Alcohol home detoxification: A literature review

Abstract

There are various definitions, aims and objectives of, and settings for, detoxification. Careful assessment is essential before any client can be detoxified at home. Scales and biological markers exist to aid this process. Close supervision (i.e. two or three home visits a day) is then required for at least 3 days. Supervision of clients can be done by the client's general practitioner (GP) or any member of a primary health care team as long as there is adequate specialist support. Clients can usually complete home detoxification within 9 days. It is safe and clinically effective for the vast majority of problem drinkers. Despite increasing the demand for detoxification, it is also cost-effective because it allows better utilization of in-patient facilities in the short term and should prevent more resources being required further along the treatment continuum. Home detoxification has wide support from both clients and their GPs. Indeed, there are many advantages for the client in detoxifying at home. However inpatient detoxification can never be replaced entirely. There will always be some problem drinkers for whom home detoxification is not a viable alternative (such as those with severe withdrawal symptoms and those lacking a suitable home environment).