How to Help Someone Detox From Alcohol
Share This Blog
Did you know that in 2019, 14.5 million people ages 12 and older had Alcohol Use Disorder?
Alcohol addiction is a serious problem that affects millions of people around the world. It can be difficult for someone to break free from this cycle on their own.
Detoxing from alcohol can be an incredibly challenging process, and it's not something that should be done alone. Without proper support, the chances of success are slim and relapse is likely.
Keep reading because this guide on how to help someone detox from alcohol will provide you with all the information you need to help someone detox from alcohol safely and successfully. With your support, they have a much better chance of achieving lasting sobriety.
How to Embrace a Detox from Alcohol
When it comes to helping someone detox from alcohol, one of the most important things you can do is provide emotional support. Being there for them can be a significant factor in determining their success or failure. Your presence and understanding will help them through this difficult time.
In addition to providing emotional support, here are some other tips on how to embrace a detox from alcohol:
Educate Yourself
Education is a great tool for anyone going through addiction recovery. It can provide insight into how the body and brain are affected by addiction, as well as why certain behaviors and thought patterns become reinforcing over time.
Researching detoxing can help individuals gain more of an understanding of the processes involved, such as potential risks, lifestyle side effects, and withdrawal symptoms associated with alcohol.
Understanding this information can be a key step in determining the best strategy for support while they go through the process of quitting drinking altogether.
Create a Support System
Having a support system can make a world of difference in the detox journey. People going through detox need understanding and encouragement to stay committed to their recovery goals.
Friends and family serve as advocates who can remind them of what they are striving for, as well as provide emotional and moral support. Medical professionals should also be an integral part of the support system, as they specialize in dealing with addiction issues that may come up during recovery.
With the right kind of help from loved ones and experts, individuals experiencing alcohol withdrawal can have confidence that they have what it takes to succeed.
Monitor Progress
Monitoring progress is of vital importance when it comes to recovering from alcohol addiction. While your loved one is detoxing, you must keep a close eye on their journey and be ready to step in if needed.
Offer words of praise and encouragement when they have reached milestones - no matter how small - as this will help them stay committed to their sobriety journey.
Additionally, make sure they have support services available, such as regular check-ups with their doctor or therapist, to help them along the way. Doing so can give them the reassurance they need to remain confident in their progress.
Offer Alternate Activities
While detoxing from alcohol is difficult, there are many healthy alternatives to pouring a drink. Activities like yoga, meditation, and exercise can provide the perfect outlet for frustrations that come along with withdrawal.
Furthermore, establishing good habits early on can strengthen the foundation of sobriety over time. Focusing on self-care can help the person stay focused, prevent relapses, and ease the transition into healthier habits.
Be Patient
Everyone's journey is different, and what works for one person may not work for another. It takes courage and strength to overcome addiction, so rather than fixating on a timeline of results, it's important to be present every step of the way.
Showing empathy and compassion can go a long way in assisting someone to persevere through challenging times. Offering words of encouragement and acknowledging small successes can help give someone the support they need during this challenging moment in their life – patience is all part of the process.
Alcohol Withdrawal Treatment at Home
Now that you have an understanding of how to help someone detox from alcohol, it's important to be aware of the potential risks associated with this process. Some people can attempt detoxing from alcohol without medical intervention, but it is not recommended.
The risk of severe withdrawal symptoms such as seizures, delirium tremens (DTs), and death increases significantly without proper medical treatment. For that reason, anyone attempting to detox from alcohol must seek professional help if at all possible.
If professional help is not available or accessible, certain steps can be taken to ensure a safe and successful detox process:
Get Adequate Rest and Nutrition
Restorative sleep and nutritious meals while going through alcohol withdrawal can make a huge difference in how quickly a person recovers. Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins is crucial for combatting the stress of not drinking and replacing lost nutrients.
People should also be sure to get enough rest in terms of both quantity and quality — at least seven hours of sleep each night — as this is necessary to restore energy levels and keep their immune systems strong.
Adequate rest and nutrition during alcohol withdrawal will go a long way toward helping individuals feel better sooner.
Avoid Triggers
To increase the chances of successful recovery, it is important to recognize and address potential triggers. If these remain in one's environment, they can create uncomfortable feelings that may reignite an urge to binge drink or even harm a person's progress in their recovery journey.
Doing activities that are fun, like exercise and taking care of yourself, can help you stay away from things that make you want to do something bad. Thinking good thoughts and saying nice things to yourself can also help.
It is very important to make friends who don't drink alcohol. These friends can help you stay on the right track and reach your goals. They can also help you when things get hard.
