Dangers of Detoxing From Drugs or Alcohol at Home
Some people who are struggling with drug or alcohol misuse or addiction might consider detoxing at home because they feel it might be easier, cheaper, or simply just more convenient. However, at-home detox can be very dangerous, especially if there is a potential for severe withdrawal symptoms or complications. These complications include death, which can can occur when detoxing from certain substances, such as alcohol and benzodiazepines.1 People who are considering undergoing alcohol or drug detox at home should first consult a professional, such as their general practitioner or an addiction specialist, to discuss their potential risks.
This article will help answer the question, “is it safe to detox at home?”, as well as explain the risks and dangers of detoxing at home, different settings for professionally-supervised detox, what to expect during detox, medications that may be used, and how to find medical detox programs.
Is It Safe to Detox From Drugs or Alcohol at Home?
Determining if it is safe for you to detox at home is not a simple decision to make, and you should not attempt to make it on your own. It is important to involve a medical professional in this process, as they can take into account different factors about your situation, including:1
- Your medical and mental health history.
- The substance you have been using.
- How much of the substance you have been consuming.
- If you have been misusing more than one substance at a time.
- If you have a history of previous treatment/detox attempts and any related complications.
These factors will help determine if detoxing at home is an option for you, or if you may benefit more from seeking professional services that can provide the appropriate form of withdrawal treatment and the right detox setting for your personal needs.1
Risks & Dangers of Detoxing at Home
In some cases, detoxing at home can be risky and potentially fatal.1 As previously mentioned, the specific risks a person may experience can depend on the substance they have been misusing, as well as many other factors.1
Generally speaking, some of the potential risks of home detox may include:1
- Physical or mental health complications, such as seizures or changes in mental status, some of which could be life-threatening.
- A lack of proper medical support, supervision, and medication to help you stay safe and comfortable.
- Highly uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms, which could cause you to resume substance use.
- A lack of professional education on what you can expect during detox; knowing what to expect can help ease anxiety and related concerns.
- Ongoing access to substances and the presence of triggers to resume substance use.
Taking these risks into account can help you better understand the benefits of detoxing in a facility under the supervision and care of medical professionals. There, they not only understand what you are experiencing, but they can also effectively treat the symptoms you may develop.
What to Expect in Inpatient Drug or Alcohol Detox
An inpatient medical detox program is designed to provide 24-hour supervision, observation, and support for people who are intoxicated or experiencing withdrawal.1 A team of medical professionals, such as doctors, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, counselors, social workers, and psychologists, will provide care.1 During your time in detox, you’ll sleep at a facility and receive support and encouragement throughout the entire withdrawal process.
Inpatient detox can also offer additional support and rehabilitative treatment that act as disincentives to relapse.1 Additionally, detoxing at an inpatient facility can improve the continuity of your care, as facility staffers are able to connect you to continued addiction treatment at an inpatient or outpatient rehab center.
Safe Medical Detox for Alcohol
Withdrawal from alcohol can be dangerous and potentially fatal if not properly managed.1 People can develop severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms, such as seizures, dysregulation of body temperature, pulse, and blood pressure.1 They may also experience delirium tremens, a severe complication that includes (but is not limited to) symptoms such as agitation, hallucinations, disorientation, tremor, high blood pressure, and profuse perspiration.2
Detoxing from alcohol at home is not typically recommended, as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) advises undergoing alcohol withdrawal at facility that offers 24-hour professional care.1 During this time, patients may receive medications to manage their symptoms, as well as frequent interpersonal support, adequate fluids and food, the opportunity for adequate sleep, and a drug- and alcohol-free environment conducive to their recovery.1
Safe Medical Detox for Opioids
Individuals in opioid withdrawal can experience several symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and bone and muscle pain.1 While these symptoms can be extremely uncomfortable and distressing, they are not considered to be medically dangerous.1 However, SAMHSA advises that an inpatient setting that offers 24-hour medical care is the preferable option for those in opioid withdrawal, as medications and professional supervision can make the process more manageable and prevent any complications.1
Some research does indicate that opioid withdrawal can be deadly, especially in the event of persistent vomiting and diarrhea. This can lead to dehydration, hypernatremia (or elevated blood sodium levels) and subsequent heart failure, though this is uncommon.3
Safe Medical Detox for Benzodiazepines and Other Sedatives
Withdrawal from benzodiazepines and other sedatives can resemble alcohol withdrawal and may be fatal if not properly managed.1 For example, people can experience seizures and delirium, as well as other potential complications that can be dangerous.1 This is why SAMHSA states that benzo withdrawal without medical supervision is not advisable.1
Medical detox from benzodiazepines and other sedatives can incorporate appropriate medication to help manage withdrawal and provide additional cognitive and behavioral supports to help address anxiety and sleep disturbances that may occur during withdrawal.1
Safe Medical Detox for Stimulants
Stimulant withdrawal is not typically medically dangerous and does not usually result in intense discomfort.1 Although there are currently no medications for treating stimulant withdrawal and medical detox is not usually advised, some people may benefit from seeking professional detox services, including those who are deemed high risk for complications and poor outcomes.1
For example, stimulant withdrawal can result in serious health complications, including cardiovascular problems such as arrhythmia or heart attack, as well as seizures and an increased risk for depression and suicidality.1 For those who are deemed to have a risk of experiencing any of these complications, medical detox is often advised.1 Medical detox can provide support and monitoring, help patients stay safe and comfortable, and establish a substance-free environment to help prevent further stimulant or other substance use.1
Medications Used in Inpatient Medical Detox
There are different medications that may be used during medical detox to help minimize withdrawal symptoms and maintain a person’s comfort, depending on the substance.1 These can include:
- Buprenorphine, methadone, clonidine, or lofexidine for opioid withdrawal.1,4
- Benzodiazepines, such as diazepam, anticonvulsants, such as carbamazepine, or clonidine, for alcohol withdrawal.1
- A medically-determined tapering schedule or substitution benzodiazepines for benzodiazepine withdrawal.1
Medications used during medical detox can include prescription medications, such as those listed above, as well as other adjunctive, over-the-counter medications to address additional concerns that may arise during withdrawal, such as diphenhydramine for insomnia or acetaminophen for headaches.1
Finding Medical Detox Programs
Medical detox can provide many benefits, such as supervision, support, and medication, to help you safely undergo withdrawal and return to medically-stable, substance-free state.1 If you or a loved one want to safely stop using substances, discuss your condition with your physician to obtain advice about the detox program that might be best for your needs.
When you’re ready to reach out, please call us at to speak to a knowledgeable admissions navigator about your detox and rehab options, or learn more about addiction and our medical detox programs, inpatient addiction treatment options, and outpatient programs for drug and alcohol addiction. You can also learn about using health insurance to pay for rehab.
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