How Alcohol Home Detox Works
What to Expect Before, During and After Your Detox
Once you decide that you want help, we aim to make the arrangements clear and straightforward.
We coordinate each stage, keep you informed and remain in close contact throughout your detox.
Here is what you can expect.
1. Confidential Consultation and Initial Information
The process begins with a private conversation about what has been happening and the help you are looking for. We will ask about:
How much and how often you currently drink
Any withdrawal symptoms you experience
Previous attempts to reduce or stop drinking
Your general health
Medication you are currently taking
Any other substance use
Your circumstances at home
It is important to answer these questions as accurately as possible. The information helps us understand your situation and arrange the appropriate next stage.
You can ask questions and raise any concerns you have.
Speaking to us does not commit you to proceeding.
2. Medical Assessment
A GMC-registered doctor will complete a confidential medical assessment.
The doctor will consider the information you provide, including your drinking and withdrawal history, physical and mental health, current medication and home circumstances.
The purpose of the assessment is to decide whether alcohol detox at home is medically appropriate for you.
If home detox is suitable, the doctor will determine your individual prescribed detox plan and provide the relevant medical instructions.
If it is not considered appropriate, we will talk to you about other possible sources of help.
3. Prescription, Delivery and Preparation
Where medication is prescribed, the prescription will be sent to a pharmacy for dispensing and delivery to your home.
We will coordinate the arrangements and keep you updated, so you know what needs to be in place before the agreed start.
Before beginning, you should have:
Received the prescribed medication
Obtained any monitoring equipment requested
Read and understood the instructions provided
Received the relevant contact information
Confirmed that your home arrangements are in place
Asked about anything you do not understand
Do not begin taking the medication or change the prescribed plan unless instructed by the prescribing doctor.
4. Support During Your Detox
Once your detox begins, we will remain in regular contact with you.
Our check-ins provide an opportunity to:
Tell us how you are feeling
Discuss the information you are recording
Receive emotional support and reassurance
Ask practical questions
Talk openly about how you are coping
Receive encouragement as you progress
Begin thinking about recovery beyond detox
If concerns arise, you should follow the medical and emergency instructions provided. Do not wait for a scheduled check-in if you require urgent assistance.
5. Planning Your Next Steps
As you approach the end of the prescribed detox, we will help you consider what you would like to do next.
This may involve looking at situations that could place your recovery at risk, the changes you want to make and the people or services that could support you.
Your next steps might include recovery meetings, peer support, recovery coaching, one-to-one therapy or other community and professional services.
You can also choose to join our supportive recovery WhatsApp group.
Any optional ongoing service and its cost will be explained before you decide whether it is right for you.
The Role of Your Support Person
A suitable adult must be available to support you at home during the agreed detox period. This could be a partner, relative, friend, carer or another responsible adult you trust.
Their role is to:
Tell us if they become concerned about how you are feeling
Understand the arrangements
Offer practical help and reassurance
Know who to contact if they become concerned
Seek urgent medical assistance when necessary
Avoid changing the prescribed plan themselves
We will explain the practical arrangements to them before the detox begins.
If Your Circumstances Change
Tell us promptly if anything important changes before the agreed start, including:
Your alcohol intake
Your physical or mental health
Your prescribed medication
Other substance use
Your home circumstances
The support available to you
A significant change may require further medical review before the detox can proceed.
Accurate and current information is essential throughout the process.
Clear Costs Before You Proceed
Following your consultation, we will clearly explain the cost of the proposed service and any separately charged items before you decide whether to proceed.
Important Safety Information
It can be dangerous to stop drinking suddenly if you are physically dependent on alcohol. Obtain medical advice before reducing or stopping.
Call 999 or go to A&E if you or someone else experiences a seizure, hallucinations, severe confusion, loss of consciousness, severe shaking or another medical emergency after reducing or stopping alcohol.
Do not wait for a scheduled support call if urgent medical assistance is required.
Ready to Discuss Your Next Step?
Contact Sobriety & Wellbeing for a free and confidential consultation.
We will listen, answer your questions and talk you through what happens next.
Contact Sobriety & Wellbeing
This page provides general information and does not provide personalised medical advice.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 999. For urgent non-emergency medical advice in England, contact NHS 111.