Many people believe that DIY alcohol detox poses no risks or major ill effects to their bodies. Although this may be the case in some circumstances, alcohol detox at home is much more risky. And in some cases, it can be deadly. Alcohol detox at home takes place when an individual gives up drinking by gradually weaning off of alcohol or by abruptly quitting drinking alcohol cold turkey. Individuals who choose to detox at home usually do so with minimal to no help from outside sources.
Would you like to learn more about a professional alcohol detox program? Call us today at 844.875.5609.
4 Myths of DIY Alcohol Detox
Many buy into the myths about do-it-yourself alcohol detox, including:
Myth #1: Alcohol detox at home is safe
Many individuals are misinformed about the dangers of alcohol detox at home, buying into the highly promoted “safe and easy” methods. Unfortunately, the risks far outweigh the benefits. Although there may be circumstances when a person can detoxify at home without major risk, alcohol is actually one of the most dangerous substances to detox from at home. Many risks accompany alcohol withdrawal, including:
- Seizures
- Delirium tremens (DTs)
- Cardiovascular complications
- Mood changes
- Thought disturbances
- Severe nutritional deficiencies including Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome
- Muscle cramps
- Low blood sugar
- Headaches
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Agitation
- Hallucinations
- Paranoia
Myth #2: Anyone can detox from alcohol at home
Certain types of drinkers, such as occasional drinkers, may be able to detox outside of a treatment program with minimal risk, but there is no guarantee of safety. Those who have abused alcohol excessively or for a long period of time, and those with a history of addiction or certain health problems should not consider alcohol detox at home. When in doubt, the safest approach is to talk with a professional and get detox help when so advised.
Myth #3: Alcohol detox only takes 24 to 48 hours
The symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can continue long after a person takes their last drink. For example, delirium tremens (DTs) is an extremely dangerous complication of alcohol withdrawal that typically appears between 48 and 72 hours after an individual has stopped drinking alcohol. DTs may include the following:
- Grand mal seizures
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Paranoia
- Excessive sweating
- Rapid heart rate
- High blood pressure
- Fever
- Emotional agitation
Someone with DTs requires medical monitoring and intervention. This complication has a death rate as high as 35 percent and can occur in 1 in 10 individuals.
Myth #4: Detox is adequate treatment for alcoholism
Detox is only step one in the process of recovery. A recovery program is necessary to treat the psychological root of the problem by providing necessary long-term support in order to help the individual maintain sobriety. Inpatient treatment, followed by a series of “steps down” to lower levels of care, is a much safer, more effective approach and helps to make the detoxing individual as comfortable as possible. If you or a loved one is considering alcohol detox at home, call a treatment specialist for recommendations and further information.
Get the Detox Help You Need From Promises
At Promises Behavioral Health, we provide comprehensive detox and rehab services to help those struggling with substance abuse get the help they need. Our certified addiction professionals are on hand to provide individualized care in a safe, private, and comfortable setting. We utilize evidence-based practices such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to help patients on their journey to sobriety.
We also offer holistic modalities, such as yoga and meditation, which provide therapeutic physical and mental benefits. Our detox programs are tailored to each individual’s needs—from short-term inpatient stays of four to ten days to longer stays that last several weeks or months. For those in need of more extensive care, we offer residential treatment services and an array of specialized programs.
Our goal is to help each patient become a healthier and happier version of themselves. We work with individuals to identify their goals and develop an individualized treatment plan that will support them on their path to recovery. Our team of experienced professionals is here to provide the guidance and support patients need to make a full recovery. Call 844.875.5609 to learn more about our detox services today and begin your journey to sobriety.