Alcohol Detox at Home

Detoxing from alcohol by going “cold turkey” can be difficult and even dangerous. This is why many people choose to do it inside an alcohol detox clinic, with medical support to help them manage withdrawal symptoms. 

However, if symptoms are mild, a home alcohol detox may be safe for you.

What is an alcohol home detox?

An alcohol home detox is when you stop drinking alcohol in the privacy of your own home. During a home detox, you will be given prescribed medication to help you manage your cravings and withdrawal symptoms.  

As well as medication, a home detox will involve regular check-ins on your progress from our expert team, alongside 24/7 advice and therapy if needed. 

However, it’s important to note that a home detox isn’t right for everyone.

Detoxing at home vs in a clinic 

Home detox can be effective, but it must be right for your circumstances. If your symptoms are severe, a clinic is the safest, most successful option.

Here are some things to consider when choosing whether to detox at home.

1. What is my situation and history?

• If you have mild alcohol addiction, strong willpower, and a stable and supportive home environment, a home detox may be safe for you.
• For moderate or severe addiction, detoxing in a clinic is vital. A clinic can also help you if you have health issues or a history of relapse. 

2. How much support do I need?

• A home detox programme involves 24/7 advice and regular check-ins with professionals over the phone, and therapy if you need it.
• A clinic can provide round-the-clock care, in-person therapy, and full medical supervision to help you both physically and mentally.

3. Where would I prefer to detox?

• If you would prefer going through withdrawal in the comfort and privacy of your own home, a home detox may be suitable for you.
• For a safe and controlled environment, with no outside influences or triggers, staying in a clinic may be better than a home detox.

4. How much can I afford to spend?

• A home detox costs from £1,000 and is more affordable than inpatient care. However, you will receive different support if you stay with us.
• Staying in a clinic includes accommodation, therapy, and meals. It can cost £6,000–£10,000, but it is recommended for severe addiction.

5. What is the risk to my safety?

• We only suggest a home detox for milder cases of addiction, where withdrawal symptoms are mild enough to manage in your home.
• Withdrawal symptoms can be deadly for severe cases of addiction. A medical environment helps monitor your progress and safety 24/7.

6. Will it disrupt my daily life?

• Detoxing from alcohol at home gives you more control of your detox. You can also go to work as normal, without having to take time off.
• Taking time away allows you to focus completely on your recovery, away from triggers that may cause you to relapse into drinking.

Unsure whether detoxing at home is safe for you? Talk it through with your own GP, or contact us for no-obligation advice from our team of experts.

What to expect during home detox 

Detoxing from alcohol at home is a gradual process. Your willpower plays a big part, but you’re also supported by an expert team whenever you need it.

After an initial consultation, you’ll be prescribed medication to reduce your withdrawal symptoms. As you go through the stages of withdrawal in your own home, you’ll have regular phone check-ins to see how you’re doing.

During withdrawal, you may experience symptoms like:

• Anxiety or panic attacks
• Shakes
• Depression and mood swings
• Blood pressure and heart rate changes
• Insomnia
• Itching
• Hallucinations
• Delirium Tremens (a serious and life-threatening condition that can cause confusion, fevers, and even seizures)
• Sweating
• Headaches
• Agitation
• Confusion
• Diarrhoea
• Poor concentration 
• Angry episodes
• Fatigue and sleepiness 
• A desire to do nothing
• Erratic behaviour 
• Seizures – these are the most serious symptoms and are a sign of your brain’s chemistry being altered by the constant presence of alcohol

Our team is here whenever you need us, and you can have therapy too. 

Throughout the detox, we’ll reduce your medication until you no longer need it. You also may choose to involve your family or housemates in your recovery, as some people find it helps them to stay away from relapsing. 

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms timeline

It helps to know what to expect when you’re detoxing from alcohol at home. Here’s a timeline of symptoms you might experience, and how we can help.

• 6–24 hours after your last drink: Withdrawal symptoms start, which can include craving a drink or trouble sleeping. We’ll ensure you have the prescribed medication to ease your symptoms.

