapy, medication management, and more. Each of these services can help you maintain your sobriety in the long term and minimize your risk of relapse.

Alcohol Detox Center Near Me

If you are wondering how to detox from alcohol, we are here to help. Sound Recovery Centers offers comprehensive and compassionate alcohol detox services to people all throughout Washington State.

Our detox program focuses on healing you in mind, body, and spirit. We help you re-establish your independence and build a solid foundation for lasting recovery through our comprehensive treatment services. If you are ready to start your journey to sobriety, reach out to us today to learn more about alcoholism treatment and attempting to detox from alcohol. You can stop drinking alcohol, we can help.

Struggling with Addiction?

Start Your Recovery Today!
Find Out How

Verify Your Insurance

Looking for affordable, effective treatment? We accept most major insurance providers. Check your insurance benefits for free.

Check Your Coverage​

Questions about Rehab at Royal?

Get confidential help 24/7.
Reach out for more details about:
  • How we can help

  • Our location & programs

  • Insurance & payment options

Call 888-716-4070
Read More From Royal Life Centers Writers