The OAD Clinic
Alcohol Home Detox
Home Detox is a process of quitting alcohol or drugs in one's own home, gradually reducing its consumption, and managing withdrawal symptoms.
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A Home Detox has advantages such as:
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Convenience: A home detox allows you to detox in the comfort of your own home, without the need to travel or stay at a detox centre.
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Cost-effectiveness: A home detox is typically less expensive than an inpatient detox facility.
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Privacy: A home detox offers greater privacy than a professional detox programme, allowing you to detox in a familiar and comfortable environment.​
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Flexibility: A home detox allows you to detox at your own pace, on your own schedule, and for as long as you feel comfortable.​
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Customization: A home detox can be tailored to your specific needs and preferences, allowing you to focus on the areas of your health that you want to improve.
However, it may not be recommended for everyone and close medical supervision may be necessary for some individuals with severe withdrawal symptoms or underluying health problems.
Our Home Detox programmes
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​Can be carried out as at-home care services or in an ambulatory format.
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Our services include:
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Medical assessment conducted by specialised clinicians with over 20 years of experience
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24-hour on-site nursing support (at-home care services)
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Medication to manage withdrawal symptoms and prevent complications
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Remote, real-time monitoring of alcohol intake (Remote Monitoring)
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Close consultant monitoring to ensure a safe and effective detox process.​​​
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We also offer Bespoke Premium Services. Some of the bespoke services we have arranged for our clients have included weekly home visits, a 24 hr GP at home, administration of medication, bloods, ECG, IV therapy, 24hr exclusive emergency hospital admission on a separated private wing at The Cleveland Clinic London, King Edward Hospital, and wellness services (such as an at-home Private Chef, Reflexology, and Acupuncture at home).​ ​​
Conditions for a safe home detox
Conditions for a home detox can vary based on factors such as:
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duration and severity of alcohol use
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co-occurring medical or mental health conditions
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type of alcohol consumed
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previous detox experiences
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age and overall health.
Professional medical supervision is often necessary to ensure a safe and effective detox which include the management of withdrawal symptoms which, in some cases, can be severe and potentially life-threatening. ​
Alcohol detoxification and withdrawal symptoms management
If you're dependent on alcohol to function and you don't know how to stop drinking, it's recommended you seek medical advice to manage your withdrawal. In mild cases, you should be able to reduce or stop drinking at home without the use of medication as your withdrawal symptoms should also be mild. However, if your dependency is severe, inpatient treatment may be needed. This is because the withdrawal symptoms will also be severe and are likely to need specialist treatment. Learn more about Detox Symptoms Management.
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Warning Signs and When to Seek Help
If you're dependent on alcohol to function and you don't know how to stop drinking, it's recommended that you seek medical advice to manage your abstinence and withdrawal symptoms. In mild cases, alcohol detox at home is possible without the use of medication as your withdrawal symptoms should also be mild. However, if your dependency is severe, inpatient treatment may be needed. This is because the withdrawal symptoms will also be severe and are likely to need more intensive medical care by a specialist and potentially medical devices which are not available at home during such treatments.
Symptoms that require immediate attention include:
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Hallucinations
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Rapid heartbeat
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Severe tremors
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Seizures
If you’re struggling with detoxing alcohol at home, it’s also important to seek advice from your doctor or medical professional.
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Mental Health Considerations
Alcohol misuse can also be linked to mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression. Going through an alcohol detox can potentially uncover and even exacerbate these issues. In extreme cases, alcoholic detoxing at home can take a toll on your mental health, which is why it’s crucial that an integrated treatment programme addressing both alcohol dependence and mental health conditions is administered.
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Alternatives to an Alcohol Home Detox
There are various options to undergoing an alcohol detox at home: both inpatient and outpatient alcohol detox programmes are available at rehab clinics which are often a safer alternative to a home detox carried out on your own. Whether you consider a residential alcohol rehab or outpatient treatment, these facilities offer medical supervision, medication management, and numerous support services to help with the right formula for a successful alcohol detox.
Check out our latest blog posts on Alcohol Recovery
Countries We Serve
Patients in the United Kingdom aren’t the only ones who can access The OAD Clinic’s private alcohol home detox programmes. Beyond the United Kingdom, we mainly treat international clients from the United States, Egypt, India, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Home alcohol detox UK: if you opt for a home detox, the OAD Clinic can assist you with complete support and guidance from our expert multidisciplinary team. Get in touch to learn more about alcohol home detox programmes and our innovative approaches to treatment and recovery.
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FAQs
Is alcohol detox at home safe?
If severe withdrawal symptoms develop, a detox for alcoholics at home can be unsafe when there is no close monitoring and supervision from medical professionals and a clinical team to provide specialist assistance. While detoxing at home is possible, this is only recommended for those with mild alcohol dependence. It's always a good strategy to plan for aftercare following a home detox. Get in touch with us to learn more about our innovative approaches for sustained sobriety.
Should I choose a residential alcohol rehab or detox at home?
If a severe alcohol dependency is clinically diagnosed, you struggle to curb cravings and have underlying health conditions, you might benefit more from a residential alcohol rehab. Inpatient treatment can be useful for those who have severe withdrawal symptoms, which can appear 2 hours after your last drink, and require assisted detox. However, inpatient treatment at a rehab centre can be disruptive if you have a job, family living with you or have a demanding routine. An alcohol detox at home is still possible if you’re not willing to commit to inpatient treatment and only have mild symptoms.
Can you take medications when detoxing alcohol at home?
At home alcohol detox medications might be available for those struggling with their withdrawal symptoms, however, side effects and risks should be considered, especially in a scenario when you are detoxing at home without any clinical supervision at hand. At The OAD Clinic, our experts will be able to provide you with the best advice and guidance when it comes to alcohol detox at home and whether it’s appropriate for you.
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Are at home alcohol detox medications safe?
While relatively safe, these medications might also come with side effects and risks that should be taken into account. Side effects can include:
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Headaches
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Dizziness
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Fatigue
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Drowsiness
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Nausea
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Muscle weakness
There is also the risk of developing dependence on benzodiazepines among others, which are usually prescribed during an alcohol detoxification. This class of medication can be addictive. However, this is counteracted by adhering to the prescribed doses. A comprehensive clinical assessment will determine the best course of action for each aspect of your treatment to help you get back on track.
