29 Mar Can You Detox From Drugs At Home?

If you or a loved one is struggling with drug dependency or addiction, you may be examining options for detox and recovery. Can you detox from drugs at home? Keep reading for the information you need.

The challenges of self-detox

Depending on the drug(s) involved, detox can be extremely dangerous. This is because the body has chemically adjusted to the drug’s presence in the system.

Stopping alcohol or drugs like opioids all at once (“cold turkey”) can cause severe symptoms, such as:

These symptoms can be fatal if not treated immediately. Additionally, the discomfort of detoxing without medical management leads more people to relapse than those who detox under the guidance of a health professional specializing in addiction medicine. Health experts generally recommend a tapering method to wean yourself off of alcohol or certain drugs gradually, to lessen the severity of detox symptoms once you do stop taking the drug.

A number of factors can affect how a substance withdrawal plan is designed, which is why physicians do full evaluations of patients seeking help to detox. Consumption habits, length of addiction, health history, and more is considered when designing a withdrawal plan. Trying to navigate creating a plan for yourself or someone else without medical expertise can result in permanent damage or a relapse.

Do rapid or ultra rapid detox work?

As you research detox options, you may hear about a practice known as rapid detox (2-3 days) or ultra rapid detox (as little as a few hours). These approaches are medically managed attempts to remove substances from the body faster than regular detox.

However, the risks and dangers of the treatment often outweigh the risks. Patients are sedated with anesthesia and given drugs that mimic those being quit. Experts estimate that 1 in 500 people die from ultra rapid detox. In addition to the dangers, rapid and ultra rapid detox are also very expensive and rarely covered by insurance.

Can you do medically managed detox from drugs at home?

Most people think of traditional inpatient rehab clinics when they think of addiction healthcare. These programs, usually 30 days or more, typically include medically managed detox followed by a few weeks of inpatient aftercare support to learn coping mechanisms to avoid relapse. For substances that present a lower risk of severe withdrawal symptoms, many clinics offer outpatient programs to guide individuals through detox and the first few weeks of recovery.

While these options are the best-known method, they aren’t necessarily for everyone. Not everyone is in a situation in which they have the support and means necessary to enter into inpatient treatment. Still others have difficulty applying the methods learned in controlled environments to the real problems they face on a day-to-day basis.

Are there other in-home options?

Concierge medical providers specializing in addiction medicine, on the other hand, offer in-home treatment options that are built around an individual’s unique situation and needs. Detox can be done in your home under the supervision of a medical professional, and sober companion services can help you learn to avoid triggers and avoid relapse during aftercare.

In-Home Detox Programs with a professional service can help you detox from:

In addition to in-home detox, these programs may offer other addiction support services to help prevent relapse, such as:

• Sober Companionship
• Psychiatric Evaluation
• Case Management

• Concierge Medical Services
• NAD IV Therapy