Alcohol Detox At Home

Alcoholism was declared as a serious disease by the American Medical Association, which if not treated early can lead to health problems and sometimes even to the death of the addict. People usually start drinking because it gives them a relief from their problems and tensions of life, little realizing that alcohol in turn starts controlling their life. However, when their addiction starts affecting their personal, professional, as well as social life, many people realize that it is important to get rid of this dangerous disease. Usually, alcohol detox is done at an alcohol rehabilitation center, where people get individual assistance of expert medical professionals, but there are many who opt for alcohol detox at home too. During detoxification, the harmful chemical substances accumulated in the person's body because of alcohol is taken out.

Process of Starting Alcohol Detox at Home
The first step that has to be taken when one has decided to stop drinking, is visiting a physician. Though the detox would be conducted at home, the advice of a medical practitioner is required for success of the detoxification program. The doctor would check for the severity of alcohol addiction, and also conduct several tests to determine the level of alcohol in the blood. These tests are conducted to know whether you are fit for alcohol detoxification at home. People who are severe addicts would be discouraged from going through a detox at home, instead they would be asked to join a rehab center to recover fully from alcoholism. The doctor would also guide the patients to cope with the withdrawal symptoms that are a part of the alcohol treatment process.

The alcohol detoxification process may take at least seven weeks, during which one would have to follow a lifestyle that is recommended by the doctor. It would also be advisable for a person to ask one of his friends or family members to come and stay with him for that period of time. This person should act as a support system who encourages the alcoholic for the decision he has taken, and sees to it that he keeps his promise of not touching alcohol. Moreover, there would also be someone who can call for medical assistance if the symptoms of alcohol detox gets out of control.

Once the alcohol detox at home begins, it is very necessary to follow the advise given by the doctor. The detox process would involve certain medications suggested by the doctor. Also, during the whole process, a physician or a nurse would visit the person's house everyday. It is extremely crucial for the patient to remain hydrated by consuming water every two hours or so. Along with a diet that includes green leafy vegetables, oranges and bananas, it is also important to exercise regularly during alcohol detox at home.

Alcohol Detox Symptoms
Alcohol detox is a very challenging process, where every person would have to face withdrawal symptoms that are a part of the treatment from alcoholism. Some of the symptoms of alcohol detox include-

• Mood swings
• Depression
• Nausea and vomiting
• Severe headache and giddiness
• High fever and hallucination

Advantages of Alcohol Detoxification at Home
Many people have said that they had come back from the rehab after fully recovering from their addiction, however it was at home that they have to face the real challenge. Many start drinking again, thus nullifying the whole detox process. Therefore, it is believed that detox at home from alcohol would help the person in learning ways to avoid alcohol right from the beginning. Besides, alcohol detoxification at home is also less expensive than being treated at an alcohol rehab center.

Disadvantages of Alcohol Detoxification at Home
Though alcohol detox at home is effective for some, it may not work for everybody. It would not be beneficial for people who have reached the extreme stage of alcohol addiction. If one is used to drinking at home everyday, then alcohol detox at home may be difficult because the person may be easily tempted to drink again.

Alcohol detox at home requires determination as well as strength on the part of the alcohol addict. One must remember that detoxification is only a physical process, and it would need more for a person to be totally relieved from alcohol addiction. Once the alcohol detoxification process is over, one would also have to rebuild one's life and learn behaviors and skills required to live a life without alcohol.