If you’re sweating, place a cold towel on your forehead or on the back of your neck. Prepare a playlist of your favorite songs or movies to pass the time. Seizures can occur within the first 24 hours, but seizures occur only in about 25 percent of patients, according to the NIAAA.
As with any form of detox, there are pros and cons to detoxing from alcohol at home. It can be easier and more cost-effective to go through withdrawal at home, but it can also be very dangerous and uncomfortable. Tap into your social network to help support you through alcohol withdrawal. Find a supportive friend or family member to be with you while you withdraw and support your new non-drinking lifestyle. For people who experience hallucinations as part of alcohol withdrawal, these may begin in the 12- to 24-hour time frame.
How to Safely Detox From Alcohol
There is no medically recommended alcohol tapering schedule, and it is debated in the medical field whether tapering is helpful. If you want to taper your alcohol use, the ideal schedule will differ based on your needs. The timing of each of these stages differs based on the individual. When alcohol is constantly present, your brain artificially increases its activity to adjust for the suppressing effect of alcohol. Withdrawal happens when you stop drinking alcohol because your brain is overactive, having adjusted to the suppressing effect of alcohol, which is now suddenly gone. Research shows people who have a supportive social network are more likely to remain alcohol-free after withdrawal.
- And after cutting down slowly, you’ll find it much easier to stop drinking when you’re ready.
- At a treatment center, medical professionals can prescribe medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to help alleviate symptoms and ensure your body safely weans itself off of alcohol.
- Minor withdrawal symptoms usually begin about six hours after your last drink.
- Other medicines that medical providers might prescribe include diazepam (a benzodiazepine) for several days to reduce the risk of seizures and withdrawal and to lessen alcohol cravings.
- You may be able to detox at home and recover from alcoholism with the help of support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous.
This may sound like an obvious step, but it’s essential when self-detoxing. You may struggle to control your cravings when you first start having withdrawal symptoms. If you feel comfortable doing https://en.forexdata.info/6-unbelievably-british-easter-traditions/ so, discuss your challenges with your primary healthcare professional. Finding a therapist can also be a great starting point if you’re uncomfortable opening up to your healthcare professional.
How To Detox from Alcohol Safely
If don’t have much of an appetite, you may want to take a multivitamin or drink a beverage high in electrolytes, such as a sports drink. If you take prescription medication, continue to take it as directed. In addition to the sober individuals, many people among the remaining two-thirds are also drinking less and experiencing fewer alcohol-related health problems after one year. Most people stop having withdrawal symptoms four to five days after their last drink. While undergoing alcohol detox, you may be evaluated for co-occurring mental disorders and other substance use disorders.
- If you are considering at-home detox, speak with your doctor before beginning the process.
- These symptoms peak within 72 hours, but people with serious alcohol withdrawal symptoms should work with a healthcare provider as the experience can be fatal.
- When someone drinks alcohol for a prolonged period of time and then stops, the body reacts to its absence.
Showering doesn’t help you sober up, nor does it help alcohol leave your body more quickly. However, it can relieve some symptoms of alcohol withdrawal TOP 10 BEST Mens Sober House in Dorchester MA in Boston, MA January 2024 by providing relaxation. For people with long-term dependency on alcohol for months or years, stopping use might cause withdrawal symptoms.
Choosing to Self-Detox from Alcohol at Home
For people who experience mild alcohol withdrawal symptoms, there are safe ways to detox at home. People who experience tremors, shakes or confusion when they quit drinking should consider medically supervised detox. You should talk to a doctor about the safest way to detox if you experience any withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking. Contrary to common misconceptions, alcohol detox is not less dangerous than detoxing from other substances.
Some people mistake symptoms of dehydration for symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. When detoxing at home, drink plenty of water to replenish your body. However, a detox should be done under medical supervision because of withdrawal symptoms. Symptoms will typically last for two weeks after detox, but they can last longer depending on the severity of your alcohol use disorder. Whether you’re sober curious, know for sure you’re ready to quit, or fall somewhere in between, Dr. Streem shares advice for how to stop drinking. If you’re living with alcohol use disorder (also known as alcoholism), you’ll likely benefit from additional medical interventions.