If you’re thinking about detoxing from drugs at home, you’re not alone. It can feel more private. It may also reduce costs. And if you’re feeling uncertain about rehab, it might sound like a good alternative.
However, home detox can be very dangerous and even life-threatening. So, why shouldn’t you detox from drugs at home? What are the risks? Here’s everything you should know.
What Drug Detox Really Means
A detox refers to eliminating substances from the body. This means halting all use and giving your body time to adjust. When you stop using drugs, especially after long-term use, your body must relearn how to function without them. During this process, your system works hard to clear the drugs. Meanwhile, your brain and body try to regain balance without these chemicals present.
The truth is that the body is very adaptable. It adapts to drug use, and not always in the best way. But when you make the courageous decision to stop, your body and brain also go through an adjustment period.
This transitional duration can lead to withdrawal symptoms, which may include anxiety, excessive sweating, insomnia, or even more life-threatening complications like seizures and cardiovascular issues. This is why self-detox from drugs is often not recommended. Simply put, the risk is too high.
It’s also worth noting that detox is only the first step in the recovery process. Removing the substance doesn’t heal the emotional, mental, and behavioral patterns that fuel addiction. And this is where rehab plays a pivotal role, helping you take the next steps forward toward a healthier and more vibrant life.
Why People Try to Detox at Home
Arguably, the main pull for detoxing at home is privacy and cost. The stigma of addiction can also make it hard to reach out for help, especially if you fear being judged by family, friends, or your community. Rehab can sound intimidating. It might also be hard to admit you need help.
While it might sound appealing to stay in your comfort zone, at-home withdrawal can be difficult to manage on your own. This is especially true if complications arise. In truth, withdrawal can be unpredictable, and what starts as mild discomfort can quickly turn into a medical emergency.
Risks of Detoxing from Drugs at Home
So, what are the home drug detox risks? Drug withdrawal symptoms may include:
- Seizures
- Dehydration
- Heart problems
- Severe depression and/or anxiety
- Suicidal thoughts
- A high risk of relapse
Without medical monitoring, these symptoms can become dangerous very quickly. For example, opioid withdrawal can cause severe dehydration and dangerously high blood pressure. Benzodiazepine withdrawal can trigger life-threatening seizures or hallucinations. Alcohol withdrawal can lead to delirium tremens (DTs), a serious condition that can cause confusion, fever, and seizures. And these issues can be fatal without treatment.
If you’re feeling nervous about detox, talk to one of our treatment specialists at United Recovery Project; it’s free and confidential. Our team is dedicated to compassionate care every step of the way!
When Home Detox Becomes Especially Dangerous
If you’ve been using high doses frequently or using over a long period, it’s likely you’ve become dependent. This means your body has adapted to having the substance in its system, and removing it suddenly can trigger intense and unpredictable withdrawal symptoms. And, as mentioned above, this can make at-home withdrawal and detox particularly dangerous. The aforementioned risks become an even bigger concern in cases like this.
Additionally, while detox is one step forward, treatment is needed to address any co-occurring mental health conditions. In fact, individuals with a substance use disorder account for about 20% of mental illness. In other words, it’s common for depression, anxiety, or other mental disorders to be a driving force behind addiction. It’s also common for these issues to arise due to addiction.
With a lack of both medical and emotional support nearby, the unfortunate reality is that at-home detoxes are rarely successful.
Why Professional Detox is Safer and More Effective
The good news is that safe detox options are widely available. While the financial aspects, stigma, and privacy concerns may hold you back initially, the benefits of a medical detox far outweigh the potential consequences of trying to do it alone at home.
Professional detox is much safer and effective. This is because it includes 24/7 monitoring and medical interventions. Access to medications that can ease withdrawal symptoms may help reduce cravings, stabilize vital signs, and make the process far more tolerable.
For example, certain medications can prevent seizures during benzodiazepine withdrawal, ease muscle aches during opioid detox, or manage anxiety and insomnia that often accompany the process.
Professional detox also provides emotional and therapeutic support, which is equally important. Withdrawal can be an emotionally intense time, often bringing up feelings of fear, shame, or hopelessness. Having counselors, nurses, and other trained professionals by your side can help you navigate these emotions, remind you of your goals, and keep you motivated to keep moving forward.
How United Recovery Project Can Help
At United Recovery Project, we offer medically supervised detox programs so you feel safe, supported, and as comfortable as possible throughout any withdrawal symptoms that may arise. Our 24/7 medical team monitors your progress, manages symptoms with evidence-based treatments, and provides the emotional support you need during this first step.
Don’t risk doing it alone at home; simply put, it’s not worth the potentially high cost. Our team is here to help. Call us at 888-960-5121 today for a safe, supportive detox.
