The Dangers of Detoxing at Home: Treatment Centres Are Safer

The Dangers of Detoxing at Home: Treatment Centres Are Safer

• Mandy Sandhu
• 15 Apr 2024

Is it safe to do a drug or alcohol detox at home? The answer is no—detoxing should always be done under the supervision of trained medical professionals.

While the idea of drugs or alcohol detox at home might seem convenient and discreet, it can have dire consequences for those seeking to break free from addiction. The dangers of detoxing at home are manifold. Individuals who choose this route can experience physical health risks that can lead to a potential relapse. 

In this article, we’ll explore the significant disparities between home detoxing and professional, supervised detox programs. We’ll shed light on why the latter isn’t only a safer choice but often the most effective one for individuals on their path to recovery.

Why Detoxing Shouldn’t Be Done at Home 

How to do a detox at home? Simple—don’t. While this has become popular over the years, detoxing at home shouldn’t be done, and for good medical reasons.

Detoxing from any kind of drug or alcohol poses serious risks, especially when done alone and without medical assistance or without the help and support of an addiction treatment centre. 

Physical Risks and Withdrawal Symptoms 

When detoxing, an individual can expect anywhere between mild to severe symptoms to appear within 24 hours of the last dose. The body gets used to functioning a certain way during drug and alcohol abuse, which triggers a reaction when no longer there.

When individuals attempt detoxing at home without medical supervision, they often face dangerous withdrawal symptoms. For instance, alcohol withdrawal symptoms can vary depending on the substance involved but may include nausea, vomiting, tremors, seizures, and even life-threatening complications like delirium tremens.

Some drug withdrawal symptoms, particularly for stimulant drugs, can strain the cardiovascular system. Elevated blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, and heart attacks are potential risks during home drug detox.

Opioid withdrawal, for instance, can cause respiratory issues, such as difficulty breathing. In a home detox setting, this can become life-threatening if not addressed promptly.

Psychological Challenges

Substance abuse is often linked with concurrent mental health disorders. Attempting detoxing from alcohol at home without addressing these underlying issues can exacerbate mental health symptoms, leading to depression, anxiety, and even thoughts of self-harm. 

Emotional support is a crucial component of addiction recovery. At home, individuals may not have access to the encouragement and understanding they’d receive in a medical or therapeutic setting.

Relapse and Continuation of Use

In a home environment, it’s easier to access substances. The presence of drugs within reach can trigger relapse. In a medical detox setting, there’s accountability to healthcare professionals and a structured treatment plan to follow.

Structure and Routine 

Establishing structure and routine habits contribute to a successful detoxification process, which is why professional addiction treatment centres employ it. A structured environment provides consistency and stability that detoxing at home can’t. With consistent and daily routines, patients can better manage the process and focus on their recovery.

The structure an addiction centre provides promotes the creation of healthy habits. Harmful habits are replaced with new, positive ones. Regular schedules for meals, sleep, and activities help patients shift their focus from alcohol or drug addiction, supporting both their physical and mental recovery.

The Importance of Medical Assistance 

The degree to which the body has become dependent on a substance will influence the severity of withdrawal symptoms it experiences. Medically supervised detox considers unique risk factors to make the process as safe as possible. It also removes detoxing individuals from the environment they have likely been using drugs in, replacing it with something conducive to healing. 

Substance abuse is typically interlinked with other mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and personality disorders. Drugs and other harmful substances are also used as a means to cope with these conditions. When an individual begins the detox process, the symptoms of their disorder may worsen, so having mental health care nearby can help a patient manage these symptoms. 

Ultimately, choosing the right detox facility will provide people with substance abuse disorder access to attentive care, help them cope with withdrawal symptoms, and increase their chances of a successful recovery. It will also ensure any drugs they’re using throughout the process are administered safely. 

Medical Detoxing and Harm Reduction

For individuals struggling with opioid addiction, detox can be an especially daunting and uncomfortable process. The withdrawal symptoms associated with opioids can be intensely painful, both physically and mentally.

