Alcohol Detox at Home: Reasons Not to Do It
You are here:Detoxing from alcohol is the first step in living a healthier, more productive lifestyle. But, alcohol detox is not as easy as many people believe. The process involves more than simply throwing away the booze and hoping for the best.
Professional alcohol detox centers exist to ensure a safe, effective alcohol withdrawal period. The process is supervised 24/7 by trained professionals to monitor and help manage alcohol withdrawal syndrome.
If you think you can quit alcohol on your own, here are some reasons why it may not be a good idea.
Withdrawal Symptoms You Can’t Manage Alone
When you suddenly quit drinking alcohol, your body reacts by producing withdrawal symptoms. The symptoms vary and can last from 24 to 72 hours but may persist for weeks. Withdrawals range from mild to life-threatening and are difficult for a person to manage on their own.
Typically, the individual seeks more alcohol in an attempt to subdue the symptoms. This is one reason why you should not undergo alcohol detox at home. You’ll have a better chance of completing detox if you’re surrounded by professionals in a secure facility.
Some of the mild to moderate symptoms you may not expect during alcohol detox include:
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Nervousness
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Headache
Severe withdrawal symptoms that may occur:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Confusion
- Sweating
- Insomnia
- Muscle aches
- Violent behavior
- Tremors
- Rapid heart rate
- Delirium Tremens
These uncomfortable symptoms are not something anyone wants to experience. Therefore, professional alcohol detox is your best option to avoid discomfort and ensure your safety.
What Is Delirium Tremens (DT)?
Although delirium tremens (DT) is rare during alcohol detox, it is a form of withdrawal that can be life-threatening. In some cases, DTs can last up to five days, so professional monitoring and assistance is vital. People develop DT for different reasons such as:
- If alcohol use is accompanied by other chronic illnesses.
- The individual has elevated blood alcohol levels.
- Extended chronic alcohol use.
- The individual is over 30 years of age.
- The person has a previous history of DT.
During alcohol detox, the following signs and symptoms of delirium tremens may include:
- Confusion
- Agitation
- Shaking
- Rapid heart rate
- High body temperature
- Delusions, hallucinations
- Incoherent thoughts and speech
Typically, only about 5% of people in alcohol detox experience DTs during withdrawal, but you don’t want to risk going through this alone. Seek the help of professionals if you are ready to quit alcohol for good.
Risks of Alcohol Detox at Home
As you can see, detoxing from alcohol is not a straightforward process. Depending on the severity of your alcohol use, you may experience uncomfortable and potentially dangerous symptoms during the withdrawal phase. If you’re detoxing alone, you may not be able to call for medical help if your symptoms are severe.
You should also consider other factors such as physical or mental health problems. Alcohol abuse can exacerbate these problems. As a result, alcohol detox can be more challenging.
Studies show that people with co-occurring disorders such as alcoholism and mental health disorders benefit from a rehabilitation program following detox. A 30, 60, or 90-day outpatient or inpatient rehab greatly increases the chance of successful recovery and reduces the rates of relapse.
What to Expect in Alcohol Detox Programs
Professional alcohol detox programs vary in their approach to treatment. Still, you can expect to undergo some of all of the following:
- Group and individual therapy
- Wellness activities
- Behavioral therapies
- Family therapy
- Medication-assisted treatment
- Aftercare services
Remember, detox alone is not enough to help you maintain lasting sobriety. After detox, rehab will help you build confidence, learn effective coping skills, regain self-esteem, and learn anger management techniques. These skills are essential for living a substance-free lifestyle.
Alcohol Detox and Rehab at Design for Change Recovery
For your safety during withdrawals, the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) states “people with addiction deserve compassionate, evidence-based care that addresses the chronic nature of the disease of addiction.”
If you’re ready to quit alcohol, we can help.
Design for Change Recovery provides a secure, comfortable environment to ensure your safety during detox. After detox, our full continuum of care includes a range of therapies that can be customized to your specific needs. We offer evidence-based, JCAHO-accredited levels of care such as outpatient, inpatient, and partial hospitalization programs. We also work in-network with many major insurance companies to help you get the high-quality treatment you deserve.
Continued alcohol abuse can take control of your life and ruin your health. So, take the first step today to reclaim your future. Contact our Lancaster, CA facility to speak with an admissions counselor and learn more about our programs. We are here to help you on your journey to recovery.
Sources:
medlineplus.gov/ – Delirium Tremens
asam.org/ – ASAM Advocacy Principles
