How to Detox From Alcohol
Quitting alcohol is a significant step toward recovery, but the detox process can be challenging. Some individuals attempt to detox at home using various methods, while others seek medical supervision for additional support. While both approaches have been tried, medical detox offers professional monitoring and care, which can help manage withdrawal symptoms and reduce potential risks.
If you drink alcohol, you may worry about the physical symptoms of alcohol withdrawal and how it takes after your last drink. The following guide can help you make important decisions to avoid the discomfort of mild symptoms or severe health complications — in all, to safely detox from alcohol once and for all.
Choosing the right alcohol detoxification method depends on individual circumstances, but ensuring safety and long-term success should be a priority in the recovery journey.
A Word About Alcohol Use Disorder
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a chronic medical condition characterized by an inability to control alcohol consumption despite negative consequences. It is a brain disorder that ranges from mild to severe and can lead to significant health, social, and psychological problems. AUD is commonly referred to as alcohol dependence or alcoholism, though the term alcohol use disorder is now the clinical diagnosis used in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition).
Key Symptoms of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)
To be diagnosed with AUD, a person must meet at least two of the following 11 criteria within a 12-month period:
- Drinking more alcohol or for a longer period than intended
- Unsuccessful attempts to cut down or stop drinking
- Spending a lot of time obtaining, using, or recovering from alcohol
- Experiencing strong cravings or urges to drink
- Failing to meet responsibilities at work, school, or home due to drinking
- Continuing to drink despite it causing relationship problems
- Giving up important activities, hobbies, or social engagements because of alcohol use
- Drinking in dangerous situations (e.g., while driving or operating machinery)
- Continuing to drink despite knowing it is causing physical or mental health issues
- Developing tolerance (needing more alcohol to achieve the same effects)
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when alcohol use is stopped
Severity Levels of AUD
The severity of AUD is classified based on the number of symptoms a person exhibits:
- Mild: 2–3 symptoms
- Moderate: 4–5 symptoms
- Severe: 6 or more symptoms
Causes and Risk Factors
Several factors contribute to the development of AUD, including:
- Genetics and Family History: Having a close relative with AUD increases the risk.
- Mental Health Conditions: Anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other disorders can contribute to excessive drinking.
- Environmental Influences: Peer pressure, social norms, and availability of alcohol play a role.
- Early Alcohol Use: Drinking at a young age increases the risk of developing AUD later in life.
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on factors like the duration and intensity of alcohol use. Common symptoms of both alcohol abuse and withdrawal include:
Mild to Moderate Withdrawal Symptoms (Typically Start Within 6-12 Hours of Last Drink)
- Anxiety or nervousness
- Shakiness (tremors)
- Sweating
- Nausea or vomiting
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Increased heart rate
- Irritability
- Loss of appetite
Moderate to Severe Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms (12-48 Hours After Last Drink)
- Confusion or difficulty thinking clearly
- Increased blood pressure
- Rapid breathing
- Hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that aren’t there)
- More intense tremors
Severe Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms – Delirium Tremens (DTs) (48-72 Hours After Last Drink)
- Severe confusion and disorientation
- Fever and excessive sweating
- Severe agitation or restlessness
- Seizures
- Visual or auditory hallucinations
- Rapid heart rate and high blood pressure
- Risk of cardiovascular collapse
Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)
- Lingering anxiety or depression
- Sleep disturbances
- Mood swings
- Fatigue
Severe withdrawal symptoms of alcohol detox, especially DTs and alcohol withdrawal seizures, can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention.
Types of Alcohol Detox
When discussing alcohol detox, there are two major categories of treatment programs: at-home remedies, or medically supervised detox from alcohol. While alcohol consumption — and alcohol addiction — have been part of human life for thousands of years, attempts to reduce withdrawal symptoms and to overcome addiction at home have shown to be somewhat effective, if risky.
At-Home Solutions
Many people attempt to alcohol detox from alcohol at home using various home remedies, but these methods often lack scientific backing and can be dangerous if symptoms of alcohol withdrawal become severe. Here’s a deeper look at common home remedies people try when quitting alcohol:
1. Herbal and Natural Treatments
- Milk Thistle: Often used to support liver health, milk thistle contains silymarin, which is believed to have antioxidant properties. While it may help with liver function, it does not ease withdrawal symptoms or prevent complications.
- Kudzu Root: Traditionally used in Chinese medicine, some believe kudzu reduces alcohol cravings. However, research is limited, and it does not replace medical treatment.
- Valerian Root and Chamomile: These are used to reduce anxiety and improve sleep, which can be affected during withdrawal. While they may provide mild relaxation, they do not prevent severe withdrawal symptoms.
2. Diet and Hydration Approaches
- Electrolyte-Rich Fluids: Many people drink sports drinks, coconut water, or homemade electrolyte solutions to stay hydrated and prevent dehydration, a common withdrawal symptom. While helpful for hydration and for alcohol detox from the body’s systems, this does not address serious withdrawal risks.
- High-Protein Diet: Some attempt to eat more protein-rich foods to help with recovery after a detox from alcohol. While a healthy diet is important, it does not directly mitigate withdrawal symptoms.
- Vitamin Supplements (B1/Thiamine, Magnesium, Zinc): Alcohol depletes essential vitamins, especially thiamine, which is crucial for brain function. Taking B vitamins can support recovery but does not prevent dangerous withdrawal symptoms like seizures.
3. Sweating It Out: Saunas and Exercise
- Saunas and Steam Rooms: Some believe sweating helps “flush out” alcohol toxins. While sweating removes some substances from the body, it does not speed up alcohol withdrawal or eliminate its effects on the brain.
