How To Handle Detoxification At Home

Addiction detox is a very personal – and often quite sensitive experience. As one of the initial stages of your treatment, detox is a way of setting the tone for your recovery journey. This means that it is important to approach your alcohol or drug detox with thoughtfulness and care. This might mean thinking through what is best for you in your current situation – and one of the biggest decisions to make here is whether to detox in a clinical setting or opt for a home detox. There is a place for both in the treatment of addiction. But before you decide which avenue to go down, it is important to reflect on the ways that you can manage safely at home.

Home detox: Pros and cons

Detoxing at home can offer a range of benefits. These include:

• more financially viable
• feeling more comfortable at home
• no travel
• staying close to your support network
• keeping daily routine as ‘normal’ as possible
• fewer distractions

Whilst there are plural benefits to this mode of detox, it is not suitable for all individuals. For some people, detoxing in a clinical setting can be preferable, as:

• it gives you time to focus on your wellbeing
• temporary relieves a difficult living situation
• can reduce access to substances
• can relieve loneliness
• can be monitored and overseen by clinical professionals
• can provide a moment of recognition /acceptance of addiction

How do I know if I’m ready for home detox?

At the core of addiction treatment is the individual. This means that the most effective form of treatment is the treatment that fits you best. For some people, this means home detox. For others, this isn’t always the best option. Both alcoholism and drug addictions are chronic conditions. This means that they will not go away overnight. It also means that you may need more formal support to break addiction cycles. In order to assess your situation and honestly reflect on the level of support you need, you may want to ask yourself the following questions:

• do I have access to a ‘support person’ at home?
• do I have access to safe housing during the detox?
• have I experienced seizures or delirium related to withdrawals in the past?
• do I have a serious illness of any kind?
• have I attempted to detox in the past, and was I successful?
• am I at risk of suicidality or self harm?

All of these elements present a risk and, therefore, act as ‘contraindications to home detox.’ If you feel that any of these factors impact your ability to detox safely, then you should speak to a clinician about options for detoxing in a clinical setting.
But if you do feel that detoxing at home is an appropriate step for you, there are ways to enhance the effectiveness of this type of treatment. These are:

• maintaining safety and support
• developing a detox plan
• dealing with withdrawal symptoms
• monitoring your progress
• seeking support where needed

But how do we implement these into a home detox plan?

The importance of a safe environment

One way to set yourself up for success is to think about how you can create a safe and supportive environment at home. The more comfortable you feel, the more likely you are to be able to navigate the ups and downs of detox. You can implement this by:

• removing triggers (for example, removing alcohol or drug paraphernalia from the house)
• establishing positive routines (such as daily exercise, mealtimes and social time)
• seek support from your loved ones (keep in touch via phone calls, or have a loved one stay with you for a few days, if possible)

Developing a personal detox plan

The best way to begin a detox is to develop a personalised plan. This can give you clear guidelines on the process and give you a sense of agency. You may want to include:

• your detox duration (typically between 7 and 10 days)
• any ‘tapering’ schedules (decreasing daily dose of substances on a regulated basis)
• medications (including schedules of use where needed)
• plan for meals
• plan for personal hygiene
• plan for exercise
• plan periods of rest

Monitor your progress

While a detox plan is a very helpful tool, it is important to remember that sometimes, things do not go according to plan. Sometimes, things take longer than we expect. Or we might hit a bump in the road. For this reason, it is essential to have a dynamic plan. Allow for some movement. To do this, you need to regularly check in with yourself to assess your progress and any evolving needs you may have. Each time you do this, you may want to consider if you are currently in need of formal support or if things are feeling manageable at this time.

Dealing with withdrawal symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms can be uncomfortable and, at worst, leave us feeling quite unwell. This means it is very important to know how to manage common withdrawal symptoms, especially in the first few days of detoxing.

Here are some common withdrawal symptoms (and associated strategies to manage them) that may help your home detox run smoother:

Nausea

• eat little and often
• get fresh air
• sip drinks
• drink peppermint or ginger tea

Headaches

• Try to rest
• Herbal teas
• Avoid caffeine
• Yoga
• Stay hydrated
• Cold compression
• Avoid screens

Anxiety

• Mindfulness activities
• Meditation
• Gentle exercise
• Gratitude journaling
• Distraction techniques
• Deep breathing

Insomnia

• Avoid caffeine
• Avoid screens
• Have a regular bedtime
• Gentle exercise
• Deep breathing
• Meditation before bed

If these symptoms become too difficult to manage at home, you may need over-the-counter remedies. Always use these medications as recommended and seek a professional opinion as and where needed.

Seeking help when needed

It is important to be flexible during detox. As our needs evolve, we need to adapt to continue to meet them. This may mean seeking help when necessary. You can do this by:

• Contacting a loved one
• Contacting your GP
• Reaching out to an addiction specialist provider
• Attending support groups or therapy

If you feel you’d benefit from more information on detox or would like to find the best rehab centre to guide you through detox, contact us today.