Home alcohol detox: what actually happens

For many people, the fear of withdrawal is not about whether they want to change - it’s the uncertainty around what their body will feel like when alcohol is no longer there, and that fear is valid. If alcohol has been part of your coping system for years (or decades), the idea of stopping can feel like stepping off a cliff. But it doesn’t have to.

With a medically supported home detox, the process isn’t sudden or chaotic. It’s planned, paced, and monitored, with changes beginning long before your first alcohol-free day.

Phase one: the preparation stage

This part is often misunderstood as a waiting period. Lasting for approximately three weeks, this important phase is all about preparing your mind and body so that the transition is safer, calmer and more predictable. 

During this time, you will be allocated your dedicated Clean Slate nurse who will be alongside you for the full program. Your first two nurse appointments will involve:

• Reviewing your medical history and drinking patterns

• Clarifying your goals and what you want this change to mean in your life

• Completing a risk assessment together, so you understand the safety plan

• Having blood and urine tests with your local pathology provider and later reviewing the results together

• Educating your support person on what to expect and how best to support you

• Confirming your detox start date and beginning to shape your recovery plan

  
  

You’ll also start using our daily drinks diaries to both record your alcohol use, and begin reflecting on your triggers, associations and the reasons behind your drinking. These are used for understanding what your nervous system has been relying on, so your medication, monitoring and recovery plan can be personalised.

Alongside this, you’ll have access to our digital resources that explore the neuroscience of addiction, the role of shame, goal setting and self-management strategies. These help your mind prepare for change in a way that feels grounded rather than abrupt.

You’ll also receive a care package that includes the essential Vitamin B1 (thiamine), our welcome letter and a breathalyser.

Before detox begins, you’ll have a review with your Clean Slate Doctor or Nurse Practitioner. Together, you’ll talk through your test results, confirm readiness and if clinically appropriate, medication for your detox week will be prescribed. Sometimes this includes diazepam - but only if your assessment indicates it’s needed. Craving reduction medication such as naltrexone or acamprosate may also be discussed for post-detox, depending on your goals.

By the end of these three weeks, you know what will happen and when, and the plan behind every step.

Phase two: detox week (the week without alcohol)

This is where your body makes the shift. Alcohol is suddenly no longer “holding the system together”, so the nervous system has to rebalance. While this can feel uncomfortable, it’s important to remember that it is temporary and you’ll be supported throughout the entire process.

During detox week, you will have daily appointments with your dedicated Clean Slate nurse where you will:

• Review your withdrawal symptoms

• Discuss medication adjustments (if needed)

• Check breathalyser readings

• Review your heart rate

• Receive psychological support and reassurance

  
  

You will also collect your medication from your local pharmacy on a daily basis and continue accessing our digital tools to support sleep, sensory regulation and early recovery.

What withdrawal usually feels like

Most people begin feeling symptoms within 12 to 48 hours. Common sensations include:

• Shakiness

• Sweating

• Nausea

• Anxiety or restlessness

• “Wired but exhausted” sleep

Symptoms usually peak around day 3 or 4, and gradually settle between days 5 and 7. Many people describe a moment towards the end of the week where things begin to clear - when they feel less foggy, less on edge, and more like themselves than they have in a long time.

At the end of this week, you will meet with your Clean Slate Doctor or Nurse Practitioner again to reflect, review, and discuss whether craving-reduction medication may be useful in the weeks ahead.

Phase three: why aftercare matters

Your body and nervous system continues to adjust in the days and weeks after detox - from sleep improvements to more regulated emotions, and of course, your mind starts to experience calm without alcohol being the gateway to it.

Having support in this stage makes a real difference, because maintaining recovery isn’t just about removing alcohol - it’s about understanding why alcohol has played such a dominant role, and building a life that feels easier to remain present for.

Importantly, phase 3 - the recovery and support phase - lasts for a full 12 months post-detox. This includes regular check ups with your dedicated nurse, online masterclasses each month and at least one recovery support group available to you every single day of the year. These evidence based SMART recovery groups have been proven to increase your chance of sticking to your goals in the longer term.

Final thoughts

If you’re reading this because you’re considering a detox, it likely means a part of you is ready for a different relationship with alcohol - or even a different relationship with yourself. You don’t have to do this alone, and you don’t have to push through uncertainty without support.

There is a safer, calmer, medically supervised pathway through this transition - and you can take your next step at a pace that feels right for you.

If you’d like to explore whether this pathway is right for you, simply check your suitability today.

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FAQ's

Is home detox safe? Absolutely, home detoxes are safe when they are medically supervised by experienced clinicians with screening, pathology, medication if needed, and daily monitoring. 

How long does withdrawal last? Symptoms usually begin within 12-48 hours, peak around day 3 or 4, and settle around day 5-7. Sleep can take longer to stabilise for some people.

Do I need time off work? This will depend on your individual circumstances and initial assessment. Most people choose to take time off during detox week because symptoms and medication (if needed) can impact focus, decision-making and energy levels.  

What medication is used during detox? Some people are prescribed diazepam during detox if clinically appropriate alongside medications for nausea and other physical symptoms. Other medications such as naltrexone or acamprosate may also be discussed for relief from cravings after detox.

Can I detox without medication?

Yes - not everyone needs medication depending on their risk. Decisions are based on your individual clinical assessment, goals and safety.