How to Withdraw From Alcohol at Home

While a hangover after a night of drinking is common, alcohol withdrawal symptoms appear only after a long period of alcohol abuse. Symptoms, which can be mild to severe, range from fatigue to headaches -- to mood swings to shakiness. More severe symptoms include fever and delirium tremens (DTs). The DTs include convulsions, anxiety and even hallucinations. Although you can withdraw from alcohol at home, seek professional medical advice, to make sure your symptoms don't lead to something worse.

Instructions

• 1

  Stop drinking alcohol completely. It is impossible to detoxify your body from the effects of alcohol if you continue drinking.

• 2

  Eat a diet high in calories and carbohydrates.

• 3

  Take multivitamins to help you through the withdrawal from alcohol. Many people who abuse alcohol will also be suffering from malnutrition. Take 100mg of thiamine and 1mg folic acid four times per day, for at least two weeks.

• 4

  Remain hydrated by drinking plenty of water. In severe cases, you may need to receive fluids through an intravenous drip.

• 5

  Discontinue any prescription drug use, except those prescribed to assist your withdrawal. Your doctor may prescribe barbiturates, benzodiazepines and Disulfiram if you suffer from shakiness, hallucinations or cravings.

• 6

  Exercise at least 20 minutes per day. Create a dependency on exercise to replace the craving for alcohol.

• 7

  Join a group such as Alcoholics Anonymous. Reach out to friends and family. Getting support during your withdrawal will help you more than going it alone. See a therapist or psychologist to talk about your addiction and your feelings.