Some individuals prefer to undergo the detoxification process at their residences. Since the idea of seeking professional help may seem potentially embarrassing or unnecessary, someone may try an at-home detox while starting their substance or alcohol addiction recovery journey. Although this process may provide home comforts, it is highly ineffective, dangerous, and enhances relapse.
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What Is an At-Home Detox?
Detox refers to the natural process through which the body eliminates toxic substances. While undergoing detox, a person experiences withdrawal symptoms which may need supportive measures and medical assistance to ensure the condition remains manageable. Typically, the detox process is the first step towards addiction treatment and recovery. In a rehab facility, a patient receives medications and therapies to enhance the body’s detox process.
At-home detox is a process in which an individual tries to undergo detoxification while at home, without any professional assistance and medical supervision.
Is At-home Detoxification Safe?
Typically, an at-home detox is unsafe for a person struggling with substance or alcohol addiction. Although the dangers are minimal for certain substances, it depends on the individual’s probability of successfully finishing the process. For example, substances such as amphetamines and cocaine don’t cause serious physical withdrawal symptoms.
However, at-home can be severely unsafe for individuals addicted to specific substances such as benzodiazepines and alcohol. Stopping these substances cold turkey can cause life-threatening withdrawals like seizures. Furthermore, drug rehab Austin notes that stopping opioids abruptly without medical assistance can lead to painful withdrawals, hence causing a relapse.
Risks of Undertaking Detoxing at Home
Since withdrawal symptoms are uncomfortable and painful, individuals who try at-home detox usually resume abusing the drug or drink alcohol as they try to deal with the painful experience. Besides, overdose risk is intense in these circumstances. Therefore, this detox process has many risks compared to medical detox. Withdrawals usually differ based on the abused drug. The following are some withdrawal systems linked to opioids.
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Abdominal cramping
- Goosebumps
- Yawning
- Fever
- Muscle aches
Individuals who encounter physical alcohol withdrawal may experience the following symptoms:
- Tremors
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Increased heart rate
- Seizures
- High blood pressure
Withdrawal symptoms linked to Benzodiazepine include:
- Panic attacks
- Headaches
- Tremors
- Muscle pain
- Psychosis
- Stiffness
- Heart palpitations
- Nausea
- Memory problems
- Seizures
Psychological withdrawal symptoms caused by abuse of different substances include:
- Anxiety
- Thoughts of using
- Depression
- Numbness
- Cravings for substance
- Mood changes
- Nightmares
- Agitation
- Heightened emotions
- Difficulties with stress management
- Oversleeping
- Insomnia
- Changes in appetite
- Fuzzy thinking
- Lack of initiative
- Feeling tired all the time
- Hallucinations
- Lack of interest or anhedonia
- Sleep issues
Withdrawals are usually unpleasant, regardless of their severity. Sometimes, a person may fail to bear them, causing them to resume abusing the drug as a method of handling them. This is the primary reason why at-home detox is ineffective.
Importance of Seeking Medical Detox
Medical detoxification enables the body to eliminate the alcohol or drug content in a safe setting, where medics monitor patients to guarantee a painless and comfortable experience. Patients may be offered medication to manage specific symptoms like sleeping issues or anxiety. To avoid seizures, a patient can be given anticonvulsants before the commencing of the process.
Since medical detox is closely and continuously monitored, medics can intervene early when a patient develops unpleasant symptoms. These serious issues include delirium tremens, seizures, or any other emergency event. Additionally, rehab facilities offer encouragement and moral support as the patient undergoes the process. This is crucial, especially in ensuring the patient completes the patient.
Withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous and sometimes life-threatening. Therefore, at-home detox has many risks. If you are struggling with substance abuse addiction or alcoholism, consider seeking professional help.