There are a lot of things in life that might not be enjoyable, but are necessary and important in improving health and future. For anyone struggling with alcohol abuse, breaking an addiction is one of those things.
When someone is dependent on alcohol, conquering that addiction and moving on with life has a great deal of value. It’s not always an easy to admit that you have a problem, but it’s an important first step toward getting better.
Alcohol doesn’t have to control your life, and breaking free and living clean and sober is possible. But what’s the best way to do that, and is it something that can be handled at home?
Here’s what to consider if you plan to detox from alcohol, so you can do it safely and have the best chance at being successful.
What Does it Mean to Detox From Alcohol?
Detoxing from alcohol is more than just breaking free from an addiction. It’s also physically getting the alcohol out of the body and going through the process of letting the body adjust to the lack of alcohol, as well.
A lot of people have a very hard time with detox because it can make them feel bad, causing them to struggle with basic functioning.
They may have seizures or shakes, and they could also deal with aches and pains along with nausea and vomiting. In some cases, a person trying to detox from alcohol will find that they are so ill that they are at risk of death.
If they’re not at an approved facility for proper detox, they could have a more difficult time getting healthy. They may even suffer more lasting physical effects that could have been avoided.
Alcohol Detox Can Be Done at Home…Sometimes
For people who are only starting to struggle with alcohol, getting through detox at home is possible. They won’t be at any serious risk, and they can move through the process and start recovering so they can live a life that’s clean and sober.
But not everyone falls into that category, and there are a lot of people who would be at very significant risk if they didn’t detox in a treatment facility or other medical setting. If someone plans to detox at home, they should be very careful about how they go about it and they shouldn’t be alone. Having someone there with them who can intervene if they need medical help can make the difference. That’s especially true for people who really should be medically monitored but make the choice not to do that.
The Best Way to Detox From Alcohol at Home
For most alcoholics, the best way to detox at home is simply not to. There really isn’t a “best way” to do something dangerous, and detoxing at home falls into that category.
While it’s not recommended, though, there are people who do it successfully by tapering down slowly on how much they drink, instead of stopping all at once.
For people who are determined not to go to a medical facility, having a friend or family member with knowledge of the detox process present with them throughout the duration can make it safer. It’s still not a substitute for proper support and guidance from professionals, but it can reduce the risk.
Knowing what to watch out for along with when to get professional help, can make a big difference for someone who’s determined to detox at home. Still, it’s really not recommended.
What to Watch Out for When Detoxing at Home
When detoxing at home, there are some things to look for in order to determine how the process is going and whether there are changes that need to be made.
Responsiveness is important, for the person getting through detox and breaking free from alcohol. If they stop responding, are unable to, or if waking them up isn’t possible, they need medical help. Sleeping it off or simply leaving them alone to get better isn’t realistic, and could lead to long-term damage and even death.
Additionally, seizures are another reason to call in professionals to assess the situation. Having a seizure is a serious medical event, and it’s not one that should be ignored even if the person who’s trying to detox seems to be alright when the seizure is over.
The Best Way to Detox From Alcohol, Overall
The very best way to detox from alcohol is to go to an approved treatment facility and let them help you get through the process.
By going to the right treatment facility, it’s much easier and safer to detox.
A controlled environment is better than being at home, because medical professionals can monitor what’s going on during the entire detox process. That means if something goes wrong, there will be proper treatment administered right away.
There are also medications that can be given which can ease the symptoms of detox, and that makes getting through it a better experience overall. An easier experience can encourage people to reach out for help, as well.
Getting Help to Detox From Alcohol
With proper help, detoxing from alcohol can be a less stressful process. It doesn’t have to be painful and difficult when the right people are helping. Treatment facilities are focused on making the detox process as safe and effective as possible, along with making it easier. That means help and hope for more people who are struggling with alcohol, so they have the chance to live clean and sober lives.
Detoxing is a short-term process, and recovery is the long-term goal. By working through one and focusing on the other, it’s possible to get back to a life where alcohol doesn’t have control and isn’t a worry any longer.
No matter where or how a person decides to detox from alcohol, having the support of friends and family members is a great way to feel encouraged throughout the process. The kindness of people who care shouldn’t be underestimated when it comes to feeling better and conquering an addiction to alcohol once and for all.