If you are thinking seriously about quitting drugs or alcohol, you are no doubt wondering where to begin. A lot of people are frightened by the idea of checking into a drug and alcohol detox, much less going to 30 days or more of inpatient addiction treatment afterward. That leads many to ask the question:
Is it safe to detox yourself at home?
This article from Atlanta Detox will take you through the pros and cons of a home drug detox so you can make a safe and informed decision for yourself or the person you love.
An Important Note About Detoxing Off Drugs at Home
None of the information provided in this article should be considered medical advice. You must always speak to a medical professional before lowering or stopping your dose of any medication or drug, legal or illegal. Some drugs have potentially deadly side effects in withdrawal. Never attempt to detox at home by yourself without first speaking to a medical professional—It could cost you your life.
Deciding to Quit Drugs and Alcohol
Finally reaching the decision to get sober and quit drugs and alcohol doesn’t come easily for many people. Unfortunately, it usually takes some consequences for most people to not only make the decision to stop getting high or drinking and actually follow through with it.
This is sometimes called “hitting bottom”. The truth is your “bottom” is wherever you decide it is. Some people say the bottom is when your fear of suffering if you continue to use, outweighs the fear of any discomfort you may feel when quitting or detoxing off drugs at home or in a facility (ideally).
The so-called bottom is different for everyone. It’s not important what led you to decide to get sober. What matters is that you decided. But the decision to get sober is just thinking. It takes action to actually get sober. For most people, that begins with an alcohol or drug detox.
What is Addiction? Why Can’t I Just Quit?
The phenomenon of addiction occurs in the most primitive parts of the brain. These are the same areas responsible for our instincts to seek what we need for survival. It’s no wonder the primal urge for a drug or a drink can be so incredibly vexing to resist.
Medical science didn’t have a very good understanding of addiction until the last few decades when we began to study it more seriously. We still have a lot to learn about how addiction works in the brain and how to best help people who are addicted.
Progress in Addiction Treatment
Great strides have been made in treating substance use disorders in just the last 20 years. One significant development is the widespread use of buprenorphine and naloxone in Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) programs. Buprenorphine is sold under the brand names Suboxone, Subutex, and Zubsolv among others. It has proved a valuable weapon in America’s opioid epidemic.
But, addiction is complicated. It plays havoc with the brain’s reward system, which is supposed to drive us toward behaviors that are good for us and ensure the survival of the species. As a result, successfully overcoming addiction requires a multi-pronged strategy.
The detox “prong” if you will, addresses the immediate physical symptoms of withdrawal. MAT can help with cravings. However, the recovering person will also need psychological support and education. Most specialists also recommend some form of spiritual support.
Can I Cut Back or Detox at Home Alone?
Very, very few people experiencing genuine addiction can gradually wean themselves off of drugs or alcohol by themselves. Lots of people talk about doing some sort of slow-motion home detox. But how often have you seen it actually occur, much less successfully? Right. It’s exceedingly rare.
After all, if it was easy (or even possible most of the time) then places like Atlanta Detox wouldn’t need to exist. Everyone would just cut back like they say they’re going to. Then they’d drink or use drugs in moderation or quit and get sober. But, we all know that’s not how it goes in the real world.
Our point isn’t that no one attempts their own home drug detox—people definitely do. It’s more that it has a dismal success rate. At best, it’s super uncomfortable sweating it out and tossing and turning or sleeping all day (if you’re lucky). At worst, well… it could kill you. Yes, when it comes to alcohol, benzodiazepines, and barbituates, serious withdrawal symptoms can include deadly seizures.
Detox at Home Options for Withdrawal When
There aren’t really any safe and practical options for detoxing at home without any medical support. Over-the-counter remedies like Ibuprofen, antihistamines, and loperamide (Imodium AD) will only get you so far. Home drug detox without medical support is not advisable. That does not necessarily mean you can’t detox at home – you just shouldn’t attempt it without getting medical advice and support FIRST.
Here are some possibilities to consider:
Ask Your Doctor for a Plan to Titrate Your Medication
If your problem is with a prescribed medication like Ambien, for example, and you aren’t seriously abusing it, talk to your doctor. They may be able to give you a plan to titrate (lower) your dose over time to avoid the more serious withdrawal symptoms. This isn’t going to work in every scenario of course. For example, more substantial opioid pain medication or benzo dependence use requires more than a titration plan with your doctor to resolve.
Outpatient Medication Assisted Treatment or MAT
Medication Assisted Treatment or MAT is another option to consider. If checking into an inpatient drug detox in Atlanta is out of the question for you, MAT may be right for you. Medication Assisted Treatment provides clients with both medicines which control withdrawal symptoms and cravings as well as counseling/therapy. MAT is outpatient treatment, so you sleep at home in your own bed (unless you choose a sober living arrangement).
Alternative Medicine Approaches to Home Drug Detox
This is a controversial subject, but one that needs to be addressed here. Some people attempt home drug detox using herbal remedies and other non-FDA-regulated substances, like kratom or kava. We strongly suggest that you do not attempt to detox at home this way. These substances are neither tested nor recognized as safe and effective by the FDA. They can also have dangerous interactions with prescribed and over-the-counter drugs. There are good reasons why these substances are not part of any clinically sound detox protocol.
Atlanta Detox is Here to Help
When it comes to detoxing at home, the only safe way to do that is with medical support and a doctor’s approval. This usually means either a titration plan or Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) program. Attempting a home detox with alcohol, street drugs, over-the-counter drugs, kratom or anything else is a mistake and it can be dangerous or even deadly.
The safest and most comfortable way to detox, by far, is always going to be at an inpatient detox in Atlanta. Patients at Atlanta Detox receive 24-hour clinical support. This means we can respond to any discomfort or medical concerns right away, around the clock. You deserve the Atlanta Detox standard of care. Give us a call at (470) 450-2355 to get started today.
