As someone suffering from alcohol dependence, you may have finally concluded that you need help for your problem. That’s great. Knowing you have a problem is the first step in finally breaking free from it. Addiction Helper would like to offer you the option of home detox.
Home detox allows you to receive medically supervised detox in the privacy of your own home. Addiction Helper utilises only certified and trained nurses to administer home detox. From start to finish, you could be completely free of alcohol in a week.
Why do we recommend home detox? There are a number of advantages it offers, including:
- a familiar and comfortable environment
- optional support of family and friends
- complete anonymity and privacy
- no waiting times, immediate treatment
- less expensive than inpatient detox
- bespoke treatment based on your circumstances
- no need for GP referral.
Detoxing at home is one way to start the process of alcohol addiction recovery. It is a medicated detox scenario that is both safe and effective.
How to Detox at Home
Now that we have you thinking about home detox for alcohol, we want you to understand that you should seek the advice of trained individuals before choosing this option. The specialists available through Addiction Helper have the training and knowledge necessary to guide you in making this decision.
A wise decision is important given the fact that home detox is not right for everyone. An initial assessment by a registered nurse will determine its appropriateness for your circumstances, considering things like your overall health, your home environment, and any other influences that might negatively affect detox.
If our nurse determines home detox is suitable, he or she will then prescribe the medication necessary to help you through the process. The medications are designed to reduce the severity of withdrawal symptoms while also reducing the cravings to drink. Withdrawal symptoms usually begin within 3 to 12 hours and can include:
- headache
- nausea and vomiting
- excessive sweating
- increased blood pressure and heart rate
- involuntary muscle movements
- intense cravings for alcohol
- anxiety and hallucinations.
Nursing staff remain present during detox in order to ensure none of the withdrawal symptoms leads to medical emergency. If such an emergency does arise, the nurse will do whatever is necessary to ensure the safety and health of the recovering addict.
The average alcoholic can complete home addiction detox in about seven days. That said, some of the withdrawal symptoms might linger for a few weeks afterward. For example, some recovering alcoholics deal with alcohol cravings for several weeks. Maintenance medication may be prescribed to help the recovering alcoholic withstand these cravings.
Medications Used for Home Detox
A registered nurse might use several different medications during detox. Any prescriptions given will be based on the initial assessment and the goals set by the nurse.
- Acamprosate – A medication used to reduce alcohol cravings. It may be prescribed for use only during detox or as a maintenance medication in the weeks and months following. Naltrexone is sometimes used as an alternative for acamprosate.
- Disulfiram – This drug may be used during or after detox. It causes a very severe hangover within minutes of drinking alcohol, thus acting as a deterrent to future alcohol consumption.
- Baclofen – A medication that can reduce cravings and anxiety. It is sometimes prescribed during detox to reduce the anxiety associated with withdrawal.
Please understand that none of the prescribed medications will be effective if the recovering alcoholic continues to drink. In fact, just a few drinks while on the medication can render it ineffective for the foreseeable future. You will not be able to try again later on in hopes that those same medications will help; they will not.
Family and Friends
In addition to the reasonably low cost, one of the other benefits of home detox is having family members and friends available for support. The nurses involved in home detox appreciate this option as well. Having supportive family members and friends staying with you during your detox makes everyone’s life easier.
A family member or friend can be there to lend you moral support and comfort. They can help talk you through your cravings, make sure you are fed, help you with personal grooming, and so on. These are all things your visiting nurse can do as well, but many alcoholics respond more positively when the care is provided by family members or friends.
Home detox is available even if you have no family or friends to help you through. In such a case, the nurse will keep a close eye on things to make sure you are well cared for. Registered nurses monitor your progress, pay attention to potential medical emergencies, and provide any additional medical care needed.
Home Detox Might Help You
If you are currently struggling with alcohol addiction, home detox might be right for you. We would like the opportunity to talk it over with you so you can make an informed decision. Obviously, we want to make sure you get the appropriate help you need.
In order to benefit from home detox, some basic requirements are necessary:
- your 100% commitment to get well
- a safe and supportive home environment
- reasonably good health
- the financial means to pay for care.
Rest assured that home detox is a lot more affordable than inpatient detox at a private clinic. You may be able to pay for care through private health insurance, donations from family and friends, a credit card account or some of your personal savings. Even if you are not sure how you’re going to pay for it, please call us anyway.
Addiction Helper exists for the sole purpose of helping addicts and their families get their lives back. Our addiction helpline is staffed by trained professionals who are more than capable of assisting you. What’s more, all of our services are free and confidential. When you call Addiction Helper, you are accessing services designed to make sure you get the help you need.