Are you contending with some type of addiction? You may want to detox at home to avoid the inconvenience of relocating to a treatment center.
The choice of outpatient detox depends on what type of drug you use. Certain forms of drug withdrawal require intervention from a detox center.
What is a detox center?
A detox center is a treatment facility where you can go through withdrawal under supervision. The primary dangers of detoxing at home include overdosing and relapsing. Also, home withdrawal increases the likelihood of relapse. Perhaps you still have family or friends that still use around you.
As a result, you may cave into peer pressure. You may also succumb to the pressures of life and reuse drugs as a coping mechanism. Regardless, the inpatient option will remove you from temptation and triggers.
This article will highlight the dangers of self-detox from home in greater depth. Let’s explore.
Alcohol Detox
You may think that think alcohol detox from home is a viable alternative. Many people falsely assume that alcohol detox isn’t as dangerous as drug detox. However, alcohol detox can be just as dangerous. This type of withdrawal comes with harsh withdrawal symptoms, and it can be fatal.
Under a supervised setting, you can take medicines that will help you cope through withdrawal. Without assistance, you’ll go through the following symptoms alone:
- Insomnia
- Profuse sweating
- Shakiness
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Anxiety
- Rapid heart rate
- Appetite loss
- Mood swings
In severe cases, you may experience hallucinations, which can happen faster than you think. Hallucinations could occur in as little as 12 to 24 hours after your last drink. Further, you may experience seizures within two days of your last drink.
Hallucinations and seizures can lead to alcohol withdrawal syndrome known as delirium tremens. Other symptoms include severe agitation, fever, and delusions.
This type of syndrome usually affects longtime alcohol users. However, medical personnel can intervene if you undergo a medical emergency.
That said, detoxing from alcohol from home is possible, but you should consult with a treatment specialist for further guidance. If you detox from home, you should do the following:
- Get rid of all alcohol within the home.
- Clear your schedule to devote all of your attention to recovery.
- Use family and friends to help you through the detox process.
Above all, eat a healthy diet, drink plenty of water, and take vitamins.
Opiate Detox
Ideally, you should consider an in-patient option because opiates are highly addictive. Opiate addiction changes your brain chemistry. Your nerve cells rely heavily on opiates to function.
Opiate addiction withdrawal comes in two phases:
- Phase One: Some of the symptoms include agitation, anxiety, runny nose, restlessness, muscle aches, and a runny nose.
- Phase Two: Phase two consists of severe symptoms: rapid heartbeat, diarrhea, stomach cramps, vomiting, nausea, and dilated pupils.
Overall, most opiate withdrawal effects are psychological and emotional. As a result, many people downplay the severity of opiate withdrawal. However, opiate withdrawal can come with severe side effects.
Further, you’ll face a higher likelihood of relapsing if you try to detox from home. Also, overdosing is a major problem. This is because your body is no longer accustomed to the same level of opiates that you used before the detox process.
On the other hand, the inpatient route will keep you isolated from temptation. Also, the staff can provide medicine that will help you through the withdrawal symptoms.
For example, methadone alleviates the symptoms and eases the withdrawal intensity. Buprenorphine also minimizes the symptoms and can shorten the detox period. Above all, you’ll benefit from constant medical supervision.
Cocaine Withdrawal
Cocaine withdrawal doesn’t have the same severe side effects as other drugs. The drug can also leave the body within two hours.
However, this means the side effects will arrive rapidly. Like opiates, cocaine withdrawal symptoms are rooted in psychological and emotional afflictions, such as:
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Depression
- Mood swings
- Nightmares
- Concentration problems
Physical symptoms may manifest in the form of chills and body aches. Cocaine withdrawal doesn’t have harsh physiological effects, but experts still recommend an in-patient treatment plan.
A detox center can help you contend with the psychological effects of detox. For instance, personnel may recommend behavior modification therapies that identify stress or environmental triggers.
Benzodiazepine Withdrawal
Benzodiazepine withdrawal should be done under the supervision of medical personnel. Withdrawal from these types of drugs can include death or seizures. Further, the seizures can be fatal. Benzodiazepines include the following drugs:
- Xanax
- Valium
- Halcion
- Ativan
- Klonopin
Additionally, you can experience physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms in three or four days after your last use. Depending on the drug you use, you may encounter reactions sooner than three days. You’re more likely to encounter severe symptoms if you use the drugs in high doses or if you’re a long-term user.
The psychological side effects may include depression, anxiety, and restlessness. The physical effects may come in the form of muscle spasms, tremors, and coordination problems.
Due to the dangers of withdrawal, experts will recommend a slow reduction of drug usage.
Detox at Home Can Be a Dangerous Alternative
If you choose to detox at home, consult with a treatment specialist beforehand. For drugs like benzodiazepines and alcohol, inpatient detox is the best option.
Other drugs such as opiates and cocaine don’t have the same withdrawal dangers, and the side effects are more psychological. Nevertheless, cocaine and opiate withdrawal have dangerous side effects. Regardless of the drug, experts usually suggest medical supervision in case you encounter a medical emergency.
Are you trying to get clean and sober? Read more on our blog to learn how detox can help you.