Detox can be an important first step in your recovery from substance use disorder, but trying to do it at home is dangerous. Alcohol and drug withdrawal can be life-threatening. The best way to detox is in a medically-supervised setting where you can get the care and support you need.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, Promises’ medical detox center can help you detox safely and comfortably. Our team can provide the resources and support you need to continue on your road to recovery. Contact us today at 844.875.5609 to learn more about how to detox safely.
What Is Detox?
Detox is the process of ridding the body of addictive toxins. When you detox from drugs or alcohol, your body can rid itself of the substances built up over time. Detox centers provide a safe and comfortable environment for people to detox from such substances.
Alcohol withdrawal typically takes place within 48 hours of the last drink, while benzos can take up to a week. Stimulants like cocaine or meth can take up to 10 days to withdraw. Opiates like heroin or prescription painkillers can take up to two weeks.
Dangers of Detox
Certain substances, including alcohol, can be dangerous to detox without medical supervision.
Detoxing from alcohol is dangerous because it can lead to
- Seizures – Alcohol withdrawal can cause seizures, which can be deadly.
- Dehydration – Dehydration is a common complication of detoxing from alcohol. It can lead to serious health problems, including organ damage.
- An electrolyte imbalance – This can cause irregular heart rhythms, which can be fatal.
- Hallucinations – Hallucinations are another common symptom of alcohol withdrawal. They can be disturbing and even dangerous.
Benzodiazepines like Xanax or Ativan can also be dangerous to detox without medical because they can cause:
- Extreme anxiety – Benzodiazepines can cause extreme anxiety, which can be very difficult to cope with.
- Insomnia – Benzodiazepines can cause insomnia, which can lead to exhaustion and other health problems.
- Seizures – Seizures are a common complication of detoxing from benzodiazepines. They can be deadly.
Detoxing from stimulants like cocaine or meth is dangerous because it can cause:
- Irregular heart rhythms – This can lead to heart attack or stroke.
- High blood pressure – This can lead to organ damage.
- Seizures – Seizures are a common complication of stimulant detox. They can be deadly.
Opiate withdrawal is dangerous because it can cause:
- Severe flu-like symptoms – Opiate withdrawal can cause severe flu-like symptoms, including fever, diarrhea, and vomiting.
- Dehydration – Dehydration is a common complication of opiate withdrawal. It can lead to serious health problems, including organ damage.
- An electrolyte imbalance – This can cause irregular heart rhythms, which can be fatal.
Risks of Detox at Home
Trying to detox from home is not only dangerous, but it’s also not effective. Without medical supervision, you are at risk of severe health complications. You may also be more likely to relapse. At home, there is no trained supervision and no one to help if something goes wrong. When you detox at home, you risk :
- Relapsing
- Withdrawal seizures
- Dehydration
- Coma
- Death
Detox Safely With Promises
The smartest and safest way to detox is to do so under the supervision of a team of medical professionals. Promises’ detox center can help you detox safely and comfortably from substances like alcohol, drugs, and opiates. Our experienced and compassionate team can provide the resources and support you need to continue on your recovery journey. Contact us today at 844.875.5609 to learn more about our detox and addiction treatment programs. We can help you take the first step on your journey to recovery.