|  | Conditions Treatments | Drug Addiction

Home Remedies for Alcohol Detox

Abusing alcohol for years can result in mild to severe withdrawal symptoms when the person attempts to quit. The symptoms depend on the person, usage and health. There are many ways a person can detox from alcohol using home remedies. Remember, in severe cases, detox might have to be medically monitored for the patient's safety.

  1. Dealing with Withdrawal

    • When you're body is used to alcohol, it can go through withdrawal symptoms when it doesn't get any more--you're detoxifying yourself. The physical symptoms of detox include nervousness, shakiness, confusion, nausea and irritability. Should these become unbearable, call a doctor. Those who are severely addicted to alcohol might fare better in a treatment center. For those at home, pay attention to the symptoms closely. In general, it will take one to seven days to rid the body of alcohol, depending on how severe the addiction was to begin with. Get a lot of sleep and stay in a relaxed environment during this time.

    What to Drink and Eat

    • When a person is going through the symptoms of an alcohol detox, they might not feel like eating. It's important to at least stay sufficiently hydrated. Drink plenty of water as well as drinks such as Gatorade and PowerAde to help replace the electrolytes lost during the detox process. There is no general rule for what can be eaten, but a light diet of fruits, vegetables, soups and broths is generally well-tolerated. Caffeine and excessive sugar should be avoided--it can only add to an addict's nervous symptoms.

    Medications

    • Those who have to seek medical help for their detox may receive medicines that can help the withdrawal symptoms. Start with a daily dose of vitamins, such as a supplement that offers the recommended daily allowance in one pill. Over-the-counter medicines such as ibuprofen or Tylenol can help with head and body aches during the process.

    Support is Essential

    • One of the most crucial steps for an alcoholic going through a detox is having an excellent support system. Joining a group such as Alcoholics Anonymous can be a huge help in getting the mental support from those who understand what they are going though. The support of friends and family is essential as well, so reach out to your loved ones.

    Vitamin B3

    • Some alcoholics may be deficient in Vitamin B, especially B3. Dr. John Cleary made the observation that there some people addicted to alcohol stopped drinking when they started to take niacin supplements, a form of the vitamin B3. Cleary believed alcoholism could be a cause of a niacin deficiency for some and recommended that alcoholics take 500 mg of niacin every day to help with alcohol detox.

Drug Addiction - Related Articles