- Exercise and Physical Activity: Some people try running, yoga, or other exercises to “sweat out” withdrawal symptoms. While exercise can help with mood and sleep, overexertion during withdrawal can lead to dehydration or increased heart rate, which can be dangerous.
4. Cold Turkey vs. Tapering Off Alcohol
- Cold Turkey: Some individuals abruptly stop drinking, believing it’s the fastest way to detox. However, this can be extremely dangerous for those with severe alcohol dependence, as it increases the risk of seizures, delirium tremens (DTs), and heart complications.
- Gradual Reduction (Tapering): Some attempt to slowly reduce alcohol intake to minimize withdrawal symptoms. While tapering can reduce the intensity of withdrawal, it can still be risky without medical guidance, as cravings and relapse are common.
5. Alternative Substances to Manage Withdrawal
- CBD and Marijuana: Some people use CBD or marijuana to manage withdrawal symptoms like anxiety and insomnia. While CBD may have calming effects, it does not prevent severe symptoms like seizures or hallucinations.
- Kratom: A controversial herbal remedy, kratom is sometimes used for pain and anxiety relief, but it has its own addiction risks and lacks FDA approval.
- Over-the-Counter Medications (Ibuprofen, Antihistamines, Sleep Aids): Some take pain relievers for headaches or antihistamines like Benadryl to help with sleep. These may provide minor relief but do not address the underlying withdrawal process.
- Using Other Alcohol (e.g., switching to beer or wine): Some people transition to lower-alcohol drinks in an attempt to taper off. This can sometimes work but often leads to continued alcohol intake rather than full detox.
Switching from one substance to another when trying to quit drinking can be risky, at best. In some cases, patients may become addicted to the replacement substance, combine substances, or overdose on alternative drugs, leading to severe symptoms and illness.
Effectiveness and Risks of Home Detox Remedies
While some home remedies may provide minor relief from initial symptoms, none can fully prevent or safely manage severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms. The biggest risks of home detox include:
- Seizures or delirium tremens (DTs), which can be fatal
- Uncontrolled vomiting and dehydration
- High blood pressure and heart complications
- Increased anxiety, depression, and relapse risks
Seeking medical supervision ensures that withdrawal is managed safely with appropriate medications and monitoring. While mild cases of alcohol withdrawal syndrome, may be manageable at home with proper nutrition and hydration, those with a history of heavy alcohol use should consult a doctor before attempting detox.
Medically Supervised Detox from Alcohol
Medically supervised detox is a structured process ongoing treatment in which individuals withdrawing from alcohol receive professional medical care to safely manage symptoms and reduce complications. These treatment programs typically take place in a hospital, detox center, or specialized rehabilitation facility, where healthcare professionals monitor patients and provide medications and supportive care to ensure a safer and more comfortable withdrawal process.
How Can It Help Those Struggling with Alcohol Addiction?
1. Ensures Safety During Withdrawal
Alcohol withdrawal can cause severe and life-threatening symptoms, including seizures, high blood pressure, and delirium tremens (DTs). Medically supervised detox provides 24/7 monitoring, allowing immediate intervention if health complications should arise.
2. Uses Medications to Manage Withdrawal Symptoms
Medical detox programs often use FDA-approved medications to ease withdrawal discomfort, prevent severe physical and psychological symptoms, and reduce cravings:
- Benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam, lorazepam): Help prevent seizures and ease anxiety.
- Anticonvulsants (e.g., gabapentin, carbamazepine): Reduce the risk of seizures and help with nerve pain.
- Beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol): Control heart rate and blood pressure spikes.
- Thiamine (Vitamin B1) and Other Supplements: Prevent neurological complications like Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome.
3. Reduces the Risk of Relapse
Withdrawal symptoms, alcohol cravings, and anxiety often lead people to relapse before they complete detox. Under medical supervision, patients receive the emotional support that makes it less likely they will return to drinking.
4. Provides Emotional and Psychological Support
Many detox programs offer counseling, therapy, and mental health support to address the emotional and physical withdrawal symptoms and psychological struggles of quitting alcohol. This helps individuals prepare for long-term recovery.
5. Smooth Transition to Rehab or Recovery Programs
Detox is just the first step in overcoming alcohol addiction. Medically supervised detox programs often help individuals transition into longer-term treatment options like:
- Inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation
- Behavioral therapy (CBT, motivational interviewing)
- Support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or SMART Recovery
Commit to Treatment. Keep Your Job!
Safe Solutions for Alcohol Detox
Alcohol withdrawal and alcohol related seizures are not to be taken lightly – ever. This potentially fatal symptom from repeated alcohol withdrawal seizures should be all the proof you need to attend supervised detox.
At Journey Hillside, we firmly believe that the path to lasting sobriety extends beyond mere detoxification. It’s about embracing a holistic treatment plan that focuses not just on the physical but also on the emotional, psychological, and social facets of alcohol abuse addiction.
With this in mind, our multidisciplinary team crafts personalized treatment of alcohol withdrawal plans that include therapy sessions, educational modules, and holistic interventions such as mindfulness practices and yoga. This ensures that individuals not only overcome their alcohol abuse and dependence but also acquire the tools and insights to rebuild their lives with resilience and purpose.
By nurturing the mind, body, and spirit in tandem, Journey Hillside ensures that every individual in our care is equipped to navigate the challenges of recovery. Reach out to us today and learn how much can change with a simple phone call. Call on our confidential helpline at (877) 414-1024.
