Can you detox off alcohol at home?

Caitlin Meliagros, AGPCNP-BC, who is an experienced Nurse Practitioner in our Richmond, VA office, answers a question we have heard from people with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)--is it safe to detox off alcohol at home? Well over a thousand patients have completed our unique outpatient alcohol detox program over the past decade. Many Blue Cross Blue Shield, Tufts, and Humana commercial insurance programs cover our innovative outpatient treatments for alcohol and opioid use.

-Safe, Comfortable Outpatient Detox
The Coleman Institute for Addiction Medicine has been a leading outpatient addiction treatment center since 1998. Our innovative withdrawal management programs, often referred to as The Coleman Method, have helped thousands of people free themselves from addiction to Alcohol, Opioids, and Benzodiazepines. Originally founded in Richmond, Virginia, our network has expanded to cover 14 cities across the US.

-3 - 8 Day Opioid Detoxification Process
For short-acting opioids like oxycodone, most patients complete their detox and begin Naltrexone therapy within 5 days. Longer-acting opiates like Suboxone and Methadone typically take 8 days. Our standard opioid treatment package in Richmond, VA, Wellesley, MA (Boston area) and Willoughby, OH (Cleveland area) includes the detox and 6 months of case management and Naltrexone therapy. As a non-addictive opioid blocker, Naltrexone dramatically reduces cravings so that patients can focus on their recovery. We have a 98% success rate for completing detoxification and starting Naltrexone therapy. During the detox, we work with patients and their families to develop an appropriate aftercare plan. We also offer a convenient, 3-day outpatient alcohol detox and a Rapid Benzodiazepine Detox.

-Caring, Empathetic Environment
Our founder Dr. Peter Coleman understands first-hand the challenges our patients are facing due to his own personal struggle with the disease of addiction. He has been in long term recovery since 1984. Dr. Coleman has dedicated his career to treating addiction patients and creating a team and an environment conducive to long term recovery for his patients.

[dotdots]

Taper down your use is the only way that worked for me, I know it seems counterproductive but if I went cold turkey it felt like I couldn’t breathe, I was scared if I went to sleep I wouldn’t wake up. It took about a week to completely get sober.

[doddsalfa]

Been a day drinker for years .One month sober to day (1feb) at home.No withdrawal to mention no desire for alcohol.Just a regret over all the whiskey and red wine I have led go trough my body

[mattmunroe]

All these videos say to go into rehab. But rehab = bankruptcy and has a months long wait list. So... not an option for all but the rich and famous.

[pocketsfullofdynamite]

Last year It took me almost 2 weeks to behave normal and all of my energy went off with shakiness and horrible dreams so much that it brought depression. For 6 months I kept my self far from alcohol since it's not for everybody. Now when I have a drink I make a point to consume low and if the symptoms show I taper it to keep myself sane and have fruits helped me along with carb diet. Point is just stay away from intoxication products.

[butchmichaels]

Naltrexone stopped my craving for alcohol almost immediately. Life is good!

[elrenato]

You can do it at home. I did it and it was extremely horrible but after a week I felt ok again. After 2 weeks you should feel fine. The first three days are going to be like a bad trip but drinking water and staying in bed only to get up for bathroom breaks, smoking breaks and eating should get you through. What helps a lot is the thought that after three days, you WILL feel gradually better. It also helps to sleep with the help of benzodiazepam better known as valium or trancene (10mg max) just before you go to sleep. Remember it's only 5% of people who go insane while detoxing so you have a 95% chance of being ok. Good luck!

[anthonyherbert]

Yes you can reduce safely at home, however you need to contact your local drug and alcohol organisation and speak to a professional who will tailor to meet with your specific case. They can also refer you to a detox as an in-patient.

[smendoza]

you are wroong it depends on the person if they control it

[SuperMjennings]

What if the dependent person is a Chronic pain patient?

[saraheweaver]

But the problem is when I try I get sent away

[hallercory]

Amazing. So what’s a real method because you are saying “money, money, money”

[jakstorm]

Need to keep enablers away and have someone watching you. I'm babysitting the first week 2 ER visits we on day 3 and she got the delerium tremens. She has to quit completely

[kennithminnich]

I went to hospital to detox but have had several friends that did it at home. Horrible DTs for days.

[tyatwell]

That's just weird. Most people don't sleep for the first three nights with out meds.

[itsafan]

I’m in the hospital and they won’t Lee me leave

[tyatwell]

Sure maybe mess like volume cand be subscribed. Not every one can afford 20 grand for rehab. They would rather you risk deth than pay for rehab