• 24–72 hours: Usually the most difficult stage of withdrawal. Symptoms may feel more intense, such as sweating or nausea. Our experts will check in with you and adjust your medication if needed.  

• After 3 days: Symptoms often start to feel better, but you may still feel tired emotionally and physically. We’re with you every step of the way, providing advice, emotional support or therapy if you need it.

• 7–14 days and beyond: Most physical symptoms will have passed, and we’ll usually start to reduce your medication. However, it can still feel difficult  – that’s where therapy or lifestyle changes can help.

What happens after my home detox?

Our support does not stop there. We help you wean off your withdrawal medication over several weeks, and continue checking in with you to ensure you have the support you need to stay sober. You don’t have to do this alone.

All our patients receive 12 months of aftercare, and we help build a support network for you. Many of our patients go on to achieve years of sobriety.

How do we support you at home?

Detoxing at home doesn’t mean doing it on your own without support. First, we’ll do a medical assessment to make absolutely sure it’s right for you.

Although you won’t have the round-the-clock supervision of a clinic, our home detox programme offers the medication you need, 24/7 phone support, access to medical professionals, and even diet and fitness advice.

Here’s how we keep you safe and supported during your recovery.

Medication 

Medication can make detoxing at home safer and more comfortable. It can help reduce cravings, manage symptoms, and lower the risk of relapse.

Your medication will be tailored to you and may include the following.

• Acamprosate – Reduces alcohol cravings by restoring balance
• Disulfiram – Triggers unpleasant effects if you drink alcohol
• Naltrexone – Blocks the “feel-good” effects of drinking alcohol
• Benzodiazepines – Eases anxiety, the shakes, and insomnia

It won’t interfere with your daily life or affect you physically or mentally.

Nutrition & Diet 

Alcohol can leave you low on nutrients, so we’ll create a personalised meal plan and run blood tests to check for any deficiencies. Eating well boosts your energy, improves your mood, and supports long-term recovery.

Emotional support

Detoxing from alcohol isn’t just physical, it’s phycological too. Our team is on hand 24/7, so you’re not alone if your craving to drink is overwhelming.

Medication doesn’t address the relief and pleasure of drinking, or the underlying reasons of why you drink. Pairing your detox with CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) can help you understand your triggers.

You can talk to us over the phone ad hoc, or book regular meetings with a therapist. We can help address the wider issues that cause you to drink.

Preparing for home alcohol detox 

Before your detox, you may want to gradually reduce how much alcohol you drink, for example by drinking a couple less drinks per week. This is called ‘tapering’, and can help prepare you for cutting out alcohol completely.

However, you should still consult your GP before you start tapering.

To make your home detox easier, there are also a few lifestyle changes you can make. We won’t preach at you, but we can help you find what works.

Health & Fitness 

Detoxing from alcohol at home is easier when you’re feeling fit and well. 

You could get into walking, yoga, or going to the gym. From hiring a personal trainer to just staying active, it can help your energy and mood.

Activities & Hobbies

Boredom is a common trigger for relapsing. Finding a hobby you love – for example painting, gaming, or gardening – can help keep you occupied. If you live with friends or family, doing something wholesome together can help.

Natural remedies

There’s no natural cure for alcoholism, but some remedies may maintain your health during detox. Milk thistle potentially helps with liver damage. Kudzu and acupuncture are traditionally used to curb cravings and stress.

Speak to us before trying these; they’re not replacements for treatment.

Alcohol home detox costs 

Detoxing from alcohol at home is cheaper than detoxing in a clinic or rehab. It typically costs between £1,000 and £2,000, depending on your needs.

We offer flexible payment plans and accept most medical insurance, so you can spread the cost in a way that works for you. While price is a factor, the most important thing is getting the right support and staying sober.

The benefits of stopping drinking far outweigh the cost of treatment.

How to get started

If you’re ready to take the first step in your recovery, we can help you do it safely and successfully, with 24/7 support and a clear aftercare plan.

Get in touch on 0203 151 1280 for a free, confidential consultation.