Detoxing at Home in the UK: Not the Norm but Gaining Popularity

Detox programs have been available in the UK for as long as most of us can remember. In recent years, however, we’ve seen an increase in ‘detox at home’ programs designed to help people quit alcohol and illicit drugs without having to pay for medical supervision or residential programs.

The rise of detox at home in the UK is undeniable. But is it the norm? Not yet. In fact, home detox has a long way to go before it catches up with community-based and residential programs. But it is gaining popularity thanks to its affordable nature.

Defining Detox Is Important

Understanding the rise of home detox begins with a definition. Detox, or ‘detoxification’ if you prefer the longer term, is the process of breaking a person’s physical dependence on alcohol or drugs by allowing the substances to work their way through and out of the body.

The idea behind detox is simple: allowing the body to flush itself of addictive substances resets the brain and its reward systems, making it easier for the person to avoid consuming substances in the future. But detox alone doesn’t do it for so many substance abusers. They need companion therapies to help them avoid relapse.

If detox is a person’s only goal, doing it at home is certainly possible. But home detox is not recommended. Detoxing at home is difficult, extremely uncomfortable, and potentially dangerous.

The Latest Detox Statistics

Home detox is defined as detoxing without residential care. People doing home detox stay at home rather than going to a clinic. These are often medicated with prescriptions that manage the symptoms. 

People should also have a detox partner, someone who stays with them during the detox period. This should be a supportive friend or family member who is happy to avoid alcohol and support the person in taking their medication correctly. 

Between 2022 and 2023, 98% of all UK adults attempting to detox had support from someone during detox at home. That means just 2% tried to detox at home and with no help. Among those who received community-based treatment:

• 5% received treatment through primary care
• 4% received treatment through an inpatient program
• 2% received treatment through a private residential program

A broad definition of home detox that includes medical assistance from a registered nurse or other medical professional significantly increases the number of home detoxes. But if we adhere to the narrower definition, just 2% of substance abusers attempt home detox alone.

General Recommendations for Home Detox

As for formal home detox programs, there is nothing officially recommended by the NHS. Rehab clinics and patient advocates often offer general recommendations to improve safety and comfort.

For example, they advise that a patient ask a family member or friend to stay with them during detox. That person can assist with making the patient more comfortable. If a medical emergency arises, the person can contact someone for help.

Other general recommendations include:

• Staying hydrated
• Getting proper nutrition
• Getting as much rest as possible
• Taking OTC medications for symptoms like nausea and headaches

Because at-home detox is not medically supervised, there is very little a patient or their companion can do to take the edge off withdrawal symptoms. It’s also important that patients understand that different substances produce different withdrawal symptoms.

The Dangers Inherent to Home Detox

Although a very small number of substances present very few risks in a home detox scenario, the risks are real for most substances. Take alcohol. It is possible for an alcohol abuser to experience severe seizures and a condition known as delirium tremens during detox.

Experiencing both during home detox could seriously jeopardise a person’s health. Patients are subject to serious injury and even potential death.

A person planning to try home detox would be wise to research withdrawal symptoms and potential complications. Some substances are harder to detox from than others. This suggests that attempting at-home detox is not the best idea.

Reasons to Not Attempt Detoxing at Home

One thing that makes detoxing at home attractive is the cost. Given residential treatment can cost thousands of pounds for a 7-10 day stay, it’s understandable why people would prefer to detox at home. Staying at home costs nothing.

However, cost isn’t the only factor to consider. You’ve just read about the potential complications that could jeopardise a patient’s health in a home detox setting. Those risks are sufficient reason to think twice. Here are even more reasons not to attempt detoxing at home:

• Previous Experiences – You may have tried detoxing before only to have had difficult experiences. Maybe your withdrawal symptoms included panic attacks or seizures. Such symptoms could be more severe during your next attempt.

• Substance Abuse History – If you have a long history of substance abuse, you are less likely to succeed with at-home detox. You are better off with community-based treatment and/or medically supervised detox.

• Co-occurring Conditions – At-home detox is definitely not a good idea if you’ve been diagnosed with co-occurring health conditions. Co-occurring conditions require professional intervention.

• Lack of Support – The key to successful at-home detox is having a strong support system in place. If you’re lacking support from family and friends, you are probably better off with a community-based or residential treatment program.

Failed attempts are a pretty good indicator that detoxing at home doesn’t work for you. If you have tried multiple times but still relapsed, perhaps it’s time to think about another option. Community-based support could be a tremendous help without requiring a significant financial investment. But if you have the resources, a medically supervised program is the way to go.

Consider Detoxing at Home Carefully

The rise of home detox in the UK is undeniable. You can search for it online and find dozens of sites offering home detox programs and advice. But before you go down that road, give home detox and its risks careful consideration.

Maybe home detox is just what you need. But it’s equally possible that trying to detox at home could only make your problems worse. Think things through and make an informed decision. After all, this is your life we’re talking about.