How to Support a Loved One Through At-Home Alcohol Detox

Supporting a loved one’s at-home detox may seem overwhelming. After enduring years of unpredictable alcohol-related behaviors, you may wonder if you have the energy or ability to facilitate their detox and recovery.

Sirisat Khalsa, MD, and our team at Clarity Medical Group in Sherman Oaks, California, understand the challenges that you and your loved one face, and we provide the comprehensive services you need for a safe at-home detox.

You can assist your loved one through this life-saving journey when you’re armed with information and you know you can turn to us for help. Here are seven suggestions for supporting your loved one through at-home alcohol detox.

1. Learn about alcohol addiction

It’s crucial to understand that alcohol addiction is a disease that begins in the brain. Addictive substances like alcohol change brain chemistry. Before long, the brain needs alcohol to function, and dependence and addiction develop.

Uncontrollable cravings drive your loved one to use alcohol, and if they stop drinking, withdrawal symptoms begin. The only way to ease withdrawal is to give the brain what it demands — or use prescription medications.

2. Understand the detox process

You can’t anticipate every challenge during an at-home detox, but understanding the process can help you cope. We explain all of the details, including:

• Medications prescribed, how they work, and how to take them
• What to expect during withdrawal and detox (possible withdrawal symptoms)
• Appointment frequency and why keeping each one is essential
• Possible withdrawal symptoms and side effects
• Danger of drinking alcohol while taking medications

Vivitrol, one medication frequently used during an at-home detox, blocks the euphoric “high” of alcohol and reduces cravings.

3. Provide lifestyle support

During a detox, your loved one needs to drink plenty of fluids and stay nourished. Long-term alcohol use often causes B vitamin deficiencies that can lead to anemia and nerve damage.

You can support their health by keeping your kitchen stocked with healthy foods. Restore B vitamins and provide plenty of nutrients with fish, chicken, lean beef, dairy products, whole grains, beans, leafy greens, and other vegetables.

4. Create a healing environment

In addition to removing all alcohol from your house, you can take other steps to create a healing environment. For example, oils scented with lavender, chamomile, and jasmine are relaxing.

Your loved one may need a quiet, private space to be undisturbed and meditate. Or they may have a hobby they love that will take their mind off of alcohol and detoxing.

5. Maintain communication

Detox causes a vast range of emotions and feelings. Maintaining open communication and giving your loved one the freedom to talk about their feelings, worries, and experiences — without judgment — is vital to a successful at-home detox.

Make time to approach your loved one and open the door to talking. It’s OK if they choose not to talk, but keep giving them the chance so they know you’re there for them.

You can also open the conversation by asking them if they’re experiencing discomfort, sickness, or cravings. You may also need to encourage them to schedule an appointment to see if we can help.

6. Attend meetings and appointments

We ask our patients who are following an at-home alcohol detox to start counseling or go to group meetings. Though some therapy sessions and groups are closed (only for the person dealing with an addiction), others are open to family and friends.

Attending meetings with your loved one supports their hard work and helps you better understand their challenges. Plus, you can pick up some good ideas for overcoming roadblocks during detox and recovery.

7. Know your boundaries

Though your loved one needs your support, you can’t fill all of their needs. They must face some challenges alone, make decisions, and deal with the consequences.

You also need to establish boundaries by telling your loved one when their behavior is unacceptable. Going through detox is not an excuse for them to be emotionally or physically abusive. 

Be sure to care for yourself, too. Recognize when you’re stressed, overworked, or burned out, and take steps to withdraw, relax, and rejuvenate. Seek counseling if you feel overwhelmed and unsure how to move forward.

You can depend on our caring Clarity Medical Group team to support you and your loved one through alcohol detox. Call the office with questions or use online booking to schedule an appointment when you need help.