If you or someone you love has decided it is time to stop using drugs or alcohol, you may want to begin immediately. You might think detoxing at home will be easier, more private, or less expensive than going to a treatment facility.
The problem is that withdrawal isn’t always predictable. Depending on the substance, how much you use, how long you’ve been using it, and your overall health, stopping suddenly can cause symptoms ranging from uncomfortable to life-threatening. That’s why detox is something you should discuss with a medical professional rather than trying to manage alone.
What Is Detox?
Detox is the process your body goes through as a substance leaves your system. When you’ve been using alcohol or drugs regularly, your brain and body can adapt to having the substance present. When you suddenly stop or significantly reduce your use, your body has to adjust.
Withdrawal can involve physical and psychological symptoms. You may experience sweating, nausea, shaking, headaches, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, or intense cravings. The symptoms and their severity depend on the substance and your individual circumstances.
Detox is only the first step in recovery. It addresses the physical process of withdrawal, while addiction treatment can help you work on the behaviors, thoughts, relationships, and underlying issues that contribute to substance use.
Why Detoxing at Home May Not Be Safe
One of the biggest problems with home detox is that you don’t necessarily know how your body will respond once you stop using.
Alcohol withdrawal, for example, can become severe and may include seizures, hallucinations, or delirium tremens (DTs). Alcohol withdrawal can be life-threatening and may require medical care.
Withdrawal from opioids can be extremely difficult. Severe vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, pain, anxiety, and cravings can make it difficult to remain safe and increase the risk of returning to opioid use. After a period of abstinence, your tolerance can also decrease, increasing overdose risk if you return to a previously familiar amount.
Other substances can present their own withdrawal risks. Benzodiazepines such as alprazolam, clonazepam, and diazepam can cause serious withdrawal, including seizures, when stopped suddenly. It is recommended to taper gradually under appropriate clinical guidance rather than abruptly stopping benzodiazepines.
There is also the possibility that you may not recognize a medical emergency until it has become serious. At home, you may be dealing with withdrawal by yourself or relying on a loved one who isn’t trained to recognize dangerous symptoms.
Why Drug and Alcohol Withdrawal Can Be Dangerous
Withdrawal isn’t simply a matter of feeling sick for a few days. Your nervous system can undergo significant changes when a substance is removed.
Alcohol and certain drugs can suppress or alter activity in the brain and nervous system. After prolonged use, your body may compensate for those effects. Removing the substance can cause the nervous system to become overly active, leading to serious symptoms in some people.
Your risk can also be higher if you:
- Have been using large amounts or using frequently
- Have experienced withdrawal before
- Have previously had withdrawal seizures or delirium tremens
- Use more than one substance
- Have significant physical or mental health concerns
- Are pregnant
- Don’t have a safe or supportive environment at home
If you aren’t sure whether withdrawal could be dangerous for you, that’s a reason to seek professional guidance rather than trying to find out on your own.
When Is Medically Assisted Detox Appropriate?
Medical detox may be appropriate when you are at risk for significant withdrawal symptoms or need monitoring and support to safely stop using a substance.
During medically supervised detox, trained professionals can monitor your symptoms, provide appropriate medical care, help manage discomfort, and respond quickly if complications develop. Depending on the substance and your needs, medications may be used to reduce withdrawal symptoms or cravings.
Detox can also be particularly important when alcohol, benzodiazepines, or multiple substances are involved.
We Are Here to Help
Wanting to stop using is an important decision. You don’t have to put yourself at unnecessary risk to prove that you’re serious about recovery.
At Mountain Laurel Recovery Center in Westfield, PA, you can receive support as you take the first steps toward recovery from substance use. Reach out to us today to learn more about our programs and services.