If you’ve read our previous article on preparing for an alcohol home detox, you’ll already know that planning, safety, and professional support are essential for success.
Now, let’s walk through what actually happens during the detox itself, including what to expect day-by-day, the role of medication, how to manage symptoms, and how to stay supported throughout the process.
Understanding the Process
An alcohol home detox is designed to help your body safely adjust to life without alcohol, while managing the symptoms of withdrawal.
With the right medication, monitoring, and professional oversight, most people can complete detox comfortably at home. However, it’s crucial to have a clear plan, a responsible adult present, and a medical professional available 24/7.
At Alcohol Home Treatment, every detox is supervised remotely by Paul, an experienced alcohol treatment specialist, ensuring that your safety and comfort remain the top priorities.
Step-by-Step: What Happens During a Home Detox
1. Day One – Starting the Detox
Detox begins on the first day you stop drinking. You’ll be given medication every four hours to ease withdrawal symptoms and help your body stabilise.
Before each dose, you (or your support person) will:
- Take and record your blood pressure and pulse
- Call Paul to report the readings and discuss how you’re feeling
- Receive confirmation of your next dose or any adjustment needed
If you experience any withdrawal symptoms such as shaking, sweating, anxiety, or nausea, you should call immediately. Dosages may be adjusted to ensure your comfort and safety.
You should never change your dose on your own. Always follow guidance from your supervising clinician.
A responsible adult must be present with you at all times during the detox period. This person acts as your support, ensures medications are taken as prescribed, and can help communicate with Paul if you’re feeling unwell.
2. The First 24 Hours
The first day is usually the most intensive phase of the detox. Most withdrawal symptoms appear within 6-12 hours after your last drink and can peak at around 24-48 hours.
Common symptoms include:
- Mild anxiety or irritability
- Shakiness or tremors
- Headache
- Nausea or loss of appetite
- Trouble sleeping
Medication helps reduce these symptoms and lowers the risk of more serious complications. You’ll continue to check in regularly with Paul, who remains available 24/7 for any concerns or emergencies.
During the night, you do not need to wake the patient for medication unless there is a problem. The priority is rest and recovery. Simply ring Paul when the patient wakes up for the next scheduled dose.
3. Day Two – Transition to Four Times a Day
After the first 24 hours, the medication schedule typically moves to four times a day rather than every four hours.
At this stage, withdrawal symptoms usually begin to ease, sleep improves, and anxiety and cravings often start to reduce.
Paul will guide you through gradually reducing the dosage over the next couple of days, ensuring the process remains safe and comfortable. Each adjustment is made based on your reported symptoms, blood pressure, and pulse readings.
4. Days Three to Five – Reducing and Stabilising
By the third or fourth day, your body is adjusting to being alcohol-free. The dosage will continue to be reduced slightly each time, following a structured tapering schedule.
Typical improvements at this stage include a more stable mood and appetite, reduced shaking or sweating, clearer thinking, and better sleep.
You’ll still check in before each dose, and Paul will remain available at all times if anything changes unexpectedly. This constant access to professional advice is what keeps the home detox process safe and effective.
Coping Strategies During Detox
Alongside medication and professional support, a few simple strategies can make the detox more manageable:
- Stay hydrated – drink plenty of water, juice, or herbal teas to replace fluids lost through sweating.
- Eat light, nourishing meals – small, frequent meals are easier to tolerate (see What to Eat During an Alcohol Detox).
- Rest often – detox takes a toll on the body, so prioritise sleep and relaxation.
- Avoid caffeine and sugar – these can increase anxiety and disrupt sleep.
- Stay connected – whether through a partner, family, or support group, connection helps you stay grounded and motivated.
What Happens After Detox
Once the detox is complete, the focus shifts toward staying alcohol-free and rebuilding health. You’ll be guided through next steps, including nutritional advice, relapse prevention strategies, and ongoing support options such as therapy, coaching, or medication-assisted recovery (for example, The Sinclair Method).
Remember, detox is the first step, not the final one. It lays the foundation for recovery, but continuing support and healthy habits help you build long-term change.
Get in Touch Today to Get Started
A home alcohol detox can be a safe and empowering way to begin recovery, provided it’s done under proper medical supervision.
With expert oversight from Paul, 24/7 support, and a responsible adult by your side, you’ll have everything in place to manage withdrawal comfortably and safely.
If you’re considering starting your detox journey, get in touch with us today for confidential advice and a tailored plan to suit your situation.