Create a Plan of Action
Detoxing can be hard. To make it easier, plan what you will do if something goes wrong. Have a plan ready before you start.
When you are doing a detox, it is helpful to have extra help. Get the contact information of a doctor or nutritionist. Have support systems ready so that you can call them if needed.
Before you start your detox, make a plan. This way, if you need help, it will be there. That may make the process less stressful.
Seek Help When Needed
While addictions have the potential to ruin lives, prompt intervention can create a new path to sobriety. Seeking professional help for a serious withdrawal is essential for maintaining safety and reducing symptoms.
Sometimes people don't get the help they need because they feel guilty or scared that something bad will happen. This is normal, but it's important to remember to reach out for help if you need it.
Many people and organizations can help you create a plan to get better. They will work with you to make sure the plan is right for you.
Taking action positively and talking with someone trained can be beneficial if your loved one experiences any major withdrawal signs; they may need medical help right away. Doing so will provide an environment of both compassion and safety as you navigate this difficult process together.
Benefits of Detoxing at Home
Now that you understand what it takes to help someone detox from alcohol at home, let's take a look at the benefits of doing so. They include:
Cost Savings
The cost of professional treatment for alcohol withdrawal can be quite expensive. Detoxing at home can save money that can be used towards other recovery efforts such as therapy or group support programs.
Privacy and Anonymity
Detoxing at home allows your loved one to remain anonymous and out of the public eye during this difficult process. This is especially important for those who have high-profile jobs or are in the public eye in some way.
Accessibility
The idea of detoxing at home may at first seem like a frightening concept, but there are many advantages to doing so. It can give an individual the private space to work through their feelings and withdrawal symptoms, as well as provide them with the knowledge that they are in control.
Risks of Detoxing at Home
Now that you know the benefits of detoxing at home, it's important to also consider the risks associated with this process. They include:
Severe Withdrawal Symptoms
The most significant risk of detoxing at home is the potential for severe withdrawal symptoms such as hallucinations, seizures, or even death. It is essential to be prepared for these potential complications and have a plan in place in case they occur.
Relapse
It can also be difficult for someone attempting to detox from alcohol at home to avoid triggers and cravings that could lead to relapse. It is important to provide support during this time and help them stay focused on their sobriety goals.
Emotional Struggles
The emotional struggle that comes with detoxing from alcohol can also be difficult to cope with at home without professional help. It is essential to provide emotional support and guidance during this process.
What to Eat During Your Self-Detox
Now that you know the steps needed to help someone detox from alcohol at home and the risks involved, let's take a look at what to eat during the self-detox process. They include:
Nutrient-Dense Foods
It's important to focus on eating nutrient-rich foods while detoxing from alcohol. This means stocking up on lean proteins such as fish, poultry, and eggs; healthy fats like olive oil and avocados; and complex carbohydrates like quinoa, brown rice, and sweet potatoes. These will provide much-needed fuel for the body during this difficult time.
Vitamin Supplements
In addition to eating nutrient-rich foods, it can also be beneficial to supplement with vitamins such as B-complex, C, and magnesium. These can help provide the body with extra energy and support during detoxing from alcohol.
Hydration
Finally, it is essential to stay hydrated while detoxing from alcohol. Water helps flush out toxins and replenish electrolytes that may have been lost due to excessive drinking. It's important to drink at least eight glasses of water a day during this time.
Benefits of Medically-Supervised Detox Treatment
Now that you know what it takes to help someone detox from alcohol at home, take a look at the benefits of medically-supervised detox treatment. They include:
Medical Support
Medical detox is very helpful. A doctor will be there to help your loved one who is trying to stop drinking. The doctor will make sure they feel safe and comfortable during the process.
Medications Available
Medically-supervised detox also provides medications that can help ease some of the symptoms associated with alcohol withdrawal, such as anxiety or nausea. These medications can be administered as needed and provide relief until the body is free from toxins.
Psychological Support
Finally, medically-supervised detox provides psychological support from experienced professionals. This is essential for helping an individual cope with the emotional struggles of recovering from alcoholism.
How to Help Someone Detox From Alcohol
So there you go! You now know how to help someone detox from alcohol. Detoxing from alcohol can be a difficult process, but it is possible to do so at home or in a medically-supervised setting.
It's important to be prepared and understand the risks involved with each option before proceeding.
Additionally, having proper nutrition and hydration are key during this time as well as access to medical and psychological help when needed. With all of these things in place, your loved one will have the best chance of successfully detoxing from alcohol and staying sober in the long run.
To learn more about alcohol detox treatments, contact us to see how we can help.