The detox process is regarded as so challenging on its own that many people may shy away from seeking out professional treatment. Instead, they attempt to detox at home, thinking comfort and privacy will ease their anxiety toward detox. An at-home detox can seem like a reasonable option for some, but it won’t work for everyone. In many cases, professional assistance is critical to the recovery process. Although at-home recovery options can be tempting, for many addicts, the risk incurred outweighs the potential benefits of at-home detox.
If you or a close friend or family member is considering at-home detox but think that inpatient detox may be a better choice in treatment, please call Baltimore Detox today at [Direct] or complete our online form for more information about an inpatient drug detox program.
What Is Drug Detox at Home?
Once an addiction is acknowledged, detoxification is often the first step in recovery. Although it’s deemed safer by the medical community to detox under the care of clinical professionals, some people opt to attempt drug detox at home. Detox is the process of physical events that occur as the body rids itself of an addictive substance. During detox, most people experience symptoms of withdrawal as the drug leaves the body. These symptoms range from mild to severe, depending on the drug you are trying to quit using.
When an addicted person attempts drug detox at home, without medical supervision, it is considered at-home detox. Unless the person is meeting with physicians outside the home in a medically supervised arrangement, the method is often “cold turkey.” Cold turkey is a hazardous way to undergo the detox process. The danger is more severe for certain addictive substances, like alcohol, opioids, and benzodiazepines. There may be less risk involved for other substances, but there is also less of a chance for successful recovery.
The Risks of Quitting Drugs Cold Turkey
There are many reasons to choose not to go through with an at-home detox. Numerous risks are involved in attempting the cold turkey method at home. Some are life-threatening, depending on the drug. Many withdrawal symptoms pose risks of discomfort and pain that will prove unmanageable without outside help. Alcohol, opioids, and benzodiazepines are often the most dangerous drugs to stop taking abruptly. Most medical professionals prescribe a tapered approach to withdrawing from these drugs. Many detrimental side effects can occur during withdrawal, with variations, depending on the substance, such as:
Side Effects of Alcohol Withdrawal
- Delirium tremens
- Sweating, fever, or nausea
- Severe headaches
- Psychological discomfort
- Delusions or hallucinations
- High blood pressure
- Irregular heartbeat
- Seizures, or even death
Side Effects of Benzodiazepine Withdrawal
- Tremors
- Headache
- Muscle pain or stiffness
- Heart palpitations
- Memory problems
- Nausea
- Psychosis
- Panic attacks
- Seizures or possibly death
Side Effects of Opioid Withdrawal
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Severe Constipation
- Bone and Muscle aches
- Fever
- Restlessness and excessive sweating
- Anxiety
- Chills and drastic body temperature changes
- High blood pressure
Many of the symptoms of withdrawal overlap, and symptom lists aren’t ever all-encompassing. Withdrawal is unpredictable. Some people may experience fewer symptoms or even experience unexpected symptoms. Due to the discomfort of withdrawal, many people attempting to detox on their own will return to using drugs to get rid of these withdrawal symptoms. The risk of overdose is high in these instances because the body has already become acclimated to not receiving the drug. Our Baltimore Detox Center staff has the knowledge and experience to guide you through the symptoms of withdrawal.
Begin Recovery Safely with Detox at Baltimore Detox Center
Drug tolerance lowers very quickly, so gradually tapering down your dosage at an inpatient detox center prevents overdose and relapse. The unpredictable nature and possibility for medical emergencies associated with detox make inpatient detox treatment the safer, more comfortable choice. Please call Baltimore Detox Center today at [Direct] or complete our online contact form for more information about embarking on your journey to recovery.
