Detoxing at Home

“I got myself into this problem, so I’ll be the one to get myself out of it!”

This is the tragic viewpoint many people hold when battling the remorseless waves of substance addiction. Addiction has the dark propensity to flourish in those who choose to isolate and “go it alone.”

Countless hurdles may be holding you back from getting professional treatment, but we are here to help you break those obstacles down. We’re looking at the inherent risks of home detox and highlighting how professional support transforms detox from a dangerous gamble into the secure, first step of recovery.

What does “detoxing at home” mean?

The term detox is the short form of “detoxification,” which is the body’s natural process of clearing something out once use has stopped. People can detox from all kinds of substances or activities, from pornography and social media overuse to junk food and heavy drugs. In the treatment of substance addiction, detox refers to the first step of recovery, which helps you to adjust to everyday living without the substances you’ve come to rely on.

When people mention “detoxing at home,” they usually mean going through this stage without professional support. Whether they physically do it in their home isn’t a given, but it does mean the person attempts cessation alone. In the majority of cases, quitting usually happens suddenly by going “cold turkey,” but some may try tapering off a substance with gradual reduction.

Detoxing at home may be the first port of call for many addicted people, but the process carries complicated risks and often insurmountable hurdles. Withdrawal symptoms can become destructive and without medical support, it’s almost impossible to know precisely how your body will react to cessation.

Detoxing at home is not impossible, but for most, professional oversight becomes the key to opening the door of lasting and permanent sobriety. Professional detox is always recommended to keep detox safe and increase your chances of complete recovery.

What are the main reasons people detox at home?

Countless drivers can make someone choose detoxing at home over getting professional support.

Rehab costs may be the most significant reason people choose to go it alone. A professional detox typically lasts between one week and 10 days, with an average duration of one week, and costs between £4000-£6000.

Privacy may also be a significant factor that holds a person back. Many people carry stigmas towards those in recovery that can be emotionally distressing for an addicted person to hear. A person may imagine rehab being a lot more overwhelming than it is in reality, and so choose to attempt it alone, in privacy.

Access to support is another recurring hurdle for many people who need support. Not everyone is located near a treatment centre or has the means of contacting one. Many people tragically have no one around them to suggest professional treatment in the first place.

A person’s past experiences may also lead them to believe they can do it alone. Perhaps many years ago, that person detoxed at home and achieved some degree of success. However, each withdrawal process can differ, and risks can be greater the second or third time around.

What are the risks in detoxing at home?

While many people may believe that detoxing at home is worth a shot, we should never overlook the inherent risks. Without the support of professionals, there may be dangers present in home detox that aren’t immediately obvious. These include:

Which substances are more dangerous when detoxing at home?

There are some notable differences in risk when detoxing from different substances. Some of the most dangerous substances to detox alone from are:

• Alcohol: If a person with long-term alcohol addiction suddenly stops, detoxing can trigger dangerously high blood pressure, seizures, and a very dangerous symptom called delirium tremens (DTs).
• Benzodiazepines: Withdrawal from heavy benzodiazepine use can include symptoms of insomnia, panic attacks, seizures and psychosis. Many treatment specialists work on tapering from long-term benzo use to mitigate these symptoms.
• Opioids: Drugs like heroin, codeine and oxycodone can trigger alarming symptoms of vomiting, diarrhoea and broad muscle pains. The highly addictive nature of opioids can make the psychological challenge of home detox feel insurmountable.
• Poly-substance drug use: If a person is using multiple substances at once and suddenly stops, there are complications and further risks that only trained staff may understand. Polydrug cessation can be almost impossible to pre-empt as the two substances affect the body synergistically.

What are the main indicators of danger in home detoxing?

We understand that some people will have a strong, loving support system of people who help them as they detox from home. However, there are still some clear indicators that detoxing at home will bring about health risks that should not be overlooked. These include:

• Previously experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms: Going through symptoms in the past, like seizures or panic attacks, can mean you’re at higher risk of severe complications this time.
• A long history of heavy or daily substance use: The longer your addiction has rooted itself, the more intense your withdrawal is likely to be, making it harder to manage symptoms alone.
• Having co-occurring mental health conditions: If you have other underlying health conditions, there is a chance that withdrawing alone will be more dangerous. Common conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure can interact dangerously with withdrawal symptoms. Mental health conditions like schizophrenia and PTSD will mean the psychological challenges of home detox are amplified.
• Not having a strong support system: Addiction will root even deeper in people who don’t have a support system to lean on. Detoxing at home means you aren’t likely to have anyone around you who understands what you’re going through. The urge to relapse becomes too great, and returning to substance use becomes a temporary ticket out of pain.
• Previous attempts at detox ended in relapse: If you’ve tried detoxing at home before and failed, it may be a clear sign that evidence-based treatment is needed from those with experience and training.

Where can I find professional detox for my addiction?

If you or someone you know needs detox, please remember that you are not alone and running the risk at home can be dangerous. Even speaking with a treatment provider first can be the reassurance needed.

Here at UKAT, we pride ourselves on delivering medical detox with care, helping you manage and overcome uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. Choosing professional detox is often your first powerful step in breaking free from the grips of addiction. Contact us at UKAT today for your first call towards opening the door to a brighter, sober tomorrow.