While it may not be a necessary step for everyone in the recovery process, it can be important for some drug addicts and alcoholics. It can help them get on the right track to figuring out how to get their life back together so that they can kick the habit and start being sober again. But not everyone has the capability of paying for a detox program. So is it safe to detox from home? Can it help people save money?
What Are The Risks Of Detoxing At Home?
Many people want to try out a drug detox at home, but there are some factors that they need to take into account. The experience may or may not be easy, depending on the substance that’s being abused, how long the person has been addicted, and what their withdrawal symptoms are. Although it is a viable option, there are some risks that come with the process of detoxing at home.
● Seizures
● Nausea and vomiting
● Severe discomfort
● Hallucinations
● Depression
● Anxiety
● Anger and irritability
These withdrawal symptoms can be so severe that they can cause a person to relapse or return to drug/alcohol use in order to make these symptoms go away. That’s why medically supervised detoxification is recommended because these withdrawal symptoms can be minimized.
What Happens During A Medical Detox?
The medical detoxification process takes place with a team of trained professionals who can help the patient manage the withdrawal period. The patient will be consulted and a management plan will be drawn up to take care of their specific needs so that they can come out of withdrawal feeling much better. This management plan is based on:
● the type/types of substances that are being used
● the frequency, dose, and duration of us
● previous withdrawal attempts
● the type of support available at home
● physical health and medical history
● if there are any preexisting and concurrent mental health symptoms
The Dangers Of Engaging In Home Detox: Withdrawal Symptoms
The detox process does trigger withdrawal symptoms, as stated earlier, and the general population isn’t exactly equipped to deal with these withdrawal symptoms on their own. Complications can arise, such as dehydration from vomiting, depression can get worse, a patient may experience psychosis, and can even have heart failure.
The Dangers Of Engaging In Home Detox: High Probability Of Relapse
If a person chooses to detox at home, then the only person to hold them responsible is themselves. And because they are not in a controlled environment, there is nothing to stop them from getting drugs or alcohol on their own and engaging in reckless behavior again. It’s easy for them to give up because they find out that detoxing is just too hard for them.
The Dangers Of Engaging In Home Detox: Loved Ones Are In Danger
Family members might try to help a person detox at home, but they are not professionals. They do not know what signs to look for or how to provide the help that’s needed throughout the detox process. A person in withdrawal can become extremely angry and violent, putting their family members at risk of harm.
Going into detox is not an easy decision but it might be the right one. If you or someone you know has a substance abuse disorder, then speak to an addiction treatment specialist to get the help you or your loved one needs.
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