For people who are unable to access professional help or are otherwise unwilling to accept the assistance of others in their drug detox, self-detox can seem like the best option available. Unfortunately, however, it comes with many dangers that can make the detoxification process worse and can even lead to death. For this reason, you should never try to drug detox at home. Here are some reasons why you shouldn’t try to self-detox from drugs at home.
What Is Self-Detox?
People often turn to self-detox as a way of getting sober without professional help. A self-detox is when you take on an alcohol or drug detoxification regimen on your own, without any medical supervision. If you’re planning on doing a drug detox at home, it is important that you know how dangerous such a process can be; 10 percent of people who try to do drug detoxes on their own die of complications arising from withdrawal symptoms.
Why someone might self-detox
People will often self-detox as a way of minimising cost and hassle. Many people with addiction issues feel that they can’t afford treatment or are embarrassed by their situation and so they figure they can do it on their own. Many also fear that others may find out about their addiction, so they want to do it without anyone knowing what they are doing. They might also believe that drug detox is not medically safe and therefore decide to take matters into their own hands because it seems like an easier option.
Symptoms of withdrawal
When a person with an alcohol use disorder stops drinking or takes drugs, they’re likely to experience symptoms of withdrawal. The severity of these symptoms can vary greatly from one individual to another. In fact, some people may not experience many symptoms at all, whereas others might become quite ill or even pass out after trying to quit or cut back on their drug use . The most common signs and symptoms include:
- Mood changes
- Fatigue
- Muscle pain
- Insomnia
- Vomiting
- Tremors
- Irritability
The dangers of self-detoxing
When it comes to drugs and alcohol, your body has built up a tolerance. If you try to go cold turkey on your own, not only are you likely going through withdrawals but you could be in serious danger. This can lead to health problems and even death. Some of these dangers include seizures, liver damage, heart failure, etc… The bottom line is that if you have a problem with drugs or alcohol, get help. It may save your life.
Why it’s important to seek treatment
Simply put, there are a few reasons why detoxing at home is dangerous. The first and most obvious danger comes with self-detoxing while you still have alcohol or drugs in your system—there’s a high risk of relapse if you’re still using substances, which could be fatal in certain situations.
