However, medical treatment is necessary to treat major symptoms of withdrawal. 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 is sneezing a sign of withdrawal safest way to detox if you experience any withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking. For people who drink occasionally or want to get rid of a hangover, pay attention to numbers two, three, five, and 10 below. For those targeting alcohol withdrawal symptoms from binge drinking, pay attention to numbers one, eight, and six.
Avoid Triggers When Possible
- Self-detox is an individualized approach without professional or medical support.
- Detoxing at home works best for people trying to quit alcohol for the first time and are likely only to have mild withdrawal symptoms.
- In general, going through withdrawal at home should be avoided unless your doctor recommends it.
- Clinicians in substance abuse treatment centers are trained to consider proper nutrition during the recovery process.
- For the safest and most successful outcomes, alcoholism treatment should take place in a safe, controlled environment away from the distractions and temptations of life.
Some “home research” may give an idea of what to expect during alcohol detox, but there are subtle variations in how addiction manifests in different people. Some people try home remedies to stop drinking alcohol because they don’t want medical treatment. Without medical supervision, serious conditions like delirium tremens and withdrawal seizures can occur and, if left untreated, can result in death. Since alcohol withdrawal can result in serious health issues or a loss of life, trying the detox process alone isn’t a good idea. After the acute alcohol withdrawal period, some people experience symptoms that last up to a year. These symptoms include irritability, depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances.
How long does it take to overcome alcohol addiction?
This could include taking a walk, calling a friend, or practicing deep breathing exercises. Additionally, seeking professional help can provide accountability and structure as you work towards sobriety. Regular appointments with a doctor or addiction specialist can help you stay on track and motivated, while also providing a safe space to discuss any challenges or setbacks you may encounter. Setting realistic goals is an important part of the recovery process.
Alcohol Detox: 10 Natural Ways To Be Healthier After Boozin’
If you are struggling with alcohol addiction, consider reaching out to a doctor or addiction specialist today to explore your options for treatment. You should plan to taper for between three and seven days depending on how much you’re used to drinking. Slowly reduce the amount of alcohol you consume each day until you reach sobriety. If you begin to experience serious withdrawal symptoms, drink enough to make the symptoms subside.
Coping with Withdrawal: What to Expect During Detox
Phototherapy, also known as light therapy, involves exposing the person to a certain amount of light during the day. Because alcohol withdrawal sometimes includes insomnia and other sleeping problems, this exposure light therapy can help you achieve a more natural sleep cycle. Not only will you develop physical withdrawal symptoms, you may have increased anxiety as well.
Nanci Stockwell of Advanced Recovery Systems discusses the risks of detoxing at home and the benefits of detoxing from alcohol and other drugs in a safe environment. Alcohol withdrawal can produce both physical and psychological symptoms. The severity of the symptoms you will experience often depends on the amount and duration of your alcohol consumption. The first stages of your detoxification process will likely include fighting withdrawal. Janice Rosenthal, owner of Garden of Essences and aromatherapy expert, suggests using organic essential oils to soothe your experience. Alcohol can directly damage the liver, intestines, colon, stomach, and esophagus while increasing the chances of developing a laundry list of cancers, in part due to its high sugar content.
Finding Help for Alcohol Detox
Set Aside Time to Focus on The Detox
- Yes, atypical antipsychotics such as quetiapine may be used to treat alcohol withdrawal, especially in patients who do not respond well to typical treatment options.
- For people who drink occasionally or want to get rid of a hangover, pay attention to numbers two, three, five, and 10 below.
- Talk to your doctor about natural remedies, and they can recommend which may be best for you.
- While addiction is a tricky subject, even if you haven’t yet slain the addictive impulse, you can start the process by feeding the body the nutrients it needs.
- This can lead to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.
- Every small step towards sobriety is a victory worth acknowledging and celebrating.
- Understanding and recognizing these factors will help you reduce or manage cravings more effectively.