How to Support Someone During Detox: Tips for Family and Friends

We know how difficult it is to see your loved one go through a drug or alcohol detox, that’s why we’ve put together our list of top tips to support someone during their detox. 

If you have a loved one who is going through detox, it’s crucial to understand the significant role that family and friends can play in their journey towards recovery. In this blog, we will explore valuable and practical tips on how to help someone detox, particularly when they choose to detox at home. 

We will also delve into the question of what helps with detoxing, providing you with a comprehensive guide to assist your loved one through this challenging but rewarding phase. 

Educate yourself

Understanding the detox process and its challenges is absolutely essential for effectively supporting your loved one through drug or alcohol detox. Detoxification, whether that be in the form of a home detox or in a medical setting, is an extremely demanding journey, both mentally and physically. By educating yourself on what happens during detoxing and withdrawal, you can provide valuable assistance and make your loved ones’ journey an easier one. 

Research and learn about the various methods and strategies that can aid in detoxing. Explore the benefits of a home detox versus a clinical setting, considering factors such as the severity of addiction, medical conditions, and available support systems. 

During their detox journey, your loved one is likely to experience some withdrawal symptoms.  Knowing what helps with withdrawals is equally important. Familiarise yourself with practices and techniques that can help with withdrawal symptoms, which we will speak about next.  Additionally, be aware of the potential need for medical interventions or the assistance of healthcare professionals to manage severe withdrawal symptoms effectively.

What helps with withdrawals?

If your loved one is in a rehabilitation unit, then the professionals there will manage their withdrawals. If your loved one is doing a home detox programme, then there are some things you can do to help them along the way.

Making sure your loved one stays hydrated and maintains a balanced diet can aid in flushing out harmful toxins, leading to a faster recovery. 

Encouraging your loved one to take part in relaxation techniques like deep breathing exercises and meditation can help reduce their stress and anxiety. 

You should also encourage them to take part in hobbies or things that they enjoy, such as sports, watching movies or other hobbies that will take their mind off the substance they are recovering from. 

Maintain communication 

Detox can be an intense and emotionally turbulent period for individuals, making open and honest communication between the person detoxing and their support channels vital. 

By creating an environment of trust and understanding, you can help your loved one feel comfortable expressing their feelings, concerns, and fears throughout their home detox process.

You should regularly check in with your loved one and encourage them to share their experiences, listening to them without judgement. Let them know that you are there to provide emotional support and that their thoughts and emotions are valid. 

During these conversations, it’s important to be mindful of what helps with detoxing and withdrawals. Ask them about the symptoms and challenges they may be facing, and discuss potential strategies or resources that can alleviate discomfort. By being informed about what helps with detoxing, you can offer practical suggestions, such as offering them healthy snacks, herbal teas, or relaxation techniques that may help ease their symptoms.

Create a soothing environment

Creating a supportive environment is crucial when helping a loved one through a home detox. Start by removing triggers and temptations from their living space, allowing them to have a clean slate for their recovery journey. Eliminate substances and drug/alcohol-related items to provide a supportive atmosphere that encourages positive change.

Next, focus on incorporating elements that promote relaxation and tranquillity. Soft lighting, soothing music, and pleasant scents like essential oils can create a relaxing atmosphere. 

Encourage activities such as meditation and deep breathing exercises to reduce stress and enhance well-being. Personalise the environment to fit their preferences and needs, involving them in the process. By creating a nurturing space, you empower your loved one to focus on their recovery without unnecessary distractions or triggers.

Help with practical needs

Supporting someone through detox can go beyond offering emotional support. Detoxing is an extremely physically and mentally straining process, and your loved one may struggle to be active or get out of the house to carry out simple things like food shopping. By offering assistance with their practical needs, you can ease some of the burdens they face and contribute to a smoother detox process.

Think about grocery shopping and meal preparation. Help them gather nutritious foods and ingredients that support their detox journey. Encourage a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins to nourish their body during this crucial time of healing and recovery. 

Organising a living space can make it a much more comfortable place to live. Help your loved one declutter and tidy up, this not only helps create a soothing atmosphere but also reduces potential triggers and distractions that might hinder their progress.

Attend supportive meetings together

Support group meetings offer a sense of community and understanding, where individuals can share their experiences, challenges, and successes with others who have gone through similar journeys. 

By attending these meetings alongside your loved one, you demonstrate solidarity and reinforce the significance of their recovery efforts. Therapy sessions, on the other hand, provide professional guidance in navigating the emotional complexities that arise during detox. 

By participating in therapy sessions together, you actively engage in their healing process, emphasising your commitment to their well-being and personal growth.

These meetings and therapy sessions offer insights into what helps with withdrawals, helping you better understand the challenges your loved one faces. Reflect on the discussions, share insights, and encourage each other to stay dedicated to the recovery journey. 

By attending these supportive gatherings together, you become a valuable part of their support network and create an environment of healing and understanding.

Avoid enabling behaviours

When supporting a loved one during a home detox, it’s important to establish healthy boundaries and avoid behaviours that can hinder their progress. For example, if you went out drinking on the weekend, don’t tell your loved one about this, and avoid drinking alcohol or taking substances around them. 

Encouraging independence and self-reliance is key. Find a balance between offering support and allowing them to face the challenges of detox on their own. Help them build skills, make decisions, and problem-solve. By doing so, you nurture their sense of empowerment and equip them with the tools needed to overcome obstacles.

Setting clear boundaries is equally important. Clearly communicate what behaviours are acceptable and what is not. Avoid providing financial assistance related to substance use and refrain from engaging in activities that enable their addictive behaviours. By establishing and maintaining healthy boundaries, you create an environment that supports their recovery and encourages personal accountability.

Celebrate milestones and progress

Keep track of how many days your loved one has been sober, and congratulate them every day they manage to stay in sobriety. Recognising and celebrating your loved one’s milestones and progress throughout their detox journey is crucial for providing motivation and encouragement. 

In addition, celebrate the small victories along the way. Whether it’s managing cravings successfully, coping with withdrawal symptoms, or practising self-care, each accomplishment deserves recognition. By celebrating these milestones, you provide validation and support, reinforcing the importance of their efforts and the positive impact they are making on their health and well-being. 

Reach out to a professional

We understand that this can be a lot to deal with, and you may have your own problems to deal with yourself. We also understand that you can’t be there around the clock to ensure that your loved one is sticking to their detox plan. 

That’s why we offer a home detox service, providing treatment and therapy in the comfort of your own home. With our private home detox service, your loved one will receive the necessary support and treatment to fully recover from their dependencies, taking the stress off of you and your family.

This service is especially useful for those suffering from more serious drug and alcohol dependencies, as it’s likely they will need more complex support that can only be given by healthcare professionals. Our service can be fully catered to suit anyone’s needs. 

Contact us today and speak to one of our professionals to see how we can help your loved one.

Check out our other detox-related blogs, Signs of Dependance, A Guide to Moderation & How to Detox from Alcohol at Home.