What Helps with Alcohol Withdrawal?

Managing Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms at Home

Unfortunately, there are no shortcuts or home remedies for alcohol withdrawal properly. However, the severity of symptoms may be managed with the following tips:

• Hydrate: Drinking a sports drink can keep you hydrated while preventing electrolyte deficiency and low blood sugar, both of which contribute to symptom severity.

• Take a cool shower: As anyone who has taken a cold shower knows, focusing on anything beyond the immediate physical sensation is difficult. A cool or cold shower can help reset your physical and emotional state.

• Prepare to push past cravings (remember the big picture): Unfortunately, cravings are a hallmark symptom of withdrawal, and there is no way to stop alcohol cravings. However, remembering why you want to quit using alcohol and the importance of sobriety can help you overcome them.

• Eat healthy, nutrient-dense foods: For many people, eating is one of the last things they want to do during alcohol detox and acute withdrawal. However, getting quality nutrition will speed healing and recovery. An ideal “alcohol detox diet” includes leafy green vegetables, fruits, eggs, fatty fish, almonds and whole grains. Avoid sugary snacks and sweets.

• Supplement with vitamins: Alcohol use disorders are often associated with vitamin deficiencies. Supplements for alcohol detox, like magnesium, thiamine (vitamin B1) and a quality multivitamin, will ensure that your body has the vitamins and minerals it needs for optimal health and recovery throughout alcohol withdrawal.

• Exercise: Exercise can help your mind and body recover from an alcohol use disorder. It may not be possible in the first days of detox, but moderate aerobic exercise during alcohol withdrawal has been shown to reduce symptom severity and shorten overall alcohol withdrawal duration.

• Stay busy: Among the most useful tips to help with alcohol withdrawal is to stay busy. During moderate-to-severe detox, even getting off the couch may be a challenge. Try meditation to help you center yourself and calm your anxiety. Many people discover new hobbies or rediscover old passions that can occupy the time that they used to spend drinking.

• Commit to lifestyle changes: A major predictor of long-term success in recovery is a sincere dedication to changing your lifestyle. This dedication may mean redefining your friends, which can be emotionally challenging. When you are struggling with defining and sticking with lifestyle changes, remember your goals and why sobriety matters to you.

• Talk with someone: Before you begin the detox process, sit down with a trusted friend or family member and discuss why you want to quit drinking. Identify short- and long-term goals for recovery and define why they matter to you. If you find yourself questioning your resolve, call your designated support person and discuss why recovery matters to you.
• Create roadblocks to prevent relapse: Alcohol relapse prevention is a crucial component of long-term sobriety, especially in the early days of recovery. Avoiding situations where alcohol will be present is imperative and, while it sounds obvious, make sure you do not have any alcohol in your home. If you do relapse, it does not mean your recovery has failed! Many people who successfully manage sobriety today have dealt with sobriety setbacks in the past. If you do experience a setback, stop drinking, acknowledge your mistake and learn from it.