To mitigate these challenges, medications like methadone and Suboxone, have been developed as part of a harm-reduction strategy. These medications, when administered by licensed professionals and used correctly, play a crucial role in addiction treatment and have the potential to make the detox process safer and more manageable.

Methadone and Suboxone 

Methadone is a long-acting opioid agonist that can alleviate withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings. It works to stabilize individuals by providing a controlled and steady dose of opioids.

It’s so effective in substance abuse treatment that even the World Health Organization has added methadone (along with Suboxone) to its list of essential medications. However, detoxing from methadone at home can be extremely dangerous.

Methadone, especially when misused or taken in high doses, can lead to respiratory depression and overdose, similar to other opioids. It has a long half-life, which means its effects can linger in the body, increasing the risk of overdose if not used as prescribed.

Suboxone is a combination medication containing buprenorphine (a partial opioid agonist) and naloxone (an opioid antagonist) used to curb drug cravings and prevent overdose. Dependency and addiction is also a potential danger with long-term methadone and Suboxone use. The risk of addiction to these medications is lower compared to full-agonist opioids like heroin.

When to Seek Professional Help for Loved Ones 

Given the challenges of detoxing from drugs and alcohol at home, it’s crucial for individuals navigating addiction to receive the right support at the right time. Deciding to seek professional help for a family member or friend is deeply personal and can be accompanied by uncertainty. Recognize that reaching out for support is a brave step toward a brighter, healthier life.

Below, we help you determine the best time to seek professional help for your loved ones suffering from addiction.

When They Seem Vulnerable

Many individuals struggling with addiction wait until the negative effects of substance abuse become more apparent before asking for help. When someone you love is struggling with addiction, reach out for support before things get too overwhelming. Vulnerability isn’t a sign of weakness but an opportunity to set things right before it worsens.

When in Doubt 

Questioning the benefits of detoxing at home shows the risks and challenges outweigh any perceived advantages. This is a good sign it’s time to explore help from professionals. Who better to trust than detox experts experienced in helping others overcome substance abuse, such as alcohol use disorder?

A professional addiction treatment centre has the expertise and resources to guide people with addiction through a safe and effective detox program. Trusting in their knowledge and support gives them a fighting chance at a successful recovery journey.

When in Need of an Early Intervention 

Addressing addiction early not only mitigates the risk of escalating into severe health complications but also helps avoid damaging behaviours. Individuals prone to addiction can avoid struggles with a detoxification process. 

When Their Well-Being Is Compromised  

Delaying seeking professional help only makes the challenges of addiction last longer. By reaching out, your loved one can reduce the health risks associated with substance abuse, such as organ damage and overdose. 

When Support is Needed 

There are caring professionals and supportive treatment centres ready to walk beside your loved ones with compassion and understanding. Check out rehab facilities near Toronto with extensive experience helping their patients undergo medical detox. From prescription drugs to alcohol, they can provide the support individuals with addiction need to push forward.

Support Without Shame 

It requires strength to recognize that while you may want to help your loved ones struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, the best course of action is to encourage them to seek professional help. Recovery is a journey, and each step forward is a victory. 

Healing can take time and patience, and setbacks are natural. With the guidance of medical professionals, soon you’ll see your loved one overcome addiction and build a more fulfilling life. 

Get Support Today 

If someone you know is wondering how to detox drugs at home and how to detox from alcohol at home, the right answer is to direct them to a clinic. Choosing medical detox is a courageous step that should put your loved ones on the path to recovery. For long-lasting results, choose inpatient detox with the help of the professionals at Freedom From Addiction. 

We’re the only rehab facility in Canada that provides methadone treatment to people detoxing as part of their recovery program. Count on us to deliver attention, empathy, and high-quality care every step of the way. 

Instead of detoxing at home, contact us today to know how we can help.