Professional vs Home Alcohol Detox

An addiction to alcohol can completely destroy a person’s life when left alone. There comes a time in many alcoholic’s lives when they are ready to change. Detoxing from alcohol is the first step in overcoming an alcohol addiction. The withdrawal symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal can range from mild to severe to life-threatening depending on the nature of a person’s addiction. Many people seeking to overcome their addiction first consider a home alcohol detox to be the best choice they have in ending their addiction and taking their life back. It is a familiar environment and people assume it will offer the comfort they need during this difficult time.

Is a Home Alcohol Detox the Best Choice?

As comforting as it may sound to detox in the privacy of your own home, it is typically never recommended. Detox from alcohol isn’t only difficult, but can be dangerous as well. For those with severe cases of alcohol addiction, the withdrawal process can be life-threatening.

Addiction affects each person differently, and the way one person responds to treatment is decidedly different from the way the next person responds. Withdrawal should never be underestimated as it can quickly turn into an emergency situation that requires medical attention.

What Are the Risks of Detoxing at Home?

Many people choose to detox from alcohol at home because they see it as a simple solution to end their addiction that won’t cost them any money. Going through withdrawal at home can be tempting to people who have a desire to quit drinking. There is also a common assumption that a home alcohol detox is fine so long as a person is being careful.

Although a home alcohol detox is less expensive than getting professional detox help, it offers little support or supervision during the process. Alcohol withdrawal can be unpredictable, and without professional support things can go from bad to worse rather quickly. Having supervised medical attention is the safest method of detox available.

Detoxing at home also increases the risk of relapse. Because a person remains in the environment they are accustomed to drinking in, it can be difficult to overcome the temptation to drink. Cravings for alcohol during withdrawal can become extremely intense. If an alcoholic has access to alcohol during the withdrawal period, the desire they have to drink can easily override their good intentions.

image showing a man relaxing during Home Alcohol Detox
Why choose eata.org.uk?

If someone you care about is exhibiting signs of addiction – whether it’s excessive marijuana use, long-term dependency on pharmaceuticals, binge drinking of alcohol or even financially damaging levels of gambling – contact us for immediate rehabilitation help.

As “affordable” as a home alcohol detox might be, the risks involved with detoxing at home are too great to ignore. People who try detoxing on their own not only increase their health risks, but face an increased likelihood to relapse during the withdrawal process.

Is It Ever Safe to Do a Home Alcohol Detox?

When an alcohol detox doesn’t present any risks to a person’s health it can be considered safe, but isn’t necessarily recommended. While not every person who has a problem with alcohol will need to detox with the help of a professional programme, when it comes to something as complex as alcohol addiction it is truly better to be safe than sorry.

People who haven’t been drinking for a long time and have a mild addiction to alcohol are typically fine when doing a home alcohol detox. It is very important to keep in mind how difficult withdrawal can be. And while it can be safe for some, these people still run the increased risk of unnecessary relapse.

Professional vs. Home Alcohol Detox

There are several different options a person has when detoxing from alcohol. An at-home alcohol detox might seem like the best option a person has, but it is important to explore all options available when making a decision as important as overcoming alcohol addiction. A detox in a professional setting can make a substantial difference in the success a person sees overcoming their addiction to alcohol.

image showing young people enjoying their sober life after Home Alcohol Detox

Professional detox typically takes place at either an inpatient or outpatient detox centre. When a person chooses this type of detox, they can rest assured that they will be offered everything they need to make the process easier.

Going through an alcohol detox in a professional treatment setting ensures that if an emergency arises, a person will be completely supported. In a professional detox setting, a person will be offered medical assistance if necessary to ensure their safety and make the process as pain-free as possible.

Professional Options

When a person decides against a home alcohol detox, they will find several options for a professional detox. Choosing the type of programme that best fits your individual needs is always recommended.

Inpatient Alcoholism Detox

Inpatient detox involves a person staying at the detox facility for the duration of the withdrawal period. Inpatient treatment is best suited for those who have been drinking for a long time and are experiencing critical levels of addiction. It is also recommended for those who drink excessive amounts of alcohol when they do drink.

Inpatient detox is beneficial because a person is removed from the environment they are accustomed to drinking in. Because they stay at the detox facility until withdrawal is over, it is all but impossible to give into the cravings they experience. Inpatient detox significantly reduces a person’s likelihood of relapse.

Outpatient Alcohol Detox

Not everyone will need to stay at a detox facility during withdrawal. For people with mild to moderate alcohol addictions, an outpatient detox facility can offer the support they need in an environment conducive to the detox process. During outpatient detox, patients will visit the detox centre throughout the withdrawal period. While much of a person’s detox will take place at the treatment centre, they will also experience portions of home alcohol detox as well.

Choosing to Detox from Alcoholism at Home

Many people have repeatedly tried to detox from alcohol at home, but after so many failed attempts end up at a professional treatment centre. This isn’t to say that an at-home alcohol detox cannot be done. If you choose to attempt a home detox, it is extremely important you do it as safely as possible. Tips to remember when detoxing at home include:

  • Get rid of all the alcohol in your home
  • Have the support of a friend or family member with you the entire time
  • Completely clear your schedule for at least a week
  • Have access to medical assistance in case of an emergency

An at-home alcohol detox isn’t recommended, but for some people it is the only choice they have. Please call us with any questions you have about detoxing at home. Our professional and compassionate staff is standing by to help you through detox and offer any information you need about safely detoxing from an addiction to alcohol.

Why choose eata.org.uk?

If someone you care about is exhibiting signs of addiction – whether it’s excessive marijuana use, long-term dependency on pharmaceuticals, binge drinking of alcohol or even financially damaging levels of gambling – contact us for immediate rehabilitation help.

We Will Guide You through the Detox Options

Whether choosing a home alcohol detox or getting professional help, it is vital to know as much about alcohol withdrawal before you begin. Overcoming an addiction is possible, even though it might not seem so from where you are at right now. There are other options aside from detoxing at home that anyone who wants to quit drinking should be aware of. The road to recovery begins with a successful detox. Having the right support and guidance through the process can make a huge difference in the success you see through the recovery process. We’re here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to offer any assistance you seek regarding addiction recovery.

 
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