The Dangers of an At-Home Drug or Alcohol Detox

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For many, a detox is the first step in addiction recovery. The length of detoxification may be a few days to more than a week. Depending on the severity of addiction and the type of substance, the body can react strongly. Known as withdrawal symptoms, these can range from mildly annoying to life-threatening.

Drug and Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

An at-home drug or alcohol detox carries risks. A cold turkey approach can bring unpredictable and difficult to manage symptoms. The withdrawal symptoms may become so intolerable, a person may drink or use drugs to make the symptoms stop. When at home, people lack the support and medical help when needed. The following explains some of the dangers associated with an at-home detox.

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can appear in just a few hours after the last drink and may last up to 8 days. Significant alcohol dependence can result in mild to severe withdraw symptoms, including:

  • Anxiety
  • Headache
  • Racing pulse
  • Agitation
  • Elevated blood pressure
  • Sweating
  • Hallucinations
  • Seizures
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Insomnia

Opiate and Heroin Withdrawal Symptoms

Highly addictive, people can develop dependency on opioid drugs after a short time. Some Opiate drugs include fentanyl, morphine, oxycodone, and hydrocodone.  Rarely life threatening, the unpleasant withdrawal symptoms can make detoxification difficult. Some of the symptoms include:

  • Sweating
  • Nervousness
  • Diarrhea
  • Body aches
  • Muscle cramps
  • Insomnia
  • Nausea
  • Hot and cold flashes

Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Symptoms

Also known as Benzos, Benzodiazepine are prescribed drugs designed to treat anxiety and include drugs such as Xanax, Valium, and Klonopin. Although an effective treatment for panic disorders, Benzos are widely abused and highly addictive. Withdrawal symptoms can begin up to 4 days after abstaining and can last 2 weeks or longer, and include:

  • Increase heart rate
  • Sweating
  • Agitation
  • Anxiety
  • Hallucinations
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Seizures

Cocaine Withdrawal Symptoms

Cocaine is a stimulant drug and is highly addictive. Withdrawal symptoms can appear within a day of last use and can combine physical and psychological symptoms, such as:

  • Restlessness
  • Tremors
  • Muscle aches
  • Irritability
  • Paranoia
  • Intense craving
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Difficulty concentrating

GHB

A drug by many street names, many think GHB poses little risk of withdrawal symptoms, however, when discontinued after heavy use can cause some risky and unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. These may include:

  • Insomnia
  • Intermittent tachycardia
  • Delirium or confusion
  • Sweating
  • Hypertension
  • Severe anxiety
  • Hallucinations
  • Nausea and/or vomiting
  • Tremors
  • Seizures

Marijuana

Symptoms of marijuana withdrawal typically present themselves in daily users who decide to abstain, and more common after a week of nonuse. Withdrawal symptoms from marijuana can include:

  • Insomnia
  • Disturbing dreams or nightmares
  • Restlessness
  • Anger or irritability
  • Abdominal pain
  • Chills
  • Headache
  • Sweating
  • Tremors

Safely Detox from Drugs and Alcohol

Many people attempt self-detox and should do so with caution. While many of the withdrawal symptoms from drugs and/or alcohol may appear mild or manageable, some, such as seizures or tachycardia, can be life threatening. A much safer alternative is a medically supervised detox.

A medical detox can help you safely detox from drugs and alcohol and avoid a potentially harmful situation. With a supervising team of medical professionals, they can help stabilize the body during detox, lessen withdrawal symptoms, monitor for harmful withdrawal symptoms, and recommend the best course for continued care.

Drug and Alcohol Treatment Options in Santa Rosa CA

Pura Vida Recovery Services provides an evidence-based treatment program with an emphasis on accountability and recovery. At Pura Vida, you can access a medically monitored detox and stabilization, partial day and outpatient treatment, and continued aftercare. With a holistic approach to treat the individual, Pura Vida helps people struggling with addiction progress to a life of health and freedom.

Recovery can be fun! The Pura Vida recovery center is a community and helps men and women rediscover a life full of joy and fun without the use of drugs or alcohol.

If you need help with drug and/or alcohol addiction, reach out to Pura Vida Recovery Services in Santa Rosa CA. Call by phone or send a message online. Our helpful team can provide you with an admission prescreening free of charge.

Get started on a life in recovery with Pura Vida.