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An extensive service evaluation was carried out in 1994 to 1997 by Suffolk Community Alcohol Service (SCAS) during a three year alcohol home detoxification pilot project. It supports the existing evidence that home detoxification, for those who require it, is safe, effective and more importantly, the individual and supporter prefer it to the often inappropriate ward environment. The individual undergoing detox at home is more likely to stay with treatment and intervention and to achieve the chosen goals, for longer.
Hospitalisation tends to cocoon the individual and supporter from the realities of everyday life as they understand it, or would like it. In contrast, home detoxification permits the professional to work with the individual and supporter at the point of issues and deal with them effectively from day one. It does not offer unreasonable expectation that life will be ‘OK,’ on discharge. That the family will be immediately accepting, that the bills will have been paid, that the everyday temptations and triggers will have gone away. In contrast, home detoxification enables the professional to work with and explore these issues, at home where they are faced, from day one. Moreover, it enables the family to feel they have an integral part in the treatment and rehabilitation process and that working together with the individual and professional is supportive and caring, i.e., someone is interested in them, as an individual in their own right.
Finally, home detox and thorough assessment permits the individual to receive treatment:
- At his or her own pace
- In the right place:
- At the right time:
- For the right reasons
- With the right support
- At the right cost
- With the family or supporter.
The evaluation concluded that people involved in the problem should have the right to direct what is the best environment for them; what meets their collective needs. The evidence suggests that, of those requiring a clinically supervised detoxification, and their family, home detoxification is the chosen, preferred option, were outcome is good, readmission rates low and long-term hopes and expectations are achievable.
 Read more about the SCAS home detox evaluation
Home detox facts
Benefits of home detox - research by David Cooper
What are alcohol withdrawal symptoms?
Addictions treatable with home detox
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