Alcohol Home Detox

The following alcohol detox home program information has been prepared under the supervision of Consultant Addiction Psychiatrist Dr Bruce Trathen MBBS MRCPsych, and Senior Addictions Therapist David Goodlad FRSPH MA Dip. MBACP (Snr. Accred) UKRC NCAC CADC.

Accessing reliable and accurate detox from alcohol at home information can be confusing and time consuming. Triage Advisors are here to help you make fully informed and accurate decisions. Call 0117 339 0080.

What is a home alcohol detox?

A detox from alcohol at home refers to the process by which someone comes off of alcohol with the support of medication in their home environment.

Physical addiction can occur with alcohol. Physical addiction is where the body and brain become reliant on a substance. Immediate withdrawal from this substance can then be very uncomfortable and potentially dangerous, making it difficult for the person to continue with their abstinence.

Home alcohol detox aims to replace the effects that alcohol withdrawal has on the person’s body and brain. Medication such as chlordiazepoxide (known as Librium) is typically used for alcohol withdrawal. Vitamins and other medications may also be prescribed during this time.  

What are the warning signs that indicate someone needs a home alcohol detox?

When someone has a physical dependence on alcohol they may experience withdrawal symptoms when they stop drinking immediately. This could include sweating, shaking, vomiting, nausea, cramps and in serious cases can lead to hallucinations and alcohol related seizures that can potentially be fatal.

Therefore, an individual should never stop drinking immediately without the correct medication and support. This does not mean that the person should continue drinking and avoid getting help for their addiction though. If you are concerned that you or a loved one are drinking at the level of physical dependency then call us. We can offer advice on suitable detox programmes whether this is detox from alcohol at home or a residential detox programme.

Why home detox?

For those considering a detox from alcohol at home there are a number of things to take into account. Home detox may be requested for a number of reasons, typically for privacy and convenience and for those not willing or able to travel to residential treatment.

Alcohol home detox may be organised following a successful assessment for suitability. The process of arranging an alcohol home detox would involve a registered nurse coming to the client’s house on a daily basis to administer the medication and complete general health checks and observations. Following completion of a detox from alcohol at home it is advisable to access further treatment to help address the behavioural and psychological aspects of the addiction. This can include attendance of alcoholic anonymous meetings, one to one counselling and further support from professionals in the addiction field.

For some, alcohol detox home services will not be suitable. This would typically be the case if there are complex medical needs, or if the client has experienced severe withdrawal symptoms in the past such as an alcohol related seizure or hallucinations.

There are also additional benefits to residential treatment if the individual is agreeable to this option. A residential detox allows the person to be in a safe and supportive environment, where more staff members are at hand if complications occur. It also means the client is less able to access alcohol during this time, as opposed to being at home where alcohol could easily be accessed. Another benefit of residential treatment is that the individual will get more emotional and psychological support during this time from qualified staff. During the detox in a residential clinic the client will also be able to engage with some group therapy and educational information. Those who are able to commit to the longer programmes will also benefit from the full psychological treatment programmes offered at residential options which work on relapse prevention, and provide clients with the skills required to maintain their sobriety.

How long treatment for alcoholism at home take?

Alcohol detox home treatment typically takes 7 days, although in some cases can take a longer or shorter period of time. Progress throughout the detox should be monitored by a medical professional who would advise on any further requirements the client may have.

How much does a home alcohol detox cost?

The cost of alcohol detox home based treatment can vary depending on the level of additional care required, and duration of aftercare accessed. 

Triage Healthcare can offer guidance towards the best treatment options based on your individual circumstances, budget and needs. Our advisors are ethically bound to give you advice according to the latest evidence of what works, and not according to a profit motive. Our advice is all completely free and confidential.

Where to find home alcohol detox help in the UK

Triage Healthcare works alongside a number of specialist treatment centres for immediate access to detox, and also offers home detoxification for alcohol detox where required.

Alcohol detox home services are supervised by Triage Healthcare’s Medical Director, Consultant Addiction Psychiatrist, Dr Bruce Trathen MBBS MRCPsych, and delivered by qualified and professional staff members who are registered with their appropriate professional bodies. Additional nursing visits, home doctor review, and live-in professional carers can also be arranged on request or when necessary.

Where alcohol detox home based treatment is not appropriate we have an in-depth knowledge of the full range of alternative treatment services and programme options throughout the UK and abroad.