Many people with a drug addiction simply refuse to enter drug rehab and opt instead to try overcoming their illness themselves, generally at home. That might sound laudable, and although many people have weaned themselves off drugs in this way, it has no guarantee of success.
Further, the chances of this option being successful are far less than the drug above available rehab treatments. Even more cause for concern is that detoxing oneself at home carries several risks. We are not suggesting that anyone trying to end their addiction at home should be criticised for that, merely that they must do so in full knowledge of those risks.
Taking that stage further, it is essential that anyone who cares for a person with drug addiction, especially their family, is aware of what the risks of home detox consist of. To that aim, we have outlined below the main dangers of detoxing at home.
Withdrawal Symptoms
The first and most likely consequence of home detox is withdrawal symptoms. Now, these will occur whether the recovery is at home or in a drug rehab facility; however, there are far more significant risks at home. The withdrawal symptoms can be severe if the person tries ‘cold turkey’, which can be magnified if they have been addicted to certain drug types. There is also not likely to be anything available, such as medication, to help control the withdrawal symptoms.
Loved Ones Can Become Targets For Abuse Or Violence
Drug addiction has more victims than just the person addicted, which can manifest brutally during an attempt at home detox. The person’s family who lives with them can become subject to torrents of abuse, and in the worst cases, violence can occur, which is bad enough in itself, but even worse if any children live in that home.
Medical Complications Are Possible
The effect drugs have on someone who is addicted to them can mask medical conditions which might occur, and this means that, as the person tries to detox, those medical conditions can become apparent. Unfortunately, some of those medical conditions can be so severe that prompt medical treatment is required, which tragically can be used by the addict as an excuse to relapse.
Medical Professionals Are Not At Hand
As well as what we have just discussed regarding underlying medical conditions, even if none are present, the need for medical help might arise anyway. At home, they are not readily available. This can relate to side effects of detox, such as severe nausea, diarrhoea, or extreme dehydration, all of which can lead to more severe health issues. Compare all this to a drug rehab facility where medical professionals are available 24/7.
Probable Relapses
Of all the ways to try and escape drug addiction, home detox is a method that has one of the highest likelihoods of a relapse. Without the guidance and therapies that can be provided by professionals of all kinds in a drug rehab facility, such as doctors, addiction specialists, and psychologists, there are not be the so-called crutches needed by someone addicted to drugs to recover, even if surrounded by a loving and supportive family.
Risk Of An Overdose
One of the most tragic consequences of home detox is the potential for an overdose to occur. This can be triggered in a cruelly ironic twist of fate by the person addicted to drugs making a concerted effort to get clean. As they do so, their body’s tolerance levels drop according to their drugs. However, should they relapse, those lower tolerance levels can spark an overdose, even if the person takes the exact quantities of drugs they previously